APPARATUS FOR USE IN SPECTROSCOPICALLY ANALYZING PROPERTIES OF TEST SAMPLES

An apparatus (10) for use in spectroscopically analyzing properties of a plurality of test samples. The apparatus includes a support member (12) for stationarily supporting a plurality of test cells (14) containing test samples (16) to be analyzed and suitable devices for directing a beam of radiation successively at the test cells (14) and for then receiving output radiation from the test cells. The radiation directly (20) and detector devices (30) are mounted in fixed relationship to one another, and arranged with respect to the support member (12) so that when the beam of radiation from the radiation directing device (20) is directed onto one of the test cells (14), the radiation detector (30) will receive output radiation from the same cell. The radiation directing (20) and detector devices (30) are moved as a unit relative to the stationary test cells (14) in a manner so that the beam of radiation from the directing device (20) is directed sucessively at the plurality of test cells (14), whereby the radiation detector device (30) will then receive successively output radiation from the plrality of test cells (14). In this manner, analysis of the properties of a plurality of test samples may be quickly and efficiently made. Further, the fact that the test cells (14) are stationarily supported and the radiation directing (20) and detecting devices (30) are moved relative thereto is most advantageous in connection with spectroscopic analysis of flow through fluid test samples in which the sample fluid to be analyzed is continuously introduced into and withdrawn (17a, 17b) from the stationarily supported test cells. Un appareil (10) utilisé pour analyser par spectroscopie les propriétés d'une pluralité d'échantillons de test comprend un organe de support (12) pour supporter de manière stationnaire une pluralité de cellules de test (14) contenant des échantillons (16) à analyser et des dispositifs appropriés pour diriger un rayon d'une radiation successivement sur les cellules de test (14) puis recevoir une radiation réfléchie par les cellules de test. Les dispositifs d'envoi (20) et de détection (30) de la radiation sont montés en relation fixe l'un par rapport à l'autre et sont agencés sur l'organe de support (12) de sorte que lorsque le rayon provenant du dispositif d'envoi (20) de la radiation est dirigé sur l'une des cellules de test (14), le détecteur de radiation (30) reçoit une radiation de sortie réfléchie par la même cellule. Les dispositifs d'en