Abstract: Sampler apparatus and method are provided and include both closed and open tube samplers, and selector valve operable to select therebetween for sample supply to automated sample analysis apparatus. A shear valve divides the samples into separate sample quantities for independent sample quantity analysis by multi-channel analysis apparatus. A pressure equilibration chamber prevents vacuum build-up in the closed tube sampler to insure the supply of consistent sample quantitites therefrom. A source of a pressurized rinse solution is provided; and is operatively connected to the sampler apparatus in such manner as to insure the particularly thorough rinsing and cleansing of all relevant sampler components to remove sample residue therefrom between sampling operations, thereby reducing sample carryover to levels below those of clinical significance.

Abstract: Sampler apparatus and method are provided and include both closed and open tube samplers, and selector valve operable to select therebetween for sample supply to automated sample analysis apparatus. A shear valve divides the samples into separate sample quantities for independent sample quantity analysis by multi-channel sample analysis apparatus. A pressure equilibration chamber prevents vacuum build-up in the closed tube sampler to insure the supply of consistent sample quantities therefrom. A source of a pressurized rinse solution is provided; and is operatively connected to the sampler apparatus in such manner as to insure the particularly thorough rinsing and cleansing of all relevant sampler components to remove sample residue therefrom between sampling operations, thereby reducing sample carryover to levels below those of clinical significance.

Abstract: Dual liquid dispenser package is provided and is operable to supply liquids from liquid supply chambers to liquid reservoirs through liquid supply channels by centrifugal force-induced liquid displacement and flow attendant dispenser package rotation. The supply channels include means to greatly inhibit, if not totally prevent, liquid foaming attendant liquid flow from the supply chambers to the reservoirs. Vents are included to vent the liquid supply chambers to atmosphere to prevent vacuum build-up therein, and include means preventing spillage of the liquids from the dispenser package through the vents. The dispenser package is particularly adapted for use in the supply of two reagent liquids to automated sample liquid analysis systems.

Abstract: New and improved microsample cup is provided, and comprises an outer cup body member, and an inner sample liquid vessel disposed and supported therewithin. An integral sample liquid overflow reservoir is provided to surround the inner sample liquid vessel to facilitate the precise filling of the same to a predetermined level coincident with the maximum sample liquid capacity thereof by enabling the overflow from the sample liquid vessel of any sample liquid in excess of the maximum sample liquid vessel capacity into the sample liquid overflow reservoir.

Abstract: Sampler apparatus and method are provided and include both closed and open tube samplers, and selector valve operable to select therebetween for sample supply to automated sample analysis apparatus. A shear valve divides the samples into separate sample quantities for independent sample quantity analysis by multi-channel sample analysis apparatus. A pressure equilibration chamber prevents vacuum bulid-up in the closed tube sampler to insure the supply of consistent sample quantities therefrom. A source of a pressurized rinse solution is provided; and is operatively connected to the sampler apparatus in such manner as to insure the particularly thorough rinsing and cleansing of all relevant sample components to remove sample residue therefrom between sampling operations, thereby reducing sample carryover to levels below those of clinical significance.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for the precisely controlled and coordinated, concomitant supply at optimal flow rates, by differential pumping, of selected sample and sheath liquids from respective pluralities of different sources thereof, to the same sheath stream flow cell for successive different types of sample analyses, thereby maximizing sample analysis accuracy and reproducibility, and reducing apparatus complexity and costs. The apparatus and method are particularly useful in high-speed automated biomedical analytical systems.

Abstract: A discrete-type analytical system comprising a cuvette tray which is adapted for bidirectional rotation, so as to ensure accurate repositioning of individual reaction cuvettes at one or more treatment stations.

Abstract: New and improved, liquid level adjusting and filtering device is provided, and is operable upon insertion into a container to automatically adjust the level of a liquid as contained in the container to a predetermined, precisely repeatable location, and to filter the thusly level-adjusted liquid. The device is particularly adapted for use in conjunction with test tube-like devices, in the nature of those marketed under the Trademark "Vacutainer" by the Becton-Dickinson Company of East Rutherford, NJ, containing whole blood samples which have been separated as by centrifugation into respective blood cell, buffy and blood serum layers; and is operable in that context to present blood serum samples to automated sample analysis systems at the same predetermined and precisely repeatable location relative to the aspirating probe means of such systems.

Abstract: The reaction cuvette adapted to receive a liquid dispensing probe and having at least one surface of hydrophilic material which is treated or formed to have inwardly extending projections against which the liquid is dispensed.

Abstract: A quantitative liquid sample analysis system exhibiting improved light transmission along the sight path of a flowcell and greater optical stability for significantly more accuracy of analytical results. There is provided in such a system a source of treated liquid having a first index of refraction, means for flowing the liquid along a conduit, the conduit including a flowcell having a tubular wall structure with a second index of refraction, the second index of refraction being less than the first index of refraction.