Abstract: A system for separating nucleated cells from a blood sample includes a charge-flow separator (CFS), which separates blood into fractions according to the surface charge density characteristics coupled with an affinity-filtration separator which either outputs a separated blood fraction to the CFS or receives a separated blood fraction from the CFS. The system permits separation of nucleated fetal red blood cells, erythroid progenitor cells and other nucleated cells found in blood samples.

Abstract: A method and single solution denaturation and hybridization useful with probes for hybridizing DNA or RNA sequences. The inventive protocol employs a carbinol containing hybridization solution.

Abstract: A method for enriching rare cell populations from a whole blood sample by separating rare cell fractions from whole blood sample according to the relative charge density and/or the relative binding affinity for a leukocyte depletion solid phase matrix is described. The enrichment method may be operated stand alone, or as a pre or post-processing step in conjunction with a charge-flow separation method.

Abstract: A charge-flow separation apparatus (CFS) for enriching rare cell populations, particularly fetal cells, from a whole blood sample by separating the rare cell fractions from whole fractions according to the relative-charge density and/or the relative binding affinity for a leukocyte depletion solid phase matrix is described. The apparatus having an internal cooling system allows for dissipating heat generated by the electric field of the apparatus. The internal cooling system, consisting of a plurality of cooling tubes to circulate coolant material, prevents cellular degradation typically associated with the high heat generated by the electric field and permits the use of a higher voltage gradient to shorten separation times.

Abstract: A method for enriching rare cell populations from a whole blood sample by separating rare cell fractions from whole according to the relative charge density and/or the relative binding affinity for a leukocyte depletion solid phase matrix. The enrichment method may be operated stand alone, or as a pre or post-processing step in conjunction with a charge-flow separation method.

Abstract: A charge-flow separation apparatus (CFS) and method for enriching rare cell populations, particularly fetal cells, from a whole blood sample by separating the rare cell fractions from whole according to the relative charge density and/or the relative binding affinity for a leukocyte depletion solid phase matrix. The enrichment method may be operated stand alone, or as a pre- or post-processing step in conjunction with a charge-flow separation method.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of continuous flow zone electrophoresis for separation of particulates or biological samples, including cells and sub-cellular components, in a separation chamber configured to enhance separation of the sample components. The peak-to-peak distance between sample components in a non-equilibrium continuous flow zone electrophoretic fractionator is amplified by selective manipulation of particle residence time within the separation chamber.

Abstract: A preparative scale electrical separator, which is matrix-free and may be operated in both a batch mode and a continuous, flow-through mode is provided. It may be scaled according to the solution quantities which are to be processed. An internal cooling system whereby the process fluid is always in close proximity to a chilled surface assures an efficient heat dissipation during the separation and concentration processes and also allows the use of higher voltage gradients and shorter separation times than prior designs of electrophoretic separators. Electroosmotic and convective mixing is reduced by providing internal, compartmentation of sample fractions, focusing is improved and focusing times are decreased. A counter-flow gradient focusing method using the electrophoretic separator allows for separation of cells from human or animal blood and tissues, cells from plants, bacteria and viruses.

Abstract: A preparative scale multi-mode electrical separator, which is matrix-free and may be operated in both a batch mode and a continuous, flow-through mode is provided. It may be scaled according to the solution quantities which are to be processed. An internal cooling system whereby the process fluid is always in close proximity to a chilled surface assures an efficient heat dissipation during the separation and concentration processes and also allows the use of higher voltage gradients and shorter separation times than prior designs of electrophoretic separators. Electroosmotic mixing is reduced by providing internal, compartmentation of sample fractions, focusing is improved and focusing times are decreased. Different electrophoretic methods, including zone electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing, counterflow gradient focusing or electrodialysis, may be used with the separator. It may be applied to the purification of proteins, ions, and microorganisms, and for water purification.

Abstract: The oil in comminuted oil-containing vegetable matter is extracted by passing the vegetable matter through a closed extraction zone in contact preferably in countercurrent flow relation with a liquid extraction medium, which is a normally gaseous hydrocarbon, preferably propane, under a pressure sufficient to liquify the same up to about 250 psi, a temperature from about room temperature up to about 40.degree.-50.degree. C. and in sufficient volume to extract substantially the oil from such matter, e.g.