Patent ID: 6887429

Claim:
An automated analytical system for sequential-injection sample analysis, the automated analytical system comprising: (a) a multipositional stream-selection device; (b) a fluid-propulsion device, in fluid communication with the multipositional stream-selection device, for conveying a fluid to and from the multipositional stream-selection device; (c) a source of sample, in fluid communication with the multipositional stream-selection device; (d) a reagent reservoir containing a lyophilized reagent which is to be dissolved or a solution of reagent which is to be diluted, the reagent, when dissolved in or diluted by a solvent, forms a reconstituted reagent that is capable of reacting with a component of the sample to form a reaction product detectable by the automated analytical system; (e) a source of solvent, in fluid communication with the multipositional stream-selection device, for dissolving or diluting the reagent; (f) a detector, in fluid communication with the multipositional stream-selection device, for generating a signal indicative of concentration of the component of the sample; and (g) a central processing unit, operatively connected to the multipositional stream-selection device, and constructed and arranged for automatic control of fluid flow between the multipositional stream-selection device, the sample source, the reservoir containing the reagent, the solvent source, and the detector.