Abstract: The application relates to a device and method for preparing and testing a fluid sample using a filtration procedure for analysis of a filterable constituent of the fluid. In particular the process employs an enclosed pathway whereby the fluid sample may be put into a sealable flexible containment-vessel, and can then be passed through a fluid passageway to a removable enclosable filter cartridge, wherein the filterable constituent may be removed and the resultant filtrate fluid discharged from the cartridge. Once introduced to the flexible vessel, the enclosed pathway system thereby enables the fluid to be filtered and the filterable constituent examined with minimal complications of contamination of the sample through exposure to environmental pollutant external to the fluid sample. A useful objective of the device and method is to enable analyses of microbiological content of a fluid sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vitro assay method and device that provides for detection and measurement of entities in a fluid sample that can be captured and concentrated in a unitized self-contained enclosed filter apparatus that is analyzed in an optical detection instrument for indications of the entity. It provides for analysis of biological material including cells, their enzymes, or other constituents thereof, that can be identified based on an indicator-generating means. The analysis provided for include detection of the presence of the entity, and changes in the entity over time, such as associated with growth and increasing metabolic activity with an expanding population of cells, or decreasing metabolic activity, for example, due to presence of inhibitory or toxic agents.

Abstract: A battery-powered device can be simultaneously coupled to a non-battery power supply and to information signals from a battery. Power contacts on the device are coupled to the power supply, while one or more information contacts on the battery are coupled to corresponding contacts on the device.

Abstract: The application relates to a device and method for preparing and testing a fluid sample using a filtration procedure for analysis of a filterable constituent of the fluid. In particular the process employs an enclosed pathway whereby the fluid sample may be put into a sealable flexible containment-vessel, and can then be passed through a fluid passageway to a removable enclosable filter cartridge, wherein the filterable constituent may be removed and the resultant filtrate fluid discharged from the cartridge. Once introduced to the flexible vessel, the enclosed pathway system thereby enables the fluid to be filtered and the filterable constituent examined with minimal complications of contamination of the sample through exposure to environmental pollutant external to the fluid sample. A useful objective of the device and method is to enable analyses of microbiological content of a fluid sample.

Abstract: A method and device is provided for collecting filterable material to perform assays on a filtration apparatus by applying negative-pressure to the inlet chamber of the filtration apparatus which is independent of negative or positive pressure applied to its fluid path. The negative-pressure applied to the inlet chamber serves to actively aspirate fluid and promote flow into the inlet chamber via the fluid pathway. The negative-pressure applied to the inlet chamber facilitates the use of either negative or positive-pressure based fluid-filtration approaches. Use of the invention improves the functionality and scope of applications that can be performed with enclosed filtration apparatuses.

Abstract: A connector can be activated or deactivated by providing power and data signals to the connector at different times. In some embodiments, the power signals are provided to a connector, and then the data signals are provided to the connector after a delay. Providing power and data signals at different times can, in at least some cases, better mimic the timing of signals provided by a connector as the connector is attached to an electronic device. This can aid automated testing of the electronic device. It can also be used to control access of the device through the connector.

Abstract: Particular aspects provide novel devices and methods for accurately measuring total ammonia (NH3 plus NH4+) in a solution (e.g., freshwater and saltwater) by spatially proximate, simultaneous and continuous quantitative measurement of solution pH and ammonia. The devices overcome prior art inaccuracies relating to non-homogeneous sampling, and to spatial, temporal and thermal sampling discontinuities. Particular embodiments provide a combination pH and ammonia measuring device, comprising: a submersible member; a submersible non-bleeding ammonia-sensing portion attached to the submersible member and suitable to provide for a continuous visual indicator of solution ammonia concentration; a submersible non-bleeding pH-sensing portion attached to the submersible member and suitable to provide for a continuous visual indicator of solution pH; visual ammonia and pH indicator comparison means suitable for comparative quantitative determination of solution ammonia concentration and pH.

Abstract: A connector can be activated or deactivated by providing power and data signals to the connector at different times. In some embodiments, the power signals are provided to a connector, and then the data signals are provided to the connector after a delay. Providing power and data signals at different times can, in at least some cases, better mimic the timing of signals provided by a connector as the connector is attached to an electronic device. This can aid automated testing of the electronic device. It can also be used to control access of the device through the connector.

Abstract: A battery-powered device can be simultaneously coupled to a non-battery power supply and to information signals from a battery. Power contacts on the device are coupled to the power supply, while one or more information contacts on the battery are coupled to corresponding contacts on the device.

Abstract: Particular aspects provide novel devices and methods for accurately measuring total ammonia (NH3 plus NH4+) in a solution (e.g., freshwater and saltwater) by spatially proximate, simultaneous and continuous quantitative measurement of solution pH and ammonia. The devices overcome prior art inaccuracies relating to non-homogeneous sampling, and to spatial, temporal and thermal sampling discontinuities. Particular embodiments provide a combination pH and ammonia measuring device, comprising: a submersible member; a submersible non-bleeding ammonia-sensing portion attached to the submersible member and suitable to provide for a continuous visual indicator of solution ammonia concentration; a submersible non-bleeding pH-sensing portion attached to the submersible member and suitable to provide for a continuous visual indicator of solution pH; visual ammonia and pH indicator comparison means suitable for comparative quantitative determination of solution ammonia concentration and pH.

Abstract: Particular aspects provide novel devices and methods for accurately measuring total ammonia (NH3 plus NH4+) in a solution (e.g., freshwater and saltwater) by spatially proximate, simultaneous and continuous quantitative measurement of solution pH and ammonia. The devices overcome prior art inaccuracies relating to non-homogeneous sampling, and to spatial, temporal and thermal sampling discontinuities. Particular embodiments provide a combination pH and ammonia measuring device, comprising: a submersible member; a submersible non-bleeding ammonia-sensing portion attached to the submersible member and suitable to provide for a continuous visual indicator of solution ammonia concentration; a submersible non-bleeding pH-sensing portion attached to the submersible member and suitable to provide for a continuous visual indicator of solution pH; visual ammonia and pH indicator comparison means suitable for comparative quantitative determination of solution ammonia concentration and pH.

Abstract: A method and device is provided for collecting filterable material to perform assays on a filtration apparatus by applying negative-pressure to the inlet chamber of the filtration apparatus which is independent of negative or positive pressure applied to its fluid path. The negative-pressure applied to the inlet chamber serves to actively aspirate fluid and promote flow into the inlet chamber via the fluid pathway. The negative-pressure applied to the inlet chamber facilitates the use of either negative or positive-pressure based fluid-filtration approaches. Use of the invention improves the functionality and scope of applications that can be performed with enclosed filtration apparatuses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for the assay and determination of the concentration of organisms or other filterable constituents of a fluid test sample. The method includes the steps of exposing, processing, and analyzing a liquefied sample in a filter tray apparatus. Each filter element (FE) filters a volume of liquid from a common fluid test sample. Excess unfiltered liquid and filtrate is removed from the filter tray apparatus. Each filter element contained in the filter tray apparatus is exposed to culture medium and/or appropriate testing reagents introduced to the apparatus to generate an indicator of the filterable constituent. Final examination is conducted on the filter tray apparatus for the indication of the presence and/or absence of filtered constituents in the multiple filter elements. The presence/absence information defines the concentration of the filterable constituent in the fluid test sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vitro assay method and device that provides for detection and measurement of entities in a fluid sample that can be captured and concentrated in a unitized self-contained enclosed filter apparatus that is analyzed in an optical detection instrument for indications of the entity. It provides for analysis of biological material including cells, their enzymes, or other constituents thereof, that can be identified based on an indicator-generating means. The analyses provided for include detection of the presence of the entity, and changes in the entity over time, such as associated with growth and increasing metabolic activity with an expanding population of cells, or decreasing metabolic activity, for example, due to presence of inhibitory or toxic agents.

Abstract: Particular aspects provide novel devices and methods for accurately measuring total ammonia (NH3 plus NH4+) in a solution (e.g., freshwater and saltwater) by spatially proximate, simultaneous and continuous quantitative measurement of solution pH and ammonia. The devices overcome prior art inaccuracies relating to non-homogeneous sampling, and to spatial, temporal and thermal sampling discontinuities. Particular embodiments provide a combination pH and ammonia measuring device, comprising: a submersible member; a submersible non-bleeding ammonia-sensing portion attached to the submersible member and suitable to provide for a continuous visual indicator of solution ammonia concentration; a submersible non-bleeding pH-sensing portion attached to the submersible member and suitable to provide for a continuous visual indicator of solution pH; visual ammonia and pH indicator comparison means suitable for comparative quantitative determination of solution ammonia concentration and pH.