Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
189 words
A method of analysis of a liquid sample which is carried along a flow channel by a carrier liquid, which method comprises introducing a predetermined quantity of a given sample and a predetermined quantity of a selected reagent into respective separate sample and reagent flow lines by aspiration from separator containers, the sample being aspirated by a movable hollow probe, bringing the extracted sample and the extracted reagent together into a common flow channel, and causing the combined sample and reagent to travel along said flow channel to a measurement cell, the sample and reagent being caused to flow along the flow channel by a pump, and after the predetermined quanitities of sample and reagent have been aspirated, (a) transferring the hollow probe while pump action is momentarily stopped to receive flow of a carrier liquid whereafter the pump is re-started and (b) transferring the reagent flow line during the time the pump action is momentarily stopped to receive flow of a carrier liquid, whereby the sample and reagent are caused to travel along said flow channel as a discrete liquid slug interposed in a stream of carrier liquid.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
189 words
A method of analysis of a liquid sample which is carried along a flow channel by a carrier liquid, which method comprises introducing a predetermined quantity of a given sample and a predetermined quantity of a selected reagent into respective separate sample and reagent flow lines by aspiration from separator containers, the sample being aspirated by a movable hollow probe, bringing the extracted sample and the extracted reagent together into a common flow channel, and causing the combined sample and reagent to travel along said flow channel to a measurement cell, the sample and reagent being caused to flow along the flow channel by a pump, and after the predetermined quanitities of sample and reagent have been aspirated, (a) transferring the hollow probe while pump action is momentarily stopped to receive flow of a carrier liquid whereafter the pump is re-started and (b) transferring the reagent flow line during the time the pump action is momentarily stopped to receive flow of a carrier liquid, whereby the sample and reagent are caused to travel along said flow channel as a discrete liquid slug interposed in a stream of carrier liquid.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
188 words
Apparatus for the analysis of liquid samples carried along a flow channel by a carrier liquid, said apparatus comprising a first container for the material a sample of which is to be analyzed; a second container for a reagent to be admixed with said sample; a third container for a carrier liquid; a first hollow probe for insertion into either said first container or said third container; a probe control mechanism for controlling placement of said first hollow probe alternatively in the first and third containers; a first conduit communicating with said first hollow probe; a second conduit; a common flow channel at one end of which said first and second conduits come into confluence; a pump for pumping liquids along said first and second conduits and said common flow channel; means for deriving an analytical measurement from material in said common flow channel; drive means for driving the pump; means for alternatively connecting the second conduit with the second and third containers, whereby the sample and reagent can be caused to travel along said flow channel as a discrete slug interposed in a stream of carrier liquid.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
188 words
Apparatus for the analysis of liquid samples carried along a flow channel by a carrier liquid, said apparatus comprising a first container for the material a sample of which is to be analyzed; a second container for a reagent to be admixed with said sample; a third container for a carrier liquid; a first hollow probe for insertion into either said first container or said third container; a probe control mechanism for controlling placement of said first hollow probe alternatively in the first and third containers; a first conduit communicating with said first hollow probe; a second conduit; a common flow channel at one end of which said first and second conduits come into confluence; a pump for pumping liquids along said first and second conduits and said common flow channel; means for deriving an analytical measurement from material in said common flow channel; drive means for driving the pump; means for alternatively connecting the second conduit with the second and third containers, whereby the sample and reagent can be caused to travel along said flow channel as a discrete slug interposed in a stream of carrier liquid.