Abstract: A system for remotely controlling one or more instruments from a control terminal. Each instrument includes a stored menu of operations it can perform under control of the terminal and an accumulator for producing an index number which selects a particular operation from the menu. The terminal includes means for transmitting commands to direct the instrument to increment the index number and to transmit back to the terminal a textual description of the currently selected menu entry. The terminal further includes means for directing the instrument to perform the operation designated by the current menu entry.

Abstract: A pressure booster system for fluids using one or more injectors for delivering a relatively low pressure output flow of fluid. A fluid accumulator receives the output from one or more injectors. A detector reveals any fluid mass change in the accumulator in relation to a selected value of fluid mass. A relatively high pressure pump increases the pressure of the output flow from the accumulator in accordance with the change of fluid mass within the accumulator which results in high pressure metering.

Abstract: A photometric flow cell for high pressure liquid chromatography having an illuminated passageway therein between open ends of which fluid samples are flowed for analysis. An annular, porous flow impedance element is supported in an annular channel surrounding one end of the passageway. The impedance element reduces turbulence of flow through the open end by evenly distributing the flowing fluid circumferentially about the end opening.

Abstract: Circuit for starting and operating a gas discharge lamp. The circuit includes a resonant circuit having a high Q during both starting and operating conditions of the lamp, thereby permitting a high lamp operating voltage to be obtained from a relatively low voltage power supply. The circuit comprises a power supply, an inductor-capacitor series-resonant circuit connected across the power supply terminals, and a lamp circuit connected in parallel with the capacitor of the series-resonant circuit, wherein the lamp circuit comprises a second capacitor connected in series with a gas discharge lamp.

Abstract: A spectrophotometer utilizing a multiple wavelength electromagnetic wave source which is intercepted and dispersed into a spectrum. The spectrophotometer includes a closed loop servo positioning mechanism for simultaneously directing selected portions of the electromagnetic spectrum to a detector which analyzes these portions of the spectrum for analytical purposes.

Abstract: A fluid pump mechanism for delivering a smooth output of fluids to a system utilizing at least one piston in a chamber reciprocative therewithin. The piston has strokes that fill and empty the chamber in conjunction with the action of valve means located at the inlet and outlet of the chamber. Motive means causes reciprocation of the piston within the chamber. Control means is also included for minimizing the time during the piston cycle in which the piston is not emptying the chamber. The invention's scope also encompasses a pressure metering device for a fluid forcing means motivated by an electrical motor.

Abstract: A fluid pump mechanism for delivering a smooth output of fluids to a system utilizing at least one piston in a chamber reciprocative therewithin. The piston has strokes that fill and empty the chamber in conjunction with the action of valve means located at the inlet and outlet of the chamber. Motive means causes reciprocation of the piston within the chamber. Control means is also included for minimizing the time during the piston cycle in which the piston is not emptying the chamber. The invention's scope also encompasses a pressure metering device for a fluid forcing means motivated by an electrical motor.