Abstract: An instrument kit includes a photometric instrument and a standardizing ampoule. The standardizing ampoule includes a machine readable code that is recognized by the instrument when the ampoule is inserted to initiate a standardizing routine. An analysis kit includes an optical filter assembly and a sample ampoule to be used with the instrument. The filter assembly also includes a machine readable code that is detected by the instrument when inserted to identify the particular test to be conducted by the instrument. The instrument automatically applies the relationship between detected light and concentration of a substance for the particular test and displays the sample concentration in numeric digital form. The instrument operates automatically, and there are no buttons or other external input devices.

Abstract: An article particularly useful for Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) tests includes an ampule, a resealing cap, and a protective sheath. The ampule includes a segment along its neck that is detachable for allowing introduction of a sample. The cap is used for resealing the neck after introduction of a sample, and the detachable segment is located at a narrow diameter portion of the neck so that the expulsion force on the cap generated by interior pressure is small. A flexible sheath is provided to protect the neck during shipment and to assist in removing the detachable segment.

Abstract: A portable hand held instrument is capable of making accurate colorimetric measurements in the field. The instrument has a body which houses the electronic circuitry and a door which allows a vial having a solution to be measured to be placed therein. The vial is illuminated lengthwise by a light beam of two wavelengths, one of which serves as a reference. The light emerging from the top of the vial is spatially integrated and directed to a detector. The detector measures the intensity of the transmitted light, and the electronic circuit determines the difference between the logarithms of the detected signals. This difference is multiplied by a constant to produce a signal representative of the concentration and is displayed. The resolution of the measurement is automatically increased when the processor senses that the signals are too small.

Abstract: A portable test kit for colorimetric analysis of trace levels of dithizone-complexing metal cations including lead, is provided. The test kit includes storage tubes each of which contains the reagents and apparatus required for a single test, and has sufficient volumetric capacity to serve as a vessel for the formation and extraction of colored, metal cation-dithizonate complex. Use of the test kit involves a novel and unique sampling technique for capturing a portion of a colored liquid within a container for viewing of the color. Also provided is an improved method for analyzing for trace levels of such metal cations.

Abstract: A portable test kit for colorimetric analysis of trace levels of dithizone-complexing metal cations including lead, is provided. The test kit includes storage tubes each of which contains the reagents and apparatus required for a single test, and has sufficient volumetric capacity to serve as a vessel for the formation and extraction of colored, metal cation-dithizonate complex. Use of the test kit involves a novel and unique sampling technique for capturing a portion of a colored liquid within a container for viewing of the color. Also provided is an improved method for analyzing for trace levels of such metal cations.

Abstract: A process for sampling and diluting a liquid to be diluted utilizing a device comprising a hollow tubular body and a sealed pre-evacuated container. The hollow tubular body includes a self-filling tube for drawing up and capturing by capillary attraction a predetermined volume of a liquid to be diluted. Additionally, the hollow tubular body includes a connecting tube in an air-tight sealing relationship with the self-filling tube. In a preferred embodiment, the container has a frangible tip for mutually interengaging in an air-tight sealing relationship with the connecting tube.

Abstract: A disposable device for the sampling and diluting of a liquid to be diluted. The device includes a hollow tubular body and a sealed pre-evacuated container. The hollow tubular body includes a self-filling tube for drawing up and capturing by capillary attraction a predetermined volume of a liquid to be diluted. Additionally, the hollow tubular body includes a connecting tube in an air-tight sealing relationship with the self-filling tube. In a preferred embodiment, the container has a frangible tip for mutually interengaging in an air-tight sealing relationship with the connecting tube. Also provided is a process for the sampling and diluting of a liquid to be diluted.

Abstract: A device for quantitative analysis of fluids which consists of a rigid, transparent tube containing a predetermined quantity of reagent and end-point indicator, evacuated and fitted with a valve which is suitable for sealing and for precisely controlling the entry of sample fluid so that upon immersion of the valve in the sample fluid and opening and closing it as desired, a quantity of sample fluid may be introduced to the tube and mixed with the reagent contained therein which is precisely the amount necessary to cause a visible change indicating complete neutralization of the reagent. The amount of material being analyzed for can then be ascertained by measuring the amount of sample fluid introduced and applying a simple mathematical formula.