Patent ID: 9709484
Date: 2017-07-18
CPC Classifications: G01N

Claim:
1. An apparatus for performing a light-absorption measurement on a test sample and a compliance measurement on at least one reference sample, the apparatus comprising: an illumination system configured to direct light along a light path; a test sample receptacle holder configured to receive a test sample receptacle at a first position in the light path for a test sample measurement; a reference sample receptacle carrier including at least one holding area configured to receive a reference sample receptacle for a reference sample measurement; a detection system configured to detect light absorbed by a test sample during a test sample measurement and configured to detect light absorbed by a reference sample during a reference sample measurement; an actuator connected to the reference sample receptacle carrier, the actuator configured to move the reference sample receptacle carrier to position a reference sample receptacle received in a respective one of the at least one holding area at a second position in the light path at a first point in time, and at a third position out of the light path at a second point in time; a support member coupled to the illumination system, the test sample receptacle holder and the detection system; a linear conveyor connecting the actuator and the reference sample receptacle carrier; and a carrier assembly that includes the reference sample receptacle carrier, the actuator, the linear conveyor, and a cover, wherein the carrier assembly is configured to be removably attached to the support member, wherein the cover is configured to at least partially shield the reference sample receptacle carrier, the actuator and the linear conveyor from an environment outside of the apparatus when the carrier assembly is attached to the support member, and wherein the first position and the second position are situated in the light path at different locations along the light path.