Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel antiozonant as well as antioxidant based on functionalized hindered phenol and the process for the preparation thereof of formula 1 wherein R1 is tert-butyl and R2 and R3 are C1 to C8 linear or branched alkyl. The present invention also relates to a process for the preparation thereof comprising dissolving a compound of formula 3 wherein R1 is tert-butyl, with liquid bromine in a non polar organic solvent at temperature range 80 to 95° C. for a period of 4 to 7 hours, evaporating the solvent under reduced pressure to obtain a compound of formula 2 wherein R1 is a tertiary butyl group and X is Br, reacting the compound of formula 2 with a compound of formula 4 wherein R2 and R3 are C1 to C8 linear or branched alkyl, dissolved in an organic solvent in presence of a suitable mild base at a temperature ranging from 80 to 95° C.

Abstract: A temperature controlled chamber for an analytical instrument which includes a circular conveyor for transporting assay cartridges, the chamber enclosing the outer peripheral part of the conveyor on which the assay cartridges reside. The temperature controlled chamber has a bottom wall of polymeric material located beneath the conveyor, an outer wall of polymeric material extending upward above the conveyor, a metallic top wall and a metallic inner wall which extends downward to the upper surface of the conveyor. Thermal control, including rapid thermal response to compensate for temperature perturbations induced by periodic introduction of assay cartridges which are at a temperature less than that of the chamber, is accomplished by heating elements located above and below the conveyor. The heating elements are pulsed by an electrical circuit at a rate substantially faster than the rate of introduction of new assay cartridges.

Abstract: There is described an analytical isntrument for the analysis of fluids such as biological fluids. The instrument includes a fluid dispensing system having a pipette for dispensing fluid test samples and test reagents to assay cartridges. An optical detection system provides a light beam which intercepts a downward travel path of the pipette prior to its reaching the dispense position. Measurement of the intensity of the light beam in conjunction with the position of the pipette enables a controller to indicate the presence or absence of a pipette tip. In addition, interception of the light beam by the pipette initiates a final approach sequence for the pipette to the dispense position above an assay cartridge by a predetermined increment of travel.