Photometer with rotating sample container

Claim 1

In photometric analysis apparatus of the type having an optical measuring station at which a sample container holds sample material to be optically measured, the sample container including a plurality of window areas in a wall thereof for passing light into or out of the container during a measurement interval along one or more optical axes intersecting the measuring station, and optical detection means on one such axis for viewing the measuring station and operative during a measurement interval to monitor light exiting a window area of the container to develop an optical measurement of the sample within the container, the improvement characterized by: means for rotatably supporting the sample container at the measuring station; and means for rotating the container during a measurement interval to cause the window areas thereof to rotate past the detection means at a rotational speed sufficient to cause the detection means to effectively integrate the light exiting the container through all window areas of the container thus viewed, thereby compensating for optical variations or imperfections in individual window areas of the sample container.