Dilution cups for spectrophotometer analyzer

Claim 2

A spectrophotometer analyzer (S) having a turntable transport (T) with an outer circle (C) of spaced reaction cups (18, 180) and a spaced inner circle (A) of sample cups, characterized by an intermediate circle (B) of dilution cups (41-45) formed of a plurality of unitary multi-cup one-piece arc units (12, 14, 16) disposed between the inner and outer circles (A, C) of cups.

Claim 3

An analyzer as claimed in claim 1, wherein each multi-cup arc unit (12, 14, 16) has securing means (22, 24) thereon for detachably securing the arc unit to the outer circle (C) of reaction cups (18,180).

Claim 4

An analyzer .as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said intermediate circle (B) of dilution cups (41-45) and said outer circle (C) of reaction cups (18, 180) are formed as a single, unitary, one-piece unit.

Claim 5

An analyzer as claimed in claim 2, wherein each reaction cup (18, 180) has a horizontal flange (20) encircling its outer surface and spaced from the top of each reaction cup, and said securing means (22, 24) includes a pair of spaced radial arms extending radially outward from the outer side (26) of each multi-cup arc unit (12,14,16) for positioning in the respective spaces (28, 29) between corresponding reaction cups (18, 180) in the outer circle (C), each arm having a vertical rod (32, 34) on its outer end of larger width than the space (28, 29) between adjacent reaction cups (18, 180) thereby enabling the multi-cup arc unit (12, 14, 16) to be detachably hooked on to the outer circle (C) of reaction cups (18, 180) with the lower outer edge (36) of the arc unit resting on the reaction cup flanges (20).

Claim 6

An analyzer as claimed in claim 1, wherein each dilution cup has a concave floor.

Claim 7

An analyzer as claimed in claim 5, wherein each dilution cup (41-45) is formed of a highly polished material.

Claim 8

An analyzer as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the floor of each dilution cup (41-45) is formed of four downwardly sloping coacting planar floor sections (61-64) formed together to provide said concave floor.

Claim 9

An analyzer as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each arc unit (12, 14, 16) has five cups (41-45) therein.

Claim 10

An analyzer as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the dilution cups (41-45) are approximately elliptical in cross-section.

Claim 11

An analyzer as claimed in claim 1, wherein each reaction cup (180) is vertically disposed and adapted to receive a downwardly directed stream of liquid, each reaction cup (180) including a generally vertical upstanding wall (72) of continuous annular extent, each reaction cup (180) being open at the top, the bottom interior of each reaction cup (180) having a flat portion (82) at its centre, the periphery of said flat portion (82), being joined to the lower portion of the wall (72) by a sloping portion (80), the angles of the sloping portion (80) with the horizontal being less than about 45°, whereby splash, with resultant incomplete mixing, is inhibited.

Claim 12

An analyzer as claimed in claim 10, wherein the angle of the sloping portion (80) of each reaction cup (180) is about 35°.