Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting a reagent strip (14) having a fluid sample disposed thereon is provided with a conveyor system (80) adapted to move the reagent strip (14) from a first reagent strip inspection location to a second reagent strip inspection location, a first readhead (60) associated with the first reagent strip inspection location, and a second readhead (62) associated with the second reagent strip inspection location. Each of the readheads (60, 62) has a light source (64, 68) and a light detector (66, 70) associated therewith, each light source (64, 68) being adapted to illuminate the reagent strip (14) at one of the reagent strip inspection locations and each light detector (66, 70) being adapted to detect light from the reagent strip (14) when the reagent strip (14) is disposed at one of the reagent strip inspection locations.

Abstract: A reflectance spectroscope, which is provided with one or more optical paths which prevent substantially all singly reflected light rays from reaching the intended destination(s), is provided with a source of illumination for generating light rays, a support member adapted to support a reagent pad, the support member having a position in which the reagent pad is illuminated by the light rays generated by the illumination source, a reflectance detector positioned to receive light rays from the reagent pad, and means for defining an optical path in which substantially all singly-reflected light rays are prevented from reaching the intended destination. The optical path may be between the illumination source and the reagent pad, or between the reagent pad and the area in which the detector is provided.

Abstract: A video test strip reader uses a video imager or camera for viewing a viewing field containing reagent test strips each having test pads reacted with a specimen containing constituents of interest. The video imager produces an analog signal representing an image of the viewing field. An image handler coupled to the video imager converts or digitizes the analog signal into a digital signal representing the image and stores the image in the form of an array of pixels representing the image. Each pixel contains color information broken down into red, green or blue (RGB). A processor coupled to the image handler analyzes the array of pixels, determines the location and orientation of a test strip, identifies the test areas on the test strip, measures the corresponding test areas on the strip at the proper times and calculates the test results, such as the concentration of the constituents of interest in the specimen or other measurable properties of the specimen such as color or specific gravity, etc.

Abstract: Reflectance apparatus is disclosed for obtaining measurement of nonspecular reflected light in which controlled light rays are directed along a transmission path from a light source through a plurality of light traps to expose or illuminate a specimen and nonspecular reflected light is passed from the specimen through the light traps along a transmission path to one or more detectors where the nonspecular reflected light is measured, the detector's field of view being larger than the illuminated area of the specimen over a wide range of specimen to source and detector distances.

Abstract: A device for making accurate, reproducible light reflectance measurements on an optically nonuniform specimen comprises means for holding the specimen in a fixed position. In one embodiment the specimen is illuminated by light sources that are arranged at acute angles relative to the specimen and (360.degree./N.+-.1.degree.) apart in azimuth, where N=the total number of light sources. The light sources are sequentially energized and deenergized to illuminate the specimen. A light detector receives light reflecting from the surface and generates an electrical signal, which is subsequently processed. In another embodiment the light sources are arranged in pairs in which the two light sources in a pair are simultaneously energized and deenergized and the pairs are sequentially energized and deenergized. A method for measuring reflected light is also provided.