Abstract:
A rotor assembly for an apparatus adapted for monitoring a chemical reaction and identifying the presence of certain substances in each of a multiplicity of discreet samples. The assembly includes a transfer disc for storing individually the various constituents of one or more independent reactions and a cuvette rotor disposed concentrically thereto. The cuvette rotor provides in the path of light to a photoresponsive device a multiplicity of chambers for receipt of the constituents of each reaction. Means are provided in the cuvette rotor to heat the constituents to optimum temperature and to maintain the constituents at that temperature during the reaction time.
Abstract:
A dual wavelength photometer for measuring the oxygenation characteristics of blood. Light is passed through two different filters on a rotating time-sharing wheel, one filter providing a reference wave length at which there is substantially no absorbance change as between oxygenated and deoxygenated blood, the other filter providing a wavelength at which there is maximum absorbance change. The two wavelengths are sequentially passed through a cuvette containing deoxygenated blood being treated at controlled rates with an oxygenating reagent and changes in absorbance are detected by a photomultiplier which generates corresponding signals. A time-shared difference-measuring circuit, synchronized with the rotating wheel, receives the signals and derives a resultant absorbance difference signal which is delivered to a recorder. The trace provided by the recorder shows the change in absorbance-difference with time as blood oxygenation proceeds.