Abstract: An interface (12) for coupling a serial port (14) of a computer (16) to a bar code scanner (18). Electrical power required by the bar code scanner is delivered from the serial port of the computer. The bar code scanner is operated in either a reduced-power mode in which it is not scanning or in a higher power scanning mode. The interface may include an energy storage device (36) for storing energy from the serial port when the bar code scanner is operated in the reduced-power mode. When the bar code scanner is used for scanning, the energy storage device supplies the additional power required. In one embodiment, unformatted pulse data output from the bar code scanner are conveyed by data lines to a decoder (34) disposed in the interface. The unformatted pulse data are processed by the decoder to produce formatted data that are input to the serial port.

Abstract: An interface (12) is disclosed for coupling a peripheral device (18) to the serial port (14) of a computer (16). in one application, the interface allows the serial port to provide the power required by a scanner for operation. To reduce power consumption, the scanner is typically operated in either/a reduced-power, nonscanning mode or a higher power scanning mode. The interface may include an energy storage device (36) for storing energy from the serial port when the scanner is operated in the nonscanning mode and providing energy to the scanner when it is operated in the scanning mode. Thus, a scanner that requires more power than the serial port can provide at any one time can be used. The interface also includes a shutdown circuit (46) that prevents the scanner from being operated in conditions that might lead to the erroneous interpretation of data. Further, an input leakage isolation circuit (48) is included to prevent the discharge of the storage device when the scanner is not in use.

Abstract: A liquid handling apparatus is employed for washing a coated microtiter plate well. The apparatus includes a probe with a bent outlet which is employed for directing the wash current against the sidewall of the well and for creating swirling current of wash liquid upon such sidewall.

Abstract: An interface (12) is disclosed for coupling a peripheral device (18) to the serial port (14) of a computer (16). In one application, the interface allows the serial port to provide the power required by a scanner for operation. To reduce power consumption, the scanner is typically operated in either a reduced-power, nonscanning mode or a higher power scanning mode. The interface may include an energy storage device (36) for storing energy from the serial port when the scanner is operated in the nonscanning mode and providing energy to the scanner when it is operated in the scanning mode. Thus, a scanner that requires more power than the serial port can provide at any one time can be used. The interface also includes a shutdown circuit (46) that prevents the scanner from being operated in conditions that might lead to the erroneous interpretation of data. Further, an input leakage isolation circuit (48) is included to prevent the discharge of the storage device when the scanner is not in use.

Abstract: The immunobead aspirator reduces the amount of carry over liquid which remains within a test tube or other immunoassay vessel after an aspiration procedure. When the immunobead aspirator lifts up the immunobead during the aspiration procedure, the immunobead contacts an array of protuberances within an inverted bowl from which a vacuum is drawn. The array of protuberances define a hollow which exceeds the size of the immunobead. Accordingly, at any given time, the immunobead makes limited contact with only a portion of the protuberances. This reduces the amount of liquid which is trapped within points of contact between the lifted immunobead and the aspiration device and reduces the amount of carry over liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing pellets of magnetic particles magnetically bound to the bottom of a test tube employs a liquid handling probe having an aspiration channel with a forked inlet for positioning the probe onto the periapical region of the test tube for optimizing both the aspiration and expression of liquids. While contacting the periapical region of the test tube, the forked inlet may aspirate liquid adjacent to the pellet without contacting the magnetic particles. Furthermore, the contact between the forked inlet and the periapical region of the test tube, serves to position the outlet of the liquid channel directly over the pellet for dislodging and resuspending the magnetically bound pellet with a forceful stream of wash liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing pellets of magnetic particles magnetically bound to the bottom of a test tube employs a liquid handling probe having an aspiration channel with a forked inlet for positioning th eprobe onto the periapical region of the test for optimizing both the aspiration and expression of liquids. While contacting the periapical region of the test tube, the forked inlet may aspirate liquid adjacent to the pellet without contacting the magnetic particles. Furthermore, the contact between the forked inlet and the periapical region of the test tube, serves to position the outlet of the liquid channel directly over the pellet for dislodging and resuspending the magnetically bound pellet with a forceful stream of wash liquid.

Abstract: An improved microprocessor-controlled autosampler for use in liquid chromatography is shown. The autosampler is fully programmable by the operator and capable of performing complex sample preparation routines. A spring-loaded sample needle is employed to ensure that the needle makes contact with the bottom of the sample vial as required, for example, when handling extremely small samples. A hollow vial lifter serves as the receptacle for waste wash solvent eliminating the need for a special waste receptacle mechanism. Other improved features include a plurality of interchangeable, codable sample racks, a four-way valve in the syringe line enabling rapid priming/purging of the hydraulics, and as improved vial stabilizer design.

Abstract: A pulse dampener for inclusion into a liquid chromatography system comprising a body defining a cylindrical cavity which is enclosed by a closure member. A chemically inert diaphram extends across the cavity and further encloses a unitized plug. The unitized plug is provided with at least two portions, each having different compressibility characteristics. The closure member is provided with inlet and outlet ports, and a central thinned section on which is mounted a strain gauge. The strain gauge is used to measure liquid pressure in the dampener.

Abstract: A multi-position rotary valve for injecting a variable liquid sample into a stream of diluent flowing through a high pressure liquid chromatograhic column, without interrupting diluent pressure conditions is disclosed. The valve is switchable between a load position and an inject position. Associated with the valve are a plurality of sample loops each of whose upstream ends are selectively connected to a needle cavity in the valve. Moreover the valve possesses means for arcuately articulation whereby one of the loops may be selected from loading of the sample and then for presentation to a diluent under pressure while in each of such position is also in operative alignment with the column.

Abstract: A pulse damper for inclusion in chromatograhy systems subjected to high pressures and comprising a body having one face from which a cavity extends inwardly to receive non-aqueous compressible fluid, a non-metallic diaphragm of limited flexibility extending across said cavity and clamped to the rim thereof by a cover having spaced ports respectively for inlet and outlet of a liquid vehicle for material being analyzed, said cover having in the face thereof which is adjacent the diaphragm a circular groove communicating with said ports to transmit therebetween the liquid being processed, and ports in the walls of the body which define the cavity respectively communicating with a pressure-indicating gauge and serving as a filling opening closed by a plug.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a chromatographic column and seal structure applicable to at least one end of a packed tubular column and formed either from metal or very hard plastic material such as a polyamidearamide resin, the seal members per se which are formed from such materials having a body circular in cross-section with a straight-through passage from end-to-end of uniform diameter and an annular rib on the body intermediately of opposite end portions, one of which is cylindrical for press-fitting into one end of the tubular column and the other end being frusto-conical and tapering away from the rib.