Abstract: Samples and dry chemical analysis elements necessary for analyses of the samples are loaded on a circular sampler tray. Each of the samples having been loaded on the sampler tray is sucked through a spotting nozzle and spotted onto one of the dry chemical analysis elements. A temperature of each of the dry chemical analysis elements having been spotted with the samples is kept at a constant temperature in an incubator. The sampler tray is provided with a circular rotating disk. Sample vessels, each of which accommodates one of the samples, the dry chemical analysis elements of kinds corresponding to types of the analyses of the samples, nozzle tips, each of which is to be fitted to the spotting nozzle, diluent liquid vessels accommodating a diluent liquid, and mixing cups for dilution are supported on the rotating disk.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selecting and dispensing coverglasses over specimens on slides for the purpose of viewing specimens through a microscope. The selecting device contains a suctioning mechanism for picking up a coverglass from a stack of coverglasses. It also contains the ability to bend the coverglass to assist in separating the coverglasses. The apparatus further contains a matched barrier to eliminate any coverglasses that may stick to the selected coverglass. The selecting device also contains spring members which aid in the dispensing of the coverglass. After the suctioning mechanism releases the coverglass, the spring members exert a force onto the coverglass to insure that it is released from the selecting device and placed onto the slide. After placement of the coverglass onto the slide, capillary action pushes air bubbles out from underneath the coverglass.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for automatically staining or treating multiple tissue samples mounted on slides are provided, in which the slides and reagent bottles are held in fixed position, and the reagent and wash solutions brought to the slides.

Abstract: A micromechanical actuator for sorting hematopoietic stem cells for use in cancer therapies. The actuator operates by diverting cells into one of a number of possible pathways fabricated in the fabrication substrate of the micromechanical actuator, when fluorescence is detected emanating from the cells. The fluorescence results from irradiating the cells with laser light, which excites a fluorescent tag attached to the cell. The micromechanical actuator thereby sorts the cells individually, with an operation rate of 3.3 kHz, however with the massively parallel 1024-fold device described herein, a throughput of 3.3 million events/second is achievable.

Abstract: A readhead for a photometric diagnostic instrument includes a housing adapted for incorporation within the photometric diagnostic instrument, and an elongated sample table operatively engaged with the housing. The sample table is configured to support elongated reagent sample media of the type having a plurality of test areas disposed in spaced relation thereon, each of the test areas being configured to react with a sample and to change color according to an amount of a constituent or property in the sample. A light source is provided to illuminate the sample table. An imager having an elongated field of view is coupled to the housing, the elongated field of view including at least a portion of the sample table. A scanning mechanism is configured to move the field of view relative to the sample table.

Abstract: An automated in situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining method and apparatus for treating a plurality of microscope slides. The process of heat induced antigen recovery and the process of staining the biological sample on the microscope slide are conducted in the same apparatus, wherein the microscope slides do not need to by physically removed from one apparatus to another. Each treatment step occurs within the same reaction compartment. The reaction conditions of each reaction compartment for treating a slide can preferably be controlled independently, including the individualized application of reagents to each slide and the individualized treatment of each slide. The reagents are preferably held in a reagent dispensing strip similar to a “blister pack”.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for tissue preparation for the tissue embedding, having a transport plate (15) that is surrounded by a housing (5). The housing defines an inner upper side (8a), a heating and cooling device (3), that is provided on the inner upper side (8a) of the housing (5) and a mechanic module (24) for turning the transport plate (15) and for raising and lowering the transport plate (15). The mechanic module (24) comprises a first motor (42) exclusively for turning the transport plate (15) around an axle (18) and a second motor (44) exclusively for raising and lowering the transport plate (15) in the direction of the axle (18).

Abstract: A micromechanical particle sorting chip uses an actuator divided into two parts to direct a component of interest into one of a plurality of possible exit paths, based on detection of a fluorescent signal emanating from the component of interest. The two-part actuator may include a force-generating portion and a microactuator portion. The microactuator portion may be disposable, whereas the force-generating portion may be reuseable. By bringing the force-generating portion into proximity to the microactuator portion, the microactuator is induced to move, thereby separating the component of interest from the rest of the fluid stream. The force-generating portion and the microactuator portion may be optimized and fabricated separately, thereby leading to faster, more reliable and less expensive particle sorting.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automated staining apparatus (autostainer) capable of staining sample on a microscope slide. The autostainer is capable of limiting the amount of reagent used through a process including image acquisition and processing techniques, wherein an image of the slide is acquired and used to determine a region on the slide to be stained. Also disclosed are methods of using images acquired by the autostainer in sample processing. In addition, a system having the autostainer functionally linked to an imaging system is provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling the fluid on a slide are provided. Fluid reduction is accomplished by directing stream(s) of fluid at an edge of the slide, the streams of fluid being at an angle with the slide of less than 90°. The surface tension at the edge of the slide is broken by the stream(s). And, the fluid which is on the slide is drawn or pulled by the streams of liquid, thereby reducing the fluid on the slide to a reproducible, consistent level.

Abstract: A micromechanical particle sorting chip uses laser light directed through at least one of a reflective and refractive surface to come to a focus in an optically transparent layer. The laser light impinges on a particle of interest, causing it to fluoresce. Upon detecting the fluorescence, a micromemchanical actuator is activated, which directs the particle of interest into one of a plurality of possible exit paths.

Abstract: An automated slide stainer with slides mounted in a horizontal position on a rotary carousel. Reagents and rinse liquids are automatically dispensed onto tissue sections or cells mounted on slides for the purpose of performing chemical or immunohistochemical stains. The rinse liquids are removed by an aspiration head connected to a source of vacuum. Individual slides or groups of slides are supported on flat heating stations for heating to individual temperatures. Temperature control electronics on the carousel are controlled by a user interface off of the carousel.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for determining a ratio of an amount of a glycated form of a protein to a total amount of the protein in a sample containing the glycated protein, the glycosylated protein, or the glycoprotein. The method incorporates lateral flow test strip or vertical flow test strip devices having negatively charged carboxyl or carboxylate groups and hydroxyboryl groups immobilized and interspersed on a solid support matrix. The solid support matrix may include derivatives of cellulose (e.g., carboxy cellulose) derivatized with carboxylic acid (e.g., carboxylate, carboxyl) groups and hydroxyboryl compounds including phenylboronic acid (e.g., phenylborate), aminophenylboronic acid, boric acid (e.g., borate), or other boronic acid (e.g., boronate) compounds. The present invention is usefi.il for monitoring glycation or glycosylation of hemoglobin or albumin for monitoring glycemic control (e.g., glycemia in diabetes).

Abstract: An automated immunostaining apparatus having a reagent application zone and a reagent supply zone. The apparatus has a carousel slide support supporting a plurality of slide supports thereon, and drive engaging the carousel slide support for consecutively positioning each of a plurality of slide supports in the reagent application zone. The apparatus also has a carousel reagent support having a plurality of reagent container supports thereon, and drive engaging the carousel for rotating the carousel and positioning a preselected reagent container support in the reagent supply zone. The apparatus also has a reagent delivery actuator positioned for engaging a reagent container positioned on a container support in the reagent delivery zone and initiating reagent delivery from the reagent container to a slide supported on a slide support in the reagent receiving zone.

Abstract: Methods, devices and kits for facilitating medical diagnostic assays and reducing the time required for taking of such assays. The methods comprise initiating a reaction, obtaining at least three measurements, at three different time points, of a value or level of an observable associated with the reaction, and estimating an end point value for the observable from the measurements.

Abstract: A sample separation apparatus including a porous, or rough, capillary column. The porous capillary column includes a matrix which defines pores, and may be formed rough surface of hemispherical grain silicon. The capillary column is defined in a surface of a substrate, such as silicon. The sample separation apparatus may include a stationary phase or a capture substrate disposed on the surfaces thereof. The sample separation apparatus may also include a detector positioned proximate the capillary column. A variation of the sample separation apparatus includes an electrode proximate each end of the capillary column. The sample separation apparatus may be employed to effect various types of chromatographic separation, electrophoretic separation, and analyte identification.

Abstract: A mounting bracket for a slot machine is disclosed herein, where the slot machine is slid onto the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket insures proper alignment of the slot machine onto the platform and secures the slot machine into position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, mass spectrometry systems, and sample plates for use in such systems, implement techniques for calibrating an ion source that includes a sample control system including a sample holder and a laser source. A sample plate is mounted in the sample holder, and a relationship is determined between a coordinate system of the sample plate and a coordinate system of the sample control system. The relationship is used to align a target region of the sample plate with ion optics of a mass spectrometer for a mass spectrometric analysis. The relationship is determined at least in part by aligning one or more fiducials relative to a reference point of the sample control system. The fiducials define reference points of the sample plate coordinate system. The techniques can be used to facilitate processes involving partial or full automation.

Abstract: The invention concerns a mask for distributing reagents on an analytical support, such as an electrophoresis gel, the mask having a body with parallel upper and lower surfaces, a plurality of lanes located on the lower surface of the mask have wedge-shaped projecting elements with a sloped surface between first and second ends thereof, an opening extends from the upper surface of the body of the mask to the lowest point of the sloped surface. The mask is positioned over an analytical support and loaded with the desired reagents which are held by capillary action between the mask and the analytical support. The mask can then be moved in a sweeping motion across the analytical support to deposit the reagents thereon. In another embodiment, the projecting elements are rectangular in shape and the mask is positioned at an incline with respect the analytical support.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for transferring a plurality of samples from an array of source sample locations to an array of destination sample locations. An apparatus or method of the invention are useful for reformatting samples in cases where the array of source sample locations differs in shape or orientation from the array of destination sample locations. The invention can be used to transfer fluid samples in the absence of an externally applied force. Because active automation is not required for transferring samples, the invention provides the advantage of a compact and efficient format for liquid handling.

Abstract: A fluidic medical diagnostic device permits measurement of analyte concentration or a property of a biological fluid, particularly the coagulation time of blood. The device has at one end a sample port for introducing a sample and at the other end a bladder for drawing the sample to a measurement area. A channel carries the sample from the sample port to the measurement area, and a stop junction, between the measurement area and bladder, halts the sample flow. The desired measurement can be made by placing the device into a meter which measures a physical property of the sample—typically, optical transmittance—after it has interacted with a reagent in the measurement area.

Abstract: An automated staining system and a reagent container designed for use with the automated staining apparatus. The reagent container includes a reagent containment section capable of containing a volume of a reagent. The reagent containment section includes an upper wall and a base wall that are spaced apart along an axis. The base wall includes a well having a nadir that is aligned axially with an access opening in the upper wall so that a reagent probe entering the opening parallel to said axis will travel toward the nadir. In another aspect of the invention, the reagent container may include a two-dimensional data element containing reagent information. The staining apparatus may include one removable drawer for holding reagent containers and another removable drawer holding slides.

Abstract: A device for analyzing liquid body-specimens, the device comprising at least one specimen handling station for obtaining preparation on a carrying media, and an imaging station fitted with an optical image capturing device for analyzing the preparation. A carriage with a carrying media receptacle rotatably retains the carrying media and is displaceable between a loading position and an unloading position with respective positions at the stations. An incremental displacement mechanism for displacing at least one of the carrying media and an imaging device so as to obtain at least one consecutive image of the preparation.

Abstract: A high capacity microarrayer for spotting solution onto slides in an automated microarray dispensing device. A microplate indexing device automatically moves, in sequence, a plurality of microplates to a solution removal area. A dispense head accesses each microplate at the solution removal area to remove solution from the microplate. The dispense head then moves to a slide positioning station to spot slides at the slide positioning station. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the microplate indexing station has at least one input stacking chamber for stacking microplates, and at least one output stacking chamber for stacking microplates. A walking beam indexer is disposed between the at least one input stacking chamber and the at least one output stacking chamber. The walking beam indexer is for moving microplates from said at least one input stacking chamber to said at least one output stacking chamber.

Abstract: An automated immunostaining apparatus having a reagent application zone and a reagent supply zone. The apparatus has a carousel slide support supporting a plurality of slide supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel slide support for consecutively positioning each of a plurality of slide supports in the reagent application zone. The apparatus also has a carousel reagent support having a plurality of reagent container supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel for rotating the carousel and positioning a preselected reagent container support in the reagent supply zone. The apparatus also has a reagent delivery actuator means positioned for engaging a reagent container positioned on a container support in the reagent delivery zone and initiating reagent delivery from the reagent container to a slide supported on a slide support in the reagent receiving zone.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for simultaneously moving a first sample plate into an analytical apparatus and a second sample plate from the analytical apparatus. The first sample plate is moved on an entry path which is vertically spaced apart from an exit path for the second sample plate. The transfer mechanism is disclosed in operation with a MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dispensing small volumes of selected substances, such as biological reagents or samples, onto substrates. According to one general embodiment, a plurality of spaced, tandemly-arranged substrates are advanced, e.g., by way of a conveyor, along a transport pathway extending over a reagent-supply location, such as a reservoir supported at a fixed position in a base. From a position over the reagent-supply location and the pathway, a reagent-transfer instrument, or tip, is extended along an axis through an intervening region, e.g., an opening defined by a surface of the conveyor, separating an adjacent pair of advancing substrates to contact reagent held at the reagent-supply location. The reagent-transfer instrument is then withdrawn, along with a portion of such reagent, through the intervening region to a position above the transport pathway.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems for low volume microarray processing are disclosed. The microarray devices preferably include a plurality of reactant sites on a reactant surface. The reactant sites include reactants that operate to capture one or more selected analytes that can then be detected based on an electromagnetic signal, e.g., fluorescence, that is emitted by each analyte in response to excitation energy incident on the microarray device. Mixing and/or distribution of the analyte sample over the reactant surface is accomplished by tilting the reactant surface such that the analyte sample flows over the reactant surface under the force of gravity. The tilting is performed such that a portion of the analyte sample accumulates in a bead along a first edge of the reactant surface. The reactant surface is then tilted in a different direction such that a portion of the analyte sample flows over the reactant surface and accumulates at a second edge.

Abstract: A device for placement of effluent comprises a substrate positioner, a deposition conduit, and a conduit positioner. The substrate positioner supports and positions a substrate on which effluent exiting from the deposition conduit is to be deposited. The conduit positioner moves an exit end of the deposition conduit relative to the substrate.

Abstract: A method of reading an array of moieties such as polynucleotides (for example, DNA) on at least a portion of a surface of a transparent slide which is opposite a first portion on the opposing surface, which array has been previously exposed to a sample. The method may include mounting the slide on a slide holder and retaining the slide thereon in a mounted position in which the holder does not contact the previously exposed array. The holder is then inserted into an array reader and the array read. A holder and slides which can be used in the method are also provided.

Abstract: Automated staining equipment that can mix reagents is used to spray a Romanowsky stain onto slide mounted specimens which are then briefly centrifuged. The centrifugation step removes excess stain leaving only a thin film. Depending on the time of the centrifugation step, most of the organic solvent and part of the water in the stain are evaporated by airflow through the equipment. This greatly accelerates the staining reaction and preserves water soluble structures such as the granules in basophilic leukocytes. For optimal performance, this staining procedure requires a thiazin-eosin stain with about 90% to about 40% organic solvent, such as methanol, and only about 10% to about 60% water. This is a unique staining reagent in Romanowsky staining.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating objects, in particular cytological or histological specimens, having multiple processing stations and a transport device for delivering the objects into and out of the processing stations, is characterized in that at least one running-water station (1), having an inflow (2) and an outflow (3), is provided as a processing station.

Abstract: A micromechanical actuator for sorting hematopoietic stem cells for use in cancer therapies. The actuator operates by diverting cells into one of a number of possible pathways fabricated in the fabrication substrate of the micromechanical actuator, when fluorescence is detected emanating from the cells. The fluorescence results from irradiating the cells with laser light, which excites a fluorescent tag attached to the cell. The micromechanical actuator thereby sorts the cells individually, with an operation rate of 3.3 kHz, however with the massively parallel 1024-fold device described herein, a throughput of 3.3 million events/second is achievable.

Abstract: The invention provides an integrated sample-processing system and components thereof for preparing and/or analyzing samples. The components may include a transport module, a fluidics module, and an analysis module, among others.

Abstract: An automated immunostaining apparatus having a reagent application zone and a reagent supply zone. The apparatus has a carousel slide support supporting a plurality of slide supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel slide support for consecutively positioning each of a plurality of slide supports in the reagent application zone. The apparatus also has a carousel reagent support having a plurality of reagent container supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel for rotating the carousel and positioning a preselected reagent container support in the reagent supply zone. The apparatus also has a reagent delivery actuator means positioned for engaging a reagent container positioned on a container support.

Abstract: A method of staining a biological specimen in an automated staining protocol includes contacting the biological specimen with two or more precursors of a staining reagent. When combined, the precursors form the staining reagent or have the same effects on the biological specimen as the staining reagent. Preferably, the precursors are more compatible with the liquid dispensers employed in their delivery than is the staining reagent. In one example, a GMS protocol employs, instead of chromic acid, a combination of perchloric acid and sodium chromate.

Abstract: A biochemical analyzer for automatically analyzing components of a specimen, in which a specimen rack conveying part, a specimen introducing part, and a specimen storage part are arranged, independent from one another. The specimen introducing part, the analyzing part and the specimen storage part are coupled to one another along the longitudinal direction of the specimen conveying part. The heights of these three parts measured from the floor are from 850 to 950 mm, their depths are from 750 to 800 mm and their widths are multiples of the dimension of the specimen rack. A uniform appearance is achieved by having standardized dimensions. Also a low height provides better viewing and a lighter environment.

Abstract: A transport device conveys sample holders with medical specimens to and from treatment stations as well as sampling and dispensing stations within an autosampler. The transport device consists of a carriage which is conveyable horizontally along at least one axis with a vertically conveyable hoisting device and, arranged on the hoisting device, a coupling element for the sample holder. A collecting device to catch any liquid dripping from the sample holder can be placed underneath the sample holder during transport.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a method of generating information about materials in a composition. A reagent is utilized to dissolve portions of the composition, and thereafter is filtered through a substrate which is then scanned with a microscope using automated displacement of the substrate to obtain data about the non-dissolved portions at locations along a grid pattern. Information about the size and quantity of the non-dissolved portions of the composition is generated. The invention also encompasses a method of generating information about impurities present in a metal composition. Metallic portions of the composition are selectively dissolved relative to impurities to form a solution. The solution is filtered through a substrate which is then scanned with a microscope to obtain data about a darkness of the impurities relative to a background. The data is processed to generate information about the size, quantity and type of the impurities.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automated staining apparatus (autostainer) capable of staining sample on a microscope slide. The autostainer is capable of limiting the amount of reagent used through a process including image acquisition and processing techniques, wherein an image of the slide is acquired and used to determine a region on the slide to be stained. Also disclosed are methods of using images acquired by the autostainer in sample processing. In addition, a system including the autostainer functionally linked to an imaging system is provided.

Abstract: A polymer synthesizer is disclosed which has a base on which sits a synthesis case, a synthesis block, and a means of moving the synthesis block and supports for a reagent shelf. The synthesis case has a loading station, drain station, and a water tolerant reagent area and a water sensitive reagent dispensing area. The synthesis case has a cover, a first and a second side, a first and a second end, and a bottom side which contacts the base. The bottom side of the synthesis case has a top face in which there are tracks. A synthesis block moves back and forth in the synthesis case and has a top face and an opening in the top face for a synthesis plate with a plurality of wells. The synthesis block also has a collection area under the synthesis plate to drain spent reagents or optionally hold a sample plate. The polymer synthesizer also has a means of moving the synthesis block back and forth in the synthesis case, preferably a pulley, cable and motor.

Abstract: A system for detecting and analyzing patient sample quality and/or analytes, while the sample is in the metering tip used to aspirate the sample liquid from an original patient sample container, and also to dispense the liquid onto a slide test element. Spectrophotometric analysis may be done on the sample liquid while it is still in the tip which has been converted into a cuvette. One technique for such analysis is by scanning the cuvette for transmittance in a light-tight enclosure. Near-infrared and adjacent visible radiation may be used, and the absorption spectra of the liquid detected and analyzed. A possible aspect of the present invention relates to enhancing throughput of an analyzer by conducting a sample quality measurement in a process that is parallel to the main analyzer timing cycle.

Abstract: An improved microwave unit and tissue processor system incorporating the unit are provided for use in rapid tissue processing. The microwave unit may be comprised of an energy source, a waveguide transmitting the microwave energy to a reaction chamber, and the reaction chamber being adapted to process tissue specimens for histology. The unit provides gentle and uniform heating, with minimal heat loss and escape of volatile chemicals. The system may be operated continuously and/or batchwise, by manual operation or automatically. The automated system may be operated with continuous throughput to obtain the advantages of the invention such as, for example, rapid processing under two hours and/or preservation of cell structure and tissue architecture.

Abstract: A method comprises positively displacing a first candidate luminescence material precursor from a dispenser to a first position of an array, displacing a second candidate luminescence material precursor from a dispenser mechanism to a second position of an array and simultaneously reacting the first and second candidates to produce a library of luminescence materials. A combinatorial high throughput screening liquid dispenser assembly comprises a battery of positive displacement driven dispensers for dispensing solutions of precursor luminescence materials, an array plate with wells to receive dispensed solution from the dispenser, a robotic positioning table supporting the array plate to position wells beneath respective dispensers and a controller to control dispensing of the solutions and positioning of the plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating objects, in particular cytological or histological specimens, having multiple processing stations and preferably a transport device for delivering the objects into and out of the processing stations, is characterized in that at least one heatable reagent station (1) is provided as a processing station.

Abstract: The invention concerns a unit (2) for automatic delivery of specimen slides to a coverslipper (3). The unit (2) comprises a housing (27) in which a front panel (25) is provided. Also provided is a passage (20) in the housing (27) that is defined substantially by a first and a second cutout (21 and 23) in the first and the second side wall (22 and 24). A transfer position (8) for racks (4) is provided in the region of the cutout (21) in the first side wall (22), and a transport apparatus (9) extends out substantially from the transfer position (8) to beyond the cutout (23) in the second side wall (24).

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing a plurality of liquid samples. The system has a platen having two substantially parallel planar surfaces and a plurality of through-holes dimensioned so as to maintain a liquid sample in each through-hole by means of surface tension. A source of optical radiation illuminates the through-holes, and an optical arrangement analyzes the light emanating from the through-holes. The through-holes may be individually addressable, and may have volumes less than 100 nanoliters. Samples may be drawn from a planar surface by capillary action and may be accurately dispensed, diluted and mixed in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: Centrifugal analyzer and method for staining biological or non-biological samples in microgravity, wherein the method utilizes an increase in weight of a fluid sample as a function of g-load, to overcome cohesive and frictional forces from preventing its movement in a preselected direction. Apparatus is characterized by plural specimen reservoirs and channels in a slide, each channel being of differing cross-section, wherein respective samples are selectively dispensed, from the reservoirs in response to an imposed g-factor, precedent to sample staining. Within the method, one thus employs microscope slides which define channels, each being of a differing cross-section dimension relative to others. In combination therewith, centrifugal slide mounting apparatus controllably imposes g-vectors of differing magnitudes within a defined structure of the centrifuge such as a chip array.

Abstract: Computer programs and computer-implemented methods are disclosed for extracting and analyzing combinatorial chemical data from images. The invention receives a stream of data, identifies a plurality of regions of interest and determines a series of values for one or more regions of interest. The library includes a plurality of members. The data stream includes a series of images of the library. Each region of interest corresponds to a location in each of the images and to a location in the library. The series of values for each region includes a value for each of the images. Particular embodiments have the following features. The invention calculates a figure of merit for a library member from each series of values. The stream of data comprises a series of images generated at a frequency of greater than about 1, 6, 12 or 30 frames per second. The series of images is captured from a beginning of a combinatorial experiment to an end of a commercial experiment.

Abstract: A device (strip reader) for an automatic photoelectric measurement of measuring fields contained on a sheet or strip-shaped, opaque or transparent original comprising a housing, transport members for automatically pulling the original into the housing and for transporting the original along a transport path, and a spectrophotometric measurement arrangement as well as a controller in co-operation with the transport members and the measurement arrangement. The measurement arrangement is adjustable in a direction transverse to the transport direction and illuminates the measuring fields provided on the original with light of a defined quality, and receives the light remitted or transmitted from the measuring fields in dependence upon the original and converts this measuring light into electrical signals representing the spectra of the measuring fields.