Abstract: A generally tubular container integrally formed and communicating with a microscope slide member having an enclosed specimen chamber. The container is adapted to serve as a centrifugation tube and a permanent handle for manipulation of the microscope slide member. The back of the device is generally flat and the front and sides of the collection tube are generally rounded except for a concave region extending longitudinally from the upper face of the microscope slide member to provide clearance for rotating a lens turret for high power viewing of a specimen in the slide chamber.

Abstract: A mixing system comprising (1) a mixing cartridge comprising a housing containing: (a) an internal chamber, (b) access means for entry of a liquid into the internal chamber, and (c) a magnetically movable detached mixing member contained in the chamber; and (2) a control device comprising a second housing containing: (a) a detection system adapted to measure a property of a liquid at a prespecified first location in the chamber of the mixing cartridge, (b) means for holding the cartridge so as to register the chamber with the detection system, and (c) means for magnetically imparting linear reciprocal motion to the mixing member, whereby the mixing member sweeps out a portion but less than all of the volume of the chamber, the motion generally occurring at a second location in the chamber different from the first location. The mixing cartridge itself is also a part of the present invention.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically measuring and recording erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESR) of blood samples according to the Westergren method includes a controllable specimen device member which measures sedimentation data of blood samples, and a data processor which controls the specimen device analyzes the sedimentation data and reports the results of its analyses. The specimen device is equipped with a controllable camera which measures the opacity of light passing through a specimen being analyzed. The camera has a high dynamic range, meaning that it is sensitive over a blood spectrum of light intensities, so that it guarantees an accurate reading even when the blood sample is hemolyzed or has turbid plasma. The apparatus makes an initial sedimentation height measurement on a specimen sample, and after a given amount of time makes a final sedimentation height measurement on that specimen.

Abstract: A multibeam photometric measuring device includes a single light source along with a filter assembly for passing only a desired band of wavelengths and an optical system for suitably focusing light from the light source. Light is transmitted individually to each of a plurality of sites disposed on a multi-well sample plate. Enhancement of color distribution is provided by automatic agitation of the reacting agents within the sample wells before a reading is taken at each of the sampling intervals of a kinetic measurement sequence.

Abstract: A blood coagulation time measuring device includes a stirrer drive arrangnt for rotating a stirring rod placed inside the measuring vessel when the vessel is inserted in a measuring channel of the device. A light detector assembly within the device determines the degree of coagulation formation in the measuring vessel by transmitting a light beam from a light source through the measuring vessel and onto a photo-electric cell. Light balancing circuitry coupled to the light source and the photo-electric cell automatically adjusts the brightness of the light from the light source in correspondence with the turbidity of liquid in the measuring vessel. A control switch arrangement operates to turn the stirrer drive arrangement on or off in response to operation of the light balancing circuitry.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the functioning properties of cells which includes a sample containing chamber, a rotor disposed in the chamber and having a conical surface which faces the inner bottom surface of the chamber at an angle of not greater than 2.degree., a ray transmission path from which a ray is projected into a sample of a cell suspension between the rotor and the inner bottom surface, and a transmitted ray detection path from which transmittance from the sample is detected. The optical path length in the sample is not smaller than 1 cm. An adequate shear stress is applied to the sample by adjusting the gap between the rotor and the inner bottom surface and rotating the rotor. A fine response by the cells caused by the applied shear stress, particularly the aggregation of platelets in a platelet suspension, can be accurately and quantitatively determined with a high sensitivity.

Abstract: A centrifuge sample is optically scanned during centrifuging. The sample, placed in a centrifuge rotor having a cell with top and bottom windows, is spun until stratification and discrete layering occurs within the sample. Such layering occurs on layers that are precisely normal to the radius of the centrifuge at the point of sample and parallel to the spin axis of the centrifuge. A slit scanner having a slit normal to the sample plane transverses the width of the sample below the cell to detect with precision the precise location of the strata in the cell. A light source is reflected by a toroidal mirror having two radius of curvature. One radius of curvature is selected to collimate rays of light parallel to the layer of the sample. The mirror is ruled with respect to the other radius of curvature to chromatically classify light to preselect band width. Rotation of the mirror preserved collimation but enables selected scanning light frequency.

Abstract: A centrifugal analysis device in which film capillaries communicate with peripheral cells, with a hydrophilic capillary providing the cell inlet and a hydrophobic capillary providing the cell outlet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for rinsing out a substance present in a zone (d) with a liquid rinsing agent in several rinsing steps and for transferring the rinsing agent emerging from the zone (d) in the last rinsing step to a cuvette (K), wherein the zone (d) is present on a rotor (R) of variable speed of rotation, radially inwardly of the zone (d) on the rotor (R) there is provided a pump chamber (PK) for the rinsing agent which is connected with the zone (d) via a valve chamber (VK2) which fills, under the action of centrifugal force, above a predetermined speed of rotation, from the pump chamber (PK) and empties below the predetermined speed of rotation into the zone (d) and the zone (d) is connected with the cuvette (K) via a pipe (4) which, in one section, the axis of which has a component directed radially outwardly, is directed into a waste chamber (AK).

Abstract: A multicuvette rotor for use in a centrifugal analyzer defines a circumferential array of elongated radially extending cuvettes and includes a one-piece body member of molded transparent material that has a planar upper surface and that defines a circumferential array of elongated cuvette recesses, and a one-piece cover member of molded transparent material that has a planar lower surface parallel to the planar upper surface of the body member with a continuous seal extending around each cuvette recess between the planar upper and lower surfaces to define the circumferential array of analytical cuvettes.

Abstract: A method is proposed for detecting foreign bodies in fluids to investigate the fluids such as infusion liquids for foreign bodies which can lead to the plugging of infusion needles or other dangers for a patient. In the method light is directed onto the fluid and the light departing from this fluid is detected. The fluid is illuminated evenly with polarized light, and the light penetrating through the fluid is further dimmed by further polarization. The light intensity of individual measuring regions is measured through photo-electric sensing and the measured intensity is compared with an adjustable threshold so that when the threshold is exceeded at any given time during a measuring interval, corresponding signals are produced.

Abstract: A process for carrying out an analytical determination by mixing and incubating a sample solution with at least one reagent and measuring a parameter in the reaction mixture, the sample solution being transported from an application point to a measurement point, wherein a sample solution is first transported to a soluble dry reagent, with at least partial dissolving of the latter, and then further transported to a measurement point, the transport taking place by two different forces, whereby, at least on a part of the transport path, it is brought about by a surface force acting on the solution as a first force, which, for the regulation of the transport velocity or transport direction, is superimposed by a centrifugal force and/or pressure force as a second force which, depending upon which transport state of the fluid is to be adjusted, is made greater or smaller than the first force.

Abstract: An assembly for separating, metering and delivering fluids includes a central rotating member rotatable about a fixed spin axis. A processing chamber holding member is connected to the central rotating member by a centrifugally actuated frame. At rotational speeds below a first predetermined speed, the centrifugally actuated frame is in a first position. At rotational speeds greater than the first speed, centrifugal force moves the frame to a second position angularly spaced from and at greater distance from the spin axis than the first position. A processing chamber is mounted on the holding member and its orientation relative to the spin axis is the same in the first and second positions. Fluid is provided in the processing chamber. By accelerating the processing chamber to the first predetermined speed and decelerating below the first predetermined speed in a selected sequence, specific centrifugal force vectors are generated in the processing chamber that move the fluid and retain it in selected chambers.

Abstract: A sample processor card for use with a centrifuge in which the direction of centrifugal force can be altered at will, wherein the card includes a supply of chemical reagent and inlet means for supplying a chemical sample to the card. The sample is advanced under centrifugal force through capillary means to sample measuring means, and the measured sample is then mixed with reagent to permit a chemical test to be carried out on the reagent, all under centrifugal force.

Abstract: A process for particle size distribution analysis of a particulate substance of particle size in the range of 0.05 to 50 microns, which comprises a photosedimentation method using a horizontal rotating disc centrifuge and a narrow band of a dispersion of the particulate substance in juxtaposition to a column of clear sedimentation liquid.

Abstract: A method is described for kinetic measurement of enzyme activity bound to a solid matrix which improves both the sensitivity and speed of one immunoassay method. The immunoassay typically consists of reaction of the analyte with two specific antibodies, one fixed to the surface of a polymeric bead or wall of a test tube, the other added in solution and labeled by covalent coupling to an enzyme. By reaction between analyte and both antibodies, the enzyme-labeled antibody becomes fixed to the surface in a quantity proportional to the quantity of the analyte. After washing sufficiently to remove unreacted enzyme-labeled antibody, fixed enzyme activity is measured by incubation with a substrate and measurement of the rate of the reaction catalyzed. Fixation of the enzyme causes the reaction products to be localized near the surface. To measure the concentration of reactant or product repeatedly during the reaction, the solution must be mixed before each measurement, which can interfere with the measurement.

Abstract: A device for analyzing a liquid sample such as blood includes a cartridge portion and a casing portion. The cartridge includes an inlet for directly receiving a sample. The cartridge is then irreversibly clipped to the casing so that an inlet of the casing is in communication with an outlet of the cartridge. The sample is then mixed in the casing with a diluent and/or reagent by using a centrifuge, and measurements are taken. The device allows a sample to be taken directly into the cartridge, and restricts employment of the device to a single use.

Abstract: A centrifuge sample is optically scanned during centrifuging. The sample, placed in a centrifuge rotor having a cell with top and bottom windows, is spun until stratification and discrete layering occurs within the sample. Such layering occurs on layers that are precisely normal to the radius of the centrifuge at the point of sample and parallel to the spin axis of the centrifuge. A slit scanner having a slit normal to the sample plane transverse the width of the sample below the cell to detect with precision the precise location of the strata in the cell. A light source is reflected by a toroidal mirror having two radius of curvature. One radius of curvature is selected to collimate rays of light parallel to the layer of the sample. The mirror is ruled with respect to the other radius of curvature to chromatically classify light to preselect band width. Rotation of the mirror preserved collimation but enables selected scanning light frequency.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating centrifugal forces, including a plate rotatable about an axis, and at least one holding means mounted on the plate for rotation therewith, the holding means being adapted to receive an article to be subjected to centrifugal force and being rotatable relative to the plate member to permit the direction of centrifugal force acting on the article to be changed.

Abstract: The method in accordance with the invention provides antibiograms or bacteriological identification of colonies of micro-organisms. The method uses a cabinet (1) which supports a set of mechanical, thermal, optical, and electronic units, together with conditioning strips in which the various biochemical reactions take place. After being seeded with a micro-organism under investigation, a strip is placed on the cabinet and is then subjected to a sequence of mechanical, thermal, and optical operations.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing inspections in difficult to access locations. The device includes remotely controlled transport apparatus upon which is mounted a camera and illumination lamps. The transport apparatus is maneuvered, through the remote control system, to the location where a visual inspection is to be performed. The associated camera then transmits a picture of the area in the vicinity of the camera back to a remote television monitor where it may be viewed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for detecting the presence of particulate matter in liquids intended for pharmaceutical use, for example liquid contained in vials, flasks or ampoules. The method involves mechanically imparting to the vial or flask a rotary motion and then suddenly stopping it. Any particles contained in the liquid will continue to move, and will be illuminated by a number of parallel light beams of laser light, which are caused to pass through the liquid. Laser light diffused by particles in the liquid is converted into an electrical signal by a photomultiplier. The signal from the photomultiplier is amplified, filtered, and compared with a reference signal. The apparatus has a number of mandrel/chuck units which each impart a rotary motion to one container. At a second location, the light from a He-Ne laser is conveyed through optical fibers in the form of several parallel beams through each container, illuminated from below through a plurality of holes in the bottom of the mandrel.

Abstract: A system and an associated process are described for the determination of grain size distribution of particles in suspension. The suspension is settled in a settling tank and optical density measurements of the suspension are taken and from this the grain size distribution is determined. According to the invention, the suspension is homogenized by circulating it in the settling tank, then circulating is stopped and the optical density is repeatedly measured in the settling tank on at least three points with deviating spacings. The equipment described is a settling tank (1) for the suspension, a device for the measurement of optical density in the settling tank (1) and a computing unit calculating the grain size distribution from the optical density values measured. The settling tank (1) is equipped with a means for the circulation of the suspension and there are at least three measuring heads (2,3,4,5,6) along the settling tank (1) sensing the optical density.

Abstract: A blood monitoring system for the contents of blood bag B utilizes rigid optically clear tablet (16) bonded to rough outer surfaces of the walls of the bag to provide windows through the bag. The bag is gripped by a pair of tongs T the jaws of which have openings to receive the tablets. The outer surfaces of the jaws have ribs (33) and buttons (36) to locate the tongs, and hence the bag, accurately in position in a monitoring device, with the windows (16) in alignment with an optical system of the device.

Abstract: A new method and electronic circuit are provided to prevent image creep in automated centrifuges. The method and circuitry automatically substract a fixed time delay, which is associated with the strobe detection and firing circuitry, from a longer variable time period, which is inversely proportional to the rotational speed of the centrifuge, to thereby delay the flash of the strobe by a time inversely proportional to centrifuge rotation speed.

Abstract: An adaptable, accurate, high resolution centrifuge core measuring method using a single strobe flash per measurement uses a microprocessor controller to control the measuring method, not a computer. The controller, not the camera clock, decides when the camera data should be read. The camera data is read into and stored in the controller, not a computer. The controller reads the camera array, controls centrifuge speed, determines alignment of the proper catch tube, flashes the strobe, determines lapse time, rereads the pixels, stores and analyzes the pixel information and the other steps of the method. The controller is capable of operating in many modes. But at any point, for operator intervention the controller is adapted to let the computer intervene.

Abstract: This invention relates to a chemical manipulator adapted to automate analysis of liquids of .mu.l unit such as DNA sample. Within the body frame are arranged a sample supply and discharging station, a mixing station, a separating station, and a drying station, each station being provided with a positioning device and a temperature control such as a thermostatic tank if necessary. Reaction containers are accommodated within a bucket which can accommodate a plurality of reaction containers. The bucket is automatically transported between the stations by means of a head element of a manipulator which may be moved in three directions of x, y and z.

Abstract: A rotatable cuvette array made of PETG plastic for mixing two substances has a circular lower section with a number of circumferentially spaced cuvettes each having inner and outer compartments, both of which have upwardly diverging walls, and a ramp separating the two compartments. The edges and corners of the cuvettes are rounded to provide additional strength through increased thickness at those points. The upper section of the cuvette array is a disc having alternating opaque and transparent portions providing optic pathways through only the outer compartments of each cuvette. The upper section also includes a number of holes which provide access to each inner and outer compartment of each cuvette for filling. The upper and lower sections are separable to permit cleaning and subsequent reattachment so that each cuvette array is reusable.

Abstract: A coupling arrangement between a hub and multi-cuvette rotor in analytical photometers, wherein the hub has a projection the section of which has a non-revolving profile and to such end comprises at least one rectilinear segment, the rotor designed for said hub featuring centrally a seating adapted to receive said projection on which hub, peripherally to said projection and distanced from the rectilinear-segment portion, there are arranged radially yieldable elastic elements provided with a portion which projects from said profile so that it elastically associates with the matching seating in the rotor.

Abstract: In an analytical photometer, in particular multi-channel, for the simultaneous analysis of a multiplicity of samples, the light source provided is a flash tube for producing light pulses in which a permanent preionization discharge is maintained and the light energy is derived by optical fibres to be sent to optical systems where the beam is divided into an analysis beam which travels through the sample and a reference beam, both finally delivered to photodetectors. Both the divided beams pass through identical filtering systems for selection of a narrow spectral band of relevance for analytical purposes.

Abstract: A method for performing a series of analyses on a single sample after automatically diluting said sample. The method uses a cabinet supporting a set of mechanical, optical, and electronic units together with conditioning strip (100) containing dry reagents and a diluent. After receiving a sample to be analyzed, each strip is located on the cabinet in order to be subjected to a sequence of mechanical and optical operations. The method in accordance with the invention is simple enough to be performed by medical practitioners in their own consulting rooms or offices.

Abstract: A relative position detector has a photodetector arrangement for providing light and responding to the intensity of the light when reflected thereto. A member such as a cylindrical pin having a surface reflective of the light, convex to the photodetector arrangement, and movable relative thereto reflectively sweeps the light across the photodetector arrangement for responding thereto to produce a continuously-curving response indicating with its peak the position detected. The continuously-curving response can be differentiated in a peak detector for even more precise position detection. A mount which may be used for the photodetector arrangement has a support member and a member having a lower coefficient of thermal expansion slidably supported thereon, except for one fixed point.

Abstract: A biological fluid assay system and method for the determination of immunoreactive characteristics of biological specimen and more particularly for the qualitative determination of immunological reactions. The apparatus includes a centrifuge rotor, a disposable belt mountable on the centrifuge rotor, and a plurality of light transmissive chambers as components of the removable belt, each of the chambers having a vertical apex and a horizontal radial apex for accepting a sample comprising a specimen and an appropriate reagent. An illumination system projects an image of the sample while a linear photosensitive array detects the image of the sample for measuring the vertical dimension of the sample and a microprocessor analyzes the vertical dimension of the sample. A sample is radially accelerated to compress the particulate portion of the sample or reagent into a compact mass in the extreme radial portion of the transparent chamber.

Abstract: The viability of a pack of stored blood platelets is monitored by gripping the pack between two plates (6) and (7) which are closed to pinch together the walls of the bag (10) along an L-shaped seal (14), leaving a channel (17), squeezing a part (15) of the bag by means of a reciprocating plunger (19), so that the platelets continually flow to and fro between the part (15) and the part (16), through the channel (17), and passing a beam of light from an LED (27) through the channel (17), to a photoresistor (29). The AC signal from the photoresistor corresponds to the fluctuations in the intensity of the light passing through the channel (17) and the amplitude of this signal is representative of the viability, and hence the clinical acceptability, of the platelets.

Abstract: An improved analytical cuvette rotor assembly for use in a centrifugal chemistry analyzer comprising a disc-shaped body having a plurality of radially extending compartments for retaining fluids. Sample fluids and reagent fluids contained in the compartments prior to centrifugation are separated by a novel dam structure extending between upper and lower surfaces of each compartment such that the premature mixing of sample and reagent fluid is significantly retarded. The dam, in cooperation with the compartment walls, further defines a fluid transfer passage that permits fluids to be transferred over the dam under analyzer operating rotational speeds.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for lighting a container which is to be inspected for particulate contamination comprising a first lighting means consisting of two angularly displaced light beams which create an angular shadow zone, a second lighting means of significantly lower intensity than said first lighting means and positioned intermediate the two light beams and a viewing means positioned in the shadow zone.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided to determine the distribution of fluids in a sample employing a centrifuge. The apparatus is an automated centrifuge which may employ a plurality of X-ray energies to determine a two-dimensional image of the saturation of multiple fluids in a sample. The saturation images may be used to calculate a capillary pressure curve or relative permeability curve for a borehole core sample. The X-ray source may be selectively synchronized with at least one of the rotating specimen holders to allow for preselection of which specimen holder is to be imaged by the X-ray energies. The method images a sample in a plurality of points during centrifuging to determine fluid distributions in the sample. Alternative automated centrifuges are provided which may also measure resistivity during centrifuging and may have the source and detector located on the sample holder.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating centrifugal forces, preferably used in carrying out chemical testing, which includes counterweight means on a rotating plate of the apparatus to automatically balance the rotating plate wherein the counterweight means is displaced in response to centrifugal force and can automatically adjust for the weight, mass or absence of a sample processor card placed in a holding means which is free to rotate independently of plate member.

Abstract: The viability of a pack of stored blood platelets is monitored by gripping the pack between two plates (6) and (7) which are closed to pinch together the walls of the bag (10) along an L-shaped seal (14), leaving a channel (17), squeezing a part (15) of the bag by means of a reciprocating plunger (19), so that the platelets continually flow to and fro between the part (15) and the part (16), through the channel (17), and passing a beam of light from an LED (27) through the channel (17), to a photoresistor (29). The AC signal from the photoresistor corresponds to the fluctuations in the intensity of the light passing through the channel (17) and the amplitude of this signal is representative of the viability, and hence the clinical acceptability, of the platelets.

Abstract: An instrument for making a visual examination of a blood culture bottle for the presence of microorganisms, the instrument having an elongated base on which is mounted a platform defining a seat for the bottle to be examined, a light source rearwardly of the platform for illuminating the bottle, a combined viewing and magnifying lens forwardly of the platform for magnifying the bottle to a viewer, and a manipulative control knob drivingly connected with the platform for rotating the latter while the bottle thereon is being viewed, both the light source and lens being arranged for focusing downward upon the bottle and platform.

Abstract: A centrifugal analyzer has a support for receiving a multicuvette rotor that defines a circumferential array of cuvettes, the analysis regions of the rotor being disposed circumferentially about the periphery of the support when the rotor is on the support. The rotor support is driven in rotation to subject the cuvettes to centrifugal force to position reaction products in respective analysis regions of the cuvettes for analysis, all of the analysis regions being moved along a fixed circular path as the drive means drives the rotor support.

Abstract: This invention relates to a chemical manipulator adapted to automate analysis of liquids of .mu.l unit such as DNA sample. Within the body frame are arranged a sample supply and discharging station, a mixing station, a separating station, and a drying station, each station being provided with a positioning device and a temperature control such as a thermostatic tank if necessary. Reaction containers are accommodated within a bucket which can accommodate a plurality of reaction containers. The bucket is automatically transported between the stations by means of a head element of a manipulator which may be moved in three directions of x, y and z.

Abstract: A particulate counter determines the size, number and distribution by size of various particles within a vessel by the principle of near angle scattering in which the portion of a light beam which is deflected by a given particle indicates detection and sizing of that particle. The counter disregards sidelobes which are caused by interference between the deflected portion of the beam and the beam itself by allowing only a single valid particle detection to occur in the space of a given time window.

Abstract: A perspective receptacle charged with liquid and having its mouth portion sealed with an opaque seal member is rotated as-erected at a high speed. Due to this high speed rotation, the air resident in the vicinity of the mouth portion of the receptacle forms an air cavity and descends below the seal member. This descending air cavity is detected from the outside of the receptacle by means of an optical detecting member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and device for detecting foreign bodies in a liquid, wherein the image of the apparent surface of the liquid in rotation in the immobilized recipients is formed, by reflection, diffraction, refraction or attenuation of the light coming from a source, on a matrix of reception and read cells. In the matrix each cell is perfectly delimited and its position is identified by numerization. A series of images is produced, of which a certain number are taken as reference and memorized. Each image is digitized and those images following the last memorized image is compared therewith cell by cell by a subtractor.The results of such a subtraction are compared with a threshold and results overstepping the threshold involve delivering a signal to a processor which controls a sort device arranged to eliminate undesirable units.

Abstract: A wave speed meter comprises a pair of relatively rotatable, concentric cylinders with a gap between the cylinders to define a chamber. A viscoelastic fluid is placed in the chamber, and one of the cylinders is suddenly rotationally displaced causing a shear induced wave to be propagated through the fluid filling the chamber between the cylinders. This wave is propagated toward the other cylinder and when the wave reaches the other cylinder the other cylinder moves. The transit time of the wave is determined by measuring the time between the displacement of the one cylinder and movement of the other cylinder as a result of the wave. The distance that the wave travels is known, so that the wave speed can be determined.

Abstract: Apparatus for sample transfer and analysis by centrifugation, comprising a rotor having rotary joints at its periphery, to which cuvette carriers are connected so as to be able to perform a tipping movement through an angle of 90.degree., a locking device for locking the cuvette carriers in an inclined position, and cuvette assemblies for use in the cuvette carriers, the rotor preferably being in the form of a rotary beam at the two ends of which two cuvette carriers are disposed, and the cuvette carrier is in the form of a comb so that the teeth engage between the cuvette rows of the cuvette assembly. This apparatus enables samples to be transferred without mixing the cuvette contents.

Abstract: A multicuvette rotor for use in a centrifugal analyzer defines a circumferential array of elongated radially extending cuvettes. The rotor includes a one-piece body member of material that is transparent at analytical wavelengths and has a planar upper surface and defines a circumferential array of elongated cuvette recesses, and a one-piece cover member of similarly transparent material that has a planar lower surface parallel to the planar upper surface of the body member. A continuous seal extends around each cuvette recess between the planar upper and lower surfaces to define the circumferential array of analytical cuvettes.

Abstract: A multicuvette rotor for use in a centrifugal analyzer defines a circumferential array of elongated radially extending cuvettes. Each elongated cuvette defines a first chamber for receiving a first reactant and a loading port through which the first reactant is introduced into the first chamber region, a second chamber region for receiving a second reactant and a loading port through which the second reactant is introduced into the second chamber region, and divider structure between the first and second chamber regions that has a ramp surface and a ramp crest spaced from the ceiling surface of the cuvette so that a transfer passage between the first and second chamber regions is defined through which the first reactant may be flowed into the second chamber region for forming a reaction product with the second reactant.

Abstract: When a plural number of subjects to be tested are continuously and sequentially measured, and the values obtained by measurement are compared with a standard value for judgement, a prescribed number of newly inputted measured values are sequentially stored, a mean value is computed basing upon stored values for determining the standard value for judgement, and the measured values are compared with the standard value for judgement for judging whether these measured values are to be employed or not. Whenever new measured values are inputted, a new standard value is determined. If there is a value for an inferior subject among newly inputted measured values, the value is omitted from computation of the standard value for judgement.