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Abstract

A method and apparatus for detecting presence of liquid in a pathway of known volume feature a molding with a sample receiving port, a pump connection port, at least one sample treating chamber and optionally at least one optical measuring chamber located between the sample receiving port and the pump connection port. The sample receiving port and the treating chambers are connected with each other through a pathway, which passes through the liquid detecting part, that has at least one air hole that is controlled to be in an open or closed state in response to the presence of liquid detected by the liquid detecting part. A sample is quantitatively fed from the sample receiving port into a sample treating chamber. Detection of the liquid involves projecting a light beam at an incident angle in a range of 42.degree. to 62.degree. with respect to the normal upper surface of the pathway; receiving light transmitted through the pathway or reflected from the upper surface of the pathway; and measuring an intensity of the reflected or transmitted light.

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First Claim