Abstract: An instruction sequencer for programming parallel operations of functional units in response to an instruction stream is shown. The instruction sequencer includes a random access memory for storing instruction segments which program the operations of the functional units. An instruction address register contains instruction addresses for selected locations in the memory having instruction segments stored therein. A memory address circuit reads out an instruction stream comprising instruction segments from the memory in response to the stored instruction address and stores the same in an instruction buffer register. A rotating network, which is operatively coupled to the instruction buffer register, rotates the instruction stream so as to position a selected instruction segment at a predetermined location in a rotating network.

Abstract: A programmable action sampler system (PASS) is described which holds a large number of discrete samples in a matrix of separate sample cups. The system is capable of dispensing a sample from a sample line into any one of the sample cups. At a pre-determined later time, using a cannula, the system addresses the sample from the cup for further measurement or analysis. In the preferred system, the samples flow sequentially through a tube, the liquid intermediate the samples being dispensed into a liquid waste line. The cannula between samples is bathed constantly in a wash tube, even while moving from one sample location to another. Further, in the preferred application, bacterial samples are employed, the sample cups being immersed in a constant temperature liquid bath to hold the bacterial samples at a constant incubation temperature. Among the various novel features employed in the system is a blade brake structure that accurately locates the sample head and cannula over any selected sample cup.

Abstract: A differential light scattering photometer is disclosed for testing samples of bacteria in suspension. A plurality of cuvettes containing the samples are placed in a cuvette holder or carousel which rotatably places each cuvette in position to interrupt a laser beam. A detector rotates in an arc about each sample to produce output signals representing the scattered light intensity as a function of angular location, relative to the incident laser beam, about the sample. A control differential scattering pattern is produced and compared with test differential scattering patterns derived from test samples having added antibiotics. The patterns are compared by data processing to produce an output punched card indicative of bacterial sensitivity to each antibiotic. The data processor is responsive, through pattern comparison, to various responses of the bacteria, i.e., whether the antibiotic is bactericidal, bacteriostatic or the bacteria actually metabolize the antibiotic.