Abstract: A temperature-controlled micropipette adaptor includes a metal base sandwiched between two plastic layers. The metal base has an orifice to hold a micropipette. The plastic layers hold lenses in alignment for spectrophometric measurements of a sample contained in a micropipette inserted into the orifice. A resistive heater wire is held between the metal base and the plastic layer to transfer heat from the heater wire to the metal base and thus to the micropipette sample. A thermocouple is attached to the metal layer to monitor temperature changes. A feedback control system is coupled to the device for monitoring and programmably controlling changes in temperature of the heated sample over time.

Abstract: A device for detecting the flow of fluid through the lumen of a transparent or translucent tube and the presence or absence of bubbles in such flowing fluid is disclosed.

Abstract: A laser beam stop is contructed having a uniquely designed cell filled with solution or suspension of an absorbing species chosen to absorb the wavelength of light emitted by the laser. The position and strength of the laser beam are indicated by the strength and depth of penetration of the fluorescence excited by the laser.

Abstract: A luminometer for assaying bioluminescence and chemiluminescence reactions characterized by sample wells having transparent bottom walls, a light detector positioned beneath the sample wells and a reagent injector above the wells.

Abstract: An improvement upon cylindrical MIR element cells of the type that have a single seal at the openings of the cell body through which the cylindrical MIR element extends. The improvement is: (1) to position an additional seal between each such opening and the cylindrical MIR element so that there is a sealed space between the second seal and the original seal at each such opening; and (2) to position at least two passageways through the body of the cell, each such passageway in fluid communication with each of the above formed sealed spaces so that any leakage of a sample past the original seal is vented from the cell via one of the passageways. In a highly preferred embodiment of the present invention the portion of the cell body surrounding each such opening is made demountable and is provided with additional passageways and seals so that a purge fluid can be flowed through the passageways to a flow through detector to detect any leakage of a fluid sample past one of the original seals.

Abstract: An apparatus for the analysis of a fluid flowing in a stream includes opposed hollow stems movable in a body member relative to each other. One stem contains a signalling source and the other contains a sensor for the signalling source.

Abstract: A dual axis translation device and system in accordance with this invention, for translating an optical beam along both an x-axis and a y-axis which are perpendicular to one another, has a beam directing means acting on said optical beam for directing the beam along a particular path transverse to said x and y axes. An arrangement supporting said beam directing means for movement in the x and y direction within a given plane is provided. The arrangement includes a first means for translating said beam directing means along the x-axis in said given plane in order to translate the beam along said x-axis. The arrangement comprises a second means for translating said beam directing means along the y-axis in said given plane in order to translate the beam along said y-axis.

Abstract: A spectrophotometer having a movable sample cell holder, formed with position detecting through-holes, for holding sample cells and a detector for measuring the light transmitting the through-hole to detect a position of the holder.

Abstract: An optical system comprising a cavity for spectrophotometric measurements and the like with a first cylindrical refraction index gradient lens matched to an optical fiber. A second cylindrical refraction index gradient lens is provided disposed approximately coaxial to the first lens. The first and second lenses are spaced apart to delimit the cavity between opposite faces of the first and second lenses. A sample under test is positioned within the cavity. A reflecting surface is provided on the face of the second lens opposite said cavity.

Abstract: A flow cell through which the sample stream is passed surrounded by an enveloping stream is equipped with a laser-optical measuring means. For use in pressurized systems the inlet of the cell for the enveloping stream medium is connected on the upstream side to a constant pressure and flow means and the outlet from the cell is connected on the downstream side to a regulating means for the sample and enveloping stream flow rate.

Abstract: A photometric probe or a photometric cell having separate windows and a metallic probe body or cell body. The window(s) are sealed to the probe or cell body by brazed or frit seals which are less likely to leak after extended use in high temperature and/or high pressure industrial applications than probes and cells having gasket sealed windows. The windows can be made of sapphire, cubic zirconia, diamond, ruby, glass or quartz and, in the case of the probe, can be in the shape of an Attenuated Total Reflectance prism. The probe or cell body can be Kovar alloy or stainless steel.

Abstract: A modular probe is provided to enable introduction of light to a sample to be analyzed by an electro-optical device. The probe of the present invention may include an optical rod or other device for propagating light, an optical barrel which in part surrounds the optical rod, and a sleeve which is provided to attach the probe to a source of light such as a fiber optical bundle. The probe may be fitted with a bidirectional focusing adapter and a reflective tip. A transverse probe is also described.

Abstract: A modular flow-through cell is described which has main block member having a first pathway which leads from an inlet port to a large bore and a second passageway which leads from the large bore to an outlet port. A cartridge assembly is removably inserted into the large bore to provide an optical path for light to pass through a fluid sample.

Abstract: A cuvette for use in an optical instrument which includes a linear drive mechanism formed of a lead screw for positioning the cuvette along a linear path in the instrument. The cuvette has a body including at least one reaction well and an engaging feature for operatively engaging the threads of the lead screw so that the cuvette can be positioned along the linear path of the instrument. Preferably the reaction well of the cuvette has a trapezoid-shape cross section in a plane parallel to the optical path of the instrument in order to maximize the optical viewing area.

Abstract: An oxygen sensor contains an indicator whose change in absorption is a function of the concentration of oxygen in a sample bathing the indicator. Light transmitted and reflected through the indicator of the sensor undergoes an absorption that is characteristic of the concentration of oxygen. The indicator is a viologen whose absorption returns to a steady-state value after it has been subjected to a pulse of short-wavelength light. The rate at which the absorption returns to the steady-state value is a function of the concentration of oxygen bathing the viologen indicator. A measurement system for use with the pO.sub.2 sensor causes a short-wavelength flash to be sent to the sensor and thereafter monitors the time-varying absorption of the sensor to measure the oxygen content of the sample bathing the viologen indicator.

Abstract: A probe for remote spectrometric measurements of fluid samples having a hollow probe body with a sliding reflective plug therein and a lens at one end, ports for admitting and expelling the fluid sample and a means for moving the reflector so that reference measurement can be made with the reflector in a first position near the lens and a sample measurement can be made with the reflector away from the lens and the fluid sample between the reflector and the lens. Comparison of the two measurements will yield the composition of the fluid sample. The probe is preferably used for remote measurements and light is carried to and from the probe via fiber optic cables.

Abstract: A windowless flow cell for detecting substances in a flowing fluid stream by chemiluminescence, fluorescence or absorption in flow injection analysis schemes, liquid chromatographs, or gas chromatographs is described. Furthermore, the mixing characteristics of the invention suggest its use as a micro-volume mixing chamber for a variety of experiments.A windowless flow cell comprising an upper body plate, upper wire spacer, mid-body plate, lower body spacer plate, and lower body plate interconnected by anchor bolts is described. Cell wires are attached to the upper body plate and the lower body plate. A primary reagent port through the upper body plate, with secondary reagent port and tertiary reagent port through the mid-body plate provide the fluids to be mixed. A thin film of the mixture of fluids to be examined flows down the cell wires through the examining chamber and through the drop detector and overflow detector prior to exiting the drain port by way of a low vacuum source.

Abstract: A generally tubular container integrally formed and communicating with a microscope slide member having an enclosed specimen chamber. The container is adapted to serve as a centrifugation tube and a permanent handle for manipulation of the microscope slide member. The back of the device is generally flat and the front and sides of the collection tube are generally rounded except for a concave region extending longitudinally from the upper face of the microscope slide member to provide clearance for rotating a lens turret for high power viewing of a specimen in the slide chamber.

Abstract: A portable hand held instrument is capable of making accurate colorimetric measurements in the field. The instrument has a body which houses the electronic circuitry and a door which allows a vial having a solution to be measured to be placed therein. The vial is illuminated lengthwise by a light beam of two wavelengths, one of which serves as a reference. The light emerging from the top of the vial is spatially integrated and directed to a detector. The detector measures the intensity of the transmitted light, and the electronic circuit determines the difference between the logarithms of the detected signals. This difference is multiplied by a constant to produce a signal representative of the concentration and is displayed. The resolution of the measurement is automatically increased when the processor senses that the signals are too small.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a mirror arrangement for a beam path in a multiple-reflection cell for measuring the absorption of light in a measuring gas. In the measuring arrangement, an entrance aperture is imaged on an exit aperture via an entrance aperture mirror, a field mirror and an exit aperture mirror. This arrangement is improved in that the astigmatism of the imaging error is considerably reduced. For this purpose, the form of the aperture mirrors is approximately defined by an ellipsoid wherein the focal point spacing is approximately equal to half the distance between the entrance aperture and the exit aperture.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically measuring and recording erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESR) of blood samples according to the Westergren method includes a controllable specimen device member which measures sedimentation data of blood samples, and a data processor which controls the specimen device analyzes the sedimentation data and reports the results of its analyses. The specimen device is equipped with a controllable camera which measures the opacity of light passing through a specimen being analyzed. The camera has a high dynamic range, meaning that it is sensitive over a blood spectrum of light intensities, so that it guarantees an accurate reading even when the blood sample is hemolyzed or has turbid plasma. The apparatus makes an initial sedimentation height measurement on a specimen sample, and after a given amount of time makes a final sedimentation height measurement on that specimen.

Abstract: The invention is related to a system of identification of the location of a matrix-like sample tray on a plane (2) in an equipment for the treatment of the samples. The sample tray is placed in a frame having an L-shaped electrically conductive piece (8). The equipment for the treatment comprises a number, corresponding to the number of vertical lines of the tray, electrically conductive strips (9), a number, corresponding to the number of horizontal lines, electrically conductive strips (10), and means for transmitting an electric signal to the strips of the vertical line and for receiving from the strips of the horizontal lines.

Abstract: A toner concentration monitor includes a polarized dielectric member which, when dipped into a development mixture of carrier and toner particles, provides an accurate indication of the toner concentration of the mixture by the amount of toner particles which adhere to the member. The polarized dielectric member is preferably an electret.

Abstract: The invention is a multiplexer which enables light to be sent to and received from samples for simultaneous analysis. A multiplexer is described which uses a transverse probe to reflect light at an angle into an optical rod. The transverse probe is selectively rotated to transmit light to a second optical rod. Various numbers of optical rods may be used in the linear mutliplexer. A multiplexer is also described in which a conjugate optical barrel is utilized to selectively reflect light to various probes.

Abstract: An in-line fiber optic probe interface includes a sample cell with a bore therein defining an optical axis. A controller housing is centered by o-ring seals in the bore and a pathlength controller is mounted on the housing. A fiber optic probe is disposed in the housing and controller, sealed thereto by o-ring seals at multiple points to maintain the probe in appropriate alignment on the optical axis.

Abstract: A non-pressure-dependancy infrared absorption spectra recording, sample holder comprises a sample holder having an infrared light beam transmitting passage, two windows of infrared light transmitting material in the passage in face-to-face contact, with at least one window having an inner surface portion contoured to provide between the windows a sample space shaped to provide adjacent light beam paths which are different in length and a clamp for resiliently clamping the windows in the sample holder. A deformable sample is lightly compressed to fill the sample space, and an infrared light beam is passed through the sample. The adjacent light beam paths being of different lengths avoids optical interference fringes so that absorption spectra of the sample can be recorded.

Abstract: A specifically-reactive sample-collecting and testing device possessing a cavity or cavities each having a dimension small enough to enable sample liquid to be drawn into the cavity by capillary action, wherein a surface of the cavity carries an immobilized reagent appropriate to the test to be carried out in the device, and wherein said surface is a surface of a transparent solid plate to act as a light-transmissive waveguide and forming a wall of the cavity, said plate having an edge which is substantially optically smooth and transverse to the plane of the plate.

Abstract: One or more components are determined in a sample by bringing said sample, which can be a liquid or a gas, into contact with a medium for adsorbing or taking up the components in question. A light beam is led via an optical cable through the medium containing the adsorbed or taken-up compound sought for, is reflected against a reflector material back through the medium, and the emitted light beam is detected. In enzymatic reactions, inter alia, a membrane can be utilized between sample solution and reagent, said membrane enabling the actual component to diffund through the membrane and react with enzyme, avoiding thereby the measurements to be disturbed by strong coloration and/or a high content of impurities in the sample solution. The membrane thereby serves as a reflector material for the light beam.

Abstract: An infrared absorption spectra recording, high pressure sample holder comprises a gasket for high compression between two diamond anvils, and an infrared light beam transmitting material partially filling a light passage through the gasket at a position between the two anvils to leave an infrared light beam transmitting, sample cavity adjacent one anvil. The surface of the filling is shaped, e.g. dished so that an infrared light beam passing through the sample will have light paths of different lengths, thereby avoiding optical interference fringes.

Abstract: A multibeam photometric measuring device includes a single light source along with a filter assembly for passing only a desired band of wavelengths and an optical system for suitably focusing light from the light source. Light is transmitted individually to each of a plurality of sites disposed on a multi-well sample plate. Enhancement of color distribution is provided by automatic agitation of the reacting agents within the sample wells before a reading is taken at each of the sampling intervals of a kinetic measurement sequence.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for guiding and collecting light which arises or is reflected from a sample to be measured is described. The method and apparatus are intended to optimize guiding and collecting the light primarily in fluorimetry, nephelometry, luminometry and the like. The foregoing is achieved by a method which fixes the sample in a first focus of a reflector chamber having an ellipsoidal or paraboidal reflector surface of at least a half ellipsoid of revolution or paraboloid of revolution, and uses beams leaving that material which are reflected by the reflection surface. An apparatus of the kind set forth above is characterized in that at least the material to be measured is surrounded by a reflection surface of at least 2 PI sterradians of ellipsoidal or paraboloidal shape. Detectable light signals are received by a photosensitive surface positioned between a second focus of the reflector chamber and the center of the body of revolution for the case of the ellipsoid.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring concentration of liquid developer or the like includes a holding member formed with an opening in which the liquid to be measured is retained. The holding member is driven to pass through a measuring station in which a photoelectric detector is disposed. The detector determines the amount of light transmitted through the liquid retained in the opening, thus measuring the concentration of colored component in the liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for measuring the concentration of gaseous and/or vaporous components of a fluid mixture by means of light absorption such as by means of an infrared absorption by utilizing a membrane which is made of a material in which the component of the fluid mixture to be measured accumulates. The membrane is transparent to the measuring radiation and is selectively permeable for the particles of the compounds to be measured. The membrane further acts on the radiation path between the light source and the detector. The arrangement is improved with respect to selectivity and the detection sensitivity. This is achieved in that the membrane is mounted in the flow path of the fluid mixture such that the flow path is subdivided into two component paths at the surfaces of the membrane.

Abstract: An analytic instrument for kinetically measuring light absorption characteristics of a plurality of independent samples contained in disposable test tubes arranged in a circular pattern about a single light source. The instrument is designed to be used with a host personal computer and is not specific to any particular type of assay. The instrument obtains and temporarily stores raw data in the form of digitized output signals from the plurality of photodetectors and periodically passes them to the host computer. An incubator has test tube wells arranged in a circular array equidistant from a single incandescent light source. The circular symmetry controls the thermal gradients in the incubator such that all of the samples are disposed on the same isotherm and all of the photodetectors are disposed on the same isotherm.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for increasing the sensitivity of laser absorption detection of gas phase atoms and molecular species within a gaseous medium. An active optical element in a laser absorption detection system is translationally (longitudinally) vibrated a selected amplitude along the optical axis and at a desired frequency to eliminate fringes produced by interference fringe producing optical elements. The vibration frequency is preferably asynchronous with other modulation frequencies in the system.

Abstract: In an apparatus for determining the concentration of foreign substances in a stream of water, a liquid stream is derived from lines preceding and following the pipeline block for the process and each is pumped into a cell, a radiation source being associated with each of the cells, whose beams penetrate the cells and are delivered both to a first detector and to a second detector. A beam filter is placed in front of each of the detectors and divides the beams into two beams of different wavelengths. Between the beam source and the two cells a revolving chopper wheel is disposed which alternately deflects the beams of the radiation source into one and the other cell, while the electrical signals of the detectors are compared with one another by an electrical circuit and processed to an identifying signal.

Abstract: For use in a spectrophotometry or spectrofluorimetry system, where a fluid to be analyzed, is passed into or through a tube having at least one branch, a plastic device insertable into said branch, said device comprising a tubular plastic member the inner end of which is closed by a transparent transverse end wall, extending into the tube branch and within which an end of a fiber optic cable is removably secured with such end disposed in facing engagement with the inside of said wall, and a detector cap defining a chamber to hold some of the fluid or a dye color reactive to such fluid, is secured on the opposite side of the end wall. The tubular plastic member is removably securable in, and closes the tube branch.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a simple multi-purpose on-line system for monitoring the concentration and/or the total amount of an organic analyte species or inorganic analyte species in an aqueous solution. The on-line detection system comprises a detection column and a sensor mounted around the detection column. The sensor consists of an electromagnetic radiation source (typically a light source) and an appropriate detector for the electromagnetic radiation. The response from the detector drives an electric circuit, which provides a signal to a recorder as well as a means to trip an alarm system and/or a process system.

Abstract: In an apparatus for determining the concentration of foreign matter in a water stream, a stream of liquid is bypassed through conduits both before and after the pipeline block for the process and each stream is pumped into a cell, a beam source being associated with each of the cells whose beams penetrate the cells and are led by a beam splitter both to a first detector and to a second detector, the electrical signals of the detectors being compared by an electrical circuit and processed to a recognition signal. To make a bubble-free sample stream possible, magnetically actuated valves are inserted into the return lines which are connected to the cells, and the signals for opening and closing the valves are produced by a frequency generator.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer of a single-line and multi-item type having a circular reaction line along which a number of reaction vessels are transported in the stepwise manner, and a photometering apparatus in which white light is divided into a plurality of light beams having different wavelengths, by means of a diffraction grating, and the light beams are transmitted by means of light guides whose exit ends are arranged along the reaction line with a pitch which is different from that with which the reaction vessels are arranged. While the reaction vessels are moved by one pitch, a plurality of reaction vessels are photometered in time sequential manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to photometric apparatus and method for determining a characteristic of individual ones of a plurality of samples contained within a plurality of sample chambers. The photometric apparatus includes an enclosure; a substantially uniform source of radiation coupled to the enclosure such that a plurality of sample chambers, disposed within the enclosure, are simultaneously illuminated by the uniform source; and apparatus for detecting an amount of radiation which is transmitted through individual ones of the sample chambers, the detecting apparatus having an output signal having a magnitude which is a function of the amount of radiation which is transmitted through an individual one of the sample chambers.

Abstract: By use of an excitation beam having a wavelength which is equal to, or close to, the sizes of particular particulate substances as the object of analysis, the particulate substances such as an immunoreaction product between an antigen and an antibody or between the antigen and a material supporting the antibody thereon are detected selectively. Very small particles having specific sizes such as rheumatuid factors, cancer specific antigens can be detected with high sensitivity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for spectrophotometric analysis of material in a moving process stream wherein the material is directed into an observation chamber within a sample cell and exposed to a radiation beam suitable for spectrophotometric purposes. A radiation source and a radiation detector are contained within a first compartment and a second compartment environmentally isolated from the first compartment and within which the sample cell is contained. Reflectors are positioned within the second compartment for receiving the radiation beam from the first compartment, directing the radiation beam through the sample cell and the material to be analyzed contained therein, and directing the radiation beam back into the second compartment and the radiation detector positioned therein. The second compartment maintains the environment therein within a range acceptable for radiation analysis of the material within the sample cell.

Abstract: A detector cell assembly for use in a spectrophotometer comprises a thermally insulating body having a bore with open ends therethrough and transparent windows closing the ends of the bore. An inlet passage and an outlet passage open into the bore adjacent the opposite ends thereof for flowing fluid therethrough. The body has size defined by an outer surface spaced laterally from the bore by a distance of at least about two times the bore diameter. Preferably the thermally insulating body is polymeric and has an outwardly facing annular surface respectively encircling each end of the bore approximately normal thereto and in contact with a corresponding surface on the respective window. A spring urges each respective transparent window against the respective annular surface to effect a fluid seal between the body and each window.

Abstract: In the measuring chamber the flow of the fluid to be monitored impinges at an angle upon the end window of the measuring probe. Due to the thus occurring self-cleaning action, no deposit forms at the end window and which deposit would falsify the meaurement. In the event of small fluid quantity throughputs and flow rate and thus insufficient cleaning action, a nozzle ia provided for producing a jet which is directly aimed at the end window. The fluid is irradiated in the region of the measuring probe by using ray guides. If particles causing turbidity are contained in the fluid, the rays will be reflected, collected by the optical system and supplied to a receiver through a ray guide.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for measuring the fluorescence and absorbance of a liquid sample. A sample tube is provided that has an external surface and a bore therethrough for containing a sample fluid. A cladding fluid coats the bore of the sample tube to provide a smooth surface adjacent to the sample fluid. Excitation radiation is directed along the bore and detector means are provided to detect the excitation radiation, fluorescent radiation, and non-absorbed radiation. Comparator means compare the signals from the presence and concentration of various constituents in the liquid sample.

Abstract: An analysis instrument is characterized by a rotatable mold ring onto which is drawn superimposed sheets of plastic material. The inner sheet is softened and formed into an indented mold cavity and the outer sheet sealed thereover to define a partially closed sample chamber, or cuvette. A sample to be analyzed is introduced into the chamber. Any of the chambers may have selectively introduced thereinto a suitable reagent and the reaction occurring in any chamber may be selectively monitored at any predetermined circumferential location of the mold ring.

Abstract: For higher-speed absorbancy measurement, first and second rotating mirrors are attached individually to the opposite ends of a rotating shaft which is arranged vertically in the center of a reaction-tube table and driven by a motor. A light beam from a prelocated light source, for example, a lamp, is transferred along the axis of the rotating shaft to the first rotating mirror. Reflected by the first mirror, the light beam is applied to a reaction tube, and is reflected by a reflector which is attached to the tube. The light beam reflected by the second rotating mirror on the rotating shaft is transferred along the axis of the shaft to a photodetector, and is detected. In such an arrangement, the respective absorbancies of reaction tubes can be measured in predetermined directions, with respect to the rotating shaft in the center of the reaction-tube table, by simply rotating the shaft.

Abstract: A liquid monitoring system includes chamber structure with a monitoring region in which the liquid to be monitored is disposed, the monitoring region having two spaced wall portions and a supplemental wall portion. The system further includes a radiation source mounted adjacent one of the spaced wall portions or directing a beam of radiation along a horizontal path, and a sensor mounted adjacent the opposed wall portion for receiving radiation in a beam path. The incident radiation beam as it passes through the wall into the monitoring region is refracted at the region surface as a function of gas or liquid within the region. At a first refracting angle, the refracted beam impinges on the supplemental wall and is internally reflected, the reflected radiation passing along a reflected beam path and sensed by the detector to provide an indication of the fluid in the chamber. At a second refracting angle, the refracted beam is not reflected in a direction such that radiation from the source is sensed.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a light absorpiton characteristic of a thin film is provided.The apparatus comprises (1) a liquid container containing a liquid on which surface a thin film is to be spread, (2) exciting light source for supplying an exciting light to be projected from below the liquid surface on to a measurement site of the thin film spread on the liquid surface, at such an incident angle that the exciting light reflects totally at the liquid surface, (3) a chopper for converting the exciting light into an intermittent exciting light before the exciting light reaches the measurement site of the thin film, (4) a probe light source for supplying probe light passing the measurement site or its vicinity, and (5) a detector for detecting an amount of deflection of the probe light having passed the measurement site or its vicinity.