Abstract: A chemical analysis system has a chemical analysis film cartridge having a box-like casing for accommodating therein a plurality of chemical analysis films which are stacked in a predetermined direction. Each chemical analysis film is composed of a base and a reagent layer formed on the base. A spring is provided on the inner side of a first end wall of the casing and urges the stack of the chemical analysis films toward a second end wall of the casing, the first and second end walls being opposed to each other in the predetermined direction.

Abstract: A high speed analyzer for a dry analytical element comprising a movable sample tray onto which the dry analytical element is placed, a sample-pipetting apparatus which spots a plurality of samples onto the dry analytical element placed onto the movable sample tray, an incubator which dries the dry analytical element onto which the samples have been spotted, a reagent-pipetting apparatus which spots a plurality of measuring reagent solutions onto the dry analytical element which has already been dried and a measuring part which measures a plurality of the dry analytical elements wherein reaction proceeds or has already been finished, and evaporation-preventing members which are attached to the dry analytical element onto which the reagents have been spotted to prevent evaporation of moisture from the spotted parts, and a method for measuring a plurality of analytical items of samples using the same.

Abstract: A method of distinguishing between strips for different assays in an automated instrument, wherein characteristics to which the instrument is sensitive are selectively introduced in microwells of individual microstrips which are pretreated with a specific antigen or antibody for a particular test. On each microstrip, the wells having the characteristic collectively define a multi-bit code which corresponds to a particular condition or disease to be tested for. The automated instrument reads the characteristic from the selected wells and thus determines what test is to be conducted. The marks may have optical, radioactive, luminescent, fluorescent, or magnetic characteristics, in accordance with the test to be conducted.

Abstract: A plurality of measuring modules are arranged on a table of a reaction part. The measuring module has one removable cell, and is provided with light sources and photodetectors. In proximity to the reaction part is a cell transfer part for mounting and dismounting the cell on and from the measuring module, a sampling probe for dispensing a sample into the cell, and a reagent probe for dispensing a prescribed reagent into the cell in response to a measurement item. A time from supply of each cell or dispensing of each sample to or in the reaction part to dispensing of a first reagent is controlled to be constant with no regard to the measurement items.

Abstract: An assay method and compositions are provided for determining the presence of an analyte in a sample. The analyte is a member of an immunological pair (mip) comprising ligand and receptor. By providing a first measurement surface capable of specifically binding a labelled reagent in an amount depending upon the presence of analyte in the sample and a second calibration surface capable of binding a second labeled reagent in a manner unaffected by the presence of analyte in the sample, calibration of individual tests can be accomplished simultaneously with the performance of the test itself. A signal producing system includes an enzyme, a catalyst usually bonded to a mip which defines the first labeled reagent for binding to the measurement surface and the same catalyst conjugated to a ligand capable of binding to the calibration surface. Preferably, both labeled reagents have the same composition and the calibration surface includes anti-(first catalyst).

Abstract: A light transmittance type analytical system for the rapid quantitation of minute amounts of an analyte in a fluid sample and an optical component and test device useful therein are; disclosed. The analytical system employs an assay in which the presence of the analyte in the assayed sample is productive of an insoluble substantially opaque, light absorptive colored end product. In the preferred use of the analytical system, the end product is formed in contact with a light and fluid permeable optical component in the form of a matrix of compacted substantially water insoluble granules of reflective material which has a light scattering coefficient of at least about 80 and is substantially nonabsorptive of light.

Abstract: A liquid sample automatic analyzer is achieved in which if any test strip is not placed at a photometric position for such a reason that a test strip automatic supply device has failed to supply the test strip, this failure is detected to enable automatic judgment on that the measured results of examination correspond to which samples. A presence/absence detector is provided in the test strip automatic supply device, and a pressure detector for detecting whether the test strip is gripped or not is provided in a grip device. Detection signals from the presence/absence detector and the pressure detector are supplied to a control unit. Based on those detection signals, the control unit determines a failure in taking out or gripping the test strip, if occurs.

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: An automated chemical analyzer includes an automated conveyor apparatus for receiving a variety of sizes of test tubes, cuvettes, and sample tubes in a standard carrier member receivable into the analyzer. The standard carrier members may be interlocked in ranks and placed side by side in file to replicate the size and handling convenience of conventional test tube racks. However, the conveyor apparatus also provides for receipt of the carriers either as individuals for stat handling, or in interlocked ranks, or as rank and file groups for routine handling. The interlocked ranks of carriers are automatically unlocked from one another and fed along with the carriers having stat samples therein to a recirculating endless loop conveyor device which conveys the samples to at least one chemical analysis module, as well as providing a storage capacity both for samples in testing, and those samples awaiting verification of test results.

Abstract: A method for the metered application of a biochemical analytical liquid to a target, wherein the liquid is ejected in small quantities on to the target through a jet from a jet chamber by a procedure in which a partial volume of the liquid in the jet chamber is evaporated and expanded for a short time whenever a quantity of the liquid is to be ejected. The invention further relates to a device with a disposable jet element which contains prepackaged analytical liquid.

Abstract: A pusher blade and its housing are described, in which the blade has a stiff front end for engaging slide-type test elements, and a flexible body portion and back end. The housing forces the blade to curve through an angle, preferably about 90.degree. C., to minimize the extension in one direction the blade would have if it were entirely rigid.The housing can provide for separate stacks of elements in separate environments to be engaged by the blade, since sealing means are provided for preventing substantial intermixing of the environments when the blade is activated.

Abstract: An optical fiber surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor includes both a metal layer and an overlay or underlay material on its surface. Existing fiber based SPR devices are inherently incapable of monitoring aqueous systems which have a refractive index ranging between 1.33 and 1.35, and existing prism based SPR sensors have proved too cumbersome for online chemical and biochemical analyses. Inclusion of the overlay or underlay material on the SPR sensor allows monitoring media with a refractive index from 1.00 to the 1.39 barrier and above. Hence, the SPR sensor allows monitoring important biochemical and chemical aqueous processes where the media typically have a refractive index between 1.33 and 1.35. In operation, samples are simply applied to the sensing region of the SPR sensor where the metal layer and overlay or underlay materials are coated, introducing a polarized beam of light into the optical fiber, and detecting surface plasmon resonance.

Abstract: A test kit for determining the `total compost life`, and chemical stability of a moist compost sample, includes a transparent container for holding the compost sample, and a reactant mass, located within the container in the space not occupied by the compost sample. The reactant mass includes a pH basic reactant material, and a color change indicator material, responsive to pH changes in the atmosphere within the container. After the moist compost sample is charged into the container, the container is sealed and allowed to remain undisturbed for a prescribed time period, e.g., about three (3) hours. During this time, carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) and volatile organic acids are emitted from the sample into the space surrounding the chemically reactant mass. The pH basic reactant chemically reacts with the emitted carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2), in ionic form, or the emitted volatile organic acids, so as to produce a color change. The nature of the color change is an indication of the carbon dioxide (CO.sub.

Abstract: Liquid transfer device for an analysis unit with a capacitive liquid level detector (10) for detecting the dipping of a liquid transfer needle (5) into an analysis liquid (4). More reliable operation, in particular a better ratio between useful signal and noise signals, is achieved by the fact that the liquid transfer needle (5) is part of a coaxial electrode arrangement (11). The coaxial electrode arrangement includes, in addition to the liquid transfer needle (5), at least one coaxial electrode (12, 13) surrounding the needle and insulating from it and a detection circuit (17). This detection circuit detects a change in capacitance between the electrodes (5, 13) of the liquid level detector (10), and includes an isolation amplifier circuit (23) to whose input (23a) and output (23b) two adjacent electrodes (5, 12) of the coaxial electrode arrangement (11) are connected as signal electrode and compensating electrode.

Abstract: An automatic sample analyzer comprising, a plurality of sticks which have a plurality of reagent portions corresponding to different examination items so as to be divided into a plurality of groups of sticks by combinations of the examination items, a plurality of cassettes each having an outlet and a discriminatory mark, the discriminatory mark corresponding to one of the group of the sticks so as to accommodate the one of the group of the sticks, a removal device for automatically taking a desired one of the sticks of the cassettes by using a single removal mechanism.

Abstract: A microprocessor-based, control unit for analysis of a fluid sample, and for especially biomedical analysis of a body fluid, is provided. Also provided is the combination of a roller assembly and a compartmentalized pouch containing certain chemicals, with the rollers functioning to break rupturable seals of compartments and to push fluids from one compartment to another. Apparatus in accordance with the present invention, is useful, for example, in monitoring urea concentration during dialysis.

Abstract: A reagent carrying tape is captured between the soil and the outer wall of penetrometer. As the penetrometer moves with respect to the soil, the tape is pressed against an optical window in the penetrometer. Contaminants in the soil reacting with the reagents cause an optically sensible reaction in the tape to occur which is optically detected at the optical port as the penetrometer moves with respect to the tape and the soil sample. The optically sensible reaction occurring in the tape is optically isolated from the masking effects of the soil. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a method and a suitable apparatus for continuous and automatic taking of samples together with the correlating data and successive possible evaluation of the samples and data in a simple way. A storage tape (1) for samples and data is contacted with a sample storing head (2) and a data recording head (3) when storing. During readout the tape is contacted with a sample taking head (4) of an analyzing instrument (14) and a sample data reading head (5). Thus the invention makes it possible to permanently control chemical processes in production processes as well as in other creations of undesired and/or noxious liquid or gaseous chemical substances and/or compounds.

Abstract: For collecting a batch of liquid samples, such as in the laboratory testing of body fluids, there is provided a collecting sheet having an array of resiliently deflectable fingers formed in the sheet. The fingers can be deflected out of the plane of the sheet to dip into respective liquid containers such as wells in a microtiter plate so as to absorb liquid samples therefrom. When released, the fingers snap back into the plane of the sheet retaining the liquid samples therein.

Abstract: A method for applying a droplet of a liquid sample from a sample applying nozzle, which is movable between a retracted position and a sample applying position, to a test film which contains a reagent which will react with a liquid sample and give rise to a change in optical density, includes providing the leading edge of the sample applying nozzle with a test film sensor. Prior to the application of the droplet of the liquid sample to the test film, the sample applying nozzle is moved down until the test film sensor comes into contact with the test film, and the distance by which the sample applying nozzle was moved down is stored. At the time the liquid sample is applied to the test film, the distance by which the sample applying nozzle is moved down is adjusted in accordance with the stored distance so that the sample applying nozzle is moved down to a sample applying position spaced a predetermined distance from the test film.

Abstract: A chemical assay tape including a water-impermeable support and at least one water-permeable layer. The water-permeable layer includes at least one porous layer for allowing a liquid applied thereto to spread out. At least one layer other than the support is provided with a plurality of grooves which are spaced at constant intervals and extend across the chemical assay tape.

Abstract: An incubator useful in an analyzer, and a method for locating a slide element properly in the incubator. The incubator and the method are provided with a referencing mechanism and step, respectively, effective to push back on the datum surface or edge of a slide element that has been inserted too far into a station of the incubator, to move the portion of the slide element that produces a detectable signal, back a distance which is predetermined for that station to be the one that gives the most effective reading of the slide element.

Abstract: A biochemical analysis apparatus for applying a liquid sample onto a long test film, incubating the sample-applied film portion by an incubator, and measuring the degree of color formation at the sample-applied portion comprises a cutter provided upstream from the position of sample application for cutting the long test film to a length necessary for a single step of sample application, and a cut-film conveyor for conveying the sample-applied and cut portion of the long test film into the incubator, whereby the long test film is utilized efficiently and processing thereof is facilitated.

Abstract: A biochemical analysis apparatus comprises a sample accommodating region, an accommodating region for test films containing a reagent which reacts with a liquid sample to give rise to a change in optical density, and a conveyor for sequentially pulling out each test film from the test film accommodating region. An applicator takes up the liquid sample from the sample accommodating region and applies it to the test film at the position to which the test film has been pulled out. An incubator incubates the sample-applied film portion for a predetermined time, and a detector measures the optical density of the sample-applied film portion during or after the passage of the predetermined time. The conveyor, the incubator and the detector are provided to correspond to each of the test films, and a movement device moves the applicator to apply the liquid sample to the test films.

Abstract: A test strip evaluating instrument is used for testing of multiple test strips, and has a transport and positioning device which transports the test strips at right angles to their longitudinal direction from a test strip feed area along a transport path to a disposal area. At least one measuring station with an optical measuring unit is arranged on the transport path. Rails, on which the test strips slide, run along the transport path. The test strips are transported in a step-wise manner by at least two rows of cam elements following one another in the transport direction, and these two rows of cam elements move synchronously with one another in a periodically recurring movement path.

Abstract: A biochemical analysis apparatus comprises a sample accommodating region, an accommodating region for a test film reacting with a liquid sample to give rise to a change, and a conveyor for sequentially pulling out the test film from the test film accommodating region. An applicator takes up the liquid sample from the sample accommodating region and applies it to the test film at the position to which the test film has been pulled out. An incubator incubates the sample-applied film portion for a predetermined time, and a measuring device measures the change at the sample-applied film portion during or after the passage of the predetermined time. Both the incubator and the measuring device are provided at the position where the sample application onto the test film is carried out by the sample application means.

Abstract: A biochemical analysis apparatus includes a sample accommodating region, an accommodating region for test films containing a reagent which reacts with a liquid sample to give rise to a change in optical density, and a conveyor for sequentially pulling out each test film from the test film accommodating region. An applicator takes up the liquid sample fromt he sample accommodating region and applies it to the test film at the position to which the test film has been pulled out. An incubator incubates the sample-applied film portion for a predetermined time, and a detector measures the optical density of the sample applied applied film portion during or after the passage of the predetermined time. The conveyor, the incubator and the detector are provided to correspond to each of the test films, and a movement device moves the applicator to apply the liquid sample to the test films.

Abstract: A chemical analyzer has a cold-storage chamber and a tape-feeding cassette which can be accommodated in the cold-storage chamber and is detachable therefrom. The cassette contains a chemical analysis tape and has an opening through which the tape can be taken out of the cassette. A section of the tape-feeding cassette inside of the opening is sealed off from the atmosphere and from other parts of the cassette. The tape passes through this section. This section is provided with air which has a relative humidity not higher than 70% such that the pressure therein is positive.

Abstract: A chemical analysis apparatus comprises an incubator provided with a plurality of chambers disposed on the same circumference for each housing a chemical analysis slide, a sample application device disposed above the incubator at a predetermined position on the circuumference, and a probe disposed below the incubator at the predetermined position. A rotation system is provided for rotating the incubator to locate the chambers one after another at the predetermined position. A slide feeder is disposed outward or inward of the circumference to face the predetermined position, and a slide ejection unit is disposed on the side opposite to the slide feeder with the predetermined position intervening between the slide ejection unit and the slide feeder. The chemical analysis slide in each of the chambers is pushed out and ejected by feeding of a new chemical analysis into the chamber.

Abstract: A biochemical analysis method comprises the steps of accommodating a long test film in a refrigerator, repeatedly pulling the long test film out of the refrigerator until a sample-applying portion, i.e., the next unused portion of the test film, is aligned with a sample applying position, applying a liquid samples onto the sample-applying portions of the long test film at which time the sample-applying portions become sample-applied portions, incubating the sample-applied portions, and irradiating light to the sample-applied portions in order to determine optical densities, which depend on the how much of a certain constituent in a liquid sample existed and therefore reacted with a reagent in a reagent layer of the test film. The length of a sample-applying portion to which a present sample will be applied, is changed in accordance with conditions which exist after the analysis of the sample applied to the test film immediately prior to the present sample has been finished.

Abstract: An automated sample analysis instrument positively identifies and maintains the identity of a plurality of patient samples contained in individual sample containers. The invention prevents sample misidentification, especially when patient sample must be transferred from one sample container to reaction wells in Microtiter.RTM. plates. Rows of reaction wells in Microtiter.RTM. plates are processed in parallel so the difference in reaction time between any two wells on a plate is four minutes or less. Reaction wells are washed with high-pressure jets of wash solution and are aspirated so as to advantageously utilize fluid meniscus on top of fluid contained in the wells. The apparatus can be adjusted to perform a variety of different ELISA-type tests.

Abstract: A biochemical analysis apparatus for applying a liquid sample onto a long test film, incubating the sample-applied film portion by an incubator, and measuring the degree of color formation at the sample-applied portion comprises a test film conveyor for continuously conveying at least the part of the long test film inside of the incubator so that a speed v [cm/min.] at which the part of the long test film inside of the incubator is conveyed is expressed as v=n.l. The incubator is constituted so that a length L [cm] of the incubator in the direction of conveyance of the long test film satisfies the condition of L.gtoreq.(nt+1).l, where l [cm] denotes the length of a portion of the long test film necessary for a single step of sample application, t [min.] denotes the incubation time, and n [number/min.] denotes the number of repetitions of sample application per unit time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for storing samples is disclosed. The samples comprise protein gene products or hybridoma cells, and are sealed in packets which are attached to film. Sample identifiying formation may be printed on the packet and on the film adjacent the packet, and the film is stored wound on reels.

Abstract: A long-test-film cassette for biochemical analysis comprises an unused film cassette part accommodating an unused long test film for biochemical analysis, and a used film cassette part for accommodating the long test film which has been pulled out of the unused film cassette part and used for biochemical analysis. A leading edge of the film is secured to a reel in the used film cassette part. In a cassette loading system, the unused film cassette part is provided with a protruded test film outlet portion and is loaded to a refrigerating compartment of an analysis apparatus with the test film outlet portion fitted in a hole of the refrigerating compartment.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor in which the phenomenon of long-range surface plasmon resonance is used to develop a highly sensitive detector for use in biological, biochemical or general chemical testing. The sensor includes a laminar structure having of a high refractive index glass block, a membrane of dielectric material, a thin metal layer, and a sensitive layer. A sample to be tested is brought into contact with the sensitive layer. The refractive index of the dielectric layer and that of the layer (sensitive layer/sample) on the opposite side of the metallic layer should be equal, or nearly so, and the refractive index of the glass block should be higher than this so that total internal reflection takes place at the interface between the block and the membrane. Light from a laser source is totally internally reflected at this interface, and the strength of the reflected beam is monitored by a light detector.

Abstract: An apparatus for chemically analyzing a sample on a test piece that includes a reagent layer, comprises a test piece table for positioning a test piece thereon, and an applying station wherein a sample may be applied to the reagent layer. The test table moves to a position below a row of holes with the reagents aligned to the holes and a sample is applied to each reagent layer from a nozzle, the samples passing through the respective holes. Covers are moved over the holes after the samples are applied and the test pieces are moved to a measuring station for measuring the reaction between the sample and reagent layer. Photometric techniques are used in evaluating the reaction. Opening and closing of the covers is controlled by motion of the sample dispensing nozzle as it moves from one opening to the next.

Abstract: A blood containment device including a housing with an opening through which an adhesive ply of multi-ply material is exposed. Blood is expelled from a syringe onto the exposed material. The housing has two chambers, one for the clean material and one for containing a take-up reel onto which the bvlood stained material is wound. A removable tension plate is supported within the housing to hold the absorbent material taut beneath the opening in the housing.

Abstract: A surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor in which a membrane is used to enable the sensitive material to be readily changed to enable tests to be carried out on a sequential basis simply by moving or changing the membrane. In one embodiment, the membrane takes the form of a continuous film (24) which lies against and is moveable across by means not shown, a transparent plate (17) which forms part of the SPR sensor. The film (24) comprises a layer (31) of flexible transparent material to which is applied a thin layer (32) of metal such as silver. Applied to layer (32) is a layer (33) of sensitive material. The final layer (34) is a preformed layer of hydrophyllic plastics material which incorporates troughs (37) and passageways (35,38) for the transfer of sample across the sensitive layer. Light from a laser (not shown) is subject to total internal reflection at the interface between the transparent layer (31) and metal layer (32), and the reflected light is collected by a light detector (not shown).

Abstract: A blood containment device including a housing with an opening through which absorbent material is exposed. Blood is expelled from a syringe onto the exposed material. The housing has two chambers, one for the clean material and one containing a take-up reel onto which the blood stained material is wound.

Abstract: A biochemical analysis apparatus comprises a sample accommodating region, a refrigerator for keeping cool a long test film containing a reagent which reacts with a liquid sample to give rise to a change in optical density, and a test film conveyor for sequentially pulling out the long test film from the refrigerator. A sample applicator takes up the liquid sample from the sample accommodating region and applies it to the long test film at the position to which the long test film has been pulled out of the refrigerator. An incubator maintains the sample-applied portion of the long test film at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time. A detector irradiates light to the sample-applied portion of the long test film, and measures the optical density given rise to by the reaction during or after the passage of the predetermined time.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an automated sample preparation system for chemical assay of samples of materials. The sample preparation system includes a sample preparation chamber which includes a removable cup for taking to the location of solid or very viscous samples. The cup may be attached in sealing relationship to a cap through which extends various utilities such as a mixer/grinder to grind solid samples and mix non-homogeneous samples, a fill pipe to pump in liquid samples, an effluent pipe in the sump of the cup to allow pump of samples and solvents and a nozzle to allow liquids to be sprayed against the walls. A sample metering valve associated with the sample preparation chamber allows a known volume of sample to be isolated so that solvent may be pumped in to dilute the sample to a user defined concentration.

Abstract: An automated system for growing plant material includes an first length of membrane material having a plurality of open growing chambers and a second length of membrane material having a plurality of growing chambers filled with the plant material. A media preparation unit mixes stock solutions for dispensing into the growing chambers by a fill unit. A scanner unit determines that a sufficient amount of media has been dispensed within each chamber. A sterilization unit sterilizes the chambers which then pass to a cooling and storage unit until ready for planting with plant material. The second length of plant-filled growing chambers are housed in a plant culture room where the plant material is permitted to grow. A scanner determines the extent of growth of the plant material. Upon the material reaching a predetermined growth, the growing chambers pass to a surface sterilization unit. A cutting unit opens the chambers and the plant material is removed.

Abstract: A refrigerator comprises a cassette accommodating section which is enclosed by a wall, kept at a low temperature, and capable of accommodating a film feed cassette in such a way that it can be released therefrom. The film feed cassette houses therein a long test film containing a reagent which will react with a liquid sample and give rise to a change in optical density. The film feed cassette has a film outlet through which the long test film is fed out. The refrigerator has a film outlet which is formed in the wall at a position corresponding to the position of the film outlet of the film feed cassette and through which the long test film is pulled out. An air stream jetting system jets dry air to the surface of the portion of the long test film positioned between the film outlet of the film feed cassette and the film outlet of the refrigerator.

Abstract: A new mechanism for supplying in sequence unused regions of an analytical tape by predetermined length to an analytical section arranged in an apparatus for biochemical analysis of a liquid sample is disclosed. The mechanism comprises a driving means for moving the analytical tape to supply its unused regions to the analytical section; a means for detecting length of the unused regions of the tape supplied to the analytical section comprising a roller which is arranged in contact with a surface of the tape so that it rotates with movement of the tape for the supply of the unused regions to the analytical section and a means for detecting number or angle of the rotation of the roller, and a means for controlling operation of the driving means according to the detected number or angle of the rotation of the roller.

Abstract: An improved system (10) is provided for providing access to a sealed container (14) which temporarily provides an opening in the closures of the containers, and either removes contents, senses properties of the contents, or dispenses material into the container. In one embodiment, this system includes a carousel assembly (12) which receives sample containers and moves them to a first location. There, a lift assembly (31) moves each sample container upward against a puncture tube (55) of a penetrating assembly (32). This puncture tube provides an opening in the closure of the container. The system takes a sample through this opening or inserts a probe (65) through the opening to measure the properties of the sample. After the system has performed the sampling, sensing, or dispensing function, a stripper assembly (67) strips the container from the puncture tube, allowing the opening to close.

Abstract: A dry type chemical analysis slide has a plurality of plate members formed of thermoplastic resin and a mount which holds a detecting element formed by the use of an electrode film and is integrally sandwiched between the plate members. At least one of the plate members is formed by extrusion.

Abstract: An automatic urinalysis system which can be readily installed at an excretion site such as a toilet and by which means a subject itself can test its urine easily at any time and can obtain results of such test. The system comprises a sample collecting means for collecting a sample of urine within a stool or the like at an excretion site, a guiding means for introducing the collected urine sample into a testing area within a body of the system, a urine testing element located within the system body, a contacting means for automatically contacting the urine testing element with the urine sample in the testing area, a urine testing means for automatically testing the urine testing element contacted with the urine sample by the contacting means, a display means for displaying test data from the urine testing means, and a discharging means for discharging the urine sample into the stool after the urine sample has been contacted by the urine testing element.

Abstract: The molecular concentration of a constituent such as oxygen of an anesthetic agent in a gas is measured by contacting the gas with the surface of a solid body, momentarily heating the surface so that the constituent reacts at the surface to alter a property of the surface such as reflectivity, and determining the degree or rate of alteration occasioned by the heating step. The momentary heating operation may be performed by light from a laser focused on to a small localized region. The body surface can include a thin film of a material such as a metal reactive with the gas constituent of interest at elevated temperatures. The preferred methods provide extraordinarily rapid response, and also form a permanent record of each measurement. Where the gas is at substantially constant pressure, the measured molecular concentration can be interpreted as an indication of the proportion of the constituent in the gas.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting test material in strip form underneath a measuring device, the test material having various test zones along the length of the strip, the apparatus comprising conveyor means for transporting the test material; a retaining device disposed above the conveyor means at an angle transverse to the direction of movement of the conveyor means; and at least one heating device disposed on the retaining device for selectively heating individual test zones on the test material as the test material is transported by the conveyor means.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible and transparent ribbon having two continuous longitudinal shoulders disposed along the edges of a face of the ribbon opposite that which is intended to support a plurality of samples to be processed. These shoulders are intended for magnetic, optical, computer or other coding for providing very accurate location, on the order of 10 microns, of elementary sample portions. A space is provided between the shoulders for containing by capillarity a film of appropriate (reactive, rinsing, etc. . . ) liquid. This ribbon may also be provided with micro-wells and is intended to be contained in a cassette of the type used for video tape recording purposes, having jaws and connected to an image acquisition device and to a microprocessor for control purposes and data processing.