Abstract:
An automatic refractometer comprising a photosensitive device having a relatively narrow dynamic range in the form of a linear scanned array including a plurality of photoelectric elements each providing an output pulse during a scan and the amplitude of each pulse being determined by the amount of illumination of the corresponding element by incident light, an optical system for directing light onto the array in a manner such that the particular photoelectric elements of the array which are illuminated by the light are determined by the index of refraction of a light transmitting substance placed in operative association with the optical system, a circuit for converting signals from the array into digital signals containing information as to the amplitudes of the signals from the array, a digital processing circuit for storing respective signals from reference and sample substances placed in operative association with the optical system and for computing the index of refraction of the sample substance by means of a comparison of the stored reference and sample information, and apparatus for providing a read out of the computed result. The digital processing circuit also calculates the percent solids in the sample substance, and the circuit also includes a plurality of channels for containing information to provide different interpretation of the index of refraction computed thereby. The circuit for converting array signals into digital signals comprises a peak detector circuit for detecting peak amplitudes of signals obtained from scanning the array and an analog-to-digital converter for providing digital signals containing information as to peak amplitudes of the array signals. There is also provided arrangements for measuring the temperatures of the sample substance and comparing to a reference for applying a temperature correction to the computed index of refraction, monitoring and regulating the temperature of the component of the optical system to which the sample substance is exposed, and monitoring and regulating the intensity of light incident on the array.
Abstract:
The present disclosure generally relates to a device and a method for alignment. The alignment device provides optical architecture to align the alignment device to an analyte and measure the optical properties of an analyte. The method for alignment provides steps for aligning an optical measurement device to an analyte.
Abstract:
Automatic analyzer for blood or bone marrow. Has a pipetting robot automatically dispensing the (diluted) blood onto a slide in the form of two streaks. Microscopic images of the blood streaks are taken and the cells are counted and identified by an image recognition system. The analyzer can also strain blood and take images at defined wavelength-bands using either a filter or a tuneable LED.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a device for inspecting eggs for the presence of blood. The device comprises a light source in order to pass light at a first wavelength which is not selectively absorbed by blood and light at a second wavelength which is selectively absorbed by blood through an egg to be inspected. Furthermore, the device comprises detection means for converting the light transmission through the egg to be inspected for each of the two wavelengths into corresponding signals, each of the said signals being representative of the light transmission at the relevant wavelength. The device also comprises signal-processing means which are transmission associated with the first wavelength and the light transmission associated with the second wavelength based on the signals emanating from the detection means and to emit a decision signal which is representative of the decision whether or not an egg contains blood on the basis of this ratio. According to the invention, the light source comprises one or more identical LED's (Light Emitting Diode) for generating light which passes through the egg. In use the one or more LED's emit light within a certain narrow spectrum, which spectrum comprises both the first and the second wavelength.
Abstract:
An arrangement for ensuring the stability of the set point for a gas analyzer is disclosed. The set point control circuit (30b) utilizes an amplifier (192) which is alternately switched between a reference voltage and a sensor signal to provide a signal to a processor (39) representing the reference signal and the sensor singal. The processor (39) compares the two signals and adjusts the heater (60) associated with the sensor to provide a stable set point for the gas analyzer. The arrangement eliminates the need for precision resistors within the set point control circuit and therefore significantly reduces the cost of the circuitry.
Abstract:
Automatic zeroing apparatus zeroes an infrared gas analyzer automatically upon the occurrence of preselected conditions to indicate zero in the absence of absorption of infrared radiation by a gas mixture being analyzed. The gas analyzer has a sample cell (11) for containing a gas mixture to be analyzed. Infrared radiation directed through the sample cell (11) is detected at a preselected wavelength to produce a detection signal. A signal processor outputs a signal systematically related to the difference between the detection signal and a reference signal. For zeroing the sample cell (11) is filled with gas substantially nonabsorbent of infrared radiation at the respective characteristic wavelength. A comparator produces an error signal when the output signal differs from zero. A gain control (DAC 21) automatically controls the signal level of the detection signal to reduce the output signal substantially to zero with the nonabsorbent gas filling the sample cell (11). The preselected conditions may include the passage of a predetermined time and a temperature drift beyond a predetermined limit.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for measuring a bodily constituent such as glucose or cholesterol by taking the sample taken from the body such as blood, saliva or urine. The sample is placed on a test strip inserted into the test block portion of the apparatus where the portion of the sample containing the constituent desired to be measured reacts with a chemical reagent. Products of this reaction have an absorbance/reflectance characteristic which is mathematically related to the concentration of the constituent in the bodily sample. The reflected light is absorbed by a photodiode and the output of the photodiode converted to a digital form where a microprocessor can calculate the concentration of the constituent using the mathematical relationship between the reflected light and concentration stored in memory means of the apparatus.