Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting a pharmaceutical cylindrical container made of glass or polymer is provided. The apparatus includes an inspection area, a handling device, and a friction wheel. The handling device has a first holder configured to hold a lateral surface of the pharmaceutical cylindrical container. The first holder includes a first support wheel and a second support wheel. The handling device moves such that the pharmaceutical cylindrical container is transferred from a first transfer position to the inspection area and from the inspection area to a second transfer position. The first holder and/or the friction wheel bring the pharmaceutical cylindrical container into contact with the friction wheel such that the pharmaceutical cylindrical container is rotated around a container longitudinal axis by rotating the first and second support wheels and/or by rotating the friction wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting a pharmaceutical cylindrical container made of glass or polymer includes a handling device that has a first holder that holds a lateral surface of the pharmaceutical cylindrical container and includes a first support wheel and a second support wheel. The handling device moves such that the pharmaceutical cylindrical container is transferred from a first transfer position to the inspection area and from the inspection area to a second transfer position. The handling device and/or a friction wheel rotate the pharmaceutical cylindrical container around a container longitudinal axis. A first plane is defined through the first rotational axis of the first support wheel and the container longitudinal axis, while a second plane is defined through the second rotational axis of the second support wheel and the container longitudinal axis. The first and second planes intersect at an angle in a range of 45° to less than 120°.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to mobile devices for analyzing a chemical composition, and related methods of analyzing a chemical composition. A benefit of embodiments disclosed herein can include portable and economical devices providing for simple and rapid analysis of luminescent chemical sensor arrays. A benefit of methods disclosed herein can include the use of embodied devices to provide highly accurate qualitative and quantitative analyses of the components of a broad range of chemical compositions. A benefit of the methods disclosed herein can include the rapid, simple, and accurate analysis of trace chemicals present in chemical compositions.

Abstract: An apparatus for nondestructive detection of transparent or reflective objects in a vessel includes an imager configured to acquire data that represent light reflected from spatial locations in the vessel as a function of time, a memory operably coupled to the imager and configured to store the data, and a processor operably coupled to the memory and configured to detect the objects based on the data by (i) identifying a respective maximum amount of reflected light, over time, for each location in the spatial locations based on the data representing light reflected from the spatial locations as a function of time, and (ii) determining a presence or absence of the objects in the vessel based on the number of spatial locations whose respective maximum amount of reflected light, over time, exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: An optical apparatus for imaging a sample has a scanning apparatus having a laser energizable to direct an input beam of a first wavelength to a reflective scanner that is rotatable about an axis and a toroidal mirror surface that is symmetric about said axis and is disposed to direct scanned laser light of the first wavelength toward the sample in an arcuate scan pattern. A compensator in the path of the input beam is formed to correct one or more aberrations of the toroidal mirror surface. Telecentric collector optics define a collection path that conveys, to a detector, scanned light of a second wavelength that is excited from the scanned sample.

Abstract: The automatic inspection machine for containers and contents thereof, comprises a serial horizontal conveyor line of the containers oriented with a vertical axis through at least one inspection station comprising lighting means of the containers, at least one television camera for acquiring images of the illuminated containers, the lighting means comprising a first, a second and at least a third lighting device.

Abstract: A pretreatment apparatus (100) for performing pretreatment of a sample is provided with a holder (610) for holding a container (10) containing a sample, a centrifugal separation device (600) for rotating the container (10) held by the holder (610) to perform a centrifugal separation, a temperature adjustment device (420) for adjusting the temperature of the sample in the container (10) in the holder (610), an input device (320) for receiving from a user a designated temperature that is adjusted by the temperature adjustment device (420), a controller (300) for controlling the temperature adjustment device (420) in accordance with the designated temperature received via the input device (320).

Abstract: A pretreatment apparatus (100) for performing pretreatment of a sample is provided with a holder (610) for holding a container (10) containing a sample, a centrifugal separation device (600) for rotating the container (10) held by the holder (610) to perform a centrifugal separation, a temperature adjustment device (420) for adjusting the temperature of the sample in the container (10) in the holder (610), an input device (320) for receiving from a user a designated temperature that is adjusted by the temperature adjustment device (420), a controller (300) for controlling the temperature adjustment device (420) in accordance with the designated temperature received via the input device (320).

Abstract: Container identification data from a container inspection unit that analyzes a container containing a liquid is combined with liquid level detection raw data from a liquid level detection unit that analyzes the container containing the liquid and a liquid level detection result is generated. The liquid level detection result is cross-checked with additional data from the container inspection unit. The result can be used to plan a route for the container in the laboratory automation system.

Abstract: Analyzers are described that control sample agitation by detecting vibration acceleration and using feedback to control the agitation and also alert to the presence of abnormal agitation. An embodiment provides an analyzer comprising a liquid agitation unit; an agitated liquid analysis unit; and a unit that controls the agitation unit. The agitation unit includes a vibrator of a liquid container and a detector of vibration of the container and that outputs a signal to the control unit, which responds by regulating the vibrator.

Abstract: The apparati, methods, and computer program products disclosed herein can be used to nondestructively detect undissolved particles, such as glass flakes and/or protein aggregates, in a fluid in a vessel, such as, but not limited to, a fluid that contains a drug.

Abstract: A protective cap 2 is engaged with a latch 10 of a diluent container 5 so as to fix the diluent container 5 at a liquid holding position of a diluent container containing section 11. The engagement is released when the protective cap 2 is set to an open position against the engagement so as to expose an inlet 13. When the protective cap 2 is shifted from the open position to a closed position, the protective cap 2 pushes the diluent container 5 into a liquid discharge position. Thus, it is possible to preserve a diluent for a long period of time and to easily open the diluent container 5 without having to complicate the structure of an analysis apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method intended to measure the properties of a complex medium (2) by analyzing the variation in light backscattered by this complex medium (2) after a prior stirring step. The device and the method include movement element (14) capable of subjecting the receiving element (6) to a stirring movement including at least a back-and-forth movement along a directional vector extending by a not insignificant amount along the longitudinal direction, so as to generate shear stresses in the complex medium (2), thereby destroying aggregates in the complex medium (2) when a container (4) is received and supported by the receiving element (6).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods related to centrifugal liquid chromatography are described. An angular velocity can be simultaneously imparted to a large number of chromatographic enclosures. Via centrifugal forces, a mobile phase fluid including a sample can be driven through a stationary phase within the chromatographic enclosure to perform a chromatographic separation process on components of the sample. The use of centrifugation as a driving force can allow significantly smaller stationary phase particles to be employed as compared to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Further, for an equivalent chromatographic separation process, the use of centrifugation can provide much greater separation efficiencies than HPLC.

Abstract: The invention concerns the field of biomolecule formulation screening and stability testing. It concerns a method for the evaluation of the colloidal stability of liquid biopolymer solutions. The present invention describes a method for determining the stability of a liquid pharmaceutical composition comprising: a) providing a liquid pharmaceutical composition in a container, b) shaking said container on a shaker, whereby the shaker performs an oloid movement, c) determining the stability of said liquid pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method detect the presence of solid particles in a liquid phase, where an at least partially transparent container encloses the solid particles and the liquid phase. The apparatus includes a camera to make digitized images in the form of arrays of pixels with their associated pixel values. The apparatus also includes an agitator device to hold the container and to impart movements to the container, transmitting kinetic energy to the mixture. The camera is aimed at a transparent portion of the container to take images of the mixture in motion. A processor unit, in electronic communication with the camera, receives and processes the digitized images of the mixture in motion, resulting in the generation of an analytical representation of the solid particles in the liquid. In this manner, the state of dissolution of the solid particles may be determined.

Abstract: A microchip including a fluid circuit formed by a groove of a first substrate and a surface of a second substrate is provided. The fluid circuit includes a fluid retaining reservoir for containing a fluid. The fluid retaining reservoir includes a fluid outlet or outflow channel for allowing the fluid to flow out, and a partition dividing the fluid retaining reservoir into a first region including a fluid inlet for injecting a fluid into the fluid retaining reservoir and a second region including the fluid outlet or outflow channel. The partition includes at least one communication gate for allowing communication between the first region and the second region.

Abstract: An improved cassette for detecting and quantifying particles in a liquid is provided. A sample volume of a liquid is held by a housing with an inlet and an outlet for the liquid. Light is emitted across the sample volume and reflected creating a doubled length of the optical path in the sample volume. The probability of detecting particles is increased and the measurement is improved. The housing reduces noise due to air bubbles and improves sensitivity of detection of particles in the liquid sample.

Abstract: A real-time in-situ sensor system is provided for measurement of bioluminescence and determination of bioluminescence surface signature. The system measures bioluminescence in the wake of a submerged moving object as well as ambient light levels outside of the wake. Along with measurements of depth and water-quality parameters including turbidity, temperature and salinity, the surface signature of the induced underwater bioluminescence can be calculated by considering light transmission and attenuation through water. With this real-time information, the operator of the submerged moving object can employ tactical maneuvers to affect the resultant surface signature.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for packaging of an optical sensing fiber is disclosed. The apparatus includes a substrate with a plurality of openings, and each opening is configured for holding an optical sensing assembly. The assembly is positioned in the opening with a tip of the assembly extending through the opening to be suspended from the substrate. In addition, openings are arranged so the assembly positioned therein avoids contacting another assembly positioned therein. The apparatus can include a support member for supporting the substrate and positioning the substrate so the tip of the assembly suspended from the opening in the substrate contacts solution in one of a plurality of wells in a container adjacent to the substrate. The assembly can be configured for preparing of the optical assembly for assay. An agitation assembly for agitating the container to create flow of the solution in the container wells over an optical sensing assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spectroscopy system and improved membrane formation techniques. The system has at least one light source operable to generate a source beam and a prism having a rear surface. A support block is disposed on the rear surface of the prism. The support block is formed with at least one sample well having a center and defines a substantially vertical rear cell surface having a center. The source beam is aimed at the sample well. A syringe filled with a membrane solution and having a needle with a distal end disposed in front of the sample well. The distal end is aimed at a point above the center of the rear cell surface. The syringe is operable to eject a steady stream of membrane solution from the needle onto the circular rear cell surface thereby forming a membrane defining at least a portion of a layer under test. The membrane has a substantially uniform thickness that covers substantially the entire rear cell surface.

Abstract: A method of detecting unwanted objects or faults in containers containing a fluid or liquid includes: (a) moving the containers along a path of travel; (b) providing; a light source emitting light of a specific spectral distribution, wherein the containers and their contents are at least partly transparent or translucent at the specific spectral distribution; (c) providing a camera for detecting light at the specific spectral distribution, wherein (1) the path of travel intersects a field of view defined by the camera, and (2) the camera registers a sequence of digital images as the containers pass between the light source and the camera; (d) selecting a part of each of the digital images that corresponds to the outline of a specific container; and (e) processing a sequence of the parts of the digital images so as to detect the unwanted objects or faults in the specific container.

Abstract: New methodology, realizable with both manual and new semi-automatic imaging technology, has transformed both the inspection and the batch release Attribute Sampling Inspection for contaminating visible particles in injectable solutions into statistically replicable procedures. In this new non-destructive inspection procedure, a calibration curve relates NIST traceable measurement of maximum particle size to the rejection probability of the particle. Data for this calibration curve is determined with a graduated set of single durable stainless steel and glass microspheres that are sized with NIST traceability. Use of the calibration curve transforms the probabilistic variability of visible particle inspection data described by Knapp into the ‘simply replicable form’ required by the Attribute Sampling Tables. The present invention uses cutting edge imaging technology to achieve 1% sizing accuracy within 10 ?m from 50 to 1,000 ?m.

Abstract: A device and method of use for measurement of in-situ bioluminescence generally comprising an acoustical pulse generator, a detector chamber, a lens assembly and a photomultiplier tube. The generator comprises transducers which can generate acoustical energy in the object field of the device. The acoustical energy provides a stimulus of aquatic organisms within the object field (typically an aqueous volume) to produce the bioluminescence. The generator is positioned outside of the detector chamber and the photomultiplier tube and lens assembly are mounted within the chamber. The lens assembly restricts light to the photomultiplier tube of that bioluminescence light originating only from the volume. The photomultiplier tube detects the bioluminescence generated by any aquatic organisms in a captured volume or if a changing measurement occurs by water flow in the volume. The output of the photomultiplier tube is provided to a controller to be analyzed.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a container during transfer of the container includes connecting a crane to the container by way of a spreader bar, causing a probe to engage an inspection port on the container, and probing the container. The probe may be an imaging probe, a camera, or another device for inspecting the contents of the container. The probe may be shielded, and the probe or shield may penetrate the inspection port with sufficient force to disengage a spring-loaded mount of a retractable port seal. The inspection port may be at a side wall of the container. Based on the findings of the probe, the container may be identified for further inspection. An apparatus for inspecting a container, a method of fitting a container for inspection, and an apparatus which may be fit to a container to facilitate inspection thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: Essential prerequisites for any injectable product are its sterility, its freedom from pathogens and its freedom from visible particle contamination . . . . These requirements must be satisfied prior to the release of an injectable product batch for sale and use. A major difficulty in responding to these assay requirements is the need for a size sensitivity difference of 100 or greater in determining the presence of viable pathogenic organisms and of non-viable random particle contaminants. The wide dynamic testing range cannot be satisfied in current art with a single non-destructive testing station. The present invention uses a special agitation procedure to generate separate liquid volumes containing the small viable and larger non-viable particle contaminants. This separation makes possible the introduction of sensing systems that have been optimized for each size range and that can operate in parallel without interference.

Abstract: A system for performing nanostructure-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (NERS) includes a radiation source, a radiation detector configured to detect Raman scattered radiation scattered by an analyte, and a container configured to provide a sealed enclosure. The NERS system further includes a turbulence generating device configured to generate random dynamic motion of a plurality of nanoparticles within the container. A method for performing NERS includes providing a container configured to provide a sealed enclosure, providing a plurality of nanoparticles each comprising a NERS-active material and an analyte within the container, causing random dynamic motion of the plurality of nanoparticles and the analyte, irradiating the plurality of nanoparticles and the analyte with radiation, and detecting Raman scattered radiation scattered by the analyte.

Abstract: An absorptiometry microchip testing device with which, after one-time startup, test results of blood analyses are automatically obtained without a special tester. The microchip testing device has a rotary drive source which can be stopped at a prescribed angle; a centrifugal rotor connected to the rotary drive source via the main shaft; a direction switching mechanism for controlling the main shaft gear; a planetary gear which engages the main shaft gear which is located on the centrifugal rotor; a chip holder which turns together with the planetary gear; a microchip which is held in the chip holder and has a part for measuring absorbance; a light source from which light is incident in the absorbance measuring part of the microchip; a detector which receives light transmitted by the absorbance measuring part; and a controller which controls movements of the rotary drive source and the direction switching mechanism.

Abstract: A method for the substantially complete detection and measurement of all particles, within a predetermined size, range, contained in an injectable solution comprising the steps of: a) rotation of the container causes substantially all of the particles in the injectable solution in the container to be set in motion; b) uniformly illuminating the background around the container with light; and c) detecting at least one of light scatter, light reflection and light extinction caused by said particles, with detectors having a depth of focus of detection in a specified volume of the container. Wherein the detectors are positioned, relative to the container whereby the optical path and field of view allows the sensor sufficient focus to view substantially all of the bottom interior surface of the container and substantially all of the solution volume within the container.

Abstract: A camera based inspection system for inspecting glass bottles made in a glass-forming machine. A single picture shows the heat distribution of an inspected portion of the bottle over a period of time whereby the operator will see a loss of stability in the glass process.

Abstract: A reader is provided that, itself, addresses the issue of damage or degradation to arrays within the reader by virtue of air exposure. In doing so, experimental variability is reduced, and read/scan signal strength degradation is minimized for arrays/slides scanned or otherwise read toward the end of a run. The subject scanners employ a filter that reduces the amount of chemicals in the air inside the device that are harmful to the array, or the dye on the array. The implementation of adding a chemical filter to the reader device may be such that air is either drawn into or, alternatively, pushed through the filter into the same. It is possible that the entirety of the device may be provided with filtered air, or just the region holding slides to be scanned. Array readers so-constructed as well as associated methodology involving filtering incoming air while reading arrays are covered.

Abstract: An absorption spectroscopy method comprising providing a sample in a container, rotating the container, while rotating the container, directing a beam of electromagnetic radiation through the container, the beam comprising one or more wavelengths selected from the group consisting of visible wavelengths, infrared wavelengths, and ultraviolet wavelengths, and measuring characteristics of the beam after it passes through the container. Also an absorption spectroscopy apparatus comprising a container holder, a drive rotating the container holder, means for, while rotating the container, directing a beam of electromagnetic radiation through the container, the beam comprising one or more wavelengths selected from visible wavelengths, infrared wavelengths, and ultraviolet wavelengths, and means for receiving the beam after passage through the container.

Abstract: In a method for optoelectronically inspecting pharmaceutical capsules (2) in a capsule filling machine (1), the pharmaceutical capsules (2) are fed in single file from a station (3) where the capsules (2) are made to a capsule (2) outfeed portion (8) of the machine (1) along a defined feed path (P) passing through an inspection station (13). In the inspection station (13), each pharmaceutical capsule (2) passes through an electromagnetic field created by coherent, polarised light radiation.

Abstract: An optical system having a light source means and a detector means for detecting one or more articles which by means of a conveyor move or are temporarily stationary under the means, where said article(s) has/have at least one reflective portion, and where light is emitted towards the article(s) from the light source means and reflected back towards the detector means. The optical system is characterised in that at a distance above the conveyor there is provided a lens, that the light source means and the detector means are located in or essentially in the same plane which is parallel to the plane of the lens and coincident with the focal plane of the lens, and that the optical axis of the lens is coincident with an axis perpendicular to the focal plane and located halfway between the light source means and the detector means.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) including two plates (3, 4) which can be rotated in relation to each other and between which the rheological properties of a test substance (6) disposed in an intervening area (5) can be determined. At least one of the plates (3) is provided with a light inlet (2) sealed by a body (8, 10) in order to carry out an optical measurement method, e.g., infrared spectroscopy, enabling other characteristics of the test substance to be determined simultaneously. The body (8, 10) is light permeable at least in the infrared spectrum, and on its side facing the intervening area (5), the body (8, 10) terminates in a flush contour relative to the to the plate (3) in which it is provided so that undesirable interactions which might affect the measurement of the rheological properties of the test substance (6) are reliably excluded.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for characterizing the type of a blood sample and a variety of blood components are provided wherein a transmission spectrum of the sample is collected over a predetermined wavelength range. For blood typing, this spectrum is then compared with a set of control spectra collected from control blood samples having known blood types, from which the type of the blood sample can be determined. Further methods and apparatus are provided for determining the viability of and for cross matching a platelet unit. Additional method and apparatus permit analysis of the sample for the presence of a contaminant. Particles can also be counted in the sample, even when present in low concentrations, including white blood cell.

Abstract: In an inspection device for inspecting for possible foreign matters contaminating a liquid filled transparent container, a red color illumination unit 23A is disposed behind a glass container 22 filled with liquid and a pair of blue color illumination units 23B and 23C are disposed so as to sandwich the red color illumination unit 23A. Both the red color and blue color illumination units 23A, 23B and 23C are disposed so that the red color light transmits through the glass container 22 and the blue color light reflected by a possible foreign matter in the liquid merges with the red color transmission light. Both the transmission light and the reflection light are separated by a color separation mirror 4 and are imaged by CCD cameras 5 and 6 so as to detect both black color series and white color series foreign matters can be detected at the same time.

Abstract: In an inspection device of possible foreign matters included in transparent containers (20), the transparent containers (20) are successively loaded through a loader rotor (11) on to respective rotatable stands (8) arranged along the circumference on an inspection rotor (1). Each of plural motors (M) mounted on the inspection rotor (1) is coupled to one or more of the rotatable stands (8) carrying each of the containers (20). Each of the motors (M) together with the concerned rotatable stands (8) and the container (20) carried thereon are individually rotated according to one of predetermined rotation patterns (P1, P2 and P3). A picture image of the container (20) is subsequently taken so as to inspect foreign matters possibly included in the liquid.

Abstract: A continuous inspection apparatus comprising a central axis placed in a vertical direction, the central axis penetrating a disc-like conveying table which conveys a subject to be inspected, a driving means for driving the conveying table, and a pair of inspection instruments for inspecting the subject to be inspected, one of the inspection instruments being placed at an inside of a circle where a plurality of the subjects are aligned in a circle and another one of the inspection instruments being placed at an outside of the circle, wherein an opening is provided at a place between the central axis and an inner peripheral portion of the conveying table, and a cable extending from one of the inspection instruments is run downward through the opening.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for optically inspecting containers of liquid solutions. The apparatus includes a fixture for gripping the container and a conveyor or indexable table for moving the fixtured container into alignment with a camera or other optical inspection device. The apparatus further includes a vibrator at the inspection station. The vibrator causes the container of the liquid solution to vibrate sufficiently for extraneous material in the solution to move into a position that permits accurate visual inspection.

Abstract: An optical assaying method and system having a movable sensor is described. In one aspect, the present invention is a sensing system having a rotating sensor disk coated with indicator dyes sensitized to a variety of substances. In this configuration the sensing system further includes a detector for sensing spectral changes in light received from one or more of the indicator dyes. In another aspect, the present invention is a sensing system having a surface plasmon resonance sensor disk having grooves extending radially from a center of the disk. In yet another aspect, the present invention is a sensing system including a diffraction anomaly sensor disk having a dielectric layer that varies in thickness. The present invention allows for construction of an inexpensive sensing system that is capable of easily detecting a variety of substances either in a sample or a surrounding environment.

Abstract: A turn controllable inspection table which have a step between a portion where mount sections on which respective objects being inspected are mounted are formed along a circumference and an inside portion thereof, so that light from a light source illuminating a side face portion of each object being inspected is allowed to be incident on at least a side face region including a bottom portion of a side face of each object being inspected in a direction perpendicular to the side face region is provided. Further, clamps for fixing the respective objects being inspected onto the mount sections by pressing a head portion of each object being inspected with a top board made of a transparent member, so that inspection is possible across an entire region from all directions including directions from above and sideways of each object being inspected are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for effective inactivation of micro-organisms in fluids with relatively high absorbance so as to limit damage. The apparatus has a large diameter passage (2) flow-through UV radiation system with a static mixer system (11) providing an intensive fluid flow mixing within an irradiation area in which the fluid flow is controlled to provide a flow rate not less than a minimum flow rate corresponding to a maximum fluid residence time within said irradiation area required for efficient mixing, and a maximum flow rate providing a minimum residence time for effective inactivation.

Abstract: In an inspection device of possible foreign matters included in transparent containers (20), the transparent containers (20) are successively loaded through a loader rotor (11) on to respective rotatable stands (8) arranged along the circumference on an inspection rotor (1), each of plural motors (M) mounted on the inspection rotor (1) is coupled to one or more of the rotatable stands (8) carrying each of the containers (20), each of the motors (M) together with the concerned rotatable stands (8) and the container (20) carried thereon are individually rotated according to one of predetermined rotation patterns (P1, P2 and P3), and a picture image of the container (20) after experienced of the predetermined rotation pattern in which liquid is still rotating is taken so as to inspect foreign matters possibly included in the liquid.

Abstract: A method for the substantially complete detection of all particles, within a predetermined size range, contained in an injectable solution comprising the steps of: a) pre-positioning particles in the container whereby rotation of the container causes substantially all of the particles in the injectable solution in the container to rotate in a shell volume adjacent the inner walls of the container, with said shell volume having a predetermined thickness; b) illuminating all the particles rotating within the shell volume with light; and c) detecting at least one of light scatter, light reflection and light extinction caused by said particles, with detectors having a depth of focus of detection in opposite volumes of the shell along a cross sectional diameter of the container perpendicular to the sensing array.

Abstract: An optical channel selection device comprises a barrel, an internal optical fiber disposed within the barrel, a first bearing coaxially disposed around the barrel, and a first bearing sleeve coaxially disposed around the first bearing. The barrel is rotatable about a central axis, and comprises a first end surface and a second opposing end surface. The internal optical fiber includes a first fiber end and a second fiber end. The first fiber end is exposed on the first end surface at a radially offset distance from the central axis. The second fiber end is exposed on the second end surface collinearly with the central axis. The first bearing sleeve has a plurality of first bearing sleeve apertures circumferentially spaced from each other. Each first bearing sleeve aperture is disposed in the first bearing sleeve at the radially offset distance, and is selectively optically aligned with the second fiber end through incremental rotation of the barrel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for carrying out mixing in a thin liquid layer, which is arranged between essentially parallel walls at a capillary distance from each other. The mixing is carried out by subjecting the walls to a motion essentially in the plane of the liquid layer, balancing the motion against the capillary force exerted by the walls on the liquid, and selecting the interface between the liquid layer and the surrounding medium so that it functions as an elastic membrane. The invention also concerns a cuvette which is designed for mixing according to the method.

Abstract: Centrifuged material layer volumes are measured and quantified during centrifugation of the material layers contained in a sample tube in a centrifuge assembly, which sample tube is disposed on a centrifuge platen. The material layers in the sample tube are periodically illuminated during centrifugation by a pulsed light source which differentially excites one or more fluorescent dyes or stains which are admixed with the sample being analyzed. This kinetic procedure is particularly useful in performing differential blood cell and platelet counts. A fluorscent target reference device is positioned on the centrifuge platen along with a detectable platen position sensor. The centrifuge assembly includes a processor controller which receives information from the platen position sensor, and from the target reference device, and which controls operation of the light source.

Abstract: A fluorescent fiber-optic biosensor system using ultrasonic concentration of particles and cells for the detection of Salmonella typhimurium. A biosensor test chamber serves as an ultrasonic standing-wave cell that allows microspheres or cells to be concentrated in parallel layers or in a column along the axis of the cell. A fiber probe along the axis delivers laser excitation to fluorescent-labeled antibodies of Salmonella and collects the fluorescent signal. The Salmonella-antibody complexes are moved acoustically to the axis of the cell, increasing the fluorescent signal. Alternatively, the Salmonella-labelled antibody complexes attach to unlabeled antibodies that have been immobilized on the surface of polystyrene microspheres. This entire structure can be manipulated acoustically and the increase in the fluorescent signal, which can be an order of magnitude, indicates the presence of Salmonella.

Abstract: A apparatus for assaying glycated proteins and other analytes in biological samples such as blood, in which a sample is presented to the apparatus, includes an inlet port between moveable between first and second inlets, such that the inlet can be brought into liquid communication with each inlet in turn. The inlet port accommodates a filter or binder. The apparatus also includes a microprocessor operable via a key pad, at least one light emitter and at least one light detector, a display and driver, and an A to D converter, and is operatively connected to a power source.