Abstract: A disposable biosensor for measuring changes in viscosity and/or density in a test fluid includes a disposable housing surrounding a measuring chamber. A piezoelectric element is disposed in the measuring chamber and constitutes an oscillating unit. The piezoelectric element has a measuring surface adapted to be wetted with a measuring mixture comprising the test fluid and a reaction component. The reaction component is disposed inside the measuring chamber in a vicinity of and not touching the measuring surface of the piezoelectric element before any test fluid is introduced into the measuring chamber. Access is provided in the disposable housing for introducing the test fluid into the measuring chamber so that the test fluid comes into contact with the reaction component and the measuring surface of the piezoelectric element upon its introduction into the measuring chamber.

Abstract: A simple device for collecting a greater amount of fluorescent emission from a minute sample in a capillary column. An axially symmetrical paraboloid reflector is implemented to collect fluorescent emission from the capillary column. The reflector also serves as a simple bracket for positioning and aligning the capillary column. Fluorescent emission is collimated by the paraboloid reflector which allows more effective use of band pass filters in blocking scattered radiation from detection. The scattered and transmitted radiation can be used to facilitate alignment of the capillary with respect to the detection optics. The paraboloid reflector also facilitates the implementation of simultaneous multiple-channel detection.

Abstract: A method for the determination of protein and creatinine in urine. An organic acid, in the form of its lithium salt, is dried onto a suitable substrate in the second reaction zone of a reaction vessel having a first reaction zone for the immunometric determination of the protein and a second reaction zone for the colorimetric determination of creatinine. After completion of the immunometric determination of the protein the dried organic salt is contacted with the urine containing creatinine resulting in solubilization of the organic acid salt as creatinine reactive reagent thereby facilitating the colorimetric determination of the creatinine.

Abstract: A sample receptacle for retaining a sample that is to be subjected to spectrochemical analysis. The sample receptacle includes a tubular body having at least one open end and a tapered exterior wall. A sheet of thin film material having peripheral edges is disposed across the open end of the tubular body. A generally annular collar, having an interior wall tapered at an angle supplemental to the taper of the interior wall, is disposed around the tubular body. As the annular collar is placed around the tubular body, the tapered exterior wall of the tubular body creates an interference fit with the tapered interior wall of the annular collar. The tapered surfaces of the tubular body and the annular collar engage the sheet of thin film material and pull the sheet of thin film material taut over the open end of the tubular body. The annular collar is sized to engage the entire length of the exterior wall of the tubular body.

Abstract: A pipettor assembly includes a pipettor and a pipette tip. In one embodiment, the pipettor has a tubular body which defines a hollow central bore. The central bore is closed at a first end and open at a second end. A cutout penetrates a side wall of the body near the second end to expose the central bore. A resilient, flexible member sealably covers the cutout. The pipette tip is coupled to the second end of the pipettor. A liquid is drawn into the pipette tip by depressing and then releasing the flexible member. A liquid is expelled by depressing the flexible member. In another embodiment, the pipettor has an elongated body with an air passage between the second and a side portion of the body. A flexible membrane is sealably attached to the side portion of the body. A deflection of the flexible membrane will cause a change in the volume of the air passage for picking-up and expelling liquids from the pipette tip.