Abstract: A computer-controlled fluid manipulation and analysis apparatus for chemical, biochemical and clinical analysis, sample preparation, and microscale chemical and biochemical synthesis, having one or more stream selection hubs with multiple ports through which microliter volumes of multiple fluid streams may be accessed, stacked, mixed and otherwise transferred by two or more cooperant pumping systems in a highly repeatable and fully software programmable manner. The inherent or resulting properties of said fluids may be automatically recorded via one or more appropriate electronic detectors and data recording systems. Systems comprised of two or more hubs exhibit higher properties of a flow network, and allow more than one fluid segment to be processed simultaneously. Bi-directional flow may occur in each inter-hub connection, and a plurality of possible transport routes can exist between hubs. This leads to enhanced flexibility in sequential processing of each fluid segment.

Abstract: In a device for measuring a three-dimensional surface structure, in particular skin folds of a human skin surface (9), comprising a transparent support plate (2) for receiving initially liquid silicone material (3) for a silicone impression of the measurement surface and comprising an analyzing unit for analyzing the surface structure of the impression, it is provided, according to the invention, that the support plate (2) comprises a measurement zone (4) which is held at a given distance from the measurement surface (9), that the silicone material (3) to be introduced into the measurement zone (4) is uniformly colored, and that the support plate (2) comprises at least one drainage channel (10) for excess silicone material (3) leading away from the measurement zone (4). The analysis of the silicone impression is effected via a light intensity measurement of the light absorption of the silicone impression.

Abstract: Superparamagnetic particles are separated from a suspension thereof in a first fluid and re-suspended in the same or another fluid in a container by subjecting them to a first application of a magnetic field to draw the particles to a surface or zone of the container and subsequently re-suspending the particles in the fluid within the container by a second application of a magnetic field. Apparatus is disclosed including a container (1), electromagnets (2,3) for producing the first and second applications of magnetic fields, reagent receptacles (7), and a wash flask (8). A particle counting device may also provided and such apparatus may be used to count cells.

Abstract: An annular frame body of lead is fixed to one surface of a substrate of copper, and a hole is provided in a portion of the substrate corresponding to the center of the frame body. The frame body is fixed to one end of the substrate, while the other end of the substrate is bent toward a side which is opposite to that provided with the frame body for defining an engage portion, so that the substrate engages with a sample holder of an FTIR to be stably mounted thereon. Sample mixture is charged inside the frame body and in the hole of the substrate, and pressurized and shaped with a press.

Abstract: An analyzer for performing automated assay testing. The analyzer includes a storage and conveyor system for conveying cuvettes to an incubation or processing conveyor, a storage and selection system for test sample containers, a storage and selection system for reagent containers, sample and reagent aspirating and dispensing probes, a separation system for separating bound from unbound tracer or labeled reagent, a detection system and date collection/processing system. All of the subunits of the machine are controlled by a central processing unit to coordinate the activity of all of the subunits of the analyzer. The analyzer is specifically suited for performing heterogeneous binding assay protocols, particularly immunoassays.

Abstract: A dried sample processor employs a loader which reads unique identification data from a carrier web, and supplies such data to a computerized controller. The carrier web is then brought to a punch arrangement which punches a specimen sample therefrom and deposits same into a well of a microtiter array. The microtiter array and the wells therein are moved into registration with the punch hole of the punch unit under the control of the computerized controller. The correlated carrier web identification data and the address of the well in the microtiter plate are displayed as graphical information on a computer monitor, and made available to other components of a computerized laboratory.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for rapid detection of explosives residue from the deflagration signature thereof. A property inherent to most explosives is their stickiness, resulting in a strong tendency of explosive particulate to contaminate the environment of a bulk explosive. An apparatus for collection of residue particulate, burning the collected particulate, and measurement of the optical emission produced thereby is described. The present invention can be utilized for real-time screening of personnel, cars, packages, suspected devices, etc., and provides an inexpensive, portable, and noninvasive means for detecting explosives.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the quantitative analysis of sample liquids. A sample is dried and irradiated with visible and/or infrared light. Light that is diffusely or specularly reflected from the sample and sample carrier is detected and analysed. Furthermore the invention concerns a system for carrying out the method according to the invention and a sample carrier having a diffusely or specularly reflecting surface.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for continuous real-time measurement of airborne met, comprising an isokinetic sampler, a sample line, a sampling interface device, a pump, and an inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). A method for measurement of airborne metals by use of such an apparatus is also described, in which the sampling interface device accommodates the high, continuous sample collection flow-rates necessary for isokinetic sampling while at the same time permits sample air to be introduced into the plasma at preferred moderate flow-rates. A method for field standardization of the ICP-AES is also described whereby a relationship between aqueous solutions of metals and their aerosol counterparts is established, thus later allowing the field use of the aqueous metal solutions to simulate a particular range of airborne metal concentrations.

Abstract: A casing-less down hole sampling system for acquiring a subsurface sample for analysis using an inductively coupled plasma system is disclosed. The system includes a probe which is pushed into the formation to be analyzed using a hydraulic ram system. The probe includes a detachable tip member which has a soil point mad a barb, with the soil point aiding the penetration of the earth, and the barb causing the tip member to disengage from the probe and remain in the formation when the probe is pulled up. The probe is forced into the formation to be tested, and then pulled up slightly, to disengage the tip member and expose a column of the subsurface formation to be tested. An instrumentation tube mounted in the probe is then extended outward from the probe to longitudinally extend into the exposed column. A balloon seal mounted on the end of the instrumentation tube allows the bottom of the column to be sealed.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring properties of a slurry which comprises a slurry transporting section (16), means for measuring (14a) at a first inspection site the particle size distribution of a slurry entering the transporting section, means for measuring (14b) at a second inspection site the particle size distribution of slurry leaving the transporting section and means for calculating (13a, 13b) from the particle size distribution measured at the first and second inspection sites a parameter related to the floc strength of the slurry which has passed between the first and second inspection sites.The transporting section may comprise a pipe which includes a flow constriction.The transporting section may be a removable section fitted between a slurry inlet means and an outlet means.The said means for calculating may calculate one or more regression coefficients which define the curve described by the floc mass size equation or the breakage ratio define by the mean floc sizes before and after breakage.

Abstract: In order to maintain product quality control and process control when producing photographic materials, it is necessary to measure droplet size of dispersions or dispersion melts utilized to produce such materials. Known methods of measuring the droplet size require off-line techniques and there is no readily available process control. Described herein is an on-line technique for the measuring of droplet size which provides such process control.

Abstract: In order to quantitatively determine a metal impurity contained in a fluorine-containing polymer directly, and also to improve a detection limit of the metal quantitative determination, there is provided a method for the quantitative determination of a trace amount of a metal impurity contained in a fluorine-containing polymer using a flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometer wherein a predetermined amount of a sample of the polymer containing the metal to be quantitatively determined is incinerated under incineration conditions including an incineration temperature in the range of about 400.degree. to 1200.degree. C. and an incineration period of at least about 100 seconds, and then an absorbance of the incinerated sample as such is measured using the flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometer.

Abstract: A method for analyzing steel which comprises: grinding an analysis area of a steel ingot; sealing the analysis area with a sealing section of a cell for generating fine particles; again grinding the analysis area, while an argon gas is introduced into the cell; irradiating a pulsed laser beam of 10.sup.8 W/cm.sup.2 or more onto the analysis area at an irradiating spot of at least 1 mm.sup.2 to generate the fine particles; moving the irradiating spot; and transferring the generated fine particles by the argon gas to a plasma emission analysis for analysis. A further method for analyzing steel comprises: solidifying a molten steel sample, forming a red-hot sample; putting the sample into a sample holding section of a sample chamber under a purified argon gas atmosphere, the sample holding section having an inner curved surface the same as a curved surface of the sample; irradiating a pulsed laser onto the sample to remove a sample surface layer of 25 .mu.

Abstract: A powder sample forming apparatus includes: a guide table horizontally secured on a mounting table; an upper fixed board which is fixed to the guide table and arranged in parallel with the guide table with a certain distance apart above the guide table and has a transparent plate for metering in its approximate center; a slide block having a through-hole for holding a sample in its one end and disposed between the guide table and the upper fixed board so as to move back and forth within a sliding distance longer than the length of the upper fixed board; and a sample pressing device which is disposed under the guide table in a position of the transparent plate and presses a sample from the underside of the transparent plate.

Abstract: The invention provides a nebulizer and spray chamber (3) for producing an aerosol (7) suitable for feeding into the plasma torch of an ICP or MIP emission or mass spectrometer. The aerosol (7) is subjected to rapid radiative heating (26) to evaporate the smaller droplets to dryness and preferably to cause the larger droplets to disintegrate into smaller droplets before they are completely evaporated. Nebulizer/spray chamber combinations according to the invention have higher sample transport efficiency than prior types. Optical and mass ICP and MIP spectrometers incorporating the nebulizer and spray chamber are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a spectrophotometer, each of a plurality of source optical fibers is selectively receptive of source radiation and carries the radiation to a corresponding selected liquid sample cell. A corresponding return optical fiber returns transmitted radiation from the sample to a polychromator. For selecting a sample, a switching member holds exposed ends of the optical fibers on a circle coaxial with an axle for rotating to selected positions. Respective optical trains in the instrument direct radiation into and out of the selected pair of fibers. The diameter of a source aperture, the spacing of the aperture from the radiation source, and the source area define a source etendue. The optical fibers have a fiber etendue substantially the same as the source etendue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting impurities in raw pulp slurry at high precision using samples on-line. The pulp slurry is passed through a flat mesh wire to accumulate pulp fiber on the wire surface and prepare a wet mat, after which the surface of the wet mat is detected by a CCD camera in a catoptric system while pressed against a flat transparent plate, and the image is processed to measure the area of impurities per unit area of the wet mat.

Abstract: A sample holder for use in infrared spectrophotometric analysis. The holder comprises a microporous sheet and is particularly useful for analysis of solutions, colloids, small particle solids, flowable solids, solvents, and viscous fluids. The microporous sheet preferably has a low absorbance (high spectral transmittance) in infrared wavelengths. The sample holder is especially useful for the analysis of aqueous based samples. Also, a method for using such sample holders for infrared spectrophotometric analysis.

Abstract: A method for analyzing solid sample comprises the steps of: introducing an inert carrier gas into a cell; a preliminary treatment step of irradiating laser beam to a sample surface of the solid sample in the inert carrier gas, the laser beam having a pulse half width of 0.001 .mu.sec or more, a pulse energy density of 0.001 GW/cm.sup.2 or more, and a frequency of 100 Hz or more; generating fine particles in the inert carrier gas on a condition that a rate of fine particles generation, V (.mu.g/sec), and selection ratio, S, satisfy the following equations, the selection ratio being a retio of a concentration of a target element for analysis within the fine particles to a concentration of the target element for analysis within the solid sample;S.ltoreq.0.25 log V+1.5,S.gtoreq.-0.2 log V+0.6,0.1.ltoreq.V.ltoreq.100intoducing the generated fine particles to a detector.

Abstract: A spark sampling microparticle generator device and method providing means to first ionize a gap and then to switch a stabilized and controllable current into and out of said ionized gap to provide extremely high, selectable current density in a sample material in said gap with very fast rise and fall times to ablate said material to form microparticles. A plurality of identical modular circuits containing high frequency power transistors are selectably switchably connected in parallel simultaneously to the gap to achieve current densities which are higher than achievable with a single transistor, thereby obtaining the benefits of the high frequency response without being limited by the current limitations of the available transistors.

Abstract: A method for determining the quality of dispersion of glass fibers in a thermoplastic resin preform layer compares the mean characteristic length of the glass fiber bundles in the preform layer to a predetermined value indicative of dispersion of the glass fibers. The thermoplastic resin preform layer characterized by this method comprises a plurality of individual glass fibers and some degree of undispersed glass fiber bundles intimately mixed with a plurality of discrete thermoplastic fibers. The glass fibers are introduced to the mixture having a length of about 1 cm. to about 8 cm. After mixing, some of the glass fiber bundles break up, and some residual glass fiber bundles remain. A preform layer which has acceptable dispersion has residual glass fiber bundles having a mean apparent length of less about 1.365 mm.

Abstract: A particle-size distribution measuring apparatus and method is provided for suspending a sample containing particles in a fluid and introducing the suspended particles into a sample cell. The sample cell is illuminated with light from a laser source and the diffracted light from the particles is measured by an optical detector array. A computer circuit is capable of computing a plurality of graphs of particle-size distribution in repetitive measurement over a predetermined time period. A video display discloses the plurality of graphs in a juxtapositioned arrangement or stacked arrangement to enable the observer to distinguish between any variations in adjacent graphs.

Abstract: A reagent for measuring immature leukocytes which comprises: (1) a polyoxyethylene-based nonionic surfactant having the general formula (I) in a sufficient amount capable of fixing cytoplasms and cell membranes of immature leukocytes:R.sub.1 --R.sub.2 --(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O ).sub.n --H (I)where R.sub.1 is an alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl group having 10 to 25 carbon atoms; R.sub.2 is --O--, --(C.sub.6 H.sub.4)--O-- or --COO--; and n is an integer of 10 to 40, (2) a solubilizing agent in a sufficient amount capable of damaging cell membranes of blood cells other than immature leukocytes and shrinking them, (3) an amino acid in a sufficient amount capable of stabilizing cytoplasm and cell membrane of immature leukocytes, and (4) an aqueous medium, which adjusts pH value in the range of 5.0 to 9.0, osmolarity in the range of 150 to 600 mOsm/kg and electric conductivity in the range of 6.0 to 9.0 mS/cm, respectively.

Abstract: Spectrometric analysis for determining the elemental concentration of various wear metals, contaminants and additives present in a fluid sample for condition monitoring and preventive maintenance. RDE spectroscopy method and apparatus includes use of rotrode disk as a filter which captures large particles of the surface of the disk, which particles are then subjected to RDE spectroscopy for evaluation. In one method, the rotrode with the captured large-particle filtrate is subjected to a solvent wash, and the washed sample is then submitted to RDE spectroscopy to obtain a highly accurate multi-elemental determination of concentration of large particles. In another method, conventional RDE spectroscopy is used to characterize the small particles in a used oil sample, and this is combined with the obtained large particle data for highly accurate multi-elemental determination of concentration of wear debris, contaminants and additives in the fluid sample.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting and mapping defects in the surfaces of polycrystalline materials in a manner that distinguishes dislocation pits from grain boundaries includes a laser for illuminating a wide spot on the surface of the material, a light integrating sphere with apertures for capturing light scattered by etched dislocation pits in an intermediate range away from specular reflection while allowing light scattered by etched grain boundaries in a near range from specular reflection to pass through, and optical detection devices for detecting and measuring intensities of the respective intermediate scattered light and near specular scattered light. A center blocking aperture or filter can be used to screen out specular reflected light, which would be reflected by nondefect portions of the polycrystalline material surface.

Abstract: A probe for real-time in-situ monitoring for hot gas contaminants, such as alkali, uses the detection principles of condensation/vaporization temperatures or corrosion rates with electrical/optical measurements.

Abstract: A control system for providing a drive signal to an ultrasonic transducer and for controlling the tip motion of the ultrasonic transducer wherein the transducer tip is disposed in a hemolyzing chamber. The control system includes a sensor for sensing the motion of the transducer tip and a feedback circuit coupled between the sensor and the transducer where the feedback circuit provides a feedback signal to control the motion of the transducer tip.

Abstract: A process for shading paint to match the color of a standard color paint which process involves the use of transparent film to optically simulate the effect of reading color through the conventional clearcoat layer, which eliminates the steps of cooling, spraying, flashing and baking the clearcoat with each iteration of test panels, with resultant significant decrease in process time.

Abstract: In the elemental analysis of an analyte present in a sample by optical or mass spectrometry, a nebulizer sprays the liquid sample into a chamber which has a wall transparent to infra-red radiation. Infra-red radiation from a heater external to the chamber is focused on to the droplets of sample as they emerge from the nebulizer, disrupting the droplets into smaller ones and evaporating solvent from them as they pass through the chamber. The thus desolvated sample stream is delivered into a plasma and the reaction accuracy within the plasma is qualified by the spectrometer.

Abstract: A biochemistry analyzer includes, an attenuated total reflection prism, a sample cell disposed on a surface of the prism, a sample supplier, a device for disposing more objective molecules in the liquid sample to a near portion of the sample which is near the surface of the prism, an infrared light source for generating an infrared light which is transmitted to the attenuated total reflection prism, a detector for detecting the infrared light which is reflected from the prism after the far portion of the sample is solidified, and a computer for calculating signals from the detector. As the objective molecules are gathered near the prism, accuracy of the biochemistry analyzer becomes higher.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for analyzing irregular-shaped chunked silicon for low-level contaminates. The method comprises selecting a zonable-chunk of silicon and float-zoning the chunk of silicon to effect a distribution of surface contaminates into the bulk of a monocrystal of silicon. The float-zoned monocrystalline silicon is then processed into a wafer suitable for analysis for low-level contaminates.

Abstract: A methods for gauging the solderability of printed circuit boards or printed wiring boards using differential reflectometry techniques. The method facilitates the determination of solderability properties of a substrate in a non-destructive manner.

Abstract: Apparatus for optical inspection of particulate material such as diamond abrasive comprises a body (1), an open sample container (25) which can rise and fall in the body, a reference member (71) above the container, mounted in a removable compaction head (9) of which the height relative to the body is fixed, and an optical inspection head (11) mountable on the body in place of composition head. The container is raised into contact with the reference member so that the surface of the sample is levelled and placed at a predetermined height. The compaction head is then removed and replaced by the optical inspection head. Consequently, the sample surface is always presented to the optical inspection head in a predetermined relationship and in particular at a predetermined height.

Abstract: A package inspecting apparatus comprising a yarn end processing section for exerting suction air on the surfaces of packages while rotating trays on a running passage for trays on which packages are fitted, a package inspecting section in which a plurality of optical type package winding-form inspecting devices are received in a dark room, and a weighing section provided with a weight measuring unit, said sections being arranged in series in said order and integrated.

Abstract: A method of setting up a flow cytometer using microbeads fluorescing at a plurality of wavelengths, control cells for each of said wavelengths, certified blank microbeads. The blank microbeads are run and the PMT voltages are adjusted so that the blank microbeads are on scale on the flow cytometer. The control cells are run and the photomultiplier tube voltages are adjusted so that the single population falls in selected channels. The fluorescent microbeads are run on the flow cytometer and the Target Channels for the flow cytometer are determined.

Abstract: An inspecting apparatus is provided by which a cross section of a semiconductor device to be inspected can be easily obtained. The inspection apparatus includes a first microscope for specifying a portion where the inspection of a cross section is to be effected, a rotary grinder for grinding the portion specified by the first microscope, a second microscope for monitoring the portion ground by the rotary grinder, and a stage for fixing the semiconductor device movable relative to the first and second microscopes and the rotary grinder.

Abstract: An apparatus that provides controlled volumetric delivery of particulate material, particularly for delivery of a particulate sample for analysis. The apparatus includes a sample receiving tubular member that is vibrated or rotated relative to the sample container to agitate and fluidize a surface portion of the sample placed in an elongated container. A transporting gas carries the fluidized sample from the container through the tubular member. Sample delivery rate is controlled by a traversing mechanism that gradually inserts the moving tubular member into the upper fluidized portion of the sample. The apparatus allows total delivery of a known mass of a particulate sample at a predetermined delivery rate.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and analyzing impurities in a liquid by analyzing the non-volatile residue of droplets of the liquid includes a droplet generator for generating a stream of droplets of the liquid, a droplet inspection unit, a drop-on-demand unit for removing selected droplets from the stream of droplets, a heat exchanger for drying the droplets to provide non-volatile residue particles, and a particle size measurement unit. The droplet inspection unit determines the diameters of the droplets. A feedback arrangement from the droplet inspection unit controls droplet diameter by varying the droplet generation rate. The drop-on-demand unit removes a selected fraction of droplets from the droplet stream so as to reduce vapor loading in the heat exchanger and prevent agglomeration of droplets. The heat exchanger includes a first section for gradually increasing the temperature of the stream of droplets and a second section for maintaining the stream of droplets at the boiling temperature of the liquid.

Abstract: The particle counting apparatus is intended to count the number of particles such as blood corpuscles, by passing through a minute aperture, and detecting the particles electrically. In this particle counting apparatus, the liquid specimen is passed into the minute aperture at a specific flow rate by means of a liquid specimen discharge device, and the particles are counted preliminarily, and the dilution proportion of the liquid specimen is determined when the value of this preceding counting is over a specific value. According to this dilution proportion, the liquid specimen discharge device and diluent discharge device discharge so that the flow rates may be as specified, and the mixture is passed through the minute aperture for main counting. In this way, if there are many particles, simultaneous passes do not occur in the detecting region.

Abstract: The susceptibility of austenitic stainless steel is tested by inputting a highly magnified image of the polished and etched steel surface through a microscope, a CCD camera and an input device into an image processor. The image processor is set up to identify grain boundary locations in the image, take width measurements across the grain boundaries, based on luminance distribution, and calculate average and maximum values for the measured widths. These calculated measured values are compared with experimentally-determined reference values -1 to 1.5 .mu.m for mean width and 2 to 3 .mu.m for maximum width - and a susceptibility status determined accordingly. The status can then be output using a display e.g. screen or printer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of measuring a concentration of a substance in an enzyme immuno assay system comprised of two optical detectors and a method of calibrating the same. A calibration curve is prepared by the use of the standard samples having known concentrations to be memorized, the standard samples being measured by the two optical detectors, conversion values of outputs from two optical detectors being determined from the resulting measured values, and the calibration curve being corrected on the basis of the conversion values of outputs to establish a new one-piece continuous calibration curve.

Abstract: A chemiluminescent detector is formed on a single crystal silicon substrate. A reaction unit is formed on and integral with a substrate. The reaction unit is for mixing a test sample with a chemiluminescent reagent and is formed on the substrate by anisotropic etching. The reaction unit includes a plurality of through-holes interconnected with grooves formed in the substrate. A detection unit, including a silicon photodetector, is also formed on and integral with the substrate and detects chemiluminescent light generated by a chemiluminescent reaction between the test sample and the chemiluminescent reagent. Introducing ports introduce the test sample and the chemiluminescent reagent into the reaction unit. A pair of glass plates sandwich the substrate.

Abstract: A method for flow injection analysis of total inorganic phosphate contained in an aqueous system such as a cooling tower or boiler is described which uses a reducing agent and preservative composition therefore as the carrier for the sample to be analyzed, thereby creating a facile process which permits conversion of the various polyphosphates to orthophosphate and development of the molybdenum blue complex color reaction at 60.degree.-95.degree. C. and under 2-10 psi. This method has less stringent pressure and temperature requirements than those employed heretofore, thus permitting the use of more reliable and economic devices for measuring total inorganic phosphate in the field.

Abstract: The elemental composition of a material exposed to hot gasses and subjected to wear is determined. Atoms of an elemental species not appearing in this material are implanted in a surface at a depth based on the maximum allowable wear. The exhaust gasses are spectroscopically monitored to determine the exposure of these atoms when the maximum allowable wear is reached.

Abstract: Cellular analysis in accordance with the invention involves staining cellular material with a thionin stain to distinguish the nuclear portion from the cytoplasm, counterstaining, illuminating the thionin-stained cellular material with energy in the infrared spectrum, and imaging the stained cellular material. The analysis can be automated or manual.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing the glucose level in a blood sample is provided. The method includes the step of initially filtering a sample of blood to be tested. A beam of light is provided and split into a pair of beams by a beam splitter. The pair of beams travel along generally parallel paths. One path contains a cell of a known optical pathlength and additionally a compensator. The other path has a cell containing the filtered blood sample to be tested. The pair of beams are then recombined by a mirror and a fringe pattern is detected at a detector. From the fringe pattern, the refractive index of the blood sample can be calculated. The refractive index is easily converted to a specific glucose concentration. Alternatively, the original fringe pattern can be restored by changing the effect of the compensator. The refractive index can then be found from the required compensation.

Abstract: A method of detecting and analyzing impurities wherein a substrate is cleaned by heating it under vacuum, a liquid sample is dropped on a surface of the substrate under vacuum which vacuum is less than that of the previous step, the liquid sample which has thus been dropped on the substrate is dried by reducing the pressure of the atmosphere surrounding the substrate, and impurities contained in the liquid sample are detected and analyzed by examining the surface of the substrate. Thus, this method is adapted to minimize the risk of any foreign matter becoming mixed with the sample liquid, to thus ensure a high level of precision in the detection and analysis of impurities.

Abstract: A system for volumetric digitization of three dimensional objects including apparatus for filling any cavities in a three dimensional object and volumes on the outside of the object with a generally opaque support material and solidifying the support material to a solid block having generally uniform hardness before digitizing is undertaken, apparatus for digitizing a first exposed surface of the object, apparatus operative following digitizing of the first exposed surface for removing a layer of predetermined thickness of the object to expose a second exposed surface and apparatus operative to digitize the second exposed surface of the object.

Abstract: An automatic scanning and control apparatus determines the location of a predetermined segment of an image field being scanned. The predetermined segment presents an image which is optically differentiatable from the surrounding area of the image field. The apparatus includes a beam device for selectively scanning the image field and producing an output signal thereof. The beam device includes means for modulating the output signal in accordance with variations in the image field. The predetermined segment of the image field causes modulation of the output signal of the beam device by providing an inflection therein when the beam scans across the segment. An analyzing circuit is adapted to accept the output signal from the beam device. Means generate a locating signal in predetermined time relation to the scanning. Comparator means compare the inflection in the output signal with the locating signal so that the location of the predetermimed segment of the image field can be determined.