Abstract: The present invention relates to spectroscopic methods and systems for collecting electromagnetic radiation from an object using a continuously-spinning wavelength-selecting (CSWS) device, e.g., an interference filter(s) or grating. One embodiment of the invention provides a spectroscopic system for collecting electromagnetic radiation from a target. The spectroscopic system has at least one beam of electromagnetic radiation that interacts with the target. The system includes a continuously spinning wavelength-selecting (CSWS) device, e.g., a continuously spinning interference filter/grating driven by a DC motor, in the path of the at least one beam. The device filters the radiation with regard to wavelength to produce filtered radiation. The system further includes at least one detector in the path of the at least one beam for detecting the filtered radiation.

Abstract: Devices, systems, kits, and methods for detecting and/or identifying a plurality of spectrally labeled bodies well-suited for performing multiplexed assays. By spectrally labeling the beads with materials which generate identifiable spectra, a plurality of beads may be identified within the fluid. Reading of the beads is facilitated by restraining the beads in arrays, and/or using a focused laser.

Abstract: In the color imaging system, multiple rendering devices are provided at different nodes along a network. Each rendering device has a color measurement instrument for calibrating the color presented by the rendering device. A rendering device may represent a color display in which a member surrounds the outer periphery of the screen of the display and a color measuring instrument is coupled to the first member. The color measuring instrument includes a sensor spaced from the screen at an angle with respect to the screen for receiving light from an area of the screen. A rendering device may be a printer in which the measuring of color samples on a sheet rendered by the printer is provided by a sensor coupled to a transport mechanism which moves the sensor and sheet relative to each other, where the sensor provides light from the sample to a spectrograph.

Abstract: A test and measurement system to assess performance characteristics of an endoscope or other optically based diagnostic or treatment devices. The performance characteristics can include the photometric characteristics, the imaging characteristics and the physical characteristics of the structural elements including mechanical, pneumatic and fluidic systems. The system comprises software and related devices for calibrating the measurement devices, collecting and controlling measurements, analyzing measurements and comparing them to established performance criteria. The system also analyzes previous measurements and provides analysis and reports to assess trends and plan for replacement or servicing.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method for optical calibration of spectrophotometers is described. The apparatus is a calibration plate including one or more cuvettes filled with solutions of interest. The cuvettes are sealed to prevent evaporation. The cuvettes also possess a compressible component to allow for expansion of the solution and a bubble control apparatus to ensure that the compressible component does not intersect the beam path. A piece of neutral density glass is optionally included in the apparatus to track optical changes of the solutions over time.

Abstract: In order to improve spectral measurement accuracy during high-speed wavelength shifting, the appropriate sensitivity of the detection system is maintained by, prior to measurement of a sample, measuring the voltage value, then storing this value into a table, and maintaining the voltage value to be applied to the photodetector, and during measurement of the sample, reading out the maintained voltage value and applying it to the photodetector.

Abstract: A main unit, a lamp chamber, a graphite furnace analyzing section, a flame analyzing section, and a flame gas controller are sequentially placed from right to left. An autosampler is placed on the top of the lamp chamber. A housing section for a transformer and a power supply unit is provided behind the lamp chamber, the graphite furnace analyzing section, the flame analyzing section, and the flame gas controller. The housing section is used as a space for a power unit used for the whole atomic absorption spectrophotometer, as well as the graphite furnace analyzing section. The housing section is also used as space for a circuit board for controlling the whole atomic absorption photometer. The autosampler has a quadrangular sample tray. The autosampler drives an arm for holding an aspiration needle in the left and right directions and also in up and down directions.

Abstract: A method of verifying the color and tinting strength of a manufactured batch of a semi-transparent wood stain. In accordance with the method, a standard batch of the wood stain is formed and then mixed with a specified amount of a white colorant to form a standard measurement batch. A test sample of the manufactured batch is obtained and is also mixed with a specified amount of the white colorant to form a test measurement sample. Layers of the standard measurement batch and the test measurement sample are formed on the substrates and complete hide obtained. Reflectance measurements of the layers are made using a spectrophotometer. The reflectance measurements are used to determine if the color and the tinting strength of the manufactured batch is within an acceptable deviation range of the color and tinting strength of the standard batch.

Abstract: Method of measuring extent of cure of a coating comprising operating a metal-containing substrate coating operation to provide a coated metal-containing substrate; positioning an investigative apparatus near the coated metal-containing substrate; and operating the investigative apparatus to obtain an extent of cure reading, the reading corresponding to an area on the coated metal-containing substrate.

Abstract: The inventive bioprocessing system (and technique) relies on non-invasive optical chemical sensing technology wherein an optical excitation source excites an optical chemical sensor. The optical chemical sensor then emits luminescence or absorbs light which is measured by a detector. The luminescence emitted from the chemical sensor or the amount of light absorbed by the chemical sensor is related to the concentration of an analyte, such as oxygen. If the luminescence emitted changes, or if the amount of light absorbed changes, then the concentration of the analyte has changed. Using such a system to measure and adjust multiple parameters at one time allows one to efficiently and cost-effectively determine optimal conditions for a given cell type and/or cell environment, for example.

Abstract: A system and method for in vitro analysis of therapeutic agents comprising a reservoir adapted to hold a therapeutic agent, a first flow cell having a first cell chamber adapted to receive at least a first sample of the therapeutic agent, a second flow cell having a second cell chamber adapted to receive at least a second sample of the therapeutic agent, the first flow cell having a first path length (be?) and the second flow cell having a second path length (be?), the first path length being substantially equal to a sensitivity factor (f)×be?, a membrane chamber having a biological cell membrane therein adapted to receive at least a third sample of the therapeutic agent, the membrane chamber being further adapted to detect the membrane potential of the biological cell membrane; and spectroscopic detection means for detecting the spectral characteristics of the first and second therapeutic agent samples.

Abstract: In a spectrophotometer, the following formula is stored in advance as a correction formula of a rotation angle in a correction formula storing portion; ??=?+A•sin (C1•?+?a)+B•sin (C2•?+?b)+?c, wherein C1, C2 represent coefficients theoretically determined in advance by a structure of a reduction mechanism, and A, B, ?a, ?b, ?c are coefficients specific to the reduction device which are calculated based on measurement results of a plurality of bright line spectrums through fittings by a coefficient determining portion. In case a sample is measured actually, when a desired wavelength is set, a rotation angle correcting portion corrects a rotation angle ? corresponding to the desired wavelength to calculate ?? by applying the above-stated correction formula, and then, controls a motor so that a diffraction grid is rotated by the angle ??.

Abstract: A sampling system for performing a spectroscopic analysis on a polymer during its production is described. The system includes a transfer tube capable of transporting the polymer from a production site to a storage site. The tube includes an entry site connected to the production site; and an exit site connected to the storage site. A transparent window is inserted into the wall of the tube, and a door or other barrier is provided to stop the flow of polymer through the tube, so that it accumulates against the window. A spectroscopic device situated outside the tube then takes a reading of the polymer through the window, to perform the desired analysis. Related methods are also described.

Abstract: An external signal detection circuit is installed in a new measuring section, and generation and end timing of a readout signal of a spectrometric detector is directly controlled, and a readout signal in synchronization with an external start signal is generated. After input of measurement standby instructions, the external start signal is monitored anytime. Before detection of the external start signal, the new measuring section is shifted to a pause state and after the detection of the external start signal, transition to a measurement state is made. By this configuration, delay time between input time of the external start signal and readout start time of data is defined and valid measurable time at the time of setting short storage time is increased.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for objectively ascertaining a color match between a selected standard color and the color exhibited by an interference effect pigment during processing thereof and terminating the process upon achieving a match. The invention provides a spectrophotometer attached to a flow cell to monitor the color of a platy effect pigment to monitor pigment color and ascertain completion of the coating reaction process involved in interference pigment production.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method in quality control of a spectrophotometer, comprising the steps of determining with the spectrophotomer a spectrum Am(?) of a fluid QC sample containing a dye, and determining a wavelength shift ?? from C??(?), Am(?), in which C??(?) is a predetermined coefficient vector previously stored in a memory of the spectrophotometer.

Abstract: Atom absorption spectroscopy method generates at least one first beam of monochromatic radiation at a certain wavelength. Radiation is separated into a test beam and a reference beam, and only the test beam is led through a test area. Subsequently, both beams pass through a slot system into a monochromator, and after their spectral breakdown, reach a detector system. In order to improve such atom absorption spectroscopy method in a way that allows the test beam and the reference beam as well as their spectra to be guided close to, or adjacent to one other onto the detector system, and, at the same time enables a simple and easy adaptation of the spectrometer's effective spectral range to a monochromator's characteristics, the test beam and the reference beam thus pass through different slots in the slot system and are projected onto essentially spatially separate areas of the detector system, with their spectra's broken-down.

Abstract: A computer color-matching apparatus includes a colorimeter, a micro-brilliance-feeling measuring device, and a computer in which a plurality of paint blends, color data and micro-brilliance-feeling data corresponding to each of the paint blends, and the color characteristic data and micro-brilliance-feeling characteristic of a plurality of full-color paints are entered. A computer color-matching method for brilliant paints includes measuring the paint film of a reference color by a colorimeter to obtain the color data of the reference color, measuring the paint film of a reference color by a micro-brilliance-feeling measuring device to obtain micro-brilliance-feeling data of the reference color, and comparing the color data and micro-brilliance-feeling data of the reference color with the color data and micro-brilliance-feeling data corresponding to the paint blend previously entered in a computer, and selecting a prospective paint blend.

Abstract: An improved process for making pigment dispersions containing a single pigment that match the tinting strength of a standard dispersion. The process employs a faster and more accurate wet measurement technique for analyzing and matching the dispersions to a standard that utilizes the spectral transmittance of the wet dispersions over the visible spectrum.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed for use with Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) systems that can be applied to the real time analysis of molten materials or liquid. Since it is difficult to prepare a surface representative of the bulk when dealing with high temperature molten material, the invention, in one aspect, uses a forced gas flow through a tube insertable inside the molten material to generate a bubble. The inner surface of the bubble is a representative of the composition of the material. LIBS performed on such a surface produces an accurate real time analysis of material, even when other processing of material, e.g., copper smelting, etc., is being conducted.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical system for determining the distribution, environment, or activity of fluorescently labeled reporter molecules in cells for the purpose of screening large numbers of compounds for specific biological activity. The invention involves providing cells containing fluorescent reporter molecules in an array of locations and scanning numerous cells in each location with a fluorescent microscope, converting the optical information into digital data, and utilizing the digital data to determine the distribution, environment or activity of the fluorescently labeled reporter molecules in the cells. The array of locations may be an industry standard 96 well or 384 well microtiter plate or a microplate which is a microplate having a cells in a micropaterned array of locations. The invention includes apparatus and computerized method for processing, displaying and storing the data.

Abstract: A process of modeling a diffracting structure with normally incident radiation and the radiation diffracted from the structure includes constructing an optical model of the diffracting structure and calculating spectral information for the optical model based on a plurality of diffracted orders using either the positive or negative of each of said plurality of diffracted orders and the zero order. The process may be used to measure a diffracting structure, in which spectral information from a diffraction structure is extracted and compared to the calculated extracted information. The optical model is adjusted and the spectral information recalculated until an adequate fit is found, at which time it is known that the optical model accurately describes the actual diffraction grating. The process may be used with any normally incident metrology device, such as a reflectometer, ellipsometer and scatterometer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-component gas analyzing method using FTIR, which can correct for an influence of a coexistent gas due to an intensity change in the spectrum itself that occurs depending on the base gas composition so that it is possible to carry out, a measurement with high precision. A plurality of components in a sample are quantitatively analyzed based upon an absorption spectrum obtained by FTIR. After having calculated multi-component concentrations from a mixed gas spectrum by using a quantitative algorithm, calculations are further carried out so as to correct for a change in spectrum due to a coexistent gas component with respect to part of target components.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspection of fluids having a fluid analysis cell with a cavity therein enclosed by two light transmitting windows and having a spacer member fixedly positioned therebetween which provides a fluid analysis chamber of fixed pathlength where fluid flows by the windows and preferably wherein the flow laminar and at a uniform shear to provide accurate color measurements. Light transmitting and receiving probes are positioned adjacent to the viewing windows and wherein the faces of each probe are contiguous and flush with the viewing windows but are separated from the flow by the viewing windows, so that transmission measurements can be taken orthogonal to the direction of flow. The apparatus is particularly useful in the manufacture of dispersions and tints used in the manufacture of paints, so that the color of material being made can be accurately matched to a standard color in the wet state with confidence that the color will match in the dry state.

Abstract: A method and system are presented for use in controlling a process of material removal from the surface of a patterned structure, by measuring at least one of residue, erosion, dishing and corrosion effects in the structure induced by this process. The structure is imaged utilizing phase modulation of light reflected from the structure, and a phase map of the structure is thereby obtained. This phase map is analyzed and data indicative of light reflective properties of layer stacks of the structure is utilized to determine a phase difference between light reflected from a selected measured site and at least one reference site spaced-apart from the selected site. The phase difference is thus indicative of the measured effect.

Abstract: A spectral characteristic measuring apparatus is provided with a memory and a CPU. The memory stores a spectral profile output from a sample light sensor array when light from a lamp is received, and a plurality of spectral profiles to be output from the sensor array at each displaced position in the case where a light separator is displaced relative to a grating member of the sensor array at a certain pitch stepwise in a wavelength diffusing direction. The CPU controls the lamp to emit light in a state that a white plate for calibration is disposed as a sample, compares a spectral profile output from the sensor array for correction with each spectral profile stored in the memory, and sets a displacement amount corresponding to the spectral profile that is most approximate to the corrective spectral profile as a wavelength shift correction amount.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for determining characteristics of a sample. The system and method provide for detecting a monitor beam reflected off a mirror, where the monitor beam corresponds to the intensity of light incident upon the sample. The system and method also provide for detecting a measurement beam, where the measurement beam has been reflected off the sample being characterized. Both the monitor beam and the measurement beam are transmitted through the same transmission path, and detected by the same detector. Thus, potential sources of variations between the monitor beam and the measurement beam which are not due to the characteristics of the sample are minimized. Reflectivity information for the sample can be determined by comparing data corresponding to the measurement beam relative to data corresponding the monitor beam.

Abstract: Method, system and computer product for formulating a bi-directional color match. In this disclosure, a computing unit obtains spectral measurements of a target bi-directional color. The computing unit uses a bi-directional color formulation tool determine a combination of pigments, dyes and platelet-shaped pigments that generates spectral measurements that match the spectral measurements of the target bi-directional color.

Abstract: A modular dual-beam source, sample compartment and beam-combining system are provided when used with a monochromator and detector to form a spectrophotometer consisting of: (a) a source module where two ellipsoidal mirrors each produce an image of the light source, and (b) a reflecting sample-compartment module, wherein each side has two plane-mirrors, of the four plane mirrors, three are reference and one is the sample, or (c) a transmission sample-compartment module, wherein each side has two plane-mirrors, and a sample is placed between one pair of plane-mirrors, and (d) a beam-combining module wherein the source images are imaged by a second pair of ellipsoidal mirrors on a reflective chopper that combines the images at a single location that is imaged, external to the module, by another mirror, each module being kinematically located with respect to each other so the system remains optically aligned as modules are interchanged.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspection of fluids, particularly dispersions and tints, having a fluid analysis cell with a cavity therein defining a fluid analysis chamber, fluid inlet and outlets extending from the cavity in opposite directions to enable fluid flow into and out of the analysis chamber, and a light transmitting probe and a light receiving probe extending within the cavity juxtaposed from each other across the flow path in spaced apart relation, with the probes being movable relative to each other, thus providing a fluid analysis chamber having an adjustable pathlength and allowing flow across and around the faces of the probes for pressure relief of the fluid, to provide accurate color measurements. The apparatus is particularly useful in the manufacture of dispersions and tints used in the manufacture of paints, so that the color of material being made can be accurately matched to a standard color in the wet state with confidence that the color will match in the dry state.

Abstract: Described herein is a spectrophotometer having an inlet slit associated to which is at least one electrostatic-film shutter.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing a polymer. The process includes at least one process stream and the process stream has at least one characteristic of interest. The process further includes passing the process stream past a sensor probe connected to a near-IR spectrophotometer and passing light from a light source through the probe and into the spectrometer wherein the light source, spectrometer and sensor probe are connected by a fiber optic cable. The effect of the interaction of the process stream and the light passing through the senor probe is measured and used to define a value for the characteristic of interest. The value for the characteristic of interest is a component of an algorithm and the algorithm is used, in real time, to monitor, control, or monitor and control the process for preparing a polymer.

Abstract: An illumination subsystem for use in optical analysis which provides spatially and angularly homogenized radiation to the sample being analyzed. The system eliminates the illumination system as an interferent in the overall optical analysis. Thus, modest translations or rotations of the illumination source or changing the illumination source does not require recalibration of the instrument or prior modeling of illumination variability due to such changes. Illumination stability is achieved by incorporating a light pipe which both angularly and spatially homogenizes the light. Further, a series of filters and/or lenses are incorporated to provide bandpass filtering which eliminates unwanted wavelengths or bands of wavelengths from contacting the tissue and allows for a higher signal-to-noise ratio when the sample is tissue, while preventing thermal damage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for combining the spectral outputs of multiple light sources to provide a high-efficiency broad-band illuminator for optical metrology is disclosed. The illuminator combines the output radiation from a plurality of broad-band lamps in a novel optical arrangement that creates a virtual source and avoids the use of beam-splitters. Consequently, the illuminator offers increased performance at reduced cost. The illuminator can be optimized and configured for application in a broad class of optical metrology instruments.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for operation of an image-generating optical system for detection of characteristic quantities of the wavelength-dependent behavior of an illuminated specimen, such as the emission behavior and/or absorption behavior and, in particular, the fluorescence and/or luminescence and/or phosphorescence and/or enzyme-active light emission and/or enzyme-active fluorescence, for the operation of a laser scanning microscope, comprising the steps of splitting the image point information of the specimen into spectral components in a spatially resolved manner on the detection side in dependence on wavelength and carrying out at least one summing for different spectral components.

Abstract: A system for the detection of bacteria based on bacteria-antibody complexes. Bacteria attached to antibody are detected with resonance Raman spectroscopy. The bacteria are detected directly in a great numerical excess, e.g. 100 to 10,000 of antibody molecules. A sample to be tested is placed in a medium, the medium containing antibodies attached to a surface for binding to a specific bacteria to form an antigen to antibody complex. The medium is contacted with a beam of light energy. The bacteria, as a lower resonance enhanced Raman backscattered energy, is analyzed for the presence or absence of the bacteria.

Abstract: A spectrophotometer is provided which includes: (i) a Linear Variable Filter, (ii) a linear sensor or a two-dimensional image sensor, and (iii) at least one fiber optic plate that is disposed between the Linear Variable Filter and the linear sensor or two-dimensional image sensor, and that transfers light separated into spectral components and outgoing from the Linear Variable Filter to the linear sensor or two-dimensional image sensor. With this structure, a compact spectrophotometer can be obtained which has an excellent wavelength resolution, accuracy, and light transfer ratio, and which can conduct wavelength spectral measurements at high speed and with high accuracy.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed for measuring at least one desired parameter of a patterned structure having a plurality of features defined by a certain process of its manufacturing, wherein the structure represents a grid having at least one cycle formed of at least two metal-containing regions spaced by substantially transparent regions with respect to incident light defining a waveguide. The method utilizes an optical model on at least some of the features of the structure defined by a certain process of its manufacturing, and is capable of determining theoretical data representative of photometric intensities of light components of different wavelengths specularly reflected from the structure and of calculating said at least one desired parameter of the structure.

Abstract: Disclosed are spectrophotometer systems and methodology for obtaining data of improved precision therefrom, including replacement of data determined to be suspect based on comparison of multiple baselines.

Abstract: A sampling system for performing a spectroscopic analysis on a polymer during its production is described. The system includes a transfer tube capable of transporting the polymer from a production site to a storage site. The tube includes an entry site connected to the production site; and an exit site connected to the storage site. A transparent window is inserted into the wall of the tube, and a door or other barrier is provided to stop the flow of polymer through the tube, so that it accumulates against the window. A spectroscopic device situated outside the tube then takes a reading of the polymer through the window, to perform the desired analysis. Related methods are also described.

Abstract: An external signal detection circuit is installed in a new measuring section, and generation and end timing of a readout signal of a spectrometric detector is directly controlled, and a readout signal in synchronization with an external start signal is generated. After input of measurement standby instructions, the external start signal is monitored anytime. Before detection of the external start signal, the new measuring section is shifted to a pause state and after the detection of the external start signal, transition to a measurement state is made. By this configuration, delay time between input time of the external start signal and readout start time of data is defined and valid measurable time at the time of setting short storage time is increased.

Abstract: A spectrophotometric system includes a zoom lens assembly that is mounted for axial translation relative to an integrating sphere. The zoom lens assembly includes first and second focusing lens mounted to an axially movable lens carrier. The lens carrier is positioned intermediate first and second sets of mirrors for reflecting/directing SCE and SCI beams toward fiber ports. A reference beam is also emitted from the integrating sphere and transmitted to a processor, thereby resulting in simultaneous tri-beam measurements. The disclosed spectrophotometric systems may also include an aperture plate detection assembly and/or a sample holder assembly that incorporates a dampening gas spring. The aperture plate detection system includes a detection disk that may include a plurality of pre-positioned sensors that interact with an activating ridge formed on the aperture plate for identification thereof.

Abstract: A system for calibrating a spectrophotometer includes a spectrophotometer, including a network communication interface, operating in a plurality of modes and producing and implementing diagnostic information. A network communicates with the spectrophotometer via the network communication interface. A remote processor is enabled to communicate with the spectrophotometer directly via the network communication interface. Alternatively, a spectrophotometer having a thin client is disclosed that can operate independently of a local PC.

Abstract: An atomic absorption spectrophotometer including a self reverse type hollow cathode lamp and a photomultiplier tube further includes a preliminary tester for measuring a strength of a signal L when a smaller current is supplied to the hollow cathode lamp and a strength of a signal H when a larger current is supplied while a voltage V applied between a cathode and an anode of the photomultiplier is changed. It also includes an optimal voltage detector for detecting a value V0 of the voltage V at which a super ratio U (which is defined as a ratio of a first ratio L0/H0 to a second ratio L1/H1) is closest to unity under a condition that two values V1 and V0 of the voltage V are arbitrarily chosen so that a ratio H1/H0 or a ratio L1/L0 is a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method of verifying the color and tinting strength of a manufactured batch of a semi-transparent wood stain. In accordance with the method, a standard batch of the wood stain is formed and then mixed with a specified amount of a white colorant to form a standard measurement batch. A test sample of the manufactured batch is obtained and is also mixed with a specified amount of the white colorant to form a test measurement sample. Layers of the standard measurement batch and the test measurement sample are formed on the substrates and complete hide obtained. Reflectance measurements of the layers are made using a spectrophotometer. The reflectance measurements are used to determine if the color and the tinting strength of the manufactured batch is within an acceptable deviation range of the color and tinting strength of the standard batch.

Abstract: At the time of measurement of a sample, before a sample is introduced into a graphite tube, signal voltages which would be detected by a photomultiplier in connection with all programmable combinations of atomizing temperatures of a graphite tube, widths of entrance and exit slits provided in a spectrometer, and wavelengths into which the light is to be decomposed by the diffraction grating are stored in memory beforehand. At the time of measurement of a sample, an amplification factor of the photomultiplier is controlled by a negative high-voltage controller according to measurement requirements, or measurement is performed after an optimum detector signal voltage is set by controlling the amplification factor of the detector signal output from an amplifier.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an atomic absorption spectrophotometer having a small installed area, in which an autosampler can be easily adjusted with a high degree of accuracy, leading to easy maintenance.

Abstract: In a spectrophotometer, a position of a motor corresponding to a 254 nm bright line in the last check is read out from a memory section, and only a low-pressure mercury lamp is lighted up to scan a grating around the 254 nm line position in the last check, so that the 254 nm line position where a 254 nm line is ejected on a cell is detected. The low-pressure mercury lamp is turned off, and after only a D2 lamp is lighted up, the grating is scanned to detect an original position where an original or zero-order light is ejected on the cell and a 656 nm line position where a 656 nm line is ejected on the cell. Then, based on the 254 nm line position and the 656 nm line position which are actually measured, wavelength check is carried out.

Abstract: The present invention is a fully automated modified batch dyeing process that provides a process that reduces water consumption, reduces environmental pollution, and reduces the energy and chemical consumption of the conventional batch dyeing process through efficient reuse of spent dyebath. The invention provides a holding tank which stores the spent dyebath, and an analysis system which allows for the analysis of the dyebath in the holding tank so that the dyebath may be reconstituted and used in the batch dyeing process.

Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next.