Abstract An analytical photometer-fluorometer is provided for simultaneously determining solute concentration in a multiplicity of discrete samples. A multiplicity of sample analysis chambers or cuvettes are arranged in a circular array within a centrifuge rotor to provide a rotary cuvette system. Each cuvette is provided with a shallow portion (0.1 - 0.2 cm depth) having a transparent window on one side only for making fluorometric measurements and a portion having greater depth ( about 1 cm) and transparent windows on both sides for making photometric measurements. A photometer light source and a photodetector are disposed on opposite sides of the centrifuge rotor to make photometric measurements of the cuvette contents. A fluorescence excitation light source is disposed on the same side of the rotor as the photodetector and oriented to direct a light beam at an angle into the shallow portion of each cuvette.
A combined fluorometric-photometric solution analyzer for the simultaneous determination of solute concentration in a multiplicity of discrete samples comprising: a. a rotor assembly defining a multiplicity of sample analysis cuvettes, said cuvettes each having: i. a shallow portion bounded on one side by a transparent window and on the opposed side by an opaque wall disposed in parallel with said transparent window; and ii. a portion of greater depth than said shallow portion bounded on two sides by transparent windows disposed in parallel; b. means for directing an excitation light beam through said transparent wall bounding said shallow portion and into said shallow portion; c. means for detecting fluorescence emitted from sample solution within said shallow portion; d. means for directing a light beam through said portion of greater depth; and e. means for detecting light transmitted through said portion of greater depth.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
143 words
A combined fluorometric-photometric solution analyzer for the simultaneous determination of solute concentration in a multiplicity of discrete samples comprising: a. a rotor assembly defining a multiplicity of sample analysis cuvettes, said cuvettes each having: i. a shallow portion bounded on one side by a transparent window and on the opposed side by an opaque wall disposed in parallel with said transparent window; and ii. a portion of greater depth than said shallow portion bounded on two sides by transparent windows disposed in parallel; b. means for directing an excitation light beam through said transparent wall bounding said shallow portion and into said shallow portion; c. means for detecting fluorescence emitted from sample solution within said shallow portion; d. means for directing a light beam through said portion of greater depth; and e. means for detecting light transmitted through said portion of greater depth.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
The combined fluorometric-photometric solution analyzer of claim 1 wherein said shallow portion is no more than 0.2 cm in depth and wherein said portion of greater depth is about 1 cm in depth.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The combined fluorometric-photometric solution analyzer of claim 2 wherein said opaque wall comprises a groove-mounted removable shim.