Abstract: A power switch comprising: at least one bipolar transistor (T1), the base of which is controlled through an amplifier 12 by a control signal (VC) and a sensor (10) of the current (I) flowing through the switch; at least one insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) (T2) connected in parallel to said at least one bipolar transistor (T1), the gate of which is controlled by said control signal (VC); and means (S) for inhibiting the base control of said at least one bipolar transistor (T1) when the current flowing through the switch is lower than a predetermined value (I.sub.0).

Abstract: The metering device for a slide analysis system deposits serum onto a slide that is held in a spotting position by a slide transfer device. The metering device is movable to a sampling position relative to a slide holding module to aspirate serum from a serum source on a slide cartridge in the slide holding module and is also movable to a spotting position to spot serum on the slide held by the slide transfer device. The metering device also has rotational as well as elevational movement and includes a built-in pipette tip ejector for discarding a used pipette tip.

Abstract: This apparatus includes a lens element (2) associated with first guide means (6, 7) defining a first degree of freedom of this lens element (2) in a plane parallel to the film plane. These first guide means (6, 7) are associated in turn with second guide means (11, 12) defining a second means [sic] of freedom, via a ring (10) parallel to the plane of the lens element (2). These second guide means (11, 12) are hinged to parts (14) that are structurally connected to the body of the camera. Accelerometers (20, 21, 22, 28, 29, 30) measure the acceleration along the two degrees of freedom, and their signals serve to control motors (16, 23) that act via cams (27, 24) on the first and second guide means, respectively, to compensate for the movements recorded by the accelerometers.

Abstract: An optical waveguide with one or more coatings of reactants specific to species to be analyzed in a liquid analyte immersed therein. A light signal carried by the waveguide undergoes interaction either with the bulk analyte whereby a first signal in connection with the bulk analyte is obtained and, simultaneously, with a layer of complex resulting from the reaction of one of said specific reactant with one of said species or with two or more complex layers corresponding to two or more of said species, this generating a second (or more) signal to provide the required analytical information on said species.

Abstract: The unit consists of a cuvette and light guiding means comporting more than one waveguide element in contact with the solution to be analyzed. During operation, signals issuing from said waveguide elements provide data on two or more parameters in the solution substantially simultaneously.

Abstract: Waveguide apparatus for use in substance analysis has a waveguide, with a surface area in contact with the substance, for transmitting electromagnetic radiation along the axis of the waveguide whereby propagation characteristics of the radiation are altered in accordance with properties of the substance adjacent the waveguide. A waveguide entrance prism is positioned at the radiation entrance end of the waveguide, for guiding radiation into the waveguide. The prism has a first face arranged at an angle with the waveguide axis to cause radiation entering the prism to propagate along the waveguide. In one embodiment, a longitudinal partition is arranged adjacent the waveguide substantially parallel to the waveguide axis, for partitioning the waveguide surface area into at least two parts so that multi-substance analysis can be carried out.

Abstract: The invention relates to an analytical rotor comprising a set of analytical cells disposed at its periphery, a central distribution chamber, portioning cavities corresponding to the respective cells and disposed between the cells and the chamber periphery, the cavities each having an inlet connected to the chamber and an outlet connected to one of the cells by a transfer passage, and at least one overflow reservoir connected to the inlets of the cavities by at least one communication passage.

Abstract: The invention relates to an analytical rotor comprising a set of analytical cells disposed at its periphery, a central distribution chamber, portioning cavities corresponding to the respective cells and disposed between the cells and the chamber periphery, the cavities each having an inlet connected to the chamber and an outlet connected to one of the cells by a transfer passage, and at least one overflow reservoir connected to the inlets of the cavities by at least one communication passage.

Abstract: Spectrophotometer intended in particular for the optical analysis of samples in a rotatory analyser. In order to attain the characteristics required of a modern spectrophotometer for clinical chemistry and to attain in particular a high reproducibility of the measurements, the spectrophotometer comprises a flash tube, an stabilizing optical device for device for deriving a light beam having a constant spatial distribution from each flash from the flash tube, a grating monochromator for dispersing the light delivered by the stabilizing device and for delivering a beam of filtered light, an optical element for dividing the filtered beam to produce two beams, the first of which travels through a sample for analysis and the second of which reaches a detector which delivers a reference signal corresponding to the intensity of the second beam, and a second detector placed to receive the beam emerging from the sample.

Abstract: A constant-volume increment pipetting arrangement for use particularly in connection with analysis of minute specimen volumes of biological fluids. The arrangement, which is designed to have a very low inertia factor, comprises a pumping unit having a pair of two-port valves with a duct running between a port from each valve, wherein at least a portion of the duct wall is movable to provide a variable volume pipetting chamber. The second port of one valve serves as the intake port for the fluid to be pipetted and the remaining port of the other valve serves as the delivery port. Three reciprocating drive elements are provided, connected one each to the valves and to the movable portion of the duct wall. Associated with the drive elements is a sequential control means, wherein the control means portion for the drive element connected to the moving portion of the duct wall constitutes an electromagnet arrangement energizable by a periodic supply.

Abstract: A guide rail or track system for guiding test tube holders or racks from one station to another, e.g., in a mono-channel analyzer, for presenting test tubes in such holders in sequence to one or more servicing operations at a plurality of stations. The rail system may comprise a main linear guide rail along which a holder having a row of test tubes supported therein is adapted to be moved longitudinally stepwise to present each test tube in the holder in sequence to a given station, or a given position therein, where an operation is to be carried out with respect to each test tube as it is presented in the station.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned wit analytical equipment comprising a centrifuge and means for introducing and/or withdrawing from the centrifuge, a carrier for liquid materials to be centrifuged in preparation for testing. The centrifuge comprises a plurality of swing supports, such as buckets or baskets, for holders or carriers of the liquids to be centrifuged, and counterweight or balancing means for assuring balanced operation even though one or more of the swing supports is or are empty while others are loaded with carriers. Provision is also made to avoid the necessity to lower a carrier for the material to be centrifuged into the centrifuge and later lifting it out. Instead, the material is supplied and discharged in a horizontal path, avoiding the lowering and lifting.

Abstract: Apparatus for optically analyzing a solution comprises a tubular enclosure for containing the solution, which enclosure is rigidly mounted on a rotor so that the longitudinal axis of the enclosure extends radially of the axis of rotation. A radially inner end of the enclosure is open and a radially outer end thereof is closed by a transparent wall to constitute two light-transmitting windows through which a light beam is radially directed when the enclosure passes a predetermined place on its path of movement. A light detector is disposable on the axis of the light beam to detect the light beam after passage through the enclosure.

Abstract: A unit for use in optical analysis is adapted to be mounted in a radial position on a centrifuging rotor and comprises a straight tubular cell. One end of the tubular cell is open and the other end is closed by an optically transparent wall which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cell. The cell receives one component of a solution to be optically analysed and a second component of the solution is received in a recess of a cover of the unit releasably secured in a position closing the open end of the cell. The cover is formed with an aperture connecting the recess of the cover to the cell in the closed position, so that the second component can flow into the cell during centrifuging.

Abstract: An improved device and method for liquid storage and analysis. The device comprises a receptacle defining a U-shaped compartment for a first open-ended branch and a second closed branch. A reaction zone in which the liquid will react with a reagent during analysis is located at the bight interconnecting the branches. The opening in the first branch constitutes a liquid inlet. A wall portion of the second branch spaced from the reaction zone is of self-sealing material which is punctured to release gas from the compartment and to aspirate liquid into the first branch. The material subsequently forms a fluid-tight seal. A wall portion of the body adjacent the reaction zone is made of light-permeable material so that the reaction or the result of the reaction can be optically analyzed. A plurality of such compartments can be provided with a chamber interconnecting the extreme ends of the second branches. A common wall portion of self-sealing material can then be provided for some or all of the compartments.