초록 ▼

The modular chemical analysis system includes a first module or sample preparation apparatus for preparing sample solutions, a second module including a nephelometer apparatus comprising a stationary flow cell, mechanisms for moving sample solutions into and out of the flow cell, light generating me

The modular chemical analysis system includes a first module or sample preparation apparatus for preparing sample solutions, a second module including a nephelometer apparatus comprising a stationary flow cell, mechanisms for moving sample solutions into and out of the flow cell, light generating means for passing light through the flow cell, electric circuitry for sensing the relative light scattered (R.L.S.) by the solution or particles in the solution in the flow cell and a third module comprising a microprocessing/calculator having a tape cartridge program. The microprocessor is coupled to the nephelometer apparatus (and, if desired, is also coupled to the sample preparation apparatus) for controlling operation of the nephelometer apparatus (and, if desired, to control the sample preparation apparatus). Also, the output from the nephelometer apparatus is coupled to the microprocessor which receives R.L.S. values and known concentration values for some solutions from which R.L.S. values were obtained. The microprocessor then calculates curve fit parameters for a polynomial regression curve equation, performs a Newton-Raphson inversion on the equation and calculated parameters to automatically calculate concentration values for R.L.S. values obtained from unknown test solutions thereby to obtain calculated concentration values from R.L.S. measurements.

대표청구항 ▼

An automatic nephelometer apparatus comprising a sampling station; a transporter for transporting sample cup cartridges in a predetermined path past said sampling station, each cartridge having a plurality of sample cups therein, and each cup containing a liquid particulate suspension; a flow cell;

An automatic nephelometer apparatus comprising a sampling station; a transporter for transporting sample cup cartridges in a predetermined path past said sampling station, each cartridge having a plurality of sample cups therein, and each cup containing a liquid particulate suspension; a flow cell; valveless fluid means for withdrawing a quantity of liquid from a selected one of said sample cups at said sampling station and for moving the quantity of liquid into said flow cell; a source of coherent light; means for directing coherent light through said flow cell; means for selectively detecting the light scattered by the liquid particulate suspension and for producing a corresponding value therefor; means for removing said quantity of sample liquid from said flow cell; sample immunization means for cleaning all exterior and interior surfaces of said withdrawing means contacting said sample liquid and all of the interior surface of said flow cell to a level exceeding that contacted by said sample liquid particulate suspension; means for identifying each sample liquid particulate suspension and means for storing such identification along with the light scattered value; and programmable control means containing a plurality of accessible storage locations, for controlling operation of said nephelometer apparatus by controlling the activation of said transporter, operation of said fluid withdrawing means, operation of said coherent light means, operation of said scattered light detection means, operation of said cleaning means and operation of said identifying and storing means, at predetermined times and in a predetermined sequence.