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: 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: 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 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: The present invention provides a process for the detection of analytes in body fluids containing free biotin by immunoassay with the use of biotin conjugates for the labelling, immobilization or complexing of immunological reagents, wherein the biotin present in free form is removed from the immunological reaction by incubating the sample solution with polymer particles consisting of a core and a covering which, as core, contain a polymer which has a plurality of binding sites for biotin and, as covering, at least one layer of protein, peptide, carbohydrate or co-polymer of carbohydrate and amino acids, the layer thickness of the covering being so adjusted that the coating is permeable for the free biotin but not for the biotin conjugate.

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: 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: 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: A method for analyzing water or other liquid, in particular rain water, comprises the steps of providing a collector comprising at least first and second volumetric cells and a mechanism for causing water to flow selectively into the cells and for causing water to flow selectively from the cells. Water is caused to flow into a first one of the cells while it is prevented from flowing into the other one of the cells. The water collected in the first cell is caused to flow to a property determining cell when the first cell has been filled to a predetermined volume, and simultaneously water is prevented from flowing into the first cell while it is now permitted to flow into the second volumetric cell. The water collected in the second cell is then permitted to flow to a property determining cell when the second cell has been filled to a predetermined volume, and simultaneously the water is prevented from flowing to the second cell while it is now permitted to flow to the first cell.

Abstract: Improved process control is achieved in processes for which it is useful to control variable process conditions based upon on-line determinations of the concentration of weak acids and weak bases, or their soluble salts, in liquid streams of the processes. For example, amine system energy savings and waste treatment system control improvements are taught.

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: A method for analyzing fluid by a multi-fluid modulation mode is characterized by subjecting a plurality of sample fluids (which may be different or a single sample fluid divided into a plurality of systems) to a fluid modulation by reference fluids at various frequencies, respectively. An analytical portion provided with only one sensor is simultaneously and continuously supplied with the respective sample fluids. An output signal from the sensor in the analytical portion is divided into signal components of the respective modulation frequencies for the respective sample fluids to rectify and level, whereby obtaining analyzed values about the respective sample fluids is achieved.

Abstract: A method of analysis in which a first fluid is delivered to a sensing position at a controlled first rate of flow through a fluid junction. Fluid including this first fluid is pumped to the sensing position at a rate of flow greater than the first rate, whereby to aspirate further fluid into the first fluid at the fluid junction. A condition of the fluid is sensed at the sensing position. Associated analytic apparatus includes first and second pumps (1, 2). The first pump has a pair of ports and the second pump has at least one port. A conduit (4, 5) provides fluid flow communication from a first of the ports of the first pump (1) to the port of the second pump (2). A fluid junction (3) in the conduit (4, 5) is spaced from the second pump for admitting a further fluid to the conduit. A sensor (13) is associated with the conduit (5) to sense a condition of the fluid in the conduit at least at a sensing position between the fluid junction (3) and the second pump (2).

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: 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: A method of on-line controlling and optimizing industrial chemical processes for the manufacture of textile finishing and improving agents to achieve an optimum end point, wherein the improvement comprises the steps of periodic automatic sample taking, over at least the critical state of the process, injecting the samples into a carrier stream, optionally physically and/or chemically manipulating the samples while in the carrier stream, and then transporting the carrier stream to a detector wherein one or more values are measured, said values being used to adjust the process to an optimum end point. The method not only makes possible to determine and monitor the instantaneous state of the process but also, because of the amount of relevant data per unit of time resulting from the method, to drive the process to a desired quality by using the data obtained from the detector for further process control. Each new analysis affords a prognosis on the further reaction course and on the end point of reaction.

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: 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: An apparatus for quantitative determination of trihalomethanes comprises a separation unit containing two channels in contact with each other via a microporous membrane that will not react with trihalomethanes, a reaction unit for heating a carrier solution that has passed through the separation unit, a cooling unit for cooling the carrier solution that has undergone complete reaction; and a detection unit for determining the quantity of a fluorescent substance in the carrier solution. A method for quantitative determination of trihalomethanes comprises flowing a sample solution or a mixture thereof with a reducing agent through one of the two channels in the separation unit, flowing the carrier solution through the other channel, heating the carrier solution that has passed through the separation unit and to which an alkaline nicotinamide or a derivative thereof has been added, cooling the carrier solution, and subjecting the cooled solution to fluorimetry.

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: A quantitative dispenser for a liquid includes a pipette having a downwardly directed nozzle which serves to pick up and deliver a predetermined quantity of a liquid and a mechanism for moving the pipette downwardly to dip the lower end of the pipette into the liquid supply. A detector is provided for detecting reflection of light which is projected downwardly to the surface of the liquid while the pipette is moved downwardly to approach the surface. A control circuit is connected to the detector to determine the stop point for the downwardly moving pipette with the aid of information received from the detector. The detector is provided with a spot type reflection sensor having a light convergent optical element having a focal point at a certain distance below the detector whereby the stop point of the downwardly moving pipette is determined so as to correspond to a point of maximum intensity of the incoming reflected light.

Abstract: A system for detecting analytes in air or aqueous systems includes a permeation absorption preconcentrator sampler for the analytes and analyte detectors. The preconcentrator has an inner fluid-permeable container into which a charge of analyte-sorbing liquid is intermittently injected, and a fluid-impermeable outer container. The sample is passed through the outer container and around the inner container for trapping and preconcentrating the analyte in the sorbing liquid. The analyte can be detected photometrically by injecting with the sorbing material a reagent which reacts with the analyte to produce a characteristic color or fluorescence which is detected by illuminating the contents of the inner container with a light source and measuring the absorbed or emitted light, or by producing a characteristic chemiluminescence which can be detected by a suitable light sensor. The analyte can also be detected amperometrically.

Abstract: The sample and the reagent required for titration are fed into a titration vessel (1), the reagent and/or sample being supplied intermittently in the form of pulses of liquid. Toward this end, a controlled valve (9) is provided in the supply line (4) for the reagent. The opening and closing times of this valve (9) and, hence, the frequency and duration of the pulses of liquid, are chosen such that the ratio of the average sample flow to the average reagent flow is sufficient to achieve the ratio of sample to the reagent at the equivalence point. This renders continuous titration possible, for which only one pump (7) is needed, which does not require any complex servo system and, therefore, has a low energy consumption.

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: 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: Automatic dilution apparatus and method are provided, and are operable in conjunction with automated sample liquid analysis systems to automatically dilute sample liquids as supplied thereby to automated sample liquid analysis apparatus. One embodiment of the dilution apparatus operates to dilute the sample liquids by flowing the sample liquids from the analysis system sample liquid supply conduit, diluting the same, and returning the diluted sample liquids to the supply conduit for flow therethrough to the sample analysis apparatus for sample liquid analysis. Flow of undiluted sample liquids through the supply conduit is prevented attendant operation of the dilution apparatus. A second embodiment of the dilution apparatus operates to remove predetermined volumes of the sample liquids from the supply conduit, and to replace the same with like volumes of a diluent liquid; thereby diluting the sample liquids in the supply conduit for continued flow to the sample liquid analysis apparatus.

Abstract: An analysis system includes a sample inlet, a diluent inlet, and a mixing chamber that has an outlet through which a mixture of the sample and diluent is flowed and in which a mechanical mixing member is housed. Positive displacement pumps preferably concurrently flow diluent to the mixing chamber and draw diluted sample to be analyzed from the mixing chamber. Bubble separation apparatus has a first branch connected to a drain and a second branch connected to the analyzer input. In a particular embodiment, the analyzer apparatus includes a nebulizer that controls the flow rate of the bubble-free stream through the second branch, sample excitation apparatus in the form of an induction coupled plasma (ICP) torch for exciting the sample to spectroemissive levels, and means for spectroanalysis of the excited sample at the output of the torch.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the concentration of solids in a flow of water is described. Water in a sampling pipe 2 is divided into two paths by a branch pipe. Water flowing through respective paths then passes through respective filters having different pore sizes. Then, the flow rates of the water passing through each of the filters 9a and 9b is measured by flow meters. An operation circuit successively calculates the relative ratio of the time dependent change of the output from each of the flow meters based on the outputs from each of the flow meters 10a and 10b. The successive ratios are indirectly related to the concentration of solids in the stream large enough to be captured by the smallest pore size filter.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for the exchange of substances between substance carrier and recovery fluids in predetermined carrier/recovery fluid volumetric ratios, and operate through the vaporization of the carrier fluid in a separation chamber to separate the substance therefrom at a separation zone therein and effect the deposition and accumulation of the substance in a relatively narrow band, and the subsequent recovery of the substance band form the separation chamber by the substance recovery fluid. Correlation of the carrier fluid flow rate into the separation chamber, and the separation chamber temperature, is effective to determine the location of the substance band in the separation chamber. Segmentation of the substance carrier and recovery fluids materially increases the efficiency of the separation and recovery processes. The apparatus and method are particularly adapted for high operational rate operation on an automated basis; and are adapted for operation on a batch basis.

Abstract: A flow through type liquid analyzer hasan analytical portion;a peristaltic pump connected to the analytical portion for supplying various kinds of liquids to the analytical portion, a passage-change over valve mechanism for controlling the kinds of liquid supplied to the analytical portion,an air bubble adding mechanism for adding air bubbles to the liquid sent to the analytical portion from the passage-change over valve mechanism,a detecting device for detecting movement of the air bubbles from the air bubble adding mechanism to the analytical portion, and a controller connected to the detecting device and to the pump for determining the flow rate of the liquid being sent to the analytical portion from the detected movement and controlling the speed of rotation of the pump in response to the determined flow rate for automatically maintaining the flow rate of the liquid sent to the analytical portion at a predetermined desired value.

Abstract: A gas analyzer for simultaneously measuring a plurality of ingredients of a sample gas has a sample gas-introducing passage, a sample gas, flow-divider connected to the gas-introducing passage for dividing the sample gas into a plurality of gas flows in a desired flow-dividing ratio, a sample gas-diluter connected to the flow-divider for diluting the plurality of divided sample gas flows, and a plurality of gas concentration detectors, one for each gas flow, and connected in parallel with each other to said sample gas-diluter for receiving the respective diluted gas flows from the sample gas-diluter.

Abstract: An analyzer for measuring the ionic values of electrolytes in a sample solution having a fluid flow-through air segment detector (300) and a plurality of fluid flow-through ion selective electrodes (97,98) for measuring the ionic values of electrolytes and a fluid flow-through reference membrane assembly (96) connected in series. There is also a reference electrode (95). There is a reservoir (77) containing an internal filling solution. The reference membrane assembly and the reference electrode are located in the reservoir and exposed to the internal filling solution.A tubular fluid sampling probe (70) having a sampling port (63) aspirates air, sample and liquid reagents through the system.The probe cooperates with a slide valve (64) having a passageway (53) through which the probe reciprocates.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for the exchange of substances between substance carrier and recovery fluids in predetermined carrier/recovery fluid volumetric ratios, and operate through the vaporization of the carrier fluid in a separation chamber to separate the substance therefrom at a separation zone therein and effect the deposition and accumulation of the substance in a relatively narrow band, and the subsequent recovery of the substance band from the separation chamber by the substance recovery fluid. Correlation of the carrier fluid flow rate into the separation chamber, and the separation chamber temperature, is effective to determine the location of the substance band in the separation chamber. Segmentation of the substance carrier and recovery fluids materially increases the efficiency of the separation and recovery processes. The apparatus and method are particularly adapted for high operational rate operation on an automated basis; and are adapted for operation on a batch basis.

Abstract: Apparatus for, and a method of, automatic chemical analysis. The apparatus comprises a conveyor system for delivering vials containing samples for analysis through an entry gate and identification arrangement to a series of analytical modules where a succession of tests is effected on each of the samples. Each of the analytical modules comprises a sample probe, a reagent probe, a container for reagent adjacent to the conveyor means, a movable stop member arranged to hold a vial in an appropriate position adjacent to the module, means for moving the movable stop member so as to allow the vial to pass from one module to the next, and means for moving the sample and reagent probes between a first position where they are ready for insertion into a vial, and a second position where they are held clear of the vial. The apparatus also includes synchronizing means arranged to co-ordinate operation of the various elements of the apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for analysis of liquid samples is described. The method involves simultaneously introducing a predetermined quantity of a given sample and a predetermined quantity of a selected reagent therefor directly into separate flow lines by aspiration from separate containers; bringing the extracted sample and the extracted reagent together into a common flow channel; and causing the sample/reagent mixture to travel along the flow channel as a discrete liquid slug interposed in the stream of a carrier liquid to the measurement cell of an analytical instrument. Another aspect of the method is characterized in that a single pump is used to draw sample and reagent into separate arms of the flow channel which subsequently merge, and to drive the sample/reagent mixture along the flow channel; and in that a carrier liquid is drawn into the flow channel by said pump so that the material within the flow channel is carried along as a continuous liquid phase.

Abstract: Apparatus in which a sample and a reagent solution are introduced into a stream of carrier liquid, whereby reaction proceeds between the sample and the reagent solution during their transfer through a passage. When a zone of the reaction solution passes successively through two flow cells provided in series, light absorbancy based on the reaction solution in each flow cell is measured, and rate assay is made from a difference between light absorbancies. A period of time for observing a specific sample can be changed by changing the length of a reaction tube connecting a flow cell at the upstream side to a flow cell at the downstream side.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for flow extraction whereby a substance dissolved in a first solvent is extracted over to a second solvent which is insoluble in the first. The two solvents are brought together via two legs in a T-tube, and the mixture exits through the third leg, the cross-sectional areas of the legs being dimensioned to produce segmented flow with alternating plugs of the second and first solvents. The ratio between the cross-sectional areas of the tube legs for the first and second solvents is 2-8:1, preferably 4:1. Between the first and third legs carrying the confluent flows, the ratio between the cross-sectional areas thereof is reduced to 0.7-1.2:1, preferably 1:1, at a distance from the juncture which is 1-3 times the inner diameter of the third leg. The confluent flow is led through a spiral hose, producing a powerful extraction due to the counter-current turbulence.

Abstract: A transport system is provided in which a plurality of samples are introduced into a carrier stream flowing through a conduit, whose inner surface is coated with an immiscible liquid film. The carrier stream can be a sequence of alternating gas and liquid segments which are in direct contact with each other and, thus, not encompassed by the immiscible liquid. Samples are introduced at various points along the conduit and, thus, the system allows for the collection and transport of samples from a plurality of remote locations to at least one central receiving station where they can, for example, be analyzed. Carryover between successive samples to be transported is effectively eliminated.

Abstract: A continuous flow analyzer of the type which introduces continuously a carrier liquid into a single tubular conduit to form a stable main carrier stream and injects predetermined volumes of reagent liquid and sample liquid in series into the main carrier stream. The analyzer reduces the consumption of the reagent and can form a stable continuous flow.

Abstract: Continuous flow metering apparatus and methods using liquid position sensors in conjunction with flow-stopping valves control (meter) fluid, e.g. sample/reagent/air, aspiration into a single conduit, such as in a continuous flow system. Air or other gas separates selected ones of the liquid segments. The volume of the aspirated segment is established by sensing a flow parameter of the segmented stream of a selected one of the sensors. A pulse is generated by the sensors (detectors), for example due to the change of light intensity at a liquidair interface traversing the conduit. The signal pulse from a sensor causes the actuation of a selected one of the valves and stops aspiration (flow) of the liquid by traversing the flow path in the conduit through an air segment. The valve cuts through air only. Therefore, the body of the valve does not contact reagent or sample liquid by this action and the risk of carryover contamination is avoided. With the aspiration cycle completed, the input end of the conduit, e.

Abstract: The integral reagent dispenser disclosed comprises a reagent dispenser component provided with a reagent dispenser well having an opening adapted to present a liquid reagent for withdrawal therethrough and means to position a lens of liquid immiscible with said reagent between the reagent and the opening of said well. For example, the dispenser can have suitable dimensions and an inner surface which combine with the wetting characteristics of the reagent to form a concave reagent meniscus suitable to reliably position a lens of immiscible liquid thereon. The lens so formed is centrally located by the concave shape of the meniscus. Preferably, the reagent dispenser further includes an integrally associated source of reagent.

Abstract: An analyzing apparatus for the analysis of liquid samples is provided with a single sample input unit and a serial sample input unit which may alternatively be connected to a joint evaluation unit by means of a change-over switch. This will permit the measurement of single samples during a serial sample run by interrupting the automated process, additional provisions ensuring an automatic return to the serial sample mode.

Abstract: A continuous method of quantitatively determining slowly reacting compounds with the use of a single measuring cell, the sample being injected into a continuously flowing carrier solution which is already provided with, or simultaneously with the sample is provided with reagent to form a sample zone in the form of a reproduceable gradient. Said sample zone is led into a measuring cell whereupon the flow is stopped by means of shunting the carrier flow, by stopping the pump, or by means of a valve. The reaction is allowed to take place in the measuring cell while a magnitude, characteristic for the reaction, is registered. The reaction speed can be detected from the incline of the obtained response curve and the amount of the sought-after compounds is calculated. By means of setting the stop at a certain point in the concentration gradient curve and always selecting said point at the same time distance from the peak of the gradient curve during flow, a total reproduceability of the analysis is ensured.

Abstract: Colorimetric analysis for the presence or concentration of hexacyanoferrates in an aqueous liquid is carried out by forming a colored indicator compound which is soluble therein. The analysis is based on the use of a cobaltic complex of tris-1,10-phenanthroline or tris-2,2'-bipyridyl as an analytical reagent.