Abstract: An analysis system has a first storage area in which sample and reagent materials are stored at an appropriate storage temperature and a second (analysis) area which is maintained at a controlled and stabilized higher temperature at which the analysis is to be performed. A plurality of analysis cuvettes of long thermal time constant material are stored adjacent the second storage area for time intervals sufficient for those analysis cuvettes to be equilibrated to the analysis temperature. A transport mechanism in the second storage area is adapted to transport the equilibrated analytical cuvettes sequentially from the supply station to a load station, then to an analysis station and then to a used cuvette station, and a transfer mechanism is arranged for movement between the first and second storage areas for transferring quantities of sample and reagent from the first storage for loading into the equilibrated analytical cuvette at the loading station in the second storage area.

Abstract: An analysis system has a first region in which sample materials are stored at an appropriate storage temperature and an analysis region which is maintained at a controlled and stabilized temperature higher than the temperature of the first region. Transfer mechanism for transferring a quantity of sample material from the first region for loading into an analysis cuvette in the analysis region includes a liquid handling probe that is mounted on a probe transport carriage, and a drive for moving the transport carriage between the first and second regions. The transport carriage includes a storage chamber connected to the liquid handling probe, thermal energy supplying means in heat exchange relation with the storage chamber, and thermal sensor means carried by the transport carriage. Means responsive to the thermal sensor supplies thermal energy to the transport carriage to maintain the storage chamber at substantially the same temperature as the analysis region.

Abstract: A multicuvette rotor for use in a centrifugal analyzer defines a circumferential array of elongated radially extending cuvettes. The rotor includes a one-piece body member of material that is transparent at analytical wavelengths and has a planar upper surface and defines a circumferential array of elongated cuvette recesses, and a one-piece cover member of similarly transparent material that has a planar lower surface parallel to the planar upper surface of the body member. A continuous seal extends around each cuvette recess between the planar upper and lower surfaces to define the circumferential array of analytical cuvettes.

Abstract: A multicuvette rotor for use in a centrifugal analyzer defines a circumferential array of elongated radially extending cuvettes. Each elongated cuvette defines a first chamber for receiving a first reactant and a loading port through which the first reactant is introduced into the first chamber region, a second chamber region for receiving a second reactant and a loading port through which the second reactant is introduced into the second chamber region, and divider structure between the first and second chamber regions that has a ramp surface and a ramp crest spaced from the ceiling surface of the cuvette so that a transfer passage between the first and second chamber regions is defined through which the first reactant may be flowed into the second chamber region for forming a reaction product with the second reactant.

Abstract: A chemical analysis system for analyzing a plurality of independent specimens that have time varying characteristics includes a circumferential array of analysis regions that hold the specimens. The analytical regions are sequentially and repetitively sensed and resulting analysis signals corresponding to monitored specimen characteristics are stored in corresponding memory locations. A signal transmission channel connected between the sensor and the memory includes a signal storage capacitor and variable slew rate circuitry.

Abstract: A chemical analysis system for analyzing a plurality of independent specimens that have time varying characteristics includes a circumferential array of analysis regions that hold the specimens. The analytical regions are sequentially and repetitively sensed and resulting analysis signals corresponding to monitored specimen characteristics are stored in corresponding memory locations. A signal transmission channel connected between the sensor and the memory includes a signal storage capacitor and variable slew rate circuitry.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing color sequencing of SECAM color television signals whereby any reversed color sequences will be immediately identifiable is provided. Specifically, the color sequence of SECAM picture monitor determined by white lead-in during the back porch interval or by Line Identification Signals during the vertical blanking interval is compared to a reference which can be internally derived and/or derived from another picture monitor or generator. If a difference is obtained, means are provided for visually or audibly indicating the color sequence error.

Abstract: A programmable color enable and sequencing system for a sequential color and memory television system is provided. An output for sequencing the sequential colors of the SECAM system in a decoder and enabling color if chrominance is present is generated by statistically detecting the presence of color information and, using the same statistical detector, provides for synchronization of the color sequence circuits. The statistical detection uses FM information provided during the vertical interval and/or information contained in the color subcarrier of the composite SECAM signal. Additionally, the system includes means for providing a preprogrammed color enable for each one-half line defined according to user needs or system standards for enabling instantaneous decisions about which lines of the composite signal are color. Decisions as to whether or not the overall picture is color are made by the statistical detector.

Abstract: A switching element is placed across a filter and controllably activated to dynamically change the response of the filter. Specifically, additional damping is switched into the "Bell" characteristic, interjected during blanking and removed after the beginning of white lead-in, to dynamically change the response of the band-pass "Bell" filter in a Sequential Color and Memory Television System.

Abstract: A phase detector provides a voltage output which depends upon the phase difference between a limited input signal and a reference signal. The phase detector increases the dynamic range of the resultant phase locked loop. An embodiment which illustrates the capability of the design is a SECAM color difference signal demodulator.