Abstract: Disclosed is a sample chamber which is particularly adapted to the spectrophotometric analysis of blood samples. The instrument of which the sample chamber is a part includes means for directing a beam of light through the sample fluid and means for analyzing the light emanating from the fluid. The sample chamber comprises a first transparent member having a flat surface. A surface of a prism is disposed adjacent to the flat surface of the first member, and a resilient gasket located between the prism and the first member seals off a region which forms the sample chamber. A spring on a door, which closes to a position adjacent to the prism, engages the hypotenuse surface thereof to force the prism against the first member and compress the resilient gasket. First and second holes through the prism intersect the first surface thereof at opposite sides of the chamber formed by the gasket to enable the sample fluid to flow through the chamber.

Abstract: A recording spirometer for performing both a single breath test and a maximum voluntary ventilation test. The spirometer includes a housing in which is disposed a pusher plate. This pusher plate is supported by a member constrained by rotary bearings to move in substantially a straight line. An elastomeric seal creates an airtight chamber beneath the pusher plate. The supporting member also carries a recording medium support so that a permanent record may be made of the volume of exhaled air as a function of time. For performing the maximum voluntary ventilation test, the apparatus includes a mechanism for supporting the pusher plate at an intermediate position so that both inhalation and exhalation segments may be measured and recorded. A rotatable turret is provided for carrying a plurality of pens for marking the recording medium so that different colors may be used for different tests.