Abstract: A method and apparatus for recalibrating analytical instruments such as atomic absorption and inductively coupled plasma spectrophotometers comprises the use of coupled piston pumps and valves in a fluid conduit system to obtain a sample value (h) during one half of a pump cycle and standard gradients (S1-S6) during the other half cycle. The piston pumps are actuated by cams of selected profiles to obtain a predetermined flow rate from each pump, the flow from each pump being selectively combined to construct standard gradients from two or more standard solutions and to effect autoranging of the standards in response to a previously determined sample value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining the metabolic state of neutrophils present in the body of a patient. In particular, the present invention involves the measurement of the rates of in vitro glycolysis in blood samples taken from individuals as a function of the number of selected cells present in the blood sample, including neutrophils and red blood cells. The physiologic information provided by the present method, which, for example, indicates whether an individual's neutrophils are in a quiescent, primed or activated state, allows the medical practitioner to attain a better understanding of the patient's condition and, consequently, assists in the diagnosis and formulation of proper treatment.

Abstract: A liquid sampling valve includes a fixed element having a contact surface and a movable element having a contact surface for contacting the contact surface of the fixed element; the fixed element or the movable element having measuring passageways extending to the contact surfaces, the measuring passageways having an opening for receiving and measuring a liquid sample incorporated into the opening; both the fixed element and the movable element being provided with a plurality of cleaning passageways, each having an opening at a location spaced apart from the central part of the contact surface, the location being different from the locations where the openings for the measuring passageways are provided. Movement of the movable element relative to the fixed element into a first state allows for a liquid sample to be filled into the measuring passageway, and movement into the second state allows for the liquid sample filled in the measuring passageway to be conveyed to out of the element.

Abstract: Methods of using a disposable reagent pack with an analytical instrument to analyze a blood sample are provided. According to one embodiment, a disposable reagent pack comprising a sample well, a lysing solution well, and a red blood cell analytic sample well is used. A blood sample is placed into the sample well and the red blood cell analytic sample well. Fluid is selectively transferred between the sample well and the lysing solution well. Both the lysing solution well and the red blood cell analytic sample well are simultaneously presented to the analytical instrument for analysis.

Abstract: A system for performing chemical analyses includes at least two analyzers and at least one peripheral device capable of serving either analyzer. A control system is coupled to the analyzers and to the peripheral device and selectively commands the peripheral device to serve one or the other of the analyzers depending upon the analyses requested for each analyzer and the analytical method applied. A control system providing sharing of peripheral devices in such a system is also provided, as is a method for performing chemical analyses wherein a peripheral device is shared by analyzers. The system permits simultaneous and asynchronous analysis for a variety of analytes while reducing the physical space occupied by the system and the idle time of both the analyzers and the peripheral devices.

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: Pretreatment apparatus and process for analysis of sugar, the apparatus including a mechanical work hand which moves a vial containing a sample to various stations where reagents are added to the vial and where other pretreatment processes are performed on the sample. The pretreatment apparatus automatically controls the movement of the vial from one station to another and the various processes performed at each station, the processes including removal and storage of the vial's cap, addition of reagents into the vial, centrifugation and heating of the sample, and evaporation of excess reagents.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for treatment of a first liquid which is a plasma of human blood comprising cyclically feeding the first liquid and a second liquid to the treatment device, and measuring a component of the first and second liquids so that a ratio between the first and second liquids are determined by a measuring arrangement. The first and second liquids are transferred to predetermined collection points by initiating and terminating a collection of the first liquid during one of the feeding cycles based on the ratio between the first and second liquids. The volume of at least the first liquid conveyed to the treatment device is measured during one of the cycles by a volume measuring arrangement. A theoretical time is determined between the initiating and terminating of the collection of the first liquid.

Abstract: Diluents and methodologies for determining the concentration of total calcium in a clinical sample (e.g. whole blood, sera plasma urine cerebro spinal fluid) containing protein-bound calcium are disclosed. Methodologies include the steps of: (a) admixing the sample with a diluent, the diluent including effective amounts of a pH buffer and at least two agents capable of complexing free calcium in the sample, where the agent-calcium complex association constants ("log K" in base 10) each have a range from about 1.5 to about 7.0; and (b) contacting an aliquot of the diluted sample with a calcium-specific ion selective electrode. The response of the calcium-specific ion selective electrode is an indication of the concentration of total calcium in the sample.

Abstract: A chemical reaction is carried out by the wet method on a succession of samples. The chemical reaction is carried out within a reaction chamber which is connected to a fluid-conducting circuit. The reaction chamber is positioned within a microwave cavity. A predetermined quantity of sample is fed into the circuit upstream of the reaction chamber. At least one reactant is introduced into the circuit upstream of the reaction chamber. The reaction chamber, with the sample and reactant disposed therein, is heated by the application of microwaves for a predetermined time. The product of the reaction is recovered. The circuit is then rinsed with a rinsing liquid, and the steps are repeated on the remaining samples.

Abstract: A method for solubilizing colloidal silica in aqueous systems containing silica is provided wherein a silica-containing sample is diluted, one or more chelants are added and the pH is above 10.0.

Abstract: An electropneumatic apparatus for sampling rapidly predetermined volumes of a mixture, to be connected to a computer.

Abstract: A lytic reagent composition highly selective in its interactions with the cell membranes of white blood cells and also provides a method of using the reagent composition in a particle analyzing system to effect a significantly improved white blood cell differential determination. The lytic reagent composition is characterized by an ability to selectively shrink the white blood cells into the increasing size order of lymphocytes, basophils, monocutes, eosinophils and neutrophils, and effect a five component separation of these major subpopulations of white blood cells on the histogram of an automated blood analyzer when used in conjunction with a suitable blood diluent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for measuring trace quantity of oxygen in a gas by reacting yellow phosphorus vapor and oxygen in a sample gas, and measuring the intensity of the light emitted by the reaction. Together with the sample gas, a constant amount of oxygen is continuously supplied to a reaction chamber so as to react with the yellow phosphorus vapor, and the intensity of the light emitted is measured. The oxygen concentration in the sample gas is determined from the difference between the value measured as above and the intensity of the light emitted by the reaction between the yellow phosphorus vapor and the added oxygen, or from the oxygen concentration obtained from the measured value and the concentration of the added oxygen.

Abstract: Physiologically active substances contained in a biological sample not subjected to deproteinization can be converted to their derivatives at a high efficiency without being adversely affected by the protein present in the sample, and accordingly the analysis of said physiologically active substances in the form of said derivatives can be performed at a high precision.

Abstract: A chemical analysis system including a suction unit for sucking an amount of a sample from a sample vessel and determining whether or not the sucked sample is of a sufficient amount for analysis. If the sucked amount is of a sufficient amount, it is transferred directly to a reaction vessel for mixture with a reagent in a measurement unit for analysis. If the sucked amount is of an insufficient amount, it is initially transferred to a temporary sample storage unit in order to detect the amount of insufficiency and then is transferred to the measurement unit for mixture with the reagent and also with a dilution solution which is added to the insufficient sample in an amount determined by the amount of insufficiency determined in the temporary sample storage unit. Then, the analysis of the previously insufficient amount of sample is performed taking into account the amount of dilution solution added to the previously insufficient amount of sample.

Abstract: An indirect potentiometric method and diluent for the analysis of lithium are disclosed. The diluent includes effective amounts of a pH buffer and a non-cationic surfactant comprising at least one hydrophobic group, at least one hydrophillic group and being substantially free of polyoxyethylene groups. Most preferably, the pH buffer is tris-(hydroxymethyl) aminomethane-phosphate, and the surfactant is 2, 4, 7, 9-tetramethyl-5-decyn-4,7 diol. An indirect potentiometric determination of lithium in a clinical sample comprises the steps of mixing the sample with a diluent, contacting an aliquot of the diluted sample with a lithium specific ion selective electrode and at least one ion selective elctrode specifically responsive to a monovalent interfering ion, and measuring both the response of the lithium specific ion selective electrode and the monovalent interfering ion specific ion selective electrode, the responses being an indication of the concentration of lithium in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid chromatographic analyzer for analyzing a sample containing components for analysis by reacting the sample with a pre-labeling reagent to obtain a reaction mixture containing labeled components, concentrating the reaction mixture and separating the labeled components from each other, and detecting the separated labeled components by a detector, the steps of analysis being controlled to concurrently proceed by a control unit, thereby shortening the time for analysis per sample which analyzer includes: (a) a unit for storing samples containing components for analysis and a pre-labeling reagent for the components at a constant temperature, (b) a unit for reacting the sample with the pre-labeling reagent at a constant temperature to obtain a reaction mixture containing labeled components, (c) a unit for transferring one of the samples and the pre-labeling reagent from unit (a) to unit (b), (d) a unit for concentrating the reaction mixture and separating the labeled component

Abstract: An analyzer system for improving quality of a reaction product, wherein a liquid sample must be maintained at an elevated temperature to prevent precipitation of titratable species, comprises a heated sample and dilution section, an autotitrator and a programmable controller. In operation a liquid sample to be analyzed is withdrawn from a reactor and maintained at reactor temperature while being diluted. The diluted sample is then cooled and passed to an autotitrator for analysis. The analyzer system includes a programmable controller for automatic unattended dilution of successive samples.

Abstract: In blood examinations, first basic items such as the number of red blood cells, the number of white blood cells and the volume of hemoglobins are measured (primary examination), then, on the basis of the results thereof, further specific additional items are measured such as leukocyte classification and measurement of reticulocytes (secondary examination). In this case, the basic items are measured by the basic analyzing module and the results of the measurement are analyzed to judge whether additional items are necessary or not, and only specimens requiring additional items are measured in the additional analyzing module. The additional analyzing module is provided with a temporary sump for temporarily retaining the measuring solution from the measuring solution preparing device. Thus, the blood examination may be done efficiently.

Abstract: A method for diluting and mixing specimen such as blood and a reagent, which is designed to prepare a mixed solution of a specimen and a reagent at a specific ratio by discharging the reagent in a passage for quantitative determination in a sampling valve by a specified amount of the reagent. The method is such that specimen is discharged by reagent first at a low speed and thereafter at a usual speed by a reagent discharge device. The reagent discharge device may comprise a syringe, a pump having a thin film for forming air and liquid chambers, or the like. As constructed, the specimen is not damaged due to fluid pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for diluting and mixing specimen such as blood and a reagent, which is designed to prepare a mixed solution of a specimen and a reagent at a specific ratio by discharging the reagent in a passage for quantitative determination in a sampling valve by a specified amount of the reagent. The apparatus is designed so that specimen is discharged by reagent first at a low speed and thereafter at a usual speed by a reagent discharge device. The reagent discharge device may comprise a syringe, a pump having a thin film for forming air and liquid chambers, or the like. As constructed, the apparatus is not damaged due to fluid pressure.

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: An improved multi-purpose blood diluent for use with a gentle lysing agent and improved detergent reagent system are disclosed which are especially suitable for use in routine electronic enumeration and volumetric differentation of blood cells. The preferred imidazole stabilizer used in the diluent reagent is found to be an excellent cell stabilizing agent and buffer for maintaining cell morphology during operation. A synergistic combination of a superior antimicrobial agent, the preferred Triadine-10, used in the diluent and the detergent reagents, not only prevents bacterial or fungal growth, but also helps to stabilize cells and to obtain distinct volumetric differentiation of certain leukocyte subpopulations. The preferred Brij 35 in a balanced salt solution has proved to be an efficient and cost effective detergent to ensure accurate results and trouble-free operation of the analyzers.

Abstract: There is disclosed an automated system for testing the sterility of products intended for human health administration or for human consumption. The system permits a plurality of samples of a product to be concurrently tested. To accomplish this, the system includes a novel apparatus for thoroughly mixing therein a plurality of product samples to assure that a statistically meaningful representation of product samples are subjected to sterility testing. The system is arranged so that multiple samples of a product to be tested are deposited in the mixing apparatus after which the mixed samples are conveyed to testing canisters along with appropriate growth media to determine that the product is sterile or that the product is free from microbial contamination.

Abstract: A liquid dilution system which dilutes a sample to be analyzed with a carrier to supply a diluted sample-containing liquid to an analytical measurement apparatus of flow type. The inventive dilution system features simplicity and versatility as compared to conventional automatic apparatus with robot concept, and the present system comprises: a first carrier pump for feeding a first carrier; a sample injection unit for injecting the sample into the first carrier; a main passage for flowing a liquid from the sample injection unit to a detector unit of an analytical measurement apparatus; a branching device located downstream of the sample injection unit for forming a branched passage to remove a liquid mass partially from the main passage; a confluence unit located downstream of the branching unit for confluencing a second carrier; and a second carrier pump for feeding the second carrier to the confluence unit.

Abstract: A method for transferring a fluid sample from a first chamber to a second chamber separated from the first chamber involves opening a closed cavity defined between the end portions of two coaxially arranged cylindrical rods while in the first chamber, then closing the open cavity in the first chamber to enclose the fluid sample, transferring the closed cavity from the first chamber to the second chamber by effecting axial movement of the rods relative to the chambers, then opening the closed cavity in the second chamber to allow the fluid sample to enter the second chamber. A device for carrying out this method is provided with first and second rods arranged to move along a common axis, the device including an arrangement for effecting displacement of the rods relative to each other and relative to the chambers or displacement of the rods together while the end portions of the rods are in contact to effect transfer of the fluid sample from one chamber to the other.

Abstract: An analyzer system for improving quality of a reaction product, wherein a liquid sample must be maintained at an elevated temperature to prevent precipitation of titratable species, comprises a heated sample and dilution section, an autotitrator and a programmable controller. In operation a liquid sample to be analyzed is withdrawn from a reactor and maintained at reactor temperature while being diluted. The diluted sample is then cooled and passed to an autotitrator for analysis. The analyzer system includes a programmable controller for automatic unattended dilution of successive samples.

Abstract: There is disclosed an automated system for testing the sterility of products intended for human health administration or for human consumption. The system permits a plurality of samples of a product to be concurrently tested and is arranged so that multiple samples of a product to be tested can be mixed and then conveyed to test canisters along with appropriate growth media prior to determining that the product is sterile or is free from microbial contamination.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for measuring chemical and/or physical reaction sequences by nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry and comprises a reaction path (1), a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer (2) and at least one reaction chamber (10) which is located in the reaction path, wherein means are provided for feeding at least the reaction product from the reaction chamber (10) to the nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer (2). According to the invention, at least reaction chamber (10) and its reagent supply and discharge lines (5 to 7) are mounted, by means of a mounting angle (29), on the same head housing (9) on the latter's end which projects from the spectrometer magnet bore, in the stray field of the spectrometer magnet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing standard gas mixtures which entails purifying a raw gas using a gas purifier (3) such as a known two stage gas purifier system, thereby generating a high-purity diluent gas;mixing the high-purity diluent gas and at least one high-concentration standard gas, by generating a medium-concentration gas mixture;dividing the medium-concentration gas mixture into a first flow and a second flow;selectively mixing the first flow with a sample gas or a high-purity diluent gas or a mixture thereof, thereby obtaining a standard low-concentration gas mixture; andcontrolling the pressure of the sample gas, the second flow of the medium-concentration gas mixture and the standard low concentration gas mixture.

Abstract: The sample injection cell comprises a body and a bore through the body for receiving a probe to pass fluid sample into the bore. A transverse passageway into the body permits a diluent to enter the bore and be mixed with a sample in a predetermined ratio and be dispensed directly into the flow cell. The diluent simultaneously washes the probe when the probe is located in the bore. A waste basin forms part of an integral unit and is adjacent the bore so that fluid from a flow cell can enter the waste basin and then exit under gravity to a waste drain.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for producing specific concentrations of waterbo pollutants diluted in unfiltered seawater and for periodically delivering the seawater/pollutant dilutions to a plurality of experimental test aquaria at selected flow rates. A seawater feed tank containing the unfiltered seawater drains, under the force of gravity, into a seawater feed trough. The seawater feed trough is constructed to allow the unfiltered seawater to escape therefrom at a plurality of seawater escape locations under the force of gravity. A plurality of seawater cells are aligned beneath the seawater feed trough to receive the unfiltered seawater escaping therefrom. Means are further provided to limit the amount of unfiltered seawater in each of the seawater cells to a preselected amount. In a similar fashion, a pollutant feed tank containing the waterborne pollutants drains under the force of gravity into a pollutant feed trough.

Abstract: A method for separating HDL from whole blood anticoagulated with EDTA is disclosed. The method includes, as a first step, mixing the anticoagulated whole blood with an aqueous solution composed of magnesium .sup.++ cations and dextran sulfate 500 in such proportions and of such concentration(a) that substantially all of the LDL and VLDL lipoproteins and substantially all of the chylomicrons are precipitated while(b) substantially all of the HDL remains in solution.The method also includes the step of sedimenting the precipitated lipoproteins, the chylomicrons and the red blood cells by centrifuging, which can be low gravity centrifuging, and can include the step of determining the cholesterol, triglyceride, phospholipid or protein content of the supernatant.

Abstract: A method of reducing the viscosity of a body fluid comprises mixing a body fluid with a cationic quaternary ammonium reagent. The body fluid is a mucopolysaccharide-containing body fluid which will be tested for a metabolite.

Abstract: A computer controlled device for accurately mixing two or more fluid materials into a continual stream over an extremely wide range of relative quantities and fluid characteristics. The device can additionally sequentially dispense different predetermined mixtures of said fluid materials to two or more destinations. Mixing may be automatically accommodated in two or more sequential dilution steps. Provision exists for exact temperature control of the fluid materials and the discharge stream. Self monitoring and operation documentation are included. The device is designed to feed ingredients into continuous-flow processes which include testing of aquatic organisms for toxicological response to a variety of carefully controlled concentrations and combinations of chemical toxicants.

Abstract: A dilution and mixing cartridge is provided that allows single (or multiple) dilutions of a sample with a diluent in a disposable cartridge in which a measurement, such as optical density, is made. Addition of sample to the device automatically measures the sample, and addition of diluent automatically causes a fixed ratio of sample and diluent to enter a receiving chamber, in which mixing and measurement can take place. A number of preferred embodiments are provided in which the diluent application site is located at a vertical height below the sample application site, flow directing chambers are provided to control flow of desired volumes of sample or diluted sample at the appropriate locations in the device and to direct excess sample and diluent to waste locations, or control mechanism are provided at flow directing chambers and other internal locations to verify correct operation of the device.

Abstract: An improved sample-holding platform for a stabilized temperature platform furnace in atomic absorption spectroscopy is provided having a recessed base and elevated sidewalls to retain an organic liquid sample and concentrate the atomized elements in a confined area for analysis after vaporization.

Abstract: An automated, high volume process for detecting, identifying and quantifying physical incompatibility between two or more chemicals in solution includes mixing the chemical solutions in all possible orders and reading the light absorption of each at two wavelengths to differentiate between color reactions and other physical reactions.

Abstract: A dilution and mixing cartridge comprising a sample application site, a mixing chamber in fluid receiving relationship to the sample application site, a diluent application site in fluid donating relationship to the mixing chamber, a first valve means selectively preventing flow from the diluent application site to the mixing chamber, and a mixture isolating chamber hydrostatically connected to the mixing chamber is provided along with a method for using this cartridge to sequentially dilute a sample with the same or different diluents.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a technique for storing concentrated eluant, preparing dilute eluant, and reclaiming water used for dilution. The invention uses stored concentrated eluant which is diluted using a sample loop coupled with a dilute eluant reservoir. Water is used for dilution and is reclaimed using a mixed ion exchange bed. The use of concentrated eluant and reclaimable water significantly reduces storage needs.

Abstract: Correcting an initial measurement of the concentration of a first water soluble species dissolved in a water-based component of a biological fluid that also includes a second water soluble species and a volume occupying component, the initial measurement having been taken using an original sample of the fluid that had been diluted by an amount of additional aqueous solution to form a diluted sample is disclosed; the concentration of the second water soluble species is measured in an undiluted sample of the biological fluid to obtain a direct concentration and is measured using a diluted sample of the fluid to obtain an indirect concentration, and the initial measurement of concentration of the first species is adjusted based on a combination of the direct and indirect concentration determinations of the second species.

Abstract: A centrifuge for separating constituents of fluids, diluting the constituents and inoculating a reagent includes a spinning assembly for spinning a processor member. The processor member includes fluid and diluent compartments, separation chambers for a fluid and for a diluent, a mixing chamber, and a reagent chamber. The fluid compartment is in communication with the fluid separation chamber by a first passage. The diluent compartment and diluent separation chamber are communicated by a second passage. The first and second passages are oriented such that centrifugal force moves the fluid and diluent through the first and second passages into the respective chambers. The chambers are aligned to prevent outflow under the influence of centrifugal force but to allow outflow into measuring passages upon braking the spinning of the processor member. Spinning the processor member after braking generates a centrifugal force moving the fluid and diluent through the measuring passages into a mixing chamber.

Abstract: A liquid sampling, metering and transfer valve assembly for providing plural dilutions of a single liquid sample comprising a pair of outer stationary elements sandwiching a rotatable element, the rotatable element carrying precise volume segmenting passageways, the outer elements carrying counterpart passageways for communicating to the exterior of the valve assembly, one outer element carrying loops each for storing a precise volume of diluent and the other valve elements carrying through passageways for communicating to and from said respective loops. A continuous body of sample is introduced into the valve assembly along a path through a pair of the segmenting passageays and a pair of aliquot portions isolated from said parth. The rotatable element is operated to direct one aliquot along with the content of one loop to an exterior location for mixing. The other sample aliquot is retained.

Abstract: An apparatus for diluting a sample with a diluent, comprising a fixed volume measuring chamber, a fixed volume receiving chamber and fluid receiving relationship to the measuring chamber, a gas vent in the receiving chamber, a stop flow junction between the measuring chamber and the receiving chamber, a sample application site in fluid donating relationship to the measuring chamber, wherein the vertical height difference between the sample application site and the stop flow junction is insufficient to provide a hydrostatic pressure capable of overcoming backpressure at the stop flow junction when sample is applied to the sample application site, and the diluent application site and fluid donating relationship to the measuring chamber. Sample and diluent are added sequentially to the apparatus of the invention without requiring any intervening operations. Various means are provided for restarting flow, which causes diluent to wash the sample into the receiving chamber, where the two can be mixed.

Abstract: A process for determining the degree of saturation of a solution comprising a solvent and a compound of limited solubility which involves the steps of (1) diluting a feed solution of the compound of limited solubility, (2) passing a sample of the diluted feed solution through a bed of a solid solution of the compound and a tracer in which the tracer is intrinsically incorporated into the crystal structure of the compound, so that the diluted feed solution being tested becomes saturated with the compound by dissolution of a portion of the solid solution in the bed, (3) measuring the concentration of the tracer in the sample after passage through the bed of solid solution, thus measuring the amount of the compound dissolved from the solid solution to saturate the diluted feed solution, and (4) determining the degree of saturation of the compound in the feed solution from the measured values

Abstract: There is disclosed a sample preparation chamber for a system for preparing samples of various compositions for assay by liquid chromatography. The sample preparation chamber is includes a container having a threaded cap and a threaded, lightweight, translucent plastic cup. A stirrer/grinder shaft driven by a motor and connected to a propeller/grinder passes through the cap. The cup has a sloped bottom with a sump region, and a fill/empty pipe passes through the cap and has its outlet at or near the sump. A nozzle/fill pipe arrangement allows the walls to be washed down as liquid is pumped into the cup. A second fill pipe with its outlet spaced up from the bottom of the cup is also used, and a sample metering valve having an inlet in said cup is present.

Abstract: In a chemical analysis system a sample liquid is passed through a non-wetting porous membrane from a reservoir of sample liquid to a flowing stream of diluent which is constantly flowing when the sample liquid penetrates the membrane under positive pressure differential from the sample side of the membrane. The pressure differential is suitably obtained both by means for exerting pressure on the sample liquids as for example on a stream of sample liquid on the entry side of the membrane as well as a reduction in pressure on the exit side of the membrane. The passage of the sample liquid through the non-wetting porous membrane requires a minimum liquid entry pressure differential across the membrane to cause enough penetration to give a sample liquid which provides in an analyzed diluent stream a detectable presence of the sample liquid in an analytical detector receiving and measuring the stream.

Abstract: An automated device for deconcentration and potentiation of homeopathic remedies, comprising a preparations flask held by a support fastened to a horizontal shaft driven in rotation. The mouth of the flask describes a circle and can be moved among several positions, particularly an original position for introduction of the dose to be diluted or rediluted and for introduction of the solvent, and a position for pouring the dilution into a wide-mouth bottle containing granules to be impregnated and put into rotation. Between each deconcentration, the flask is cleaned by washing means and drying means located on its path in other positions.

Abstract: A process for determining the degree of saturation of a solution comprising a solvent and a compound of limited solubility which involves the steps of (1) diluting a feed solution of the compound of limited solubility, (2) passing a sample of the diluted feed solution through a bed of a solid solution of the compound and a tracer in which the tracer is intrinsically incorporated into the crystal structure of the compound, so that the diluted feed solution being tested becomes saturated with the compound by dissolution of a portion of the solid solution in the bed, (3) measuring the concentration of the tracer in the sample after passage through the bed of solid solution, thus measuring the amount of the compound dissolved from the solid solution to saturate the diluted feed solution, and (4) determining the degree of saturation of the compound in the feed solution from the measured values.