Exhibit 10.9

MASTER EQUIPMENT LEASE AGREEMENT

         THIS MASTER EQUIPMENT LEASE AGREEMENT dated as of December 5, 1997, is made by and between KEYCORP LEASING, A DIVISION OF KEY CORPORATE CAPITAL INC., having an address at 54 State Street, Albany, New York 12207 (“Lessor”), and BIOANALYTICAL SYSTEMS INC, an Indiana corporation with its principal place of business at 2701 Kent Avenue, West Lafayette, IN 47906 (“Lessee”).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF LEASE

        1.         Lease .     Lessor hereby leases to Lessee, and Lessee hereby leases from Lessor, the Equipment, subject to and upon the terms and conditions set forth herein. Each Equipment Schedule shall constitute a separate and enforceable lease incorporating all the terms and conditions of this Master Equipment Lease Agreement as if such terms and conditions were set forth in full in such Equipment Schedule. In the event that any term or condition of any Equipment Schedule conflicts with or is inconsistent with any term or condition of this Master Equipment Lease Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Equipment Schedule shall govern.

        2.         Disclaimer of Warranties .     LESSOR MAKES NO (AND SHALL NOT BE DEEMED TO HAVE MADE ANY) WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO ANY MATTER WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE DESIGN, OPERATION OR CONDITION OF, OR THE QUALITY OF THE MATERIAL, EQUIPMENT OR WORKMANSHIP IN, THE EQUIPMENT, ITS MERCHANTABILITY OR ITS FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE, THE STATE OF TITLE THERETO OR ANY COMPONENT THERETO, THE ABSENCE OF LATENT OR OTHER DEFECTS (WHETHER OR NOT DISCOVERABLE), AND LESSOR HEREBY DISCLAIMS THE SAME; IT BEING UNDERSTOOD THAT THE EQUIPMENT IS LEASED TO LESSEE "AS IS" AND ALL SUCH RISKS, IF ANY, ARE TO BE BORNE BY LESSEE . NO DEFECT IN, OR UNFITNESS OF, THE EQUIPMENT, OR ANY OF THE OTHER FOREGOING MATTERS, SHALL RELIEVE LESSEE OF THE OBLIGATION TO PAY RENT OR OF ANY OTHER OBLIGATION HEREUNDER. LESSEE HAS MADE THE SELECTION OF THE EQUIPMENT FROM THE SUPPLIER BASED ON ITS OWN JUDGMENT AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY RELIANCE UPON ANY STATEMENTS OR REPRESENTATIONS MADE BY LESSOR. LESSOR IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY REPAIRS, SERVICE, MAINTENANCE OR DEFECT IN THE EQUIPMENT OR THE OPERATION THEREOF. IN NO EVENT SHALL LESSOR BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (WHETHER UNDER THE UCC OR OTHERWISE), INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY LOSS, COST OR DAMAGE TO LESSEE OR OTHERS ARISING FROM ANY OF THE FOREGOING MATTERS, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DEFECTS, NEGLIGENCE, DELAYS, FAILURE OF DELIVERY OR NON-PERFORMANCE OF THE EQUIPMENT. ANY WARRANTY BY THE SUPPLIER IS HEREBY ASSIGNED TO LESSEE BY LESSOR WITHOUT RECOURSE. SUCH WARRANTY SHALL NOT RELEASE LESSEE FROM ITS OBLIGATION TO LESSOR TO PAY RENT, TO PERFORM ALL OTHER OBLIGATIONS HEREUNDER AND TO KEEP, MAINTAIN AND SURRENDER THE EQUIPMENT IN THE CONDITION REQUIRED BY SECTIONS 12 AND 13 HEREOF. Lessee's execution and delivery of a Certificate of Acceptance shall be conclusive evidence as between Lessor and Lessee that the Items of Equipment described therein are in all of the foregoing respects satisfactory to Lessee, and Lessee shall not assert any claim of any nature whatsoever against Lessor based on any of the foregoing matters; provided , however , that nothing contained herein shall in any way bar, reduce or defeat any claim that Lessee may have against the Supplier or any other person (other than Lessor).

        3.         Non-Cancelable Lease .     THIS LEASE IS A NET LEASE AND LESSEE’S OBLIGATION TO PAY RENT AND PERFORM ITS OBLIGATIONS HEREUNDER ARE ABSOLUTE, IRREVOCABLE AND UNCONDITIONAL UNDER ANY AND ALL CIRCUMSTANCES WHATSOEVER AND SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANY RIGHT OF SET OFF, COUNTERCLAIM, DEDUCTION, DEFENSE OR OTHER RIGHT WHICH LESSEE MAY HAVE AGAINST THE SUPPLIER, LESSOR OR ANY OTHER PARTY. LESSEE SHALL HAVE NO RIGHT TO TERMINATE (EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED HEREIN) OR CANCEL THIS LEASE OR TO BE RELEASED OR DISCHARGED FROM ITS OBLIGATION HEREUNDER FOR ANY REASON WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DEFECTS IN, DESTRUCTION OF, DAMAGE TO OR INTERFERENCE WITH ANY USE OF THE EQUIPMENT (FOR ANY REASON WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, WAR, ACT OF GOD, STRIKE OR GOVERNMENTAL REGULATION), THE INVALIDITY, ILLEGALITY OR UNENFORCEABILITY (OR ANY ALLEGATION THEREOF) OF THIS LEASE OR ANY PROVISION HEREOF, OR ANY OTHER OCCURRENCE WHATSOEVER, WHETHER SIMILAR OR DISSIMILAR TO THE FOREGOING, WHETHER FORESEEN OR UNFORESEEN.

        4.         Definitions .     Unless the context otherwise requires, as used in this Lease, the following terms shall have the respective meanings indicated below and shall be equally applicable to both the singular and the plural forms thereof.

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        5.         Supplier Not an Agent .     LESSEE UNDERSTANDS AND AGREES THAT (i) NEITHER THE SUPPLIER, NOR ANY SALES REPRESENTATIVE OR OTHER AGENT OF THE SUPPLIER, IS (1) AN AGENT OF LESSOR OR (2) AUTHORIZED TO MAKE OR ALTER ANY TERM OR CONDITION OF THIS LEASE, AND (ii) NO SUCH WAIVER OR ALTERATION SHALL VARY THE TERMS OF THIS LEASE UNLESS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH HEREIN.

        6.         Ordering Equipment .     Lessee has selected and ordered the Equipment from the Supplier and, if appropriate, has entered into a Purchase Agreement with respect thereto. Lessor shall accept an assignment from Lessee of Lessee’s rights, but none of Lessee’s obligations, under any such Purchase Agreement. Lessee shall arrange for delivery of the Equipment so that it can be accepted in accordance with Section 7 hereof. If an Item of Equipment is subject to an existing Purchase Agreement between Lessee and the Supplier, Lessee warrants that such Item of Equipment has not been delivered to Lessee as of the date of the Equipment Schedule applicable thereto. If Lessee causes the Equipment to be modified or altered, or requests any additions thereto prior to the Rent Commencement Date, Lessee (i) acknowledges that any such modification, alteration or addition to an Item of Equipment may affect the Total Cost, taxes, purchase and renewal options, if any, Stipulated Loss Value and Rent with respect to such Item of Equipment, and (ii) hereby authorizes Lessor to adjust such Total Cost, taxes, purchase and renewal options, if any, Stipulated Loss Value and Rent as appropriate. Lessee hereby authorizes Lessor to complete each Equipment Schedule with the serial numbers and other identification data of the Equipment Group associated therewith, as such data is received by Lessor.

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        7.         Delivery and Acceptance .     Upon acceptance for lease by Lessee of any Equipment delivered to Lessee and described in any Equipment Schedule, Lessee shall execute and deliver to Lessor a Certificate of Acceptance. LESSOR SHALL HAVE NO OBLIGATION TO ADVANCE FUNDS FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE EQUIPMENT UNLESS AND UNTIL LESSOR SHALL HAVE RECEIVED A CERTIFICATE OF ACCEPTANCE RELATING THERETO EXECUTED BY LESSEE . Such Certificate of Acceptance shall constitute Lessee’s acknowledgment that such Equipment (a) was received by Lessee, (b) is satisfactory to Lessee in all respects and is acceptable to Lessee for lease hereunder, (c) is suitable for Lessee’s purposes, (d) is in good order, repair and condition, (e) has been installed and operates properly, and (f) is subject to all of the terms and conditions of this Lease (including, without limitation, Section 2 hereof).

        8.         Term; Survival .     With respect to any Item of Equipment, unless otherwise specified thereon, the initial term of this Lease (the “Initial Term”) shall commence on the date on which such Item of Equipment is delivered to Lessee, and, unless earlier terminated as provided herein, shall expire on the final Rent Payment Date for such Item of Equipment. With respect to an Item of Equipment, any renewal term of this Lease (individually, a “Renewal Term”), as contemplated hereby, shall commence immediately upon the expiration of the Initial Term or any prior Renewal Term, as the case may be, and, unless earlier terminated as provided herein, shall expire on the date on which the final payment of Rent is due and paid hereunder. All obligations of Lessee hereunder shall survive the expiration, cancellation or other termination of the Term hereof.

        9.         Rent .     With respect to Each Item of Equipment, Lessee shall pay the Rent set forth on the Equipment Schedule applicable to such Item of Equipment, commencing on the Rent Commencement Date, and, unless otherwise set forth on such Equipment Schedule, on the same day of each payment period thereafter for the balance of the Term. Rent shall be due whether or not Lessee has received any notice that such payments are due. All Rent shall be paid to Lessor at its address set forth on the Equipment Schedule, or as otherwise directed by Lessor in writing.

        10.         Location; Inspection; Labels .     The Equipment shall be delivered to the Equipment Location and shall not be removed therefrom without Lessor’s prior written consent. Lessor shall have the right to enter upon the Equipment Location and inspect the Equipment at any reasonable time. Lessor may, without notice to Lessee, remove the Equipment if the Equipment is, in the opinion of Lessor, being used beyond its capacity or is in any manner improperly cared for, abused or misused. At Lessor’s request, Lessee shall affix labels stating that the Equipment is owned by Lessor permanently in a prominent place on the Equipment and shall keep such labels in good repair and condition.

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        11.         Use; Alterations .     Lessee shall use the Equipment lawfully and only in the manner for which it was designed and intended and so as to subject it only to ordinary wear and tear. Lessee shall comply with all Applicable Law. Lessee shall immediately notify Lessor in writing of any existing, pending or threatened investigation, inquiry, claim or action by any Governmental Authority in connection with any Applicable Law or Governmental Action which could adversely affect the Equipment or this Lease. Lessee, at its own expense, shall make such alterations, additions or modifications or improvements to the Equipment as may be required from time to time to meet the requirements of Applicable Law or Governmental Action. Except as otherwise permitted herein, Lessee shall not make any alterations, additions, modifications or improvements to the Equipment without Lessor’s prior written consent.

        12.         Repairs and Maintenance .     Lessee, at Lessee’s own cost and expense, shall (a) keep the Equipment in good repair, good operating condition and working order and in compliance with the manufacturer’s specifications, and (b) enter into and keep in full force and effect during the Term hereof a maintenance agreement with the manufacturer of the Equipment, or a manufacturer-approved maintenance organization, to maintain, service and repair the Equipment so as to keep the Equipment in as good operating condition and working order as it was when it first became subject to this Lease and in compliance with the manufacturer’s specifications. Upon Lessor’s request, Lessee shall furnish Lessor with an executed copy of any such maintenance agreement. An alternate source of maintenance may be used by Lessee with Lessor’s prior written consent. Lessee, at its own cost and expense and within a reasonable period of time, shall replace any part of any Item of Equipment that becomes worn out, lost, stolen, destroyed, or otherwise rendered permanently unfit or unavailable for use (whether or not such replacement is covered by the aforesaid maintenance agreement), with a replacement part of the same manufacture, value, remaining useful life and utility as the replaced part immediately preceding the replacement (assuming that such replaced part is in the condition required by this Lease). Such replacement part shall be free and clear of all Liens. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this paragraph shall not apply to any Loss or Damage (as defined in Section 16 hereof) of any Item of Equipment.

        13.         Return of Equipment .     Upon the expiration (subject to Section 32 hereof and except as otherwise provided in an Equipment Schedule) or earlier termination of this Lease, Lessee, at its sole expense, shall return the Equipment to Lessor by delivering such Equipment F.A.S. or F.O.B. to such location or such carrier (packed for shipping) as Lessor shall specify. Lessee agrees that the Equipment, when returned, shall be in the condition required by Section 12 hereof. All components of the Equipment shall have been properly serviced, following the manufacturer’s written operating and servicing procedures, such that the Equipment is eligible for a manufacturer’s standard, full service maintenance contract without Lessor’s incurring any expense to repair or rehabilitate the Equipment. If, in the opinion of Lessor, any Item of Equipment fails to meet the standards set forth above, Lessee agrees to pay on demand all costs and expenses incurred in connection with repairing such Item of Equipment and restoring it so as to meet such standards, assembling and delivering such Item of Equipment. If Lessee fails to return any Item of Equipment as required hereunder, then, all of Lessee’s obligations under this Lease (including, without limitation, Lessee’s obligation to pay Rent for such Item of Equipment at the rental then applicable under this Lease) shall continue in full force and effect until such Item of Equipment shall have been returned in the condition required hereunder.

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        14.         Equipment Upgrades/Attachments .     In addition to the requirements of Section 11 hereof, Lessee, at its own expense, may from time to time add or install upgrades or attachments to the Equipment during the Term; provided , that such upgrades or attachments (a) are readily removable without causing material damage to