Abstract: A method using a biosensor is disclosed which facilitates high accuracy quantitation of a substrate by best eliminating adverse effects of red blood cell existing in blood together with the substrate. The biosensor comprises an electrode system including a working electrode and a counter electrode formed on an electrically insulating base plate, and a reaction layer containing at least an oxidoreductase and an electron acceptor, wherein the electron acceptor is a sodium salt.

Abstract: Processes and devices are disclosed for continuously detecting at least one substance in a gaseous or liquid mixture by means of a sensor electrode to which is applied a variable potential. In an alternative, the substances are concentrated at the surface of the sensor electrode, their concentration is determined by measuring the electrode capacity, the thus obtained measurement value is correlated with the substance and the substance. concentrated at the surface of the sensor electrode is then removed. In another alternative, one or several detection cycles are carried out. In each detection cycle, at least one substance is concentrated at the surface of the sensor electrode, the potential is brought to at least one potential characteristic of the electrochemical reaction of at least one substance, the resulting current is measured and the thus obtained measurement values are correlated with the substances.

Abstract: A quartz microbalance detector system for controlling the concentration of a gas component in a gas stream. The quartz microbalance interacts with the gas component, to effect a change in the oscillation frequency of the quartz microbalance detector and produce a signal correlative of concentration of the gas component in the gas stream. A specific embodiment includes a device for sensing concentration of a halogen-containing gas species in a gas stream, comprising a quartz microbalance detector having a quartz crystal with a surface functionalized with --OH functionality that reversibly reacts with the gas component to yield a bound reaction product on the surface that effects a change in the oscillation frequency of the quartz microbalance detector. The quartz microbalance may be utilized to maintain a set-point concentration of a gas compound in a multicomponent stream.

Abstract: An acidity measuring apparatus includes a measuring container for accommodating an electrolyte solution including one of a 1,2-benzoquinone derivative and a 1,4-benzoquinone derivative, an organic solvent, an electrolyte and an acid-containing subject for measurement; a working electrode, a counter electrode and a reference electrode section provided in the measuring container and immersed in the electrolyte solution; and a control section for sweeping a potential of the working electrode within a prescribed range and for detecting a value of a pre-peak current generated by the acid and flowing between the working electrode and the counter electrode.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides an apparatus for enhancing transport and direction of materials in fluidic systems, which systems utilize electroosmotic (E/O) flow systems, to affect that transport and direction. The apparatus generally comprises providing an effective concentration of at least one zwitterionic compound in the fluid containing the material that is to be transported or directed.

Abstract: An operational amplifier (34) has its inverting input connected to a electrochemical gas sensor (38) for amplifying the current produced thereby in response to presence of a predetermined gas. In order to determine whether a sensor (38) is indeed present and that a sensor present is serviceable, a transient is applied to the non-inverting input of the operation amplifier (34). The presence or absence of the sensor (38) alters the transfer function of the operational amplifier (34) in respect of the test signal. If a serviceable sensor (38) is present, the gain of the operational amplifier (34) is high for the transient resulting at square pulse output. However, if a serviceable sensor (38) is not present, the gain of the operational amplifier (34) is relatively low and the transient retains its original form. Consequently the presence of a serviceable sensor (38) can be determined from the output of the operational amplifier (34) in response to the transient test signal.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to various aspects of a plasma process, and more specifically the monitoring of such plasma processes. One aspect relates in at least some manner to calibrating or initializing a plasma monitoring assembly. This type of calibration may be used to address wavelength shifts, intensity shifts, or both associated with optical emissions data obtained on a plasma process. A calibration light may be directed at a window through which optical emissions data is being obtained to determine the effect, if any, that the inner surface of the window is having on the optical emissions data being obtained therethrough, the operation of the optical emissions data gathering device, or both. Another aspect relates in at least some manner to various types of evaluations which may be undertaken of a plasma process which was run, and more typically one which is currently being run, within the processing chamber.

Abstract: A compact, low cost, automated electrophoresis apparatus provides for the optical detection of multiple DNA samples. A substantially cylindrical gel cartridge houses multiple sample lanes that are sealed on the outer periphery by a shrink tube, which allows for straightforward gel casting, as well as for the pre-casting of sequencing gels. The radial column design of the gel cartridge also facilitates the use of a light source to illuminate one or more sample lanes at the same time. The radial column design further provides for an increased sample lane depth that allows for reading through a greater optical path length of the migrated samples, yielding greater optical signal strength, and an increased signal to noise ratio. The gel lanes can be designed to vary in depth as a function of longitudinal length, allowing for a variable current density. Additionally, this radial design allows for different types of optical detection techniques to be performed on the sample, including transmittance and fluorescence.

Abstract: A semiconductor having at least one p-channel transistor (10) with shallow p-type doped source/drain regions (16 and 18) which contain boron implanted into the doped regions (16 and 18) in the form of a compound which consists of boron and an element (or elements) selected from the group which consists of element of substrate (21) and elements which forms a solid solution with the substrate (21). In particular, in the case of silicon substrate, the compound may comprise BSi2, B2Si, B4Si and B6Si. The use of such compounds enables the highly reliable contacts to be formed on the p-doped regions.

Abstract: A solenoid valve and timing module for use with a floor treating apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a reservoir for holding a cleaning solution, a flow control valve, a head assembly adapted to carry a floor treating device, a fluid flow line for delivering the liquid supply to a supply point adjacent to the floor treating device, an operator control, and a timing module for continuously opening and closing the flow control valve in response to the operator control.

Abstract: A flexible, disposable toothbrush and hygiene kit incorporating the same. The toothbrush comprises an elastomeric sheath which can be slipped over the user's finger. A patch of bristles is located on the closed end of the sheath. Constituent material of the sheath is thin, flexible, and capable of receiving and maintaining indicia printed in ink. The constituent material of the sheath or the bristles or both is impregnated with a flavoring agent. The toothbrush may be incorporated into a kit providing dentifrice stored in a readily frangible capsule and dental floss.

Abstract: A method of identifying individual substances within a mixture of substances comprises causing the mixture to travel past a spaced series of detectors, each being arranged to produce a signal representative of a characteristic of the mixture as it passes, repeatedly measuring the signals from each detector at a plurality of times, transforming into velocity space, and identifying individual substances within the mixture according to the peaks they create in velocity space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrophoresis apparatus having a plurality of capillaries arranged in a plane such that a curving contour is formed by the intersection points of each of the capillaries with the plane. The apparatus may be used to determine the sequence of nucleic acids. The present invention also relates to methods of using the electrophoresis apparatus and methods of making the electrophoresis apparatus.

Abstract: An scraper system for removing acoustic texture materials comprising an integral debris collection assembly. The system comprises a scraper assembly comprising a scraper blade maintained at an angle with respect to a handle portion. A band is provided that defines at least a portion of a rectangular perimeter that, in use, is arranged below the scraper blade. A bag is attached to the band so that acoustic texture material removed by the scraper blade falls into the bag. The band is made of resilient material and is attached to the scraper assembly in a manner that allows the band to deflect when it contacts a wall surface adjacent to the ceiling surface. This allows the scraper blade to reach allow the way to wall surface. But the band returns to its original position with the perimeter defined thereby under the blade when the blade is not scraping near the wall surface.

Abstract: A diaphragm valve for a pool cleaner which utilizes a conventional cleaning head (30) attached with a mounting foot (32) to a cleaning disc (34). A screen (36) is inserted into the foot and an outer sleeve (38) is mounted within the head leaving a gap (40) in between. A restricting jacket (56) is slideably mounted on the sleeve and is urged into a position that restricts a water flow path from the gap, by an adjustable bypass valve (68) superimposed on the jacket. A compression spring (96) maintains the jacket position and a valve diaphragm (98) receives pool water from a pool pumping system and oscillates open and closed causing the cleaner to be propelled by a hydraulic pulsation. When the diaphragm is momentarily closed the bypass valve permits the jacket to be slid to an open position by negative pressure of pool water bypassing the diaphragm permitting full water flow through the cleaner.

Abstract: A floor cleaning machine having a body in which the body cover assembly is hollow and serves as the recovery solution reservoir; while the lower body assembly, which is also hollow, serves as the cleaning solution tank or reservoir. In addition, the lower body has a recessed area proportioned to receive and secure the batteries required for driving the motors involved in the floor cleaning machine. A trans-axle drive supports the lower body and has a drive wheel at each end powered by a motor differential engaging the axles coupled to the wheels. Together the body and trans-axle drive comprise a modular power unit. Mounting means are provided on the forward portion of the lower body of the power unit for lift arms to be secured to various power floor scrubbers for use on hard floors or a carpet extractor for cleaning carpeted floors. The linkage for the floor scrubber mode and carpet cleaning mode is the same.

Abstract: In order to improve on a known wiper blade with a wind-directing device, which is manufactured as an integral component of the main support in one piece with this main support, especially with regard to a still greater amplification of the down-force of the wiper blade against the windshield to be wiped, the effective area of the wind-directing device is enlarged as follows: the wind-directing device on its opposite ends has cantilevered, wing-like elongations which protrude beyond the main support in its longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a unique and novel air filtrating, self-propelled upright vacuum cleaner. The filtration system utilizes a HEPA-rated air filter as a final filtering element. The disclosed vacuum cleaner contains numerous other features including a self-propelled drive mechanism.

Abstract: A brush alignment apparatus and method of using the same for aligning a hollow cylindrical brush on a cylindrical roller member comprising first and second ends and an outer surface defining a internal cavity, provided with a plurality of orifices extending from the outer surface to the internal cavity, a first receptacle having a channel running therethrough in fluid communication with the first end of the roller member, a second receptacle, a spine member, a first support arm supporting the first end of the roller member and a second arm supporting the second end of the roller member.

Abstract: A debris blower for use in dispersing and collecting grass clippings, leaves, and other debris from sidewalks, driveways, lawns, golf courses and other ground surfaces. The debris blower is designed to be connected underneath a chassis of a tractor or lawn mower, and includes a housing containing a power-driven fan which rotates in a plane generally parallel to the ground surface. An air flow generated by the fan exits the housing through first and second chutes projecting from the housing. The chutes direct the air flow towards the ground surface. Air flow through the chutes is controlled by deflectors and closures that are moveable to selectively open and close the chutes and to adjust the direction of the exiting air flow.