Abstract: A protective system for electrical apparatus mounted in a vault which has an opening to the atmosphere. Overheating of the electrical apparatus is distinguished from tobacco smoke, engine exhaust fumes, and other air borne particulates, by an ion chamber monitor and a thermally activated material in the vault which decomposes at a predetermined elevated temperature indicative of overheating. The material is selected to decompose above 300.degree. C. and produce a gas which decreases the self-recombination rate of the ion in the ion detector monitor to increase the ion current. An alarm is generated on a predetermined increase in ion current, instead of upon a decrease, such as caused by particulates.

Abstract: Body function of a mammal is investigated using a .gamma.-emitting .sup.75 Se or .sup.123m Te labelled derivative of a bile acid or bile salt. Thus bowel function may be investigated by oral administration of the labelled compound followed, after a suitable period of time, by either a whole body count or a faecal count of radioactivity. Preferred bile acids and salts are substituted either at the 19-position or in the C-17 side chain.

Abstract: A passive device particularly for the improved measurement of the flow of a liquid is described. The device comprises a conduit defining a flow volume for the internal transit therethrough of a liquid to be received at one open end thereof and discharged from the other open end thereof; means disposed in communication with the interior of the conduit for introducing a preselected tracer substance into liquid flowing (full channel flow) through the flow volume; at least one enclosure having wall area permeable to the preselected tracer substance, this enclosure being disposed relative to the flow volume so that the liquid flow through the flow volume will contact the permeable wall area, and means disposed within the enclosure for detecting the presence of such preselected tracer substance as may enter the enclosure through the permeable wall area from the interior of the conduit.

Abstract: Antigens and their antibodies are measured in a combined radioimmunoassay by incubating a sample of an unknown fluid with a known quantity of an antibody, contacting the mixture obtained with the walls of a vessel having a coating of known antigen content, again incubating, then aspirating the mixture and washing the walls of the vessel, adding a pure radioactive tracer antigen, aspirating and washing again, and finally measuring the radioactivty of the coated parts conventionally, e.g., in a gamma counter known in the art.

Abstract: A method of analysis in which a radioactive substance is distributed in a liquid phase and a solid particle phase and radiation from one phase is measured while attenuating the radiation from the other phase, the radiation from said other phase being shielded according to the invention by virtue of the fact that said phase is mixed with and/or contains a radiation-absorbing material in such a quantity and concentration that the dominant portion of the radiation from this phase will be absorbed.

Abstract: Electrical apparatus cooled with a stream of hydrogen gas is protected from overheating by applying a coating to a portion of the apparatus which is exposed to the gas stream. The coating contains a compound which decomposes between 80.degree. and 200.degree. C. to produce a gas detectable by a monitor. The monitor detects gases heavier than hydrogen in the gas stream and sounds an alarm when they are present.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the processing of fluid materials, particularly in the preparation of samples for radioactive isotope tracer studies by combustion of starting materials containing such isotope tracers. The sample is burned in a combustion chamber which tapers upwardly and inwardly above the sample receptacle so as to approximate the shape of the flame of a burning sample, and the combustion products are continuously exhausted from the combustion chamber and passed through a heat exchanger which condenses the condensable vapors in the combustion products. The condensed vapors are then separated from the gases, and the gases are passed into a reaction column if there is a radioactive isotope tracer remaining in gas form.

Abstract: A diagnostic agent for the visualization of the kidneys is disclosed as well as a process for its manufacture. The new agent consists of pyrrolidinomethyl-tetracycline in a buffer solution, a tin(II) salt and technetium-99m in physiological sodium chloride solution.

Abstract: A bone-seeking, technetium-99m-tin-phosphonate complex effective as a skeletal-imaging agent has been found particularly useful for diagnostic purposes. Skeletal tissue concentrations of technetium-99m obtained with the complex compare favorably to other bone-seeking radionuclides.

Abstract: Hormones or metabolites which are capable of producing antibodies can be detected and precisely quantitated by this method. Antibodies, to various hormones or metabolites whose assay is desired, are adsorbed onto commercially available imitation or cultured pearls. These pearls coated with antibody are contacted with a buffered reaction mixture containing blood serum or plasma specimen and respective radioactive antigen. The entire reaction is allowed to proceed for a time sufficient to form antigen (radioactive or non-radioactive)-antibody complex. These complexes on the pearls are washed and the total amount of radioactivity emanating from the complex is measured. This is indicative of the extent of binding of radioactive antigen and provides an indirect correlation of the amount of non-radioactive antigen present in the serum or plasma sample.

Abstract: Inert gas under pressure forces a suspension of particles in a carrier fluid through a flow channel including tubes of narrow diameter at a pressure high enough to establish laminar flow free from turbulence at a speed determined by a constant displacement rate syringe at the downstream end of the flow channel. At at least two locations along the flow channel measurements are made of particle conditions, such as radioactivity and size, to provide a multiple of particle signals which are correlated to provide a multi-dimensional characterization of the particles, such as the number of cells exceeding a predetermined radioactivity level for each of a number of cell size ranges.

Abstract: A broad new class of reagents permits extremely sensitive and specific assay for, or chemical separation of, a broad range of biological and nonbiological substances. Each reagent consists of a suspension of microscopic carrier material particles, each particle bearing (1) tracer material - fluorescent, radioactive or otherwise - and (2) a coating of biological homologue, that is, antibody, antigen, or portions or equivalents thereof, for the substance whose assay is desired.The latter substance if introduced into the suspension links the particles together in pairs or clumps, which may be sensitively and accurately detected by monitoring the tracer. The carrier is preferably partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide resin, or in appropriate applications acrylic acid and other derivatives thereof, and other polymers including agar, and the coupling effected by covalent bonding. Other embodiments, including various mechanical forms of carrier, for greater ease of handling and separation, are also described.

Abstract: A tracer comprising a polymer coated ion exchange core either labelled with nuclide, stable or radioactive or unlabelled and finding particular utility in circulatory determinations in animals or in the chemical process industries to detect or measure fluid flow.

Abstract: A passive flowmeter device is described comprising a conduit for conducting fluid flow therethrough, means located at or near one end of the conduit for introducing fluid flow into the conduit, means located at or near the other end of the conduit for removing fluid flow therefrom and means for detecting the presence in the fluid of quantities of a specific tracer substance, said detecting means being disposed within the conduit intermediate the ends thereof. In one form of the device means are provided in communication with the conduit for introducing therein a preselected tracer substance. The device operates by enabling a comparison between the rate of diffusion of the tracer substance in the given fluid with the rate of flow of the fluid as evidenced by the density gradient of quantities of the tracer substance transported by the fluid.

Abstract: Diagnostic compositions comprising serum albumin which has been treated to remove fats and fatty acids with possible changes in molecular conformation, a reducing agent, preferably a stannous reducing agent, and a radionuclide, preferably technetium-99m, are highly useful in study and diagnosis of morphology and functions of animal tissues and organs, particularly in studying cardiovascular dynamics, placental imaging, cisternography, in determining blood and plasma volumes, in metabolism and turnover studies, in radioscintigraphic diagnosis of the lung and reticuloendothelial systems, e.g. pulmonary emboli, bronchogenic carcinoma, pneumonitis, emphysema, tuberculosis, pathology of liver and/or spleen manifest by changes in size or shape or pathology of adjacent structures or displacement of these organs, and other disorders.For pulmonary and reticuloendothelial applications, the albumin is converted to particulate forms by denaturation under conditions which form aggregates of appropriate size.

Abstract: An extremely sensitive metallic vapor detection method primarily for use in a sodium cooled nuclear reactor containment. Sodium vapor, or a compound derived from it, is allowed to react with a radioactively tagged substance so as to produce a radioactive gas. The released gas is monitored by a nuclear counter, which provides a direct indication of the presence of metallic vapor. The method is sensitive to the presence of metallic vapor in a gaseous environment in the range of 10.sup.-16 grams per cubic centimeter.

Abstract: A Technetium-99m labelled tin colloid for liver scanning is made by adding Technetium-99m, as an aqueous solution of pertechnetate ion TcO.sub.4.sup.-, to a reagent comprising one part by weight of sodium, potassium or ammonium fluoride and from 0.00075 to 0.75 parts by weight of stannous tin.

Abstract: Method for competitive binding in diagnostic clinical testing for thyroid function in which blood serum is sufficiently acidified to inactivate binding of thyroid hormone to serum proteins. The serum test solution is then mixed directly with a buffered competitive binding protein solution without first separating inactivated endogenous serum proteins.

Abstract: Novel selenium derivatives of steroids have the formula I, ##STR1## where X is hydrogen or acyl, Y is hydrocarbon and n is 0 or 1, preferably 0. Such compounds, labelled with selenium-75 are of use for investigating body function, particularly for imaging the adrenal glands, and are claimed superior for the purpose to the 6.beta.- and 19- iodine derivatives of cholesterol.

Abstract: A technetium-99m-stannous-phosphate complex in which the phosphate moiety includes pyrophosphate and in which no more than 5 to 15% or 20% by weight of such phosphate moiety is a linear polyphosphate of molecular weight greater than pyrophosphate, a method of making the same, a method of using the same by in vivo intravenous administration to a mammal of the sterile, nonpyrogenic complex followed by radioassay scanning or imaging the skeletal structure, and a kit made up of a stannous-phosphate complex in which the phosphate moiety is pyrophosphate and in which no more than 5 to 15% or 20% by weight of such phosphate moiety is a linear polyphosphate of molecular weight greater than pyrophosphate.

Abstract: Improved stannous pyrophosphate technetium-99m compositions.

Abstract: The detection of malignant or dysplastic cells in a tissue sample, by treating the sample with a solution containing radioactive gallium and relying upon the greater take-up of the gallium by the malignant or dysplastic cells relative to normal cells to provide a detectable signal of malignancy, is improved by including non-radioactive preemptive species in the solution to pre-empt potential gallium binding sites in protein molecules of normal cells. The pre-emptive species may be one or more of scandium, indium or yttrium.

Abstract: A Tc-99m stannous sulfur colloid radiopharmaceutical having simplicity of formulation, improved stability and desirable small particle size as well as a method of preparation therefor are described. Also provided is a reagent suitable for the preparation of such radiopharmaceutical by the addition thereto of technetium-99m pertechnetate.

Abstract: Laboratory investigations in vitro of destruction and damage of living cells frequently involve labeling of the tissue cells in question with a radioactive isotope and subsequent dispersion of the cells in a suitable liquid. The dispersion is allowed to settle in a test tube, whereby a column of supernatant liquid is formed above precipitated cell particles. The radioactivity of said supernatant liquid is considered to be a measure of cell destruction and in order to measure the same while completely separated from the precipitated cell tissue, either the total amount or an accurately known fraction of the liquid must be collected, yet at the same time avoiding any collection of the precipitated particles.

Abstract: Fibrinogen is labeled with .sup.99m Technetium by reducing pertechnetate at a pH of about 11-12 using a solution of stannous chloride in the presence of a base, then contacting the reduced pertechnetate with fibrinogen. Unwanted lower molecular weight impurities are removed; the labeled product suitably adjusted to a pH of 7-8 to form an injectable isotopic tracer solution.

Abstract: N samples are irradiated simultaneously for a period which is N times longer than the period of subsequent measurement of a sample, by means of a device constituted by a transfer circuit in which stations are provided successively for introduction, irradiation, separation, measurement and discharge of samples. A portion of the circuit serves to transfer a sample-holder for N samples, means for positioning the sample-holder and extracting samples therefrom being provided at the separating station.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring the oil consumption of an internal combustion engine equipped with an exhaust gas line. The oil is radioactively labeled with a radioactive tracer. The exhaust gas is examined for the contents of the tracer with at least one first sample taken from the exhaust gas stream. The exhaust gas stream has oil added to it corresponding to the oil in the internal combustion engine. Subsequently, at least one second sample is taken from the exhaust gas stream downstream of the point of addition and a comparison is made between the contents of radiotracers of the first and second samples. A device for practicing the method is provided.

Abstract: Para-iodobenzyltrimethylammonium iodide is useful as an intermediate in the manufacture of the corresponding compounds wherein the para-iodo atom is enriched with an .sup.123 iodine, .sup.125 iodine or .sup.131 iodine isotope. These radio-iodinated derivatives are valuable adrenal scanning agents in consequence of their propensity to localize in the adrenal gland. Moreover, their ability to bind to catecholamine storage sites accounts for their ability to localize in tissue having a large supply of adrenergic nerves such as spleen and sympathetic ganglia. When injected directly into the cerebrospinal fluid, they concentrate in the choroid plexus and in adrenergic innervated tissues such as the substantia nigra.

Abstract: A method of preparing improved technetium-99m labeled radiodiagnostic agents by reducing technetium-99m with stannous tartrate. Such radiodiagnostic agents are useful in scintigraphic examinations of the bone and lung.

Abstract: Molybdenum-99/technetium-99m generators utilizing a multiple pH alumina support medium are disclosed herein. The elution of these generators result in a minimum of low yield problems.

Abstract: An improved method is disclosed for determining substances in a fluid sample having a mutual specific binding affinity, such as antigens and antibodies, said method utilizing a device comprising a column containing an insoluble porous matrix with which specific binding partners to the substance being determined are immobilized, preferably by chemically coupling them to the matrix material. The method comprises allowing a fluid sample containing the substance to be determined, a reference sample containing a labeled form of either the substance under determination or a specific binding partner, and an eluting liquid to flow through the device, followed by a determination of the relative amount of the labeled component retained in or eluted from the column. Comparison to standard values affords a reading of the concentration or absolute amount of the substance being determined in the fluid sample.

Abstract: Radioactive labelled antibody for cardiac myosin is injected intravenously after cardiac occlusion and is specifically absorbed in infarcted myocardium, as are radioactive labelled lower molecular weight fragments of the antibody such as (Fab').sub.2, (Fab'), and (Fv). The location and size of the myocardial infarct can be determined by measuring the intensity and location of radioactive emission externally of the heart.

Abstract: The method of gaplessly separating and identifying successive rolling lots of ingots or blooms in a production process for making tubes or the like wherein the stock is introduced into a furnace for heating and in a production line subsequently rolled, which comprises radio-actively marking the first or the last ingot of a given rolling lot of ingots at its subsequently lost end prior to being introduced into the furnace. A further step includes interposing a radio-active radiation responsive signal device in said production line before rolling. Apparatus for carrying out said method includes a device for imparting radioactivity to an ingot in advance of a rotary hearth furnace. Radiation counter-tubes are located in advance of a taper mill and a continuous rolling mill respectively. Further counter-tubes are arranged in advance of a stretch reducing or sizing mill.

Abstract: A device for measuring the wear of a radioactively marked machine component by sensing the presence of radioactive wear fragments in a lubricant has a flow-through chamber; an inlet for tangentially introducing the lubricant into the flow-through chamber; a radiation detector at least partially surrounded by the flow-through chamber; and an outlet for removing the lubricant from the flow-through chamber. The device further includes an outer hollow cylinder having a closed radial end face; an inner hollow cylinder having a closed radial end face and an outer diameter which is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer hollow cylinder. The inner hollow cylinder is supported coaxially within the outer hollow cylinder and the space between the two cylinders constitutes the flow-through chamber. The cylinders are supported in a substantially horizontal orientation.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing flowable material in intermittent sequence comprises a hollow dosing sphere having a predetermined inner volume for forming samples of constant volume of the material introduced thereinto; a hollow radiation sphere connected to the outlet of the hollow dosing sphere; a radiation source supported within and centrally with respect to the hollow radiation sphere for a homogeneous activation of the sample introduced thereinto from the hollow dosing sphere; a hollow measuring sphere connected to the outlet of the hollow radiation sphere; and a detector arranged in the hollow measuring sphere for sensing the activity of the irradiated sample introduced thereinto from the hollow radiation sphere.

Abstract: Novel selenium-75 derivatives of cholesterol have the formula ##STR1## (I) where X is hydrogen or acyl, Y is alkyl and n is 0 or 1. They are useful for visualizing the adrenal glands of mammals.

Abstract: A method and means of making an immunological assay is provided whereby stable isotopes of certain elements, or long-lived radioisotopes of these elements are used to tag antigens or antibodies. A known amount of the tagged antibodies or antigens are then mixed with the unknown number of antigens or antibodies forming an antigen-antibody complex, (bound) and free tagged antigens, or antibodies, (unbound). The bound antigens or antibodies are separated from the unbound, and their quantity is determined by negative ion mass spectrometry. An aliquot of the unbound or bound antigens or antibodies is taken and dried in a metal crucible, for example, which is then inserted into a negative ion mass spectrometer where the sample is vaporized, ionized and the number of tagging atoms is then counted. From the information provided by the count, an immunoassay can be established.

Abstract: An air sample including substances containing tritium and substances containing carbon-14 is oxidized continuously while measuring a volume thereof and water and carbon dioxide included in the oxidized air sample are collected respectively continuously. After water and carbon dioxide are recovered, the radioactivities thereof are measured respectively.

Abstract: Methods of detecting the presence of concealed weapons and determining the type of weapons with a greater degree of certainty and reliability. The method involves tagging of the weapon with a radioactive marking that produces penetrative radiation, and providing radiation detectors at entrances to commercial and private residences, airlines, vehicles and other places. According to a preferred method, the tagging or marking of the weapon is in a form of a digital coding; and a different common coding is applied to each different kind of weapon. For example, hand guns receive a common code of one type; knives a different code; explosives a third different code, and the like.

Abstract: A chelate of technetium-99m, cobalt-57, gallium-67, gallium-68, indium-111 or indium-113m and a substituted iminodiacetic acid or an 8-hydroxyquinoline useful as a radiopharmaceutical external imaging agent. The invention also includes preparative methods therefor.

Abstract: The invention relates to bone-seeking compositions suitable for use as skeletal imaging agents comprising complexes of Indium-113m or Indium-111 with various organic phosphonates, methods of preparation thereof, compositions for skeletal imaging and methods of skeletal imaging comprising the administration of these phosphonates.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for forming a two-dimensional nuclear radiation image at a location inside an animal body and for transmitting a representation of the two-dimensional image to a location outside the body. In examining an animal body in accordance with the invention, a selected portion of the body is caused to form a nuclear radiation pattern, as by the ingestion or injection of a substance which gives out gamma radiation or by irradiation from an external source. The front end of an invented device is introduced into the body, as by way of a body cavity, to form a two-dimensional image of this nuclear radiation pattern. The middle part of the invented device transmits a representation of this two-dimensional image to the back end of the device, which is at a location outside the animal body which is being examined, where this representation forms an image of the selected animal body portion that can be viewed, recorded or otherwise utilized.

Abstract: A technetium-99m-stannous-phosphate complex in which the phosphate moiety includes pyrophosphate and in which no more than 5 to 15% or 20% by weight of such phosphate moiety is a linear polyphosphate of molecular weight greater than pyrophosphate, a method of making the same, a method of using the same by in vivo intravenous administration to a mammal of the sterile, nonpyrogenic complex followed by radioassay scanning or imaging the skeletal structure, and a kit made up of a stannous-phosphate complex in which the phosphate moiety is pyrophosphate and in which no more than 5 to 15% or 20% by weight of such phosphate moiety is a linear polyphosphate of molecular weight greater than pyrophosphate.

Abstract: A method for determining the source strength of a radioactive sample such as iodine-125 or cobalt-60, which emit pairs of quanta of radiation in coincidence, or near coincidence, and for determining the counting efficiency of a detection instrument analyzing such samples. A first counting channel is used to count events attributable to single quanta, a second counting channel is used to count events attributable to coincident pairs of quanta, and the sample source strength is computed from the results of measurement in these two counting channels. Then, the counting efficiency in a third channel designed for subsequent use in analyzing test samples may be determined from the counting of events in the third channel.

Abstract: .sup.203 Pb-tris complex injected for use in the detection and localization of tumors. The lead-203 is produced from the deuteron bombardment of a thallium target and chemically separated from the thallium. The tris is added which complexes with the lead-203.

Abstract: A differential pressure indicator including a remote sensing means is disclosed wherein a reference volume under predetermined pressure is employed as a standard, triggering an indicating mechanism when a second (measured) pressure falls above or below a predetermined threshold. The indicating mechanism may include a novel shaft which protrudes through the casing carrying thereon a source of radioactive material which is remotely monitored. Alternatively, the protrusion may be sensed as an impedance variation or additional visual indicator. In one embodiment, a plurality of the subject sensors are housed upon the blades of a helicopter. Upon sensing the changing pressure in the helicopter blade, the protruding element provides a radioactive source which is sensed in a conventional manner to provide a cockpit readout.

Abstract: Covalently bound biological substances to plastic materials whose inside surfaces have been coated with glutaraldehyde, with or without prior treatment with an aliphatic amine or diamine, useful in radioimmunoassay procedures.

Abstract: A means and method of radioimmunoassay is disclosed whereby an insolubilized or solid phosphor and binding agent such as an antibody are associated by chemical or physical means to provide a solid scintillating immunoadsorbent cell. This cell is capable of selectively binding or retaining radioactive or labeled antigens and transmitting radioactive energy to a phosphor or photon emitting substance. The luminescence emitted by the phosphor is measured by a scintillator counter and is directly proportional to the radioactive energy released by the labeled antigen bound to the antibody. Upon completion of the measurement the labeled antigens are separated from the antibody and removed from the cell which may now be used for additional analysis. A convenient means for obtaining a solid phosphor and/or binding agent is to combine them by physical or chemical means or to shield one from the other by a separating barrier.

Abstract: In a method for determining whether a used tyre exhibits zones of detachment between the rubber compound and the cord fabric or zones of substantial porosity, a radioactive gas which emits gamma-rays is injected under pressure into the tyre in the zone corresponding to the layers of textile fibers which constitute the cord fabric. The gas is allowed to diffuse within the interior of the tyre and to accumulate at the defective points, whereupon the radiation emitted at least at one point of the tyre is detected.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns a solid phase method for detecting antigens or antibodies. An unknown sample is contacted with two sources of solid phase antigen. By treating each source in a particular manner it is possible to determine if the sample contains antigen or antibody.