Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for controlling textile working systems such as drafting frames. A detector is provided for detecting variations in the numbers of specific types of atoms, such as hydrogen atoms, in a known length of a traveling fibrous strand being worked by the drafting frame or other textile working device. System parameters, such as the draft imparted to the strand, may be varied in response to the detected variations.

Abstract: A portable fluid analyzer has a sampling section with flow passage structure for sealing engagement with a discharge port of a zwickel fitting or the like and retainer structure for engagement with the fitting. The retainer structure is urged by a spring towards a retaining position and is movable, by a manual operator towards a released position. When the retainer structure is engaged with the fitting and the manual operator is released, the sealing member is urged by the spring into engagement with the fitting's discharge port. The analyzer also includes an analysis chamber connected to the discharge end of the flow passage structure and monitoring means for providing an output as a function of a constituent of the fluid in the analysis chamber.

Abstract: Sampling apparatus designed for aspirating, diluting and mixing a small sample of fluid in precise amounts and delivering the mixture to a scientific apparatus at a place remote from the place of aspiration. Operation of the device may be manual but is preferably automatic. The apparatus is designed to process a plurality of sample fluids with no cross-contamination between samples. In essence, the apparatus is a fluid handling system including a sample pick-up assembly in fluid communication with an automatic valve assembly having two operative positions. The automatic valve assembly is in fluid communication with a dilutor assembly having a sample pump and a diluent pump operable by a common means. A mixing and delivery assembly is also in fluid communication with the automatic valve assembly and includes a cup designed for bidirectional rotation with an annular space about the cup.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for automatically taking monochromatic light absorbance measurements on a plurality of fluid samples such as serum. The fluid samples to be processed are contained in a vessel having a plurality of curvettes into each of which is disposed a fluid sample to be analyzed and which vessel is on a processing path and moved by a unique drive belt mechanism capable of providing a plurality of movements to the vessel in different directions and selectively to a first position or station whereat the cuvettes in said vessel are washed and evacuated of any unbound materials and thence to a second station whereat a reagent is sequentially and serially added to each of the cuvettes, after which the fluid sample in each cuvette is exposed to a monochromatic light absorbance measuring device straddling the track at said second position and a spectroanalysis is made thereof.

Abstract: A disposable multi-cuvette rotor for use in an analytical photometer which comprises two injection molded parts from a transparent material of suitable chemical and absorption characteristics. These parts are joined together by ultrasonic welding and when so joined, define a plurality of radially-arranged cuvettes being separated by triangularly-shaped open spaces. Each of the cuvettes is divided into adjoining sample and reagent/measuring chambers by a wedge-shaped dam in a manner that the chambers are communicating with one another through an open space above the dam. There are pairs of recessed optical windows formed in both of the parts which are axially aligned and positioned adjacent the chambers of the greater radial distance so as to provide opposing planar walls defining an optical path through the chambers. There is provided a further integral optical window in the radial outer wall of each reagent/measuring chamber for use of the chamber in a light scattering or fluorescent measuring mode.

Abstract: The fluid valve essentially comprises a support structure designed rotatably to support an inlet within a certain oscillatory ambit and stationarily supporting a plurality of outlets within the oscillatory ambit, and operative means for effecting fluid-tight communication seriatim between the inlet and one of the outlets. The inlet is preferably a blunt needle provided with a side port and each of the outlets comprises an inverted "Y"-shaped member formed of an entrance portion and a pair of leg portions. The needle is designed to be thrust into the entrance portion, so that its side port establishes fluid-tight communication with one of the leg portions. Means are provided, including a pneumatic cylinder, for effecting relative motion between the inlet and the outlets. There is also a means for normally closing off all the entrance portions of the outlets except the selected one, and only during the entry of the blunt needle therein.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the simultaneous automatic analysis and sequential displaying in digital form of a plurality of parameters of whole or hemolyzed blood samples, such as total hemoglobin, percent oxyhemoglobin, percent carboxyhemoglobin, percent methemoglobin (in each case percent meaning percentage of total hemoglobin) and oxygen content. The apparatus is an electro-optical instrument including a servo-controlled spectral line source, such as a hollow cathode lamp, a laser etc., a ratiometric logarithmic amplifier of minimized dynamic range, a fluid-flow system of improved design that combine to measure the absorbances of blood samples at a plurality of wavelengths defined and generated by the spectral line source, to calculate the above parameters based on the absorbances by the use of a micro-computer and associated circuitry absorbances, to display automatically and digitally one of the parameters, and then to display digitally seriatim the remaining parameters responsive to operator intervention.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing fluids such as blood or the like for ascertaining physical and/or chemical properties thereof. Samples to be processed are contained in disposable containers and moved to different zones where various functions are performed such as adding reagent, incubating, testing, reading out data and discarding the container. The movement of the containers is afforded by a carriage moving on a guideway and having reciprocating embodiment, the containers each carry indicia means identifying the sample and including a test code prescribing a particular test procedure which is to be followed by the apparatus. In another embodiment it is intended that identification of the patient's sample will be initially made on the container which initially receives the sample and thereafter as portions are dispensed from said container for use in processes this identity will be accomplished by suitable computer means.

Abstract: A continuous automatic calibration system and fault detection method for analytical instruments of the kind used for measuring constituents of a fluid sample which system includes a memory for storing reference information, a comparator circuit for continuously comparing the instrument output to the stored reference information, and a sample-and-hold circuit charged positive or negative by the comparator, depending whether or not the instrument output exceeds the value of the reference information. The output of the sample-and-hold circuit in turn is coupled to the instrument continuously to adjust its output to correct value. Where the maximum allowed corrective range of the sample-and-hold circuit is exceeded by the signal from the comparator circuit beyond a predetermined time period, the system displays fault, warning the operator.

Abstract: This invention has particular utility in the field of absorption spectrophotometry or colorimetry, and is particularly applicable, when incorporated in such type of equipment, as a sample detector to enable direct readings to be taken in concentration or absorbance of sample fluids or the like.

Abstract: A pipette device enabling single samples of fluids to be readily analyzed under emergency conditions "STAT," as for example, body fluids, and which device is operable to first draw a predetermined volume of a selected reagent material into its chamber, and thereafter in similar manner draw a desired volume of the sample fluid to be analyzed into said device, said reagent material and fluid thereafter being ejected into a suitable reaction vessel wherein the same are admixed preparatory to being analyzed.

Abstract: A cell culture system includes an incubator chamber, and a carriage that is removable from the incubator chamber and that carries a plurality of cell culture chambers. Also mounted on the carriage are a manifold structure having supply and return conduits, detachable coupling structure for connecting the cell culture chambers to the manifold structure and pump structure for circulating nutrient material between the manifold structure and the connected cell culture chambers.

Abstract: Equilibrator device for use in determination of the acid-base status, the oxygen dissociation curve of blood and other properties of physiological interest. The device comprises, within a confined and thermostatically controlled environment, a cuvette for accommodating a sample of blood or other liquid to be equilibrated with a gas phase, means for controlledly rotating such cuvette and means for promoting passage of a gaseous flow firstly through a humidifying ambient and then into the presence of said sample.

Abstract: A blood analysis system comprises a tempering chamber in which a plurality of flow through measuring cells are disposed. A sensor electrode is associated with each cell. A sample flow path extends from an entrance port through a heater element, a first measuring cell, a control valve, a second measuring cell, a reference electrode interface, to a positive displacement pump. In standby condition, the entrance port is immersed in flush fluid and operation of the pump in such condition flows flush fluid through the entire sample path. Fluid access to either measuring cell is obtainable through the entrance port, auxiliary valve ports, or disconnectable conduits connected to the valve.

Abstract: A blood analysis system comprises a plurality of flow through measuring chambers, each of which has an associated measuring electrode system for producing an output signal as a function of a parameter of the blood sample in its measuring chamber; and a control device which in a first condition places the measuring chambers in fluid communication with the system inlet and in a second condition isolates the chambers to that the electrode systems may be calibrated concurrently and independently of one another

Abstract: A flush system for electrochemical analysis apparatus comprising a reservoir of flush solution, a flush chamber connected thereto and open at the top, and a sample entrance (probe) arranged for movement between an immersed position in the flush chamber and a sampling position removed from the flush chamber.

Abstract: A replaceable, sterilizable, cell growth assembly comprising a chamber structure of gas permeable, liquid impermeable material having an inner surface to which cells are attachable. The chamber is of tubing configuration and is disposed in a plurality of layers in stacked relation. Spacer structure between the layers of tubing define a plurality of flow passages between the layers and enable a gaseous environment to bathe the majority of the external surface area of the tubing layers. The chamber also includes an inlet conduit for introducing culture media for flow through the plural layers of the chamber structure and an outlet conduit for receiving culture media from the chamber structure, and coupling structure for detachably connecting the inlet conduit to a source of culture media and the outlet conduit to an appropriate culture media receptacle.