Abstract: A pipette controller for aspirating and dispensing multiple aliquots of a fluid from a reservoir of fluid. The pipette controller can include a pipette holder adapted to operatively connect a pipette to the pipette holder; a pump having a vacuum port and a pressure port, the pump pneumatically connected to the pipette holder; an aspirate valve that controls airflow between the vacuum port and the pipette holder; a dispense valve that controls airflow between the pressure port and the pipette holder; a piston chamber; an aliquot dispense pump including a piston having a shaft that extends into the piston chamber, the shaft defining a stroke length; and an aliquot check valve that connects the pipette holder and the aliquot dispense pump; wherein the aliquot valve opens to allow airflow into the pipette holder upon engagement of the aliquot dispense valve.

Abstract: A pipette controller for aspirating and dispensing multiple aliquots of a fluid from a reservoir of fluid. The pipette controller can include a pipette holder adapted to operatively connect a pipette to the pipette holder; a pump having a vacuum port and a pressure port, the pump pneumatically connected to the pipette holder; an aspirate valve that controls airflow between the vacuum port and the pipette holder; a dispense valve that controls airflow between the pressure port and the pipette holder; a piston chamber; an aliquot dispense pump including a piston having a shaft that extends into the piston chamber, the shaft defining a stroke length; and an aliquot check valve that connects the pipette holder and the aliquot dispense pump; wherein the aliquot valve opens to allow airflow into the pipette holder upon engagement of the aliquot dispense valve.

Abstract: A pipette controller for aspirating and dispensing multiple aliquots of a fluid from a reservoir of fluid. The pipette controller may include a pipette holder adapted to operatively connect a pipette to the pipette controller; a pressure tank pneumatically connected to the pipette holder; a pump pneumatically connected to the pressure tank and configured to inject air into the pressure tank to create positive air pressure inside the pressure tank; an aliquot valve controlling airflow between the pressure tank and the pipette holder; and an electronic control. The electronic control may open and close the aliquot valve.

Abstract: A pipette controller for aspirating and dispensing multiple aliquots of a fluid from a reservoir of fluid. The pipette controller may include a pipette holder adapted to operatively connect a pipette to the pipette controller; a pressure tank pneumatically connected to the pipette holder; a pump pneumatically connected to the pressure tank and configured to inject air into the pressure tank to create positive air pressure inside the pressure tank; an aliquot valve controlling airflow between the pressure tank and the pipette holder; and an electronic control.

Abstract: This invention provides a hand held pipette which is ergonomically designed to reduce user fatigue and injury. The pipette preferably includes a nozzle extending downward at a selected angle from a point near the top of a base portion of the pipette, the base portion being grasped by the operator's hand, and may also include a hook extending from a second point near the top of the body portion which is angularly spaced from the first point, which hook extends over a portion of a user's hand to support the pipette thereon. The pipette is also designed to permits operation with the user's wrist and arm in a neutral position and minimizes local pressure points on the operator's hand.

Abstract: Hand-held pipettes are provided which have automatic volume setting and either manual or power assisted piston operation. Power assisted piston operation may be achieved with a fly-by-wire operation wherein movement of a plunger button is detected and used to control a drive for the plunger. A data transfer capability in at least one direction may also be provided for the pipette.

Abstract: Hand-held pipettes are provided which have automatic volume setting and either manual or power assisted piston operation. Power assisted piston operation may be achieved with a fly-by-wire operation wherein movement of a plunger button is detected and used to control a drive for the plunger. A data transfer capability in at least one direction may also be provided for the pipette.

Abstract: This invention provides a hand held pipette which is ergonomically designed to reduce user fatigue and injury. The pipette preferably includes a nozzle extending downward at a selected angle from a point near the top of a base portion of the pipette, the base portion being grasped by the operator's hand, and may also include a hook extending from a second point near the top of the body portion which is angularly spaced from the first point, which hook extends over a portion of a user's hand to support the pipette thereon. The pipette is also designed to permits operation with the user's wrist and arm in a neutral position and minimizes local pressure points on the operator's hand.

Abstract: Hand-held pipettes are provided which have automatic volume setting and either manual or power assisted piston operation. Power assisted piston operation may be achieved with a fly-by-wire operation wherein movement of a plunger button is detected and used to control a drive for the plunger. A data transfer capability in at least one direction may also be provided for the pipette.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for use with a centrifuge to analyze reactants. The apparatus includes at least one cuvette having at least one chamber. The chamber has a radially outward wall which provides a base upon which reactants can be pelleted when the device is rotated about a centrifugal axis. Each cuvette includes one or more openings for introducing fluids to the cuvette and includes a channel positioned adjacent to the radially outward wall for removing fluids from the chamber. Pressure is applied to the chamber to force fluids therefrom, through the channel. A hold down device is also provided through which fluid and/or pressure may be passed with respect to the cuvette. The invention also provides a method for determining the existence and degree of agglutination of reactants in a first fluid suspension and contained in a single reaction vessel using a photodetector.

Abstract: A pipette system in which a pipette is controlled by a pre-programmed control unit to perform any selected one of a number of liquid dispensing functions, such as pipetting single volumes of liquid, multiple dispensings from an aspirated volume of liquid, dilutions, and titrations. The control unit also permits new programs for liquid dispensing functions to be written and stored therein.

Abstract: A coagulation instrument for determining clotting times of plasma as an indication of various blood factors. The instrument is adapted to use three or more different reagents which are added selectively to plasma samples in accordance with a code on a cuvette in which the plasma sample is carried through the instrument. Different clotting time tests may be performed sequentially in random order as determined by the coded cuvettes.

Abstract: A plurality of cuvettes joined together by breakable links between each cuvette for use in testing blood for its ABO classification and the presence of a typical antibodies, and for crossmatching blood for compatibility, together with label means for indicating the reagents used in each cuvette and the identity of the person whose blood is being tested. The cuvettes may be adapted to accept a closure means which permits the cuvettes to be pre-packaged with reagents required to carry out blood tests. The cuvettes have a hydrophilic polymer coating thereon that is non-destructive of red blood cells.

Abstract: In a photometric coagulation instrument a synthetic clot signal is generated so that the operation of the instrument can be checked without the need to measure the actual clotting time of a control plasma sample.

Abstract: A dual receptacle cuvette adapted for use in a plasma coagulation testing apparatus which cuvette is coded to enable the apparatus to determine the particular test procedure to be performed on the plasma sample in the cuvette receptacles.

Abstract: A reagent delivery system having a reagent reservoir adapted to permit mechanical stirring of the reagent therein and removal of the reagent from the bottom of the reservoir, and a compact heat exchange unit through which the reagent flows to facilitate rapid heating of the reagent immediately prior to its use in a testing apparatus.

Abstract: A pipette calibration kit containing a plurality of solutions, each of a predetermined concentration, which are used for plotting a calibration curve, and at least one reagent of a predetermined concentration which is used to replace an identical quantity of diluent in a predetermined volume of the diluent. The concentration of the reagent-diluent mixture is measured and the quantity of the reagent substituted for diluent in the reagent-diluent mixture, i.e., the volume of the pipette used to add the reagent to the diluent, is determined from the calibration curve.