Abstract: A computerized automated diagnostic system including a cartridge configured to contain reagents for carrying out a diagnostic biological process and to receive a biological sample to be tested using the reagents and an instrument operative to interact with the cartridge to carry out multiple steps in the diagnostic biological process, the cartridge having multiple operative states including a non-functionalized state in which the cartridge does not include the reagents and does not include the biological sample, a partially functionalized state in which the cartridge does include the reagents and does include the biological sample and in which a carbon array assembly is mounted onto the cartridge and forms part of the cartridge and a fully functionalized state upon insertion of the cartridge, onto which the carbon array assembly is mounted, into clamped engagement with the instrument.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and an apparatus for disinfecting a cuvette cover. The opening of a cuvette (14) containing a test fluid is temporarily covered while the cuvette is at a processing station. The surface of the cover facing the cuvette opening in the lifted condition of the cover is heated to a temperature suitable for the killing of microorganisms on the cover.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and an apparatus for disinfecting a cuvette cover. The opening of a cuvette (14) containing a test fluid is temporarily covered while the cuvette is at a processing station. The surface of the cover facing the cuvette opening in the lifted condition of the cover is heated to a temperature suitable for the killing of microorganisms on the cover.

Abstract: A measuring system having a clock and a plurality of measuring modules, each of the measuring modules having a data processing unit, a data input unit, and an indicator unit for providing at least one measuring function. The system also includes a releasable coupler for no-galvanically coupling a selected one of the measuring modules with the clock for the transmission of data between the clock and the selected measuring module. Each of the measuring modules can be selectively coupled to the clock by means of the coupler to provide a measuring function associated with the coupled module in accordance with time data provided by the clock. The system can include a housing for supporting the selected measuring module and the clock. The measuring modules can be configured to measure various parameters of a human body or the environment.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining microorganisms in liquid test specimens includes a specimen providing station (10) with a transport apparatus (32, 36) for the continuous provision of cuvettes (26) containing specimens to be investigated, a dosing station (12) with a pipetting apparatus (14) for removing specimens from cuvettes (26) and for filling the specimens into measuring chambers formed in a measuring chamber plate (86) in matrix arrangement, a measuring station (16) with a measuring apparatus (146) for optically measuring the specimens in the measuring chambers and an endless conveyor (18) for serially receiving the measuring chamber plates (86) and for transporting the same through a dosing station (12), a measuring station (16) and through a temperature controllable waiting zone (22).

Abstract: 9A blood pressure measuring device has a pressure cuff the inflation of which is automatically effected and controlled by an evaluation and control unit to allow a continuous monitoring of a patient's blood pressure, especially during the night without infringing on the patient's comfort and sleep. The device also includes an EKG device and a sensor for sensing the pressure in the cuff. In a first mode of operation, the control and evaluation unit calculates an estimated blood pressure value from pulse wave transmission times with each calculated pulse wave transmission time being the time elapsing between a heart beat as detected by the EKG device and a corresponding cuff pressure change detected by the pressure sensor. In the event of the appearance of blood pressure spikes while operating in the first mode, the device switches to a second operating mode during which absolute blood pressure values are determined.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for analyzing a component of a liquid sample performs the analysis in a number of steps. A test-strip analyzer is provided, which includes a test-strip, a code substrate, and a valuation device. The test-strip includes reagents, and the component of the liquid sample reacts with the reagents. The reaction results in a physically detectable change. The method includes the steps of initiating a relative motion between the code substrate and an optical-electrical transducer of the valuation device, and generating a binary signal in the analyzer. The binary signal is generated as a result of the relative motion, and contains information of the valuation code and the optical transducer during the motion scanning at least one track of the analytical code. An output voltage is generated from detected brightness values, and maximum and minimum peak voltages are ascertained when reading a bright zone and a dark zone, respectively.

Abstract: In an apparatus for measuring the heart wall movement of a person, including a measuring head (10, 12) placeable on the breast with an electrode arrangement (76, 78) and a measuring circuit (84) for capacitively measuring the skin movement with respect to the electrode arrangement (76, 78), the measuring head has a holding ring (10) with an annular surface perpendicular to the ring axis (26) intended for placement on the body (30, 32) and straps for fastening the measuring head (10, 12) to the body. In the holding ring (10) is an adapter (12) including the electrode arrangement (76, 78) resiliently supported for movement in the direction of the ring axis (26) as well as in two other axes perpendicular to the ring axis and to one another.

Abstract: To improve the fidelity of reproduction of automobile radios during conditions of extraneous in the passenger compartment, noise signals are derived, for example from a microphone installed in the engine compartment of the vehicle. The audio program signals are conducted through a multichannel equalizer; the program audio signals and the noise signals are separated into a plurality of frequency bands, for example three bands, the envelope of which are demodulated and the derived demodulation signals are instantaneously compared to then control the transfer characteristics of the respective bands of the equalizer in accordance with the derived comparison between the respective bands of the noise and program signals. Preferably, amplitude, change of transfer amplitude and rate of change is controlled by weighting the comparison signals and the rate of change thereof in relation to the frequency bands and the extent of change of the signals.