Abstract: Liquid dispensing method is provided, and comprises the steps of periodically rotating a liquid dispenser package to supply a liquid from a liquid supply chamber to a liquid reservoir by flowing the liquid under the influence of centrifugal force through a connecting liquid supply channel, and inhibiting foaming of the liquid while it flows through the liquid supply channel.

Abstract: The invention is reagents and procedures for determining an amount of cations present in a sample, the reagent comprising(a) one or more chromogenic cryptand compounds of formula I ##STR1## wherein k and j, either same or different, are equal to 1 to about 5;m and n, either same or different, are equal to 0 to about 4;a and e, either same or different, are equal to 0 to about 2;b and d, either same or different, are equal to 0 to about 5;R, either same or different, is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl, or aryl; and--Q-- is ##STR2## wherein X is CH, N, or COH; andY includes ##STR3## and (b) one or more interfering cation complexing compound masks.

Abstract: The present invention resides in the discovery of a new class of compounds defined herein as "chromogenic hemispherands" useful for the measurement of ions, in particular, ions in aqueous solution, methods of using the chromogenic hemispherands and test devices containing the chromogenic hemispherands. The chromogenic hemispherands of the invention have the structure ##STR1## wherein: R, same or different, is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl or aryl;R', same or different, is lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl or aryl;R", same or different, is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl or aryl;Q is a chromogenic moiety capable of providing the appearance of or change in color, or which is otherwise capable of providing a detectable response in the presence of a particular cation;m is 1 to about 3;n is 0 to about 3;P is an aliphatic or aromatic subunit, e.g., --CR.sub.2 CR.sub.2 OCR.sub.2 CR.sub.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accurately determining the count per unit volume of particles, such as red blood cells, suspended in a fluid containing at least one undesirable interference particle, such as air bubbles. A predetermined volume of fluid containing the first and second particles is passed through the a flow cytometer which produces a forward light scattering pattern that is detected and measured. The volume and index refraction of each of the first and second particles is determined. The first and second particles are discriminated in accordance with their respective indices of refraction and the total count and volume of particles is corrected to provide the count per unit volume of red blood cells.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the rapid determination of a differential white blood cell count in a sample, which method comprises:(a) preparing a reagent solution comprisingformaldehyde or paraformaldehyde;a surfactant;a sugar or sugar alcohol; anda buffer; and(b) rapidly mixing the reagent solution with the sample to be analyzed to form a reaction mixture, wherein both the reagent solution and the sample are initially at room temperature; and(c) rapidly heating the reaction mixture to a temperature of from about 62.degree. C. to about 72.degree. C. in order to lyse the red blood cells in the sample and fix the white blood cells in said sample. The invention also relates to the reagent solution of part (a) of the method.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the separation of immiscible liquids are provided, and comprise the use of separator means having a surface which is preferentially "wettable" by one of the liquids to the substantial exclusion of another of the liquids. In use, the liquids are flowed from a common liquid source onto said surface with the one liquid being sorbed thereby to the substantial exclusion of the other liquid to thus substantially separate the liquids. The separator means surface may be maintained essentially level to retain the substantially separated liquid thereon, or may be inclined to result in the flow of the same therefrom under the influence of the force of gravity. Alternatively, the separator means may be made of a liquid-permeable material to permit the flow of the substantially separated liquid therethrough and therefrom under the influence of the force of gravity.

Abstract: The test tube holder includes an elongated tubular member which supports a pivot member thereby rendering the tubular member and pivot member relatively pivotable with respect to each other. Latch members provided on the tubular member and pivot member are engagable with complementary shaped latch members of other test tube holders to form a linkage. The pivotal relationship between the tubular member and the pivot member permit pivotal movement of one test tube holder with respect to the longitudinal axis of another test tube holder. A pivotal connection between the latch members of adjacent test tube holders also permits tilting of one test tube holder with respect to another test tube holder in the linkage. An adapter member for holding test tubes is insertable in the tubular member and pivot member assembly. The adapter member accommodates one size test tube and can be interchanged with another adapter member that accommodates another size test tube.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for synthesizing large quantities of a compound of formula I ##STR1## wherein a solution of a compound of formula II ##STR2## is mixed with a solution of a compound of formula III ##STR3## under suitable process conditions, and wherein A, same or different, is N--R, O, S, CRR' or P(O)R, and R and R' are hydrogen, alkyl, alkylidene, aryl, tosyl, allyl or benzyl, and B is O.Compounds of formula I may be reduced to form an azacorand of formula IV ##STR4## wherein K and L, same or different, are N--R, O, S, CRR', or P(O)R, and R and R' are hydrogen, alkyl, alkylidene, aryl, tosyl, allyl or benzyl.Also disclosed in a compound of formula IV synthesized in accordance with the above procedure wherein K and L are not both O or S.

Abstract: Minimum carryover container for the successive containment of discrete liquids as are successively introduced thereinto, and minimum carryover discrete liquid analysis system utilizing the container, are disclosed and operate through use of container materials which are selectively wettable by an immiscible isolation liquid which is introduced to the container independently of the discrete liquids to form an independently flowing isolation liquid stream which covers the walls of the container from the container inlet to the container outlet thereby preventing contact by the discrete liquids with the container walls. The container can include wall portions enabling the transmission of light energy therethrough from the outside of the container.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system for dispensing precisely metered quantities of a fluid, and more particularly, a fluid delivery system incorporating a diaphragm pump for effectuation of the precise control over the dispensing of a metered quantity of the fluid through the formation of a fluid flow-occluding air bubble at the point of discharge inhibiting the formation of droplets tending to adversely influence the accuracy of the system. Also disclosed is a method for delivering and dispensing precisely metered quantities of a fluid through the utilization of the system.

Abstract: The automatic sampling system includes a test apparatus for testing specific characteristics of a fluid withdrawn from a closed test tube. Stoppered test tubes are continuously and automatically delivered to the test apparatus by a conveyor system that includes a continuous linkage of test tube holders. The test tube holders have the capability of pivotal movement about a longitudinal axis of the test tube holders, and tilting movement wherein a longitudinal axis of one test tube holder tilts with respect to the longitudinal axis of another test tube holder in the linkage. The compound pivotal and tilting movement capability of the test tube holders in the linkage enable the linkage to be stacked in a fan-fold or Z-fold arrangement because of the flexible characteristics of the linkage. The linkage also has the capability of having one or more test tube holders tilted together at a group with respect to other test tube holders. Thus, the basis for a mixing operation of specific test tube holders is achieved.

Abstract: The present invention resides in the discovery of a class of compounds defined herein as "chromogenic cryptahemispherands" useful for the measurement of ions, in particular, ions in aqueous solution, which have the structure ##STR1## wherein: R, same or different, is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl or aryl;R', same or different, is lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl or aryl;R", same or different, is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl or aryl;Q is a chromogenic moiety capable of providing the appearance of or change in color, or which is otherwise capable of providing a detectable response in the presence of a particular cation;a, b, m and n, same or different, are 1 to about 3; and x, y, same or different, are 1 to about 4.A test device utilizing one or more of the compounds for performing such measurements is also disclosed.

Abstract: The specification discloses a new method and apparatus for treating extruded TEFLON (fluoropolymer) tubing to significantly improve its dimensional and optical characteristics. Diameter tolerance is .+-.0.0002, concentricity rises to 95%, and optical clarity rises to the theoretical transmittance of the material. The tubing is first cleaned, and then heated to a transition temperature above 150.degree. C. to soften and further homogenize the tubing. The tubing is then drawn through a polished diamond die and then rapidly cooled. The cooled tubing may be further stabilized by an annealing step. Both a batch mode and a continuous mode of operation are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and reagent useful therein are cyanide-free and capable of providing a rapid indication, e.g., less than 30 seconds, of total hemoglobin in a blood sample, so as to fine particular application in automated hematological instrumentation. The novel reagent comprises an ionic surfactant, a pH of at least about 11.3 and is free of ionic cyanide. The ionic surfactant itself can impart the required pH or a strong base independent of such surfactant may be included.

Abstract: A continuous flow system is disclosed in which successive liquid segments are established containing different related components of a fluid package, such as an analysis mixture, separated by at least one immiscible segment, passed along a first section of a conduit, combined in a second section of the conduit and mixed while passing along a third section of the conduit, so as to provide a completely mixed segment. This system permits the delayed on-line mixing of different components of an analysis mixture, such as samples with reagents or diluents, as well as mixing and interaction of such components in a single conduit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process in which a variety of cryptahemispherands bearing a chromogenic group attached to the partially preorganized moiety may be synthesized. The procedure of the present invention allows preparation of preferred chromogenic cryptahemispherands of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein: R, is same or different, is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl, aryl, or benzyl;R', same or different, is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl, aryl, or benzyl;R", same or different, is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl, aryl, or benzyl;Z is halogen;Y is an electron withdrawing group, e.g., CN, NO.sub.2, CF.sub.3, COOR;m is 1 to 3;n is 1 to 3;a is 1 to 3;b is 1 to 3;k is 1 to 3;l is 1 to 3; andx is 2 to 4.

Abstract: A method and reagent composition provide for the removal or blocking of serum interferences in liposome immunoassays. A carrier or liposome exhibiting at least one domain of phosphoryl ester groupings different from those of the marker liposome is introduced into the reaction mixture, whereby endogenous interfering species competitively bind to such carrier or liposome rather than to the marker liposome. Also, soluble phosphoryl ester groupings can be introduced into the reaction mixture which react with such endogenous species and further reduce serum interferences.

Abstract: A method for eliminating turbidity in a biological fluid by combining said fluid with a surfactant and an enzyme is disclosed as well as a diagnostic reagent formulation for that purpose.

Abstract: Sampler apparatus and method are provided and include both closed and open tube samplers, and selector valve operable to select therebetween for sample supply to automated sample analysis apparatus. A shear valve divides the samples into separate sample quantities for independent sample quantity analysis by multi-channel analysis apparatus. A pressure equilibration chamber prevents vacuum build-up in the closed tube sampler to insure the supply of consistent sample quantitites therefrom. A source of a pressurized rinse solution is provided; and is operatively connected to the sampler apparatus in such manner as to insure the particularly thorough rinsing and cleansing of all relevant sampler components to remove sample residue therefrom between sampling operations, thereby reducing sample carryover to levels below those of clinical significance.

Abstract: The carbonate ion selective membrane of the invention comprises (a) a polymeric inert support material; (b) a plasticizer effective to solubilize the support material; (c) a quaternary ammonium ion; (d) an ionophore which is preferentially reactive with carbonate ions; and (e) a hydrophobic molecule effective to exclude ions other than carbonate ions. The addition of a hydrophobic molecule to the membrane formulation serves two purposes. First, it assists in the "binding" of the organic constituents to the matrix. Second, it repels charged species, i.e., anions and cations, from the solution phase, thereby improving selectivity to the carbonate species which enters the membrane via selective complexation with the ionophore. The quaternary ammonium ion is preferably a C.sub.7 to C.sub.9 quaternary ammonium ion. In this case, the plasticizer is selected to be one effective to maximize the binding of carbonate ions with the C.sub.7 C.sub.9 quaternary ammonium ions.