Abstract: A sample to be analyzed is taken from a flow line of a production process and transferred through a slender pipe to an analyzing device. The transfer is accomplished using a pressurized liquid with a segment gas being interposed between the sample and the pressurized liquid. The sample may be fed directly or after mixing with a diluting liquid in a mixing chamber. Samples may be taken at regular and constant time intervals and transferred to the analyzing device stably and over predetermined periods of time.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of on-line detecting and assessing, in situ, he amount and characterization of microbial trace contamination in an associated ultra-pure water system is disclosed. The apparatus comprises, inter alia, a monitor/detector portion and an assessment/identification portion. The monitor/detector portion includes a contamination mass detector which nondestructively senses the presence of microbial biofilms in real time when grown upon the surface of a quartz crystal wafer portion of the contamination mass detector. The assessment/identification portion is configured to provide quantitative analysis of the microbial biofilms formations based on signature biomarker cellular components. A programmable controller is configured to integrate these and other portions into an automated apparatus, which is capable of providing real time chemical countermeasures to prevent the potential deleterious effect of the microbial trace contamination uncovered.

Abstract: A device for measuring the ingredients in liquid, primarily a body fluid. A valve has a reservoir composed of a communicating hole in the valve and a cell which is able to communicate with the reservoir. The cell may be connected with an inlet for a diluent through the reservoir and has a sensor and a stirrer. It is possible to measure the ingredients with accuracy and to realize a continuous monitoring thereof.

Abstract: Methods of glycosylation analysis are described in which a sample containing one or more specific oligosaccharide(s) (the analyte) is contacted with a surface on which is immobilized a glycosidase specific for the analyte and/or a specific binding partner for a product of the action of a glycosidase on the analyte. The surface may be the active surface of a biosensor, e.g., a biosensor based on the principle of frustrated total reflection.

Abstract: An analysis method and apparatus comprises feeding a stream of fluid capsules in a fluid conduit for flow therethrough by forming a film of isolating liquid on an inner surface of the conduit and randomly accessing each of a plurality of liquids selected from a sample liquid, reagents and a magnetic particle suspension to form a plurality of isolated segments from the plurality of liquids in each capsule in the conduit. The fluid capsules flow in at least one longitudinal direction of the conduit and the suspended magnetic particles are selectively magnetically retained from one segment in one capsule at a given location for placement of the magnetic particles in another segment in the one capsule during the flow of the one capsule through the conduit. The fluid capsules are then measured in the conduit.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus for transporting a sample of body fluid such as blood from a first location to a remote test site location. The apparatus operates in conjunction with a fluid manifold module which has a first sample input port, a second washing fluid input port and a third input port for receiving air. There are tubes coupled to said first, second and third input ports which are coupled together and coupled to a sample output line which extends from the first location to the remote location. The manifold contains check valves with one valve for blood and one valve for washing fluid and a diaphragm pump for air. There are logic controls which selectively operate the valves and pump to allow the sample line to receive a sample separated by air barriers from washing fluid solution. In this manner, a predetermined volume of sample is transported from the first location to the remote test site location.

Abstract: A device for the extemporaneous and continuous preparation of a solution for dialysis by the dissolution of several substances in powder form in water. The device includes a number of independent cartridges each containing a salt of a substance necessary for the preparation of the dialyzate, such as sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and sodium bicarbonate.

Abstract: The centrifugation chamber serves in particular for liquor testing, the liquid to be tested being arranged in a vessel whose bottom area is formed by a slide retained in a bottom part, there being arranged at least at the outer circumference of the vessel a suction element which lies on the lower part. The upper part is clampable on the lower part by means of a clamping device, so that different size upper parts can be used with a single lower part.

Abstract: A syringe is depressurized to suck a slight amount of air into the tip portion of a probe of a probe assembly, forming an air layer. Then, the syringe is depressurized again to suck into the probe assembly a sample to be discharged into a reaction container. Accordingly, the target sample to be discharged, the air layer and extruding water are placed into the probe assembly in the named order from the tip portion of the probe.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the level of an item in a liquid including first and second light transmitting cylinders, a first piston and an associated conduit for conducting liquid to the first cylinder, a second piston and an associated conduit for conducting liquid to the second cylinder, a third piston and an associated conduit for conducting indicator solution to the second cylinder, a light source for transmitting light through the first and second cylinders, and a detector for measuring the difference in light transmissibility of the liquids in the first and second cylinders and providing an output depending thereon. A method of testing the level of an item in a liquid including the steps of providing a first sample of the liquid containing the item, providing a second sample of the liquid with a measured amount of indicator solution therein, comparing the light transmissibility of the first and second samples, and providing an output which is a measurement of the level of the item in the liquid.

Abstract: Focusing a generated radiation signal on a detector is effected by a curvilinear surface. The radiation beam signal from the reflected surface is collimated or focused on the detector. Light scattered, Raman scattered, fluorescence, chemiluminescence, phosphorescence radiation signals from particles as a result of a chemical procedure or reaction is enhanced through this focusing technique. The enhanced signal which is detected is subsequently measured through different detection techniques.

Abstract: An analyzing device, in particular for examining body fluids, with a measuring module, at least one gas feed tube for a calibrating gas, a moistening device for the calibrating gas as well as a washing water tube connectable to the measuring channel of the measuring module, is simplified and improved in that the moistening device for the calibrating gas is integrated in the washing water conduit through a water inlet and a water outlet. The calibrating gas can be led over the water surface in the moistening device and moistened in this way.

Abstract: Sample liquid analysis apparatus and method for the formation and supply to a conduit of a stream of successive sample liquid test packages, and the repeated bi-directional displacement of the sample liquids test package stream in the conduit, sample liquid analysis apparatus operatively associated with the conduit for repeated, time-spaced analyses in turn of the sample liquids in each of the sample liquid test packages. Each of the test packages comprises a first segment of a sample liquid and a first reagent liquid, and a second segment of a second reagent liquid spaced from the first segment by a different fluid in the test package.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for practice in an over-the-road vehicle to determine whether effluent water released in an operating water treatment system (plant installation) can be adequately treated to remove contaminants so the effluent may be reused at the plant rather than discharged to the environment with inimical effect. The frame of the vehicle supporting a plurality of clean holding tanks, a plurality of functionally different water treating units, an analysis laboratory, a pilot cooling tower simulator, and a pilot boiler simulator. The effluent is transferred from one of the holding tanks to at least one of the water treating units to reduce the contaminant level. When the contaminant level has been reduced to a level appropriate for reuse at the plant, the effluent is transferred to one of the simulator apparatus for evaluation of the treated water in the corresponding plant process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the controlled instrumentation processing of cells and other particles with a filter device measures a parameter of the flow through the filter device of a fluid carrying the particles. A measure of the change of fluid flow through the filter device yields desired information for quantizing the particles and for quantizing the obstruction of the filter device by the particles. The method and apparatus typically operate automatically. Cytological test methods and instruments can employ the invention to quantize and to collect cells.

Abstract: The number of bacteria in a cell population comprising bacteria and somatic cells is determined by concentrating the bacteria and the somatic cells on the surface of a substrate of a filter material, such as a membrane filter, rupturing the somatic cells by treatment with a medium which is not in osmotic balance with the medium inside the cells, such as water which here constitutes a hypotonic medium, and removing or inactivating their ATP, establishing an extraction chamber having an inner wall which is partly defined by the bacteria-bearing surface of the filter material and therein extracting the ATP from the bacteria with a medium containing a surfactant, such as a quaternary ammonium compound, capable of perforating the cell walls of the bacteria, adding luciferin and luciferase and transferring the medium to a measuring chamber, determining the amount of ATP by measuring the light emitted as a result of the luciferin/luciferase reaction and expressing the amount of ATP as the number of bacteria present

Abstract: The installation comprises a selective liquid-feeder assembly, a selective gas-feeder assembly for feeding gas under pressure, a mixing and preheating assembly itself comprising a vaporizing stage, a mixing stage, and a preheating stage to raise the gas-vapor mixture to a temperature of about 150.degree. C. to about 300.degree. C., and a distributor assembly for distributing the flow of gas-vapor mixture to a plurality of high temperature generalized corrosion test circuits. Each test circuit comprises a reactor including an intermediate preheater stage for preheating the gas-vapor mixture applied to the reactor to a temperature of about 400.degree. C. to about 600.degree. C., and a final heater stage containing at least one sample of material to be tested which sample is put into contact with the gas-vapor mixture flow from the intermediate preheater stage, and raised in the final heater stage to a temperature lying between about 700.degree. C. and about 850.degree. C.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are set forth for enhancing the concentration of oxides of nitrogen in the preferred embodiment. A permeable membrane is formed into a tube placed in a container. A sample containing bound nitrogen in placed in a container in contact with the tube. A carrier gas is swept through the tube in contact with the wall of the tube. This enables hydrophobic gases such as oxides of nitrogen to migrate through the wall of the tube and they are swept into a detection system. If desired, they can be permitted to accumulate in the wall for an interval and the carrier gas can be switched from off to on to achieve peak concentration for delivery to a bound nitrogen analytical device. Other hydrophobic gases such as oxides of sulfur can likewise be identified by sulfur analyzer. This enables an increase in trace concentration.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for sensing fluid interface(s) in a complex fluid such as centrifuged blood, includes a sensing assembly with a microwave source and a microwave sensor positioned in spaced opposed relation, the microwave source and sensor defining a microwave propagation path. Relative motion is induced between the sample container and the microwave energy propagation path in the region between the source and sensor in a direction that intersects and is essentially perpendicular to the microwave energy propagation path; and processor apparatus responsive to the scanning apparatus and the modification in microwave energy sensed by the microwave sensor provides an indication(s) of the location(s) of a fluid interface(s) in the container.

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

Abstract: An automatic chemical analyzer includes containers for chemical reagents, a standard (full scale) solution and a baseline solution. An overflow sampler provides a test sample having a chemical concentration to be measured. Computer controlled valve means connect either the baseline solution, standard solution or test sample to an output tube, and a peristaltic pump couples the reagents and the liquid in the output tube to a chemical module where the chemical reaction takes place. The output of the chemical module is coupled to a flow cell in the form of a stream of liquid segments separated by air bubbles. Light at a selected optical frequency is passed directly through the flow cell to a photodetector the output of which is converted to digital form by a computer which stores baseline and full scale values corresponding to the color values of the liquids in the baseline and standard containers.

Abstract: A capillary stop-flow junction located in a housing at an end of a capillary passageway used to transport a liquid and at the beginning of a non-capillary internal chamber in the housing, in which the stop-flow junction contains an improvement which comprises 1) means for selectively trapping a gas in the capillary passageway and non-capillary chamber, wherein when the means for trapping is activated and the liquid enters the capillary passageway, the gas is compressed by the liquid as the liquid flows through the capillary channel and stops flowing at the stop-flow junction; or 2) a stop-flow nozzle surrounding the capillary passageway and projecting into the chamber; or 3) the stop-flow junction being formed from a single housing body member; or 4) a rupture junction in the capillary pathway, wherein the rupture junction is a stop-flow junction providing less maximum available back pressure than the capillary stop-flow junction.

Abstract: A diagnosis system, which comprises a monitor, comprising a detector providing multiple reflectance readings in an array of individual locations, registering an analytical cartridge in the monitor at a fixed location and orientation relative to the array, and determines and displays analytical results from reflectance readings; and an analytical cartridge, comprising a liquid impervious housing, a sample application site in the housing located outside the monitor when the cartridge is registered in the monitor by the means for registering, one or more reflectance reading sites in the housing that register with one or more of the locations in the array, a capillary pathway in the housing leading from the sample application site to each of the reflectance reading sites, and a reflectance matrix located in at least one of the reflectance reading sites.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting gaseous aldehydes is disclosed which contains a detachable aldehyde capturing system and an aldehyde detection system. The gaseous aldehyde is passed across a semipermeable membrane with a solvent on the other side of this semipermeable membrane to dissolve and absorb the aldehydes from the gas. This system permits the concentration and detection of low concentrations of gaseous aldehyde in the sample for efficient measurement. The aldehyde dehydrogenase to produce NADH in an amount corresponding to the amount of aldehyde in the solvent. The aldehyde detection system measures the amount of NADH produced.

Abstract: Minimum carryover container for the successive containment of discrete liquids as are successively introduced thereinto, and minimum carryover discrete liquid analysis system utilizing the container, are disclosed; and operate through use of container materials which are selectively wettable by an immiscible isolation liquid which is introduced to the container independently of the discrete liquids to form an independently flowing isolation liquid stream which covers the walls of the container from the container inlet to the container outlet thereby preventing contact by the discrete liquids with the container walls. The container can include wall portions enabling the transmission of light energy therethrough from the outside of the container.

Abstract: A method of detecting a target moiety comprising the steps of (a) providing an antibody specific to the target, (b) saturating the binding sites of the antibody with a labelled form of the target, (c) flowing a liquid containing the target past the saturated antibody, thereby (d) allowing the target to displace the labelled antigen, and (e) detecting the displaced labelled antigen with a detector for the label.

Abstract: A fiber optic-based regenerable biosensor. The biosensor is particularly suitable for use in microscale work in situ. In one embodiment, the biosensor comprises a reaction chamber disposed adjacent the distal end of a waveguide and adapted to receive therein a quantity of a sample containing an analyte. Leading into the chamber is a plurality of capillary conduits suitable for introducing into the chamber antibodies or other reagents suitable for selective interaction with a predetermined analyte. Following such interaction, the contents of the chamber may be subjected to an incident energy signal for developing fluorescence within the chamber that is detectable via the optical fiber and which is representative of the presence, i.e. concentration, of the selected analyte. Regeneration of the biosensor is accomplished by replacement of the reagents and/or the analyte, or a combination of these, at least in part via one or more of the capillary conduits.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for the substantial separation on a continuous flow basis of immiscible liquids flowing as a common stream, with one of the liquids substantially encapsulating another of the liquids, in a flow conduit. The conduit comprises an inner surface which is selectively "wettable" by one of the liquids to the substantial exclusion of another of the liquids; and the liquid separator apparatus are disposed in the conduit and operate to substantially separate the liquids, or at least a portion of one of the liquids, from the common liquids stream as that stream flows into contact with the separator apparatus in the conduit.Apparatus and method for the introduction of a liquid on a continuous flow basis into a flowing stream of another liquid which is immiscible therewith and is flowing in a flow conduit are also provided.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus for transporting a sample of body fluid such as blood from a first location to a remote test site location. The apparatus operates in conjunction with a fluid manifold module which has a first sample input port, a second washing fluid input port and a third input port for receiving air. There are tubing means coupled to said first, second and third input ports which are coupled together and coupled to a sample output line which extends from the first location to the remote location. The manifold means contains check valves with one valve for blood and one valve for washing fluid and a diaphragm pump for air. There are logic means which selectively operate the valves and pump to allow the sample line to receive a sample separated by air barriers from washing fluid solution. In this manner, a predetermined volume of sample is transported from the first location to the remote test site location.

Abstract: A probe for measuring oxygen concentration including an immobilized polypyridine metal complex, which can be used for measurement of oxygen concentration even in a case where the exciting ray to be used and luminescence are visible rays and which can stably be used even when it is directly immersed in a liquid to be examined without a protective membrane, which makes miniaturization of a probe possible.

Abstract: A method and equipment for making a chemical analysis of a sample enables multiple analyses to be conducted simultaneously. The system includes a number of injection valves connected in series to a sample inlet line. Each injection valve is connected in a parallel to a separate detection unit. Each injection valve is connected to a pressurized source such as a solvent pump. This equipment includes a sample preparation unit which injects the sample to flow through each of the valves. Each of the valves will retain a portion of the sample in a sample chamber. Each valve will rotate to an injecting position wherein the pressurized solvent pushes the sample into the separate detection units.

Abstract: Biological fluid test samples are analyzed for a broad spectrum of drugs, including benzodiazepines, amphetamines, tricyclic antidepressants and opiates, in a single isocratic analysis using a chromatographic column system containing three analytical columns--an anion exchange column, a reversed phase column and a cation exchange column. A pre-column is also included to purge the sample of salts, proteins, peptides and hydrophilic anions. Carrier liquids containing acetonitrile at various strengths are used for distribution of the various drugs among the columns, elution of the drugs from the columns, and column purging and conditioning. The system readily lends itself to automation, automatic periodic sampling, and component identification and quantification.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photolytic interface and its use in series between a High Pressure Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC) and a chemiluminescence detector for the detection of trace (nanogram) amounts of N-nitroso compounds including N-nitrosamides and non-volatile N-nitrosamines in aqueous-based fluid samples. HPLC effluent containing separated N-nitrosoamino acids and N-nitrosoamino amides is introduced into a glass coil with a purge stream of He and irradiated with ultraviolet light. Nitric oxide cleaved by photolysis is rapidly separated from solvent through a series of cold traps and carried by the He into the reaction chamber of a chemiluminescence detector. Biological matrices, such as urine and gastric fluid, can be analyzed directly at high sensitivity without concentration and/or extraction.

Abstract: An apparatus to continuously measure the level of a water treatment product added to boiler feedwater for prevention of scale formation in boiler tubes, which includes a pump turbidimeter analyzer receiving a sample of the treated boiler feedwater and mixing it with a reagent to produce turbidity in the sample that is photometrically measured to determine product level.

Abstract: A chemical monitor system is disclosed that controls a multiplexable valve array 90 to route a fluid sample from any of plural fluid sample sources 20-38 to any of plural monitors 142-160 which will produce the most valuable chemistry measurement for diagnosing any existing or suspected malfunction. Fluid regulators 170-188 keep the flow rate constant regardless of the number of monitors 142-160 connected to a particular source. A computer 200 configures the array 90 based on the usefulness of sample analysis to a disgnostic system.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring the concentration values of constituents of urine collected in a toilet bowl. A conduit extends from the urine-collecting portion of the bowl to a concentration-measuring device. A gas injector is mounted beside the conduit to intermittently inject gas into the conduit, for dividing the urine contained in the conduit into aliquots. The concentration values of urinary constituents of each aliquot are measured.

Abstract: A system for introducing a sample substance into a spectroscopical analytical instrument which includes a first pump which, when on, pumps a sample liquid and a buffer liquid, and a second pump which, when on, pumps an eluting liquid and rinsing liquid. The system includes an ion exchanger column for retaining the elements of the sample to be determined and which can be eluted by the eluting liquid. A dosing capillary serves to introduce the sample into the furnace of an atomic absorption spectrometer. A valve has a first position wherein the first end of the ion exchanger column communicates with the first pump and the second end communicates with a waste outlet port, and the dosing capillary communicates with a source of displacing fluid; and a second position wherein the second end of the ion exchanger column communicates with the second pump and the first end communicates with the dosing capillary.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for the substantial separation on a continuous flow basis of immisicible liquids flowing as a common stream, with one of said liquids substantially encapsulating another of said liquids, in a flow conduit. The conduit comprises an inner surface which is selectively "wettable" by one of the liquids to the substantial exclusion of another of the liquids; and the liquid separator apparatus are disposed in the conduit and operate to substantially separate the liquids, or at least a portion of one of the liquids, from the common liquids stream as that stream flows into contact with the separator apparatus in the conduit.Apparatus and method for the introduction of a liquid on a continuous flow basis into a flowing stream of another liquid which is immisicible therewith and is flowing in a flow conduit are also provided.

Abstract: An improved process and apparatus for making carbonated beverages in which water is mixed with a syrup and the resulting mixture is carbonated and filled into containers in a filling line, the improvement is the following:a sample of beverage is continuously removed before the beverage is filled into containers and then the sample is passed into a cell of a photometric analyzer and the concentration of syrup is photometrically measured which generates a signal; the signal is fed to a process controller which compares the signal to a signal stored in the controller having been generated by the photometric analyzer of an analysis of a sample of a standard beverage containing a predetermined level of syrup concentration and precisely determines the deviation of syrup concentration of the sample from the standard; a trim amount of water is added to the beverage to control the syrup concentration of the beverage to the concentration level of the standard; and the beverage is passed through a static-in-line mixer t

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for performing analyses in liquid chromatography, by means of a pump capable of drawing a fluid and injecting it at high pressure, through at least a control valve, into a separation column. To obtain maximum precision as required by the analysis, before each analysis or each group of analyses, or with respect to each fluid used, a pump stroke is performed with the pump delivery side shut off in order to record and memorize the characteristics of compressibility of the fluid. These characteristics are kept into consideration in the subsequent operative stages to obtain an exactly constant delivery of the feed pump to the separation column.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the separation of immiscible liquids are provided, and comprise the use of separator means having a surface which is preferentially "wettable" by one of the liquids to the substantial exclusion of another of the liquids. In use, the liquids are flowed from a common liquid source onto said surface with the one liquid being sorbed thereby to the substantial exclusion of the other liquid to thus substantially separate the liquids. The separator means surface may be maintained essentially level to retain the substantially separated liquid thereon, or may be inclined to result in the flow of the same therefrom under the influence of the force of gravity. Alternatively, the separator means may be made of a liquid-permeable material to permit the flow of the substantially separated liquid therethrough and therefrom under the influence of the force of gravity.

Abstract: A liquid stream (13) and a detector (12) and a computer (11) which operate to observe properties in the composition of the fluid stream and compare detected data from observed samples with standards and in accordance with parameters established by calibration calculate the characteristics of the observed samples.An integral but segmented liquid stream (13) flows through the analysis system (10) to provide liquid segments of observed sample and reagent. A detector (12) scans data from the samples at the interface between these segments and information relating to the composition at the interface is analyzed by a mathematical model that permits comparison of the detected data from successively observed samples with standards and thus determines the characteristics of the samples. The segmented integral liquid stream (13) is fashioned by step pulsing of discrete segments of reagents and samples and transporting the discrete segments to a detector (12).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for automatic microbatch reaction including a reactor having a reaction chamber, such as a 1.5 milliliter plastic centrifuge tube having a conical bottom. An automatically actuated injection valve is used to inject less than 1 milliliter of a sample into the reaction chamber. One or more automatically actuated reagent valves are used to introduce respective pressurized reagents into the reaction chamber to process the sample. The volume of the reagent(s) introduced into the reaction chamber is less than 1 milliliter and controlled by the on time of the respective reagent valve. The automatically actuated valves are controlled by a computer based timer. A sensor positioned in the chamber, such as a pH electrode, can be used to analyze the processed sample in place or the processed sample can be analyzed by flowing it from the reaction chamber through a flow-through detector, such as a flow-through spectrophotometer.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the release of a substance from a substrate, e.g., the release of ions through membranes, are disclosed.

Abstract: A sample duct in a carrier line is isolated by three-way valves blocking the flow of carrier or flushing liquid from reservoirs. The sample duct may be connected to a loading syringe and to a sample reservoir respectively by the valves. When the sample duct is connected into the carrier line, pressurized carrier fluid may convey the sample for analysis through a manifold comprising valves through which reagents may be introduced from reservoirs. The sample then passes through a thermostatically controlled reaction tube to a valve which switches it between waste and an outlet leading to a detector for analysis. The carrier and flushing fluids and the reagents are pressurized by gas from an inlet which is conveyed via an overpressure vent to the reservoir by lines. Rigid inert tubing is used throughout the carrier line, sample duct, manifold and reaction tube.

Abstract: Minimum carryover container for the successive containment of discrete liquids as are successively introduced thereinto, and minimum carryover discrete liquid analysis system utilizing the container, are disclosed and operate through use of container materials which are selectively wettable by an immiscible isolation liquid which is introduced to the container independently of the discrete liquids to form an independently flowing isolation liquid stream which covers the walls of the container from the container inlet to the container outlet thereby preventing contact by the discrete liquids with the container walls. The container can include wall portions enabling the transmission of light energy therethrough from the outside of the container.

Abstract: A continuous flow system is disclosed in which successive liquid segments are established containing different related components of a fluid package, such as an analysis mixture, separated by at least one immiscible segment, passed along a first section of a conduit, combined in a second section of the conduit and mixed while passing along a third section of the conduit, so as to provide a completely mixed segment. This system permits the delayed on-line mixing of different components of an analysis mixture, such as samples with reagents or diluents, as well as mixing and interaction of such components in a single conduit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for the electrochemical analysis of electrolytic components in a sample liquid (58), especially of a body fluid, with a selective measurement electrode (20) for a kind of ion to be analysed, a reference half cell, which includes a conducting-off element (30) cooperating in the operational state with a reference electrolyte (56), and a voltage measurement device (34) for the measurement of the voltage between the measurement electrode and the conducting-off element (30), wherein the measurement electrode (20) is arranged on a pipe (22) provided with a sucking-in opening (23) for the sample liquid (58), the conducting-off element (30) of the reference half cell being arranged on the pipe (22) in such a manner that it directly contacts a liquid (56) present therein, the conducting-off element (30) thereby being arranged in the pipe (22) in the sucking-in direction behind the measurement electrode (20), a sucking-in device (36) being provided through which a sample liquid (

Abstract: An analytical chemistry apparatus and method for introducing a reagent into a flowing stream of liquid carrier in order to quantitatively analyze one or more components of a sample added into the carrier. The reagent is permeated across a short section of membrane having relatively large pores. The use of such a membrane: (a) allows the membrane to be protected from physical damage by covering it with a perforate structure; (b) significantly reduces bandspreading across the membrane reagent addition device; (c) reduces the pressure drop across the membrane reagent addition device; and (d) still allows for the permeation of an effective amount of the reagent into the carrier. The reagent is preferably pressurized to minimize leakage of carrier across the membrane and the reagent can be self-pressurized by essentially completely filling the reagent reservoir of the invention with reagent and then hermetically sealing the reservoir.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring or detecting a chemical entity in a liquid sample, the apparatus including a first module operationally connected to a second module, the first module having a flow passage for the sample, the flow passage including a sensor for measuring or detecting the chemical entity and .Iadd.a .Iaddend.pump .[.means.]. for advancing the sample along the flow passage, the second module including .[.means.]. .Iadd.an actuator .Iaddend.for actuating the pump means, and the second module being connected to the first module via .[.connecting means.]. .Iadd.a connector .Iaddend.permitting disconnection of the first and second modules and connection of a replacement first module to the second module.