Abstract: A viewing system for an annular projection system, particularly useful to provide a view of a semiconductor wafer on which an image of a integrated circuit mask pattern has been projected using an annular field projection system in which the field of view can be as large as the large dimension of that portion of the annular region subtended by the wafer thereby permitting ideal coarse alignment of the mask and wafer. The system further includes means to illuminate the mask and wafer separately and in different colors to thereby simplify the distinction of one from the other in the combined image thus facilitating the alignment task.

Abstract: In a connecting device for connecting chromatographic separating columns of glass to terminal fittings on a chromatographic apparatus, each end of the column is surrounded by a metallic sleeve. A sleeve made of synthetic plastic material, which is of substantially stable shape at least up to a temperature of 350.degree.C. even if subjected to pressure, is interposed between said end and said metallic sleeve. A preferred material is polyimide. The plastic sleeve has at least one conical end face and is held in sealing engagement with the end of the separating column, on one hand, and with the metallic sleeve, on the other hand, by a sleeve shaped thrust member, which is axially movable relative to the metallic sleeve to exert an axial force on said plastic sleeve. A radial sealing force is exerted on the synthetic plastic sleeve through its conical end face by an abutting complementary conical surface.

Abstract: An annular position sensor employing optical fibers in pairs, one end of the fiber of each pair being associated with a single light source and the corresponding ends of the other fibers of each pair being associated with respective light detectors. The opposite ends of each pair of fibers terminate at mutually conjugate points with respect to, and on opposite sides of the focus of, a collimating lens element disposed to view a retro-reflector mounted on a rotational member to be monitored.

Abstract: A drive system for causing a relatively massive scanning element, such as a mirror, to rotate back and forth about a scan axis, with minimum disturbance of the space vehicle which carries it, includes a counterbalance which oscillates about an axis parallel to axis of the element in the opposite direction and 180.degree. out of phase so that the net angular momentum of the system is zero. One or more buffer springs attached to the element encounter limit stops on the counterbalance, or vice versa, at the ends of the scan to stop and reverse the motions of both the element and counterbalance without reaction on the supporting members. For a given rate of scan, the energy of the system remains substantially constant but changes twice per cycle from kinetic energy during the coasting period (i.e., between contacts with the springs) to potential energy stored in the springs during reversal. Proper attention to the design of the bearings and of the springs and stops ensures minimum loss of energy.

Abstract: A diluter for use in a kinetic analysis apparatus for picking up a serum sample from a container and diluting it into a reaction cup in which a diluter probe mounted for vertical translation and horizontal rotational motion is coupled to a sample pump with the sample pump coupled to a diluter pump and wherein the probe is caused to be lowered into a container of serum sample after which said sample pump draws into said probe a measured amount of sample whereupon said probe is raised, rotated and then lowered to a position over a reaction cup; the diluter pump is then operated to discharge said sample along with a measured amount of diluent. Vertical translation and horizontal rotation of the probe is achieved by means of a pair of coaxially disposed cylindrical cam members one of which is fixed and the other rotatable about the common axis.

Abstract: An automatic transfer system for transferring a reaction sample to a sample cell in analysis apparatus in which a transfer pump draws in slugs of sample separated by slugs of air, the slugs being obtained through a coordinated probe oscillation, bringing a sample slug into the sample cell and holding it there for measurement, the system further including a wash pump for the depositing wash liquid in the sample cup which is also drawn into the system to flush it out between samples.

Abstract: A moisturizing system for preventing evaporation of samples in a sample platter used in an automatic analysis apparatus in which the sample platter is provided with a channel which can be filled with water and a cover placed over the sample platter with an opening only at the point where samples are drawn from the platter, the platter being rotated relative to this opening to thereby insure that a high level of humidity is maintained over the samples preventing evaporation thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a septum-mounting and shielding assembly for a sample injector of the type utilized with gas chromatographs. The arrangement comprises an adapter flange designed for mounting on the inlet end of the sample injector block and containing a small diameter aperture through which a sample injection probe such as a hypodermic needle can be inserted. A septum holder is mounted for rotation relative to the adapter flange member about an axis eccentric to the aperture in the adapter flange. The septum holder contains a small diameter aperture which is eccentric relative to the axis of rotation, the degree of eccentricity being the same as that between the aperture and the adapter flange and the axis of rotation. Consequently, the two apertures are in registration in only one relative angular position of the septum holder. A silicone rubber septum is mounted in the septum holder coaxially with the aperture therein.

Abstract: A fluorescence spectrophotometer having a beam splitter placed between an exit slit of an excitation monochromator and a specimen. Part of the excitation radiation is conducted to a first light quantum meter by said beam splitter and a reference photomultiplier is provided for receiving fluorescence from said first light quantum meter. A second light quantum meter is placed at the position normally occupied by a specimen cell and first and second absorbing cells are disposed in front of said first and second light quantum meters, respectively.

Abstract: A spectrometer is scanned across a desired frequency range. A selective filter is automatically varied to alter its characteristics according to the spectrometer's scanning rate by a single control voltage; to assure that the filter's characteristics are optimum for both fast and slow scanning rates.This invention relates to spectrometers and more particularly to apparatus for enabling automatic tracking of filter characteristics during the scanning of a spectrometer.