Abstract: Confirming sufficient mixture uniformity between a reagent and liquid sample experiencing a kinetic reaction by comparing the amount of light absorbed within the mixture after the reaction begins with the amount of light absorbed within the solution at the completion of the reaction and requiring that the difference between measured amounts of absorbed light be less than a predetermined value.

Abstract: Extracting a quantity of liquid from a closed container by driving a cannula having a passage the length of the cannula and a groove a partial length of the cannula through the closure of the container until the groove establishes communication between a pressurized chamber and the container, thereby forcing liquid from the tube through the passage.

Abstract: A horticulture lighting system with at least two light tubes mounted in opposite directions within a hollow column to produce a 360-degree field of substantially parallel radiant energy. The column is adapted with a cooling air flow across the light tubes and a protective lens.

Abstract: An ink-jet printing technique for printing on flat or seamed or irregular surfaced fabric sections or on seamed or irregular continuous rolls of fabric, for example as caused by hems or collars. The position of an ink-jet printing head is automatically adjusted to compensate for such surface irregularities within the fabric. Ultra-fine filtration during production of aqueous-based inks provides ink-jet printed patterns having desirable color clarity and permanence.

Abstract: A horticulture lighting system reflector hood having a plurality of reflective flutes formed at the intersections of essentially identical side panels and corner panels to reflect radiation emitted from the focal point of the reflector hood downwardly in a way that provides a highly uniform pattern of radiation. Light sources within the reflector hood may be easily changed between several different types of commercially available bulbs without sacrificing the uniformity or desired level of illumination of the exposed plant area.

Abstract: Avidin-binding azo reagents which alter the spectrophotometric properties of avidin and the use of such reagents in homogeneous assays are described.

Abstract: A flexible solar absorbing means, which can be one or more extruded or molded plastic or rubber oval tubes which may or may not be connected to each other at the edges by a small webbing; communicating with a rounding connection adapter means communicating with a distribution and collecting header means which can be connected as separate parts or molded as a unit; communicating with the remainder of the solar systems, mounting, piping, pumping, control and storage means as well as frame and glazing means where appropriate.

Abstract: A method for extending the uselife of a chloride ion selective membrane of an ISE sensor by providing a two-layer sensor structure wherein an quaternized ion-selective polymeric layer is positioned between a sample to be analyzed and a conventional polymeric ISE membrane containing an ion-exchange agent. Also provided are polymer compositions comprised methyl methacrylate/choloromethyl styrene copolymer and mixtures thereof that have been reacted with tertiary amines.

Abstract: A hydroponic plant growth station having a growing board with a plurality of holes arranged in at least one vertical column of holes, a nutrient delivery channel disposed beneath the column of holes, and a supply of nutrient to the delivery channel.

Abstract: A pre-processor for use in performing heterogeneous immunoassays on samples for analytes in the sample employing concentrically positioned incubating and processing carousels. A single transfer station permits reaction vessels containing sample and reagents to be moved between the carousels. The samples are separated, washed and mixed on the processing carousel and incubated on the incubating carousel thus speeding up processing throughput.

Abstract: A growing station having a growing tray on a watering bench, the tray adapted to expose a pumping compartment within the lowermost portion of the watering bench, the tray also adapted to filter and collect water that has been sprayed thereon.

Abstract: Stabilized particle reagents suitable for use in turbidimetric immunoassays are disclosed. The stabilized particle reagents contain functionalized polymer particles in which the surface of the particle has been modified with a molecular surface modifier having the structure:R(OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2).sub.n NH.sub.2in which: R is --H, --CH.sub.3 or --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.3, and n is an integer between 2 and 10, inclusive. The stabilized particle reagents are resistant to premature or spontaneous aggregation during preparation or storage.

Abstract: This invention pertains to fluorophoric compositions and methods of their use for enhancing visualization of various constituents of ion selective electrodes.

Abstract: A light weight modular solar water heater whereby the entire solar collector of the system can be shipped in a single box by a low cost parcel service (like UPS) which is designed to be easily assembled and installed by one person such as a homeowner, handyman or installer hereinafter referred to as "installer" wherein the preferred embodiment the collector module is shipped in a single box with the frame and solar energy absorber in two sections using a three piece glazing and trim assembly allowing for the collector end sections to be fully assembled at the factory and allowing for the center section to be open for the solar collector installer to have easy access to connect the frame and absorber sections and may be attached to the roof using a unique tabbed mounting rails which allow for the attachment to the roof of multiple collectors using a tabbed U shaped bracket between collectors with absorber connections made using couplers which pull or "float" out of the collector after shipping for connection t

Abstract: A method for extending the uselife of a sodium ion selective membrane of an ISE sensor by incorporating water therein. Also provided are polymer compositions comprised of water plus the membrane compounds or residues and articles comprising such compositions.

Abstract: This invention pertains to fluorophoric compositions of a 7-amino-coumarin derivative and methods of their use for enhancing visualization of various constituents of ion selective electrodes.

Abstract: A method to dampen vibrations of a centrifuge by restraining vertical movement of a disk rotatably attached to the centrifuge's drive shaft. Damping bearings contact with the disk to restrain movement. Means responsive to the radial displacement of the disk activate the damping bearings beyond a predetermined displacement.

Abstract: A luminescent specific binding assay method is used for detecting an analyte in whole blood. The assay is a heterogeneous sandwich or competitive assay in which a first binding reagent is labeled with a luminescent photoprotein and an immobilized second binding reagent serves as a capture reagent. The luminescent photoprotein, upon activation, emits light which may be detected by a luminescence detector. The assay is rapid, sensitive and may be performed on small sample volumes.

Abstract: A centrifuge and method of operation as a fixed angle or swinging angle centrifuge. A pair of cams cooperate with the centrifuge drive shaft to engage and maintain the buckets at a fixed angle. Tubes are automatically unloaded by moving a bracket away from the lower end of a bucket so that the tube drops from the bucket. When the cams are disengaged from the buckets, the buckets are allowed to swing freely.

Abstract: A centrifuge instrument and a rotor therefor which is loaded with sample containers automatically by gravity through an opening in a cover located over a core and, subsequent to centrifugation, is unloaded automatically, again assisted by gravity, through an opening in a floor disposed beneath the core. A sample container loading arrangement is provided to hold a plurality of sample containers and to individually present sample containers to the rotor.