Abstract: A cell for mixing operations and for optical examinations of liquids has a measuring region which has a small cubic capacity and a relatively large height. In a horizontal cross-section that measuring region has curved transitional wall portions between parallel end wall portions for receiving incident radiation and side walls. In the measuring region, the side walls have inwardly curved portions, which protrude inwardly to such an extent that in a transverse sectional view a tangent to the apex of each inwardly curved portion intersects the parallel end wall portions at an edge thereof or at a point which is inwardly spaced from said edge so that a double-tapered beam of measuring radiation will be closely approached by the inwardly curved side wall portion. At least one side wall portion may constitute a positive lens.

Abstract: Blood constituents such as red cells, white cells, and platelets are centrifuged into layers in a capillary tube and the true extent of one or more of the layers is measured photometrically. Each layer to be measured is optically scanned by a sequence of scanning operations with the actual extent of each layer traverse being recorded in a computer. After each layer has been completely circumferentially scanned and each traverse recorded, the computer determines the true average axial dimension for each layer and computes, through prior input, the actual constituent count for each constituent layer.

Abstract: A process and a device for the centrifugal control and mixing of a limited volumes of fluid, especially in the rotor of a centrifugal analyzer, has at least one baffle chamber, in a flow canal for the fluid the volume of which is greater than the volume of fluid. It is so shaped that, when the device is rotated at a sufficiently high first speed of rotation, the fluid remains in it. An outlet canal is connected to the baffle chamber the fluid. At least a part thereof lies closer to the axis of rotation than the fluid surface during the rotation with the first speed of rotation. The walls of the outlet canal consist of a material which is wettable by the fluid and, in combination therewith, have cross-section which forces the fluid out of the baffle chamber; by boundary surface force when the device is rotated at a second, slower speed.

Abstract: A chemical analysis system for analyzing a plurality of independent specimens that have time varying characteristics includes a circumferential array of analysis regions that hold the specimens. The analytical regions are sequentially and repetitively sensed and resulting analysis signals corresponding to monitored specimen characteristics are stored in corresponding memory locations. A signal transmission channel connected between the sensor and the memory includes a signal storage capacitor and variable slew rate circuitry.

Abstract: Liquid phase counter for a partly liquid, transparent mixture. This counter comprises at least one cell containing a transparent liquid mixture, means for homogenizing a mixture, means for the optical measurement of the transparency of the mixture, means for displacing the said means parallel to the cell, means for positioning said means to the right of a cell and an electronic control and processing means determining the number of phases of a mixture as a function of the signal supplied by the optical measuring means.Application to the formation of the phase diagram of a partly liquid, transparent mixture.

Abstract: A method for inspecting transparent or semitransparent, liquid-filled containers as to whether or not the liquid in each of the container contains foreign matters. The inspection is carried out by passing the container in front of a television camera while the liquid in each container undergoes a spiral motion as it passes through an inspection region, and processing video signals generated from the television camera by the use of a unique controlling circuit. With this controlling circuit, distinction can be made between signals indicative of the presence of foreign matters in the liquid and that indicative of the presence of external flaws on the container.

Abstract: A method of detecting foreign matters mixed in a liquid filled in a transparent receptacle, which comprises bringing said receptacle to a sudden stop after rotating it at high speed, subjecting the receptacle to light by means of a projector disposed outside the receptacle to thereby expose foreign matters floating in the liquid contained in the receptacle to rays of light, making the ray-receiving surface of a ray receiver disposed on the opposite side of the projector relative to the receptacle receive the flux of light passing through the receptacle by way of light-focusing glass fibers provided for the ray receiver, and detecting foreign matters mixed in the liquid on the basis of the decrease or increase in the amount of rays received.

Abstract: The conditioning device has a receptacle (5) which communicates with n calibrated analysis cells (10 to 19) in which the analysis reagents are placed the liquid to be analyzed being conveyed from the receptacle (5) towards the cells (10 to 19) by centrifuging. The device is in the form of a strip unit (1); the analysis cells (10 to 19) are preceded by tanks (20 to 29) of slightly larger volume, the cells (10 to 19) communicating with the tanks (20 to 29) via capillary orifices (30 to 39). At the time of centrifuging, the tanks are filled successively. The device is compact but allows a large number of analyses to be made rapidly.

Abstract: In a method and device for bringing a liquid sample successively into contact with a number of reagents, contact with the reagents is effected in a series of cells. These cells communicate with one another and are carried by a rotor, transfer of the liquid sample from one cell to another being effected by rotating the rotor. The direction of rotation of the rotor is reversed after each transfer operation. The number of cells constituting the series is at least equal to the number of reagents. The reagents are placed in the cells beforehand.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the measurement of properties of a liquid present in a vessel (2), for example for the measurement of the absorbance of a liquid, of the properties of an agglutination, precipitate (4) or any other reaction result placed on the bottom of a vessel, by means of radiation and of a detector (3) receiving radiation while the vessel moves along with a rotor revolving around the vertical axis (15) of a centrifuge. Thereby the beam of measurement (5) coming from the source of radiation (1) passes substantially horizontally and the intensity of the radiation passing through, or reflected from, the contents of the vessel is measured.

Abstract: A chemical analysis system for analyzing a plurality of independent specimens that have time varying characteristics includes a circumferential array of analysis regions that hold the specimens. The analytical regions are sequentially and repetitively sensed and resulting analysis signals corresponding to monitored specimen characteristics are stored in corresponding memory locations. A signal transmission channel connected between the sensor and the memory includes a signal storage capacitor and variable slew rate circuitry.

Abstract: The apparatus for detecting foreign particles in a liquid, includes a radiation source for irradiating the inspected zone of the liquid, and a television camera including a projecting system for projecting the image of the inspected zone of the liquid on the target of a pickup tube. The projecting system comprises a means for superposing the images of different areas of the inspected zone of the liquid.

Abstract: A cuvette array comprised of a boat-carrying planar disk with a plurality of boat members affixed to the disk in an annular array on one side of the disk, each boat member having a reagent supply section and a sample section, the disk having a first annular array of cuvette position identifying means and a second annular array of reagent/sample access apertures and instrument-transparent sections of the disk coinciding with portions of the cuvette sections of the boats affixed thereto.

Abstract: An improved analytical cuvette assembly includes structure defining a first chamber region that has a loading port through which a first reaction component is introduced for storage, structure defining a second chamber region having a loading port through which a second reaction component is introduced for storage, and barrier structure between the first and second chamber regions that has a crest portion that defines the lower edge of a transfer passage between the two chamber regions. The second chamber region includes an analysis region where the reaction product resulting from mixture of the two reaction components is subjected to analysis.

Abstract: Photometric analysis apparatus having a cylindrical glass sample container which is rotated about its axis during optical measurement of sample in the container. Rotation of the 5 container window areas past an optical detector compensates for optical variations and imperfections in the container wall which would otherwise render the measured photometric signal sensitive to each particular rotational orientation of the container.

Abstract: A test value corresponding to blood subsidence from a syllectogram is determined as a result of the effect of shearing forces on a blood sample, by ascertaining the slope of the test curve representing the syllectogram at a predetermined time beginning with or after the onset of the blood aggregation phase as the test value after:(a) sudden stoppage of the shearing; or(b) a transition to a continuous minor residual shearing.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for optically assaying a liquid sample which comprises placing the liquid sample in a cell for optical measurement equipped with a stirrer having a thick polygonal prism portion made of a transparent material, said polygonal prism portion of the stirrer being positioned within the path of light used for the measurement, and measuring an optical property of the sample with stirring by rotation of the stirrer.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting foreign matters in liquids by irradiating light to a transparent container in which foreign matters are suspended and swirled together with the content liquid, and by measuring the change of transmitted light by individual units of a group of small light receivers. The change of transmitted light due to the displacement of the liquid surface is detected by the small light receivers, and the detection signals are taken up as DC components. In contrast, the change of transmitted light due to moving foreign matters is detected by the small light receivers, and the detection signals are taken up as AC components by means of capacitors. When the detection signal of the liquid surface is lower than the preset standard value, the small light receiver corresponding to the liquid surface is inhibited to issue an output, regardless of detection of foreign matters.

Abstract: A displaceable combination of a sample solution cell and a one-piece plastic stirrer is provided for spectrophotometry. The cell has an opening at one end through which the stirrer is inserted and arranged for reciprocation in the cell by engagement of a portion outside the cell. The stirrer is also arranged to sit in the cell during passage of radiation therethrough upon spectrophotographic measurement of the sample.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting foreign matters in liquids comprising the steps of turning at a high speed a transparent container filled with a liquid, bringing the container to a standstill quickly permitting suspended foreign matters to swirl with the liquid, illuminating the liquid and foreign matters causing the transmitted light to be received by a light detector consisting of a multiplicity of small light sensitive elements measuring 0.01 mm.sup.2 -1 mm.sup.2 and capable of providing output signals proportional to the projected area of foreign matters, and rejecting defective containers that give output signals exceeding the reference value. The small light sensitive elements are connected to the detection visual field selector circuits so that the detection visual field can be changed by selecting a proper number of the small light sensitive elements to be employed according to the size of object to be detected.

Abstract: Monochromatic excitation light penetrates an indicator in an indicator sp. The indicator space is closed off at the side to be brought into contact with the substance to be analyzed by means of a membrane permeable for the component of the substance whose concentration is to be ascertained. The side of the indicator space facing the light-measuring unit of the device is radiation-transmissive. The indicator is set into motion during the measurement operation. Alternatively, the substance to be analyzed, on the other side of the permeable membrane, is set into convective motion during the measurement operation. As a further alternative, both the indicator and the substance to be analyzed are set into motion in mutually perpendicular directions, which however are both parallel to the permeable membrane.

Abstract: A liquid agitation apparatus comprises a transparent reaction vessel for containing a reaction solution to be examined, a holder for holding the reaction vessel, and a rotary solenoid for imparting a mechanical vibration to the holder. The mechanical vibration from the rotary solenoid is effective to agitate the reaction solution automatically.

Abstract: A container for collecting and processing fluid specimens for analysis includes an elongated tubular member defining an opening. A collection plate is removably secured in sealing engagement around the periphery of the opening. The container is adapted for insertion into a centrifuge cup for centrifugation and deposition of sediment upon the collection plate.

Abstract: The device for conditioning a sample of liquid for medical analysis which comprises a plurality of calibrated peripheral cells connected to a central receptacle by way of ducts including an air inlet orifice for conveying the sample from the receptacle to the cell and to completely fill the cell by centrifugal action and employing an air escape orifice in each cell within a wall closer to the axis of rotation than that wall bearing the inlet orifice, carries a filter disposed between the central receptacle and the calibrated peripheral cell for prevention of solid particles in suspension from passing with the sample liquid from the central receptacle to the calibrated peripheral cells.

Abstract: A high density liquid is used to simultaneously transfer a liquid sample and a liquid reagent from antechambers formed in a centrifuge rotor to a transmissive measurement chamber formed in a radially outer region of the same rotor. The antechambers for the sample and the reagent and a reservoir chamber for the high density liquid are all elongated radially of the rotor and in fluidic connection through the radially outermost ends of the respective chambers. First the high density liquid is introduced into the antechambers so as to occupy a radially outer portion of each chamber, and then the sample and the reagent are introduced into the respective antechambers through their radially innermost ends. Thereafter the sample and the reagent are forced to flow out of the respective antechambers to enter the measurement chamber by additionally introducing the high density liquid into the reservoir chamber while the rotor is rotating.

Abstract: A mixing cuvette for mixing different substances introduced therein by high speed rotary mixing, the cuvette being of a relatively small capacity but defining a great filling height. The cuvette body is elongated and encloses an internal cavity defined in its upper portion by a peripheral side wall that merges into a polygonal multi-surface lower portion. This cavity is open at the top and closed at its bottom. The lower portion includes a measuring region with a pair of opposite planar parallel surfaces through which may be directed a photometric measuring beam.

Abstract: Valid signals from a cell in a centrifuge rotor are distinguished from extraneous signals by passing the signals through circuits which compare the amplitude and duration of the signal with the minimum expected values for those signals. Signals having the desired amplitude and duration are passed to the appropriate recorder which can be selected by a switching mechanism actuated by a circuit triggered at the release of the signal from the duration comparison circuit. The duration comparison circuit counts signals emitted from the rotor as it rotates and hence will operate over a wide range of speeds of rotation.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting glass fragments within closed filled jars on a production line. A plurality of jars is conveyed in serial fashion past an inspection station. Prior to arrival at the inspection station the jars are tilted by an acute angle of approximately 45.degree. to define a lowermost portion of the jar bottom into which glass fragments and the like settle. A light source illuminates this lowermost portion at the inspection station, and a television camera is precisely focused on the lowermost portion. The camera relays a signal for producing a magnified image on a monitor so that an operator can divert jars containing foreign matter out of the line.

Abstract: A method of measurement for analytical ultracentrifuges with a multi-cell rotor and with simultaneous measurement of several cells, in which light pulses of constant energy are passed, independently of the rotor speed, through individual selectable measuring cells in the entire speed range and in which these light pulses can be provided either by a controlled laser beam or a controlled Kerr cell or a controlled gas discharge lamp.

Abstract: A method for the measurement of the aggregation rate of particles suspended in a liquid, particularly of red blood corpuscles in the blood by measuring the intensity of a light beam impinging on the blood sample and leaving the sample again, wherein said blood sample is arranged in a disc cuvette in the horizontal beam path of a light source and is subjected to a shear movement during the course of the measurement of the light beam leaving the sample, and an apparatus for carrying out this measurement.

Abstract: The specification describes an interference optical measuring or sensing device, comprising a light source, a beam splitter, two component light paths and a radiation sensor for a multiple hole centrifuge rotor. When the rotor is in motion sample cells and the counter-weight move successively through the component light paths and at a particular position have both light paths extending through them. There is furthermore an arrangement for producing a position signal indicating that a selected hole is in a certain position in which it has both component light paths extending through it. A control arrangement ensures that the measuring device is activated briefly in the predetermined position of the selected hole. The light source continuously supplies light between the periods of activation of the measuring device.

Abstract: An inspection system for detecting excessive particulate matter in serially presented liquid filled vials. Vials are advanced by an in-feed star wheel, a rotating vial deck and an out-feed star wheel having the same number of vial locations and vial orbit speed. Along the vial deck orbit, each vial is successively clamped to a rotatable puck, spun momentarily to swirl the liquid therein, inspected for particulate content, and unclamped. Further rotating decks carry circumferentially arranged television cameras and light sources, respectively. Each camera looks radially inward, axially through an orbiting periscope and then radially outward to inspect a vial. Light from each light source passes radially inward and then axially to bottom light its vial. A separation unit enhances the camera video portion corresponding to swirling particles in the vial.

Abstract: The characteristics of detecting and screening foreign matters that might be present in samples (e.g., ampoules containing a medical fluid) are improved by subjecting samples to more than two foreign matter detectors consecutively, applying the output signals from the detectors to paired comparators in which the comparing reference voltage is set to a high level and a low level, with the detectors being connected to the signal delay circuits that adjust with one another the output time of signals from the comparators, applying all the output signals from the comparators of the high level to an AND circuit and applying all the output signals from the comparators of low level to an OR circuit and further applying the output signals from the AND circuit and the output signals from the OR circuit to another OR circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the linear extent and hence the concentration of several constituent blood cell types which are contained in the buffy coat of a centrifuged sample of anticoagulated blood.

Abstract: The invention relates to the conditioning of a sample of a liquid for medical analysis. The conditioning device according to the invention, comprises a plurality of calibrated peripheral cells connected to a central receptacle and includes, for each cell, ducts including an air inlet orifice for conveying the sample from the receptacle to said cell to completely fill the cell by centrifuging and an air escape orifice in each cell for the escape of the air contained in said cell closer to the axis of rotation than said inlet orifice and leading into said receptacle, said orifices further being dimensioned so as to retain the liquid contained in each cell after complete filling thereof.

Abstract: Analysis of and apparatus for studying simple or complex agglutination reactions, such as for blood analysis and in particular blood groupings in which the specimen is mixed with at least one reagent in a vessel of predetermined shape and this mixture is incubated and thereafter centrifuged in this vessel. The nature of the reaction, the operations performed on the mixture and the shape of the vessel are such as to provide at cessation of the centrifuging the accumulation of the agglutinated particles at a particular location in the vessel. Following a waiting period in which the mixture is given the opportunity to partly or substantially entirely move under the influence of gravity away from said location, the path of said movement is observed by an optical arrangement which enables determination of the nature of the reaction, i.e. the presence or absence of agglutinated or non-agglutinated elements is observed after a time interval sufficient to permit their separation.

Abstract: A difference amplifier continuously generates a signal representing the difference between the optical densities of a platelet rich and a platelet poor sample of blood plasma. If this signal lies within a predetermined range, a variable gain amplifier multiplies the difference signal by a factor which is proportional to the initial difference signal. Electronic circuitry automatically determines the multiplying factor by comparing the initial difference signal to a predetermined magnitude. The multiplied difference signal is continuously recorded on a chart recorder and is displayed as a percentage of aggregation on a digital display. An optional filter circuit is provided for selectively filtering the difference signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of determining the end point of a chemical reaction producing an optical change in a plurality of samples is disclosed. The invention is particularly suitable for the simultaneous determination of the coagulation time for multiple samples of blood and like materials.