Magnetic stirrer for sample container of photometric analyzer
AssigneeBeckman Instruments, Inc.
InventorJack L. Hoffa
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Photometric analysis apparatus in which a sample to be optically measured is stirred by a rotating magnetic stirring element within a container holding the sample. An optical path through the container and through the sample therein intersects the rotational path of the stirring element and is hence obstructed by the stirring element in one or more rotational positions. Rotation of the stirring element is controlled in a manner which stops rotation thereof in a position out of the optical path thereby allowing optical measurement of the sample material unobstructed by the stirring element.
Claims4
In photometric analysis apparatus comprising a container for receiving sample material, means establishing an optical path for light to intercept sample material in the container, and means for monitoring light exiting the container along the optical path to measure a characteristic of the sample material, the improvement characterized by:
- a magnetic stirring element within the container for stirring sample material therein;
- means magnetically coupled to the stirring element for rotating the stirring element in a rotational path which intersects and hence in which the stirring element obstructs at least a portion of the optical path within the container;
- and
- means for controllably stopping rotation of the stirring element in an orientation out of the optical path thereby allowing optical measurement of the sample material unobstructed by the stirring element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.