Abstract: A method and apparatus for governing the internal operation of an instrument. The apparatus comprises device for storing a value, device for changing the value and a device for attaching to another item that need to be notified of a change of the value. The value is an allowed range of values, or requested value, or an adapted value. The apparatus further comprises a device for storing attributes. The adapted value is constrained to stay within the allowed range that corresponds to physical limits. The adapted value corresponds to optimal use or to capabilities. The value may change dynamically and may depend on the state of other internal variables.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for saving the operational settings of an instrument. The method comprises the steps of: initiating the saving operation, initializing, by each software object, of any software object below it, initializing the internal variables belonging to the software objects, and saving the results to a file. The file is modular, is human readable text and is a computer program. The internal variable is designated in the file by a hierarchical path and is designated in the file by a hierarchical address. The computer program in an industry standard programming language such as Visual Basic Script.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for saving the operational settings of an instrument. The method comprises the steps of: initiating the saving operation, initializing, by each software object, of any software object below it, initializing the internal variables belonging to the software objects, and saving the results to a file. The file is modular, is human readable text and is a computer program. The internal variable is designated in the file by a hierarchical path and is designated in the file by a hierarchical address. The computer program in an industry standard programming language such as Visual Basic Script.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for governing the internal operation of an instrument. The apparatus comprises device for storing a value, device for changing the value and a device for attaching to another item that need to be notified of a change of the value. The value is an allowed range of values, or requested value, or an adapted value. The apparatus further comprises a device for storing attributes. The adapted value is constrained to stay within the allowed range that corresponds to physical limits. The adapted value corresponds to optimal use or to capabilities. The value may change dynamically and may depend on the state of other internal variables.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of measuring antigens or antibodies in biological fluids in appropriately designed reaction cells in an automated analytical apparatus. The method includes the steps of contacting, in the reaction cell, the biological fluid with antibodies specific for a desired analyte antigen, which antibodies are coated on magnetic particulate carrier, under conditions such that binding of the antibody to the desired analyte antigen occurs, and detecting the presence or absence of an immunocomplex formed between the antibody and the desired analyte antigen. The automated analytical apparatus includes a closed circuit transfer path having means for transferring cells around the entire transfer path, and a thermostating period for each analysis to be performed with the automated analytical apparatus. The transfer path includes a loading station, a reagent delivery station, a mixing and washing station, a separating station and a discharging station.

Abstract: Spectrophotometer intended in particular for the optical analysis of samples in a rotatory analyser. In order to attain the characteristics required of a modern spectrophotometer for clinical chemistry and to attain in particular a high reproducibility of the measurements, the spectrophotometer comprises a flash tube, an stabilizing optical device for device for deriving a light beam having a constant spatial distribution from each flash from the flash tube, a grating monochromator for dispersing the light delivered by the stabilizing device and for delivering a beam of filtered light, an optical element for dividing the filtered beam to produce two beams, the first of which travels through a sample for analysis and the second of which reaches a detector which delivers a reference signal corresponding to the intensity of the second beam, and a second detector placed to receive the beam emerging from the sample.

Abstract: A power circuit for a discharge lamp, in particular a flash lamp serving as light source in an optical analysis apparatus which comprises an electric power source outputting a d.c. voltage and capable of reabsorbing electrical energy, which also comprises an energy transferring circuit inserted between the electric power source and a first capacitor connected to the lamp, the capacitor being charged via the energy transferring circuit and adapted to store the energy required for each discharge across the lamp, the energy transferring circuit comprising a first current path comprising the primary winding of an autotransformer and adapted to transfer current from the electric power source to the first capacitor until the voltage across it reaches a predetermined value, and a second current path comprising a second capacitor for storing part of the surplus or non-used energy stored in the autotransformer during the charging of the first capacitor.

Abstract: A constant-volume increment pipetting arrangement for use particularly in connection with analysis of minute specimen volumes of biological fluids. The arrangement, which is designed to have a very low inertia factor, comprises a pumping unit having a pair of two-port valves with a duct running between a port from each valve, wherein at least a portion of the duct wall is movable to provide a variable volume pipetting chamber. The second port of one valve serves as the intake port for the fluid to be pipetted and the remaining port of the other valve serves as the delivery port. Three reciprocating drive elements are provided, connected one each to the valves and to the movable portion of the duct wall. Associated with the drive elements is a sequential control means, wherein the control means portion for the drive element connected to the moving portion of the duct wall constitutes an electromagnet arrangement energizable by a periodic supply.

Abstract: Apparatus for optically analyzing a solution comprises a tubular enclosure for containing the solution, which enclosure is rigidly mounted on a rotor so that the longitudinal axis of the enclosure extends radially of the axis of rotation. A radially inner end of the enclosure is open and a radially outer end thereof is closed by a transparent wall to constitute two light-transmitting windows through which a light beam is radially directed when the enclosure passes a predetermined place on its path of movement. A light detector is disposable on the axis of the light beam to detect the light beam after passage through the enclosure.