Abstract: Apparatus for automatically performing multiple chemical analyses of a plurality of liquid specimens. The apparatus comprises apparatus for loading a plurality of test samples from each specimen into a row of reaction vessels. As the reaction vessels are transported to a determinating apparatus, other apparatus adds reagents to preselected ones of the reaction vessels a predetermined time before the reaction vessels reach the determinating apparatus. In particular, each of the several sample containers initially containing the specimens is transported in a track or the like in parallel with the one of the several rows of reaction vessels containing the test samples from the specimen toward the determinating apparatus. Microswitches engage each of the sample containers along the way, enabling the reagent adding apparatus to add selected reagents to the parallel row of reaction vessels.

Abstract: An automatic handling system selectively conveys test samples to a test probe for analysis by an instrument. The test samples are contained in sample containers. A magazine contains sampler holders each of which contains sample containers. A transport system conveys the magazine so that the holders successively pass through an extraction station from where the holders can be taken from the magazine and placed back therein. The holders upon extraction are then conveyed past a test probe so that individual samples can be selectively presented to the probe.

Abstract: A combustion system includes a combustion furnace for combusting a solid or liquid specimen and converting it to a gaseous mixture. The furnace is positioned in a circulatory loop in which oxygen is introduced to complete the combustion of the specimen into a gaseous mixture which is circulated through the furnace to fully oxidize the specimen and maintain the specimen gas concentration level constant during a measurement interval. To facilitate circulation of the gases in the loop, a circulation pump is employed in the flow path. In one embodiment, a detector is included in the loop while in alternative embodiments, an aliquot of the specimen gases is removed for analysis by a detector outside of the loop.

Abstract: A flame ionization detector including means for monitoring the flame condition, so as to enable ignition of an extinguished flame. An igniter coil is mounted proximate the burner nozzle of the FID, and thermocouple means are provided including a hot junction in thermal contact with the nozzle, and a spaced cold junction. Means are provided for applying an electrical potential to the igniter coil to enable ignition of the flame upon a flame-out condition being detected as measured by the thermocouple output. In a preferable embodiment, the ends of the igniter coil are connected to a pair of electrical leads, with the connection zones defining the hot and cold junctions of the thermocouple. This permits the same lead pair to provide both the potential enabling the igniter function of the coil, and the interconnection for the thermocouple output signal. The same lead pair may also be utilized to provide the biasing potential to the burner nozzle.

Abstract: A flame ionization detector adapted for use in hazardous areas and for mounting in any attitude, capable of using as small a flame as can be dependably maintained because of an arrangement of the flame at the open end of a thin-walled small diameter tubular electrode inside a relatively long open ended cylindrical collector and the regulation of the rates of flows which make it possible to maximize the sensitivity of the detector to the presence of an organic vapor. Excess air is maintained at a predetermined minimum. The inside diameter of the collector is made approximately twice the visible diameter of the widest point of the flame. A curtain of air flowing at a predetermined rate through the annular passage between the electrode and collector is directed into encompassing contact with the flame and the proximity of the collector to the flame maintains a relatively dense ion bearing layer of gases at the surface of the collector.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the toxic constituent of an ambient gas e.g. sulphur dioxide in air involves bringing the gas into contact with a solution containing one component in which the gas is soluble and an indicator having optical transmission characteristics responsive to the quantity of the constituent in solution. An electric current is then passed through a second component which is electrolysed to neutralise the solution and restore the transmission characteristics of the indicator to a datum, the quantity of current passed being representative of a change in transmission characteristics from the datum and therefore in the case of the concentration of the toxic constituent where sulphur dioxide in air is to be monitored the air is bubbled through water in which the sulphur dioxide dissolves. The water contains hydrogen peroxide to convert the sulphur dioxide in solution to sulphuric acid which is effective to change the color or optical density of a pH responsive indicator such as methyl orange.

Abstract: A urine sample collection and testing device in which a housing has a plurality of chambers. Urine samples are collected from a common funnel unit which is mounted on top of the housing and forms a removable lid to the housing. The lid can be removed or rotated to one side relative to the housing to provide access to one or more sample compartments in the housing. A large reservoir compartment provides storage for any urine in excess of the amount used to fill the sample compartments. A forestream collection unit in the form of a collapsible bag is positioned inside the reservoir and is arranged to collect the first urine received from the funnel and to be isolated from the other compartments after receiving a predetermined amount of the initial flow through the funnel. The sample compartments permit isolation for culture growth, specific gravity measurement, sugar level measurement, and microscopic examination of sample gathered by the use of the device.

Abstract: The quantity of carbon monoxide removed from a gas stream by a filter containing hemoglobin is greatly enhanced in quantity when the hemoglobin is accompanied by another factor present in blood. The quantity of carbon monoxide removable from a gas stream by hemoglobin depends upon the equivalent weight of the hemoglobin. However, in the presence of the additional factor, the quantity of carbon monoxide removed is substantially greater than can be accounted for by the stoichiometry of the hemoglobin alone.

Abstract: In the preparation of blood films for microscopic examination a slide spins in a centrifuge for a time which is a function of the red blood cell concentration of the blood. A drive circuit controls the time of spinning of a slide centrifuge. A variable control for the centrifuge motor includes a manual adjustment which is adjustable across a scale labeled as a function of the percent hematocrit of the blood.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing partial thromboplastin which comprises extracting bloodless dry placentae with an organic solvent, separating the extract from the undissolved substance, evaporating, dispersing the residue in water and adding, if desired, a stabilizer and/or lyophilizing. It further relates to the partial thromboplastin thus obtained and to its use as diagnostic agent.

Abstract: A test strip of the type which is dipped into a liquid such as urine for indicating by color information with respect to the liquid. The test strip has a transparent backing on one side of which is located a color-reaction paper with a fastening layer situated between the paper and the backing for fastening the paper to the backing. The fastening layer is opaque and non-reflecting with respect to light, so that while light can pass freely through the backing it will reflected by the color-reaction paper without passing through the backing. The test strip is moved perpendicularly across an optical axis along which light is directed with the light traveling first through the transparent backing and then being reflected by the color-reaction paper. Signals are generated from the light passing through the backing and the light reflected by the color-reaction paper, with the timing of the signal from the reflected light being controlled by the signal from the light which has passed through the transparent backing.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for testing a sample by means of luminescent reaction to detecting reactive materials therein. A translucent ribbon of filter material is provided to filter the sample and to carry the residue to a reaction position. A translucent surface is provided to carry a reagent to the reaction position. Both surfaces are brought into mutual contact in a region between two photodetectors, which thereby detect the resulting luminescent reaction to provide an indication of the quantity of reactive material present in the sample. An improved pinion roller advances the ribbon of filter material in a reliable fashion.

Abstract: Device for applying a measured quantity of water-soluble or water-dispersible reagent to a water-containing solid medium for use in molecular diffusion or affinity separation procedures is provided in the form of a film consisting essentially of a film-forming solid organic polymeric binder which is soluble in water to the extent of at least 1% by weight at 20.degree.C. and dispersed in said binder a measured quantity of said reagent, said film being of a size and shape adapted to be placed in contact with said medium to permit said reagent and binder to diffuse completely into said medium. The device is used by placing it in face-to-face contact with a water-containing solid medium.

Abstract: A process for the analysis of gentian violet in animal or poultry tissue, animal or poultry manure, animal or poultry feed, or eggs. The gentian violet is quantitatively determined.

Abstract: A colorimetric analyzer automatically and continuously measures the transmission of light through a sample which has been mixed with reagents. Precise volumes of the sample are repeatedly measured by a siphon tube. Volumes of the reagent are added to the sample at different times in a measuring cycle. The reagent is added at different places in the analyzer so that it is possible for two different time-consuming reactions to proceed simultaneously. The mixed reagent and sample is supplied to a measuring cell which includes a source of light and a photocell. The distance between the source of light and the photocell are adjustable to accommodate analyses of mixtures with widely varying light transmission while providing a full scale output indication. The output of a photocell is applied to a sample and hold circuit during time intervals when the reactions of the reagents with the sample have been completed.

Abstract: Determination of the ozone contents of gas mixtures by measuring the intensity of luminescent light emitted by a reaction of ozone with one of the halogenated fluorescein dyes eosin, erythrosin, cyanosin and Rose Bengal in combination with gallic acid.

Abstract: Diagnostic test strips for the qualitative detection and semi-quantitative estimation of blood and hemoglobin in biological products include a reagent area comprising an organic hydroperoxide or salt thereof, a chromagen and a novel agent capable of accelerating the peroxidase activity of hemoglobin. The accelerating agent is an aromatic hydrocarbon of the general formula ##SPC1##Wherein R.sub.1 - R.sub.7 are hydrogen or alkyl or alkoxy groups having 1-2 carbon atoms. The resultant test strips evidence marked enhancement in sensitivity as compared with prior art materials.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the carbon dioxide content of micro samples of blood, serum, or other body fluid. In performing the method, a micro quantity of sample is introduced into one compartment of a double-compartmented open-topped reaction vessel, the other compartment containing a reagent capable of liberating the carbon dioxide from the sample when the two are mixed. The open top of the vessel is then sealed so that its interior communicates only with a capillary gasometer, and the contents of the vessel are then thoroughly mixed. The volume of evolved gas is measured directly from the graduated capillary gasometer by observing the extent of displacement of an indicating liquid therein. The structure of the device is described, along with the structure and method for adjusting the volume of the reaction vessel, after sealing and before mixing, to locate the meniscus of the liquid in the capillary at a selected starting point.

Abstract: A stable blood control standard and method is provided for the quality control of the measurement of blood pH and gases in the clinical laboratory. The blood control standard comprises a sealed receptacle containing specially treated red cells and a gaseous head space at least equal to about the volume of the red cells. The special treatment comprises thorough washing and separating the red cells from the plasma components and mild treatment with aldehyde and retention in a buffered solution. The head space comprises from 0-15% CO.sub.2, 0-25% O.sub.2 and the balance N.sub.2 and/or inert gas.

Abstract: A furnace assembly for use in a chemical analysis system utilizing high-temperature pyrolytic techniques includes a refractory tube which defines a heated chamber wherein samples are pyrolyzed, inlet and outlet cap members mounted on opposite ends of the refractory tube, a cylindrical heating assembly which spacedly surrounds the refractory tube, and a frame which fixedly supports both the refractory tube and the heating assembly in a vertical orientation. The frame includes a stationary mounting plate and at least two rod-like members which fixedly extend in parallel downward from the stationary plate on opposite sides of the heating assembly. The heating assembly is fixed to the rods and a springy plate member is fixedly connected between the rods to provide a support upon which the outlet cap member rests and to press upwardly against the refractory tube when the same elongates during heating so that the upper and lower cap members are forceably sealed against the respective ends of the refractory tube.