Abstract: A deodorizing and disinfecting apparatus having catalyst deterioration detection function of the present invention comprises: an air supply portion for inhaling air inside; an ozone generating portion for discharging ozone to the inhaled air: a catalyst for accelerating deodorizing and disinfecting actions and decomposition of the ozone disposed downstream from the ozone generating portion; an ozone sensor for detecting the concentration of remaining ozone disposed downstream from the catalyst; and means for repeating a cycle including stop of ozone discharge from the ozone generating portion for a predetermined time period when the concentration of the remaining ozone reaches a predetermined concentration or more, and for determining that the catalyst is deteriorated when a condition wherein an interval between times when the concentration of the remaining ozone is not less than a predetermined concentration becomes shorter than a predetermined time period is recognized at a predetermined frequency, and then

Abstract: A biohazardous liquid medical waste collection and treatment system provides on-site collection and treatment of surgical fluids. The system is mobile, and includes an upper unit and one or more lower units that are detachable from the upper unit. The upper unit includes a liquid disinfectant reservoir, liquid pump valves, and an electronic control unit which controls the operation of the pump valves. A disposable suction canister is mounted to the upper unit and collects liquid medical waste aspirated from a patient. A disposable tube set, including a motionless mixer, is connected to the disposable suction canister and the liquid disinfectant reservoir. Electronically controlled pumps (preferably peristaltic pumps) pump liquid waste from the suction canister along with the metered amount of liquid disinfectant from the liquid disinfectant reservoir through the motionless mixer and into a temporary storage receptacle on the lower unit.

Abstract: An automatic sample injector for a gas chromatograph includes not only a syringe with a barrel and a plunger which is adapted to move inside the barrel but also a plunger-driving motor for pushing and pulling the plunger inward and outward inside the barrel, a position sensor for the plunger and an abnormality detector for detecting an abnormal operating condition of the plunger. The plunger-driving motor has a variable torque, and it is operated at a preliminarily determined reduced torque smaller than the normal torque at which it is operated under normal conditions. The subsequent motion of the plunger, or lack thereof, is monitored by the position sensor to determine whether the plunger is totally or partially stuck inside the barrel.

Abstract: The present invention provides an underground-environment simulator which simulates underground environment spaces used for radioactive waste disposal or the like, and has a hermetic box, wherein the carbon dioxide gas concentration inside the box can be adjusted to an optional level, and the atmosphere inside the box can be uniformly and stably maintained. In the underground-environment simulator of the present invention, a carbon dioxide gas feeding means feeds carbon dioxide gas into a circulating gas circulation which controls the atmosphere inside the hermetic box, and the concentration of carbon dioxide gas in the circulating gas is measured and adjusted to a predetermined level while oxygen is removed from the circulating gas in an oxyhydrogen reactor. Accordingly, the carbon dioxide gas concentration can be controlled within a low concentration range, and various underground environments can be accurately simulated by varying the carbon dioxide gas concentration to an optional level.

Abstract: A portion of the endoscope that has been withdrawn from the human body is inserted into the tubular body of the device and pressurized water, a liquid detergent, a liquid disinfectant and air are sequentially forced through a water injecting pipe, an inlet pipe and injection pipes that communicate with the tubular body, whereby not only the outer surface of the endoscope but also the inner ducts through it are cleaned, disinfected and dried in a convenient and safe manner.

Abstract: A solid phase organic synthesis device comprising a manifold and an optional heating block mounted to an upper surface of the manifold. The manifold includes an internal cavity and a first array of holes coupled to the internal cavity. The heating block includes a second array of holes vertically aligned with the corresponding holes of the first array. The first and second arrays of holes are adapted to accommodate flow-through reaction vessels. Each reaction vessel is secured in one of the holes of the first array and a vertically-aligned one of the holes of the second array. The interiors of the reaction vessels are in communication with the internal cavity of the manifold. The flow-through reaction vessels, which contain solid phase resins for solid phase organic synthesis, are controlled by regulating the pressure within the manifold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating nuisance odor streams is provided. One embodiment of the invention is directed to a method and apparatus in which deodorizing chemical agents are applied to an evaporative reaction pack situated within a gas chamber having an air stream running therethrough. The evaporative reaction pack provides a reaction zone within which the chemical agent is evaporated to facilitate a gas-gas or vapor phase interaction between the chemical agent and odoriferous compounds contained in the air stream. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for batch processing of sewage treatment agents within a wet well to prevent the formation of undesired compounds. In one embodiment, a predetermined amount of chemical agent, sufficient for treating the amount of sewage that the well can hold, is added to an evacuated wet well in coordination with the pumping of sewage from the wet well.

Abstract: Solid phase combinatorial synthesis is carried out in a multi-reactor synthesizer comprising an array of separate reactor cells containing a solid reaction support medium. Subsets of reactor cells are interconnected with one another in a desired pattern, and, in a first reaction step, reagents are circulated through the subsets. After the first reaction step is completed, the reactor cells are rearranged into a new configuration of subsets, and the same, or other, reagents are circulated through the new subsets. The process can be repeated to produce large numbers of compounds differing from one another.

Abstract: An analytic instrument utilizing a Control Arena Network (CANBUS) and nodal architecture in the instrument with functions and logic distributed throughout the Nodes. A system controller is connected on the one hand to an operator input device for controlling the instrument, and on the other hand to a plurality of nodes via a CAN scrambler. Each nodes has a CAN microcontroller and related circuitry for performing autonomously a variety of functions of the instrument. The system controller and nodes communicate using CAN interface devices over the CANBUS, passing instructions, commands and data therebetween.

Abstract: Apparatus can prewet at least one filter with a supply of liquid and a supply of wetting agent. The apparatus has a container for holding at least the one filter. The apparatus also has a flow arrangement including a circulating subsystem and flushing subsystem. The circulating subsystem is connected to the container and the supply of wetting agent for: (a) circulating the wetting agent through the container during an initial phase, and (b) draining the wetting agent during a subsequent phase back to the supply of liquid. The flushing subsystem is connected to the container and is adapted to be coupled to the supply of liquid for flushing the liquid through the container. After loading a filter into the container, wetting agent is circulated through the container in the initial phase. Then the wetting agent is drained back to the supply of liquid in the subsequent phase. The liquid is flushed through the container without reopening the container, before removing the filter from the container.

Abstract: In order to prevent a catalyst for an internal combustion engine from experiencing decreased efficiency by deterioration after long time use of the catalyst, the decreased efficiency of the catalyst is determined, and the internal engine is controlled based on results of the determination so as to maintain high efficiency of the catalyst. The catalyst is installed in an exhaust pipe of the engine. Sensors for detecting conditions of exhaust gas both at a upstream side and a downstream side of the catalyst are provided, respectively. As for the sensor, for example, an oxygen sensor whose output varies stepwise at .lambda.=1, or a sensor whose output varies in proportion to air-fuel ratio can be used. Detected values of the sensors are taken into a control unit, catalyst efficiency and deteriorating degree of the catalyst are estimated by comparison of the detected values, and the engine is controlled so that the catalyst efficiency is maximized.

Abstract: A method for sequencing a strand of DNA, including the steps of: providing the strand of DNA; annealing the strand with a primer able to hybridize to the strand to give an annealed mixture; incubating the mixture with a deoxyribonucleoside triphosphate, a DNA polymerase, and a chain terminating agent under conditions in which the polymerase causes the primer to be elongated to form a series of DNA products differing in length of the elongated primer, each DNA product having a chain terminating agent at its elongated end; the number of each DNA product being approximately the same for substantially all DNA products differing in length from 1 to 20 bases.

Abstract: A self-monitoring hand-sanitizing station having a basin capable of holding an antiseptic solution to be situated near the entrance to a food handling area. A first proximity detector determines when an individual is approaching both the basin and the entrance. The basin contains a first moisture-proof switch and a second moisture-proof switch the activation of which switches must be done simultaneously; these switches are so situated that a user cannot accomplish such simultaneous activation with a single hand. A second proximity detector determines when an individual has passed beyond the basin toward the entrance.

Abstract: A cartridge for collecting a sample of mercury or other substance of interest has a tubular housing and an insert, for example, of gold or another metal. The insert comprises a number of wire meshes sintered together to form a substantially unitary insert having an extended surface area, or otherwise is formed as a solid with a large surface area. The housing is provided with a groove and an internal projection as a mechanical coupling formations, to engage and retain the insert.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for the synthesis of compounds, e.g., oligomers or polymers, by the repeated steps of coupling various subunits onto solid supports. The apparatus has for a first member a vessel having chambers opening to a surface of the member, and has for a second member a vessel having a single chamber opening to a surface of the second member. The chambers preferably have filtered apertures to permit passage of gas or liquid while retaining the solid supports in the chambers. The first member is joined with the second member, forming a pair, such that the openings of the first member open into the second member. The first member is used for synthesis reactions and for holding unmixed compounds coupled to solid supports. The second member is used for mixing the solid supports. The solid supports are transferred from one member to another, e.g., by inverting the pair.

Abstract: A machine for synthesizing oligonucleotides has individual pumping modules for connection to each of a number of different monomers and to other fluids used in the synthesizing process. Each pumping module includes a pump and a three-port/three-way valve with the first inlet port connected to receive the fluid, and the second port connected to receiving a flushing agent, such as acetonitrile. A valving arrangement downstream from the pumping modules selects a monomer. The selected monomer and other fluids pass through flow sensors which provides signals to a controller, which uses these signals to regulate the pumping of the pumps. At least some of the valves allow multiple inlet ports to be kept open at the same time, thus allowing certain of the liquids to be mixed within the valves. The various pumps, valves and sensors are mounted to the exterior of a cabinet and arranged such that the liquid handling portions are exterior to the cabinet, while electrical portions are within the cabinet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for storing and sterilizing objects is provided. The apparatus includes a housing, and a tray supported within the housing for storing the objects to be sterilized. A sterilizing solution is located within the housing and below the tray. An elevator assembly lowers the tray downwardly to immerse the objects in the sterilizing solution, and lifts the tray upwardly to remove the objects from the sterilizing solution for further storage until use.

Abstract: A solid phase synthesis system is provided by employing a fully automated robot that operates with a novel timing protocol for handling multiple synthetic tasks efficiently. The novel timing protocol is realized by performing steps in the synthesis cycles for different compounds, such as peptides, concurrently rather than on a sequential basis.

Abstract: A batch thermal cycler for large numbers of biological or chemical samples uses n modules each in good thermal contact with the samples, but substantially isolated from one another, thermally and functionally. Each module carries samples on an upper sample plate. The module has a temperature sensor adjacent the samples, an electrical resistance heating element, and a circulating fluid heat exchanger for step cooling. Heating occurs at a point generally between the samples and the source of the cooling. The modules are individually replaceable. O-rings automatically seal fluid and electrical interfaces. An electrical controller has n simultaneous channels that provide closed loop control of the electrical power to each module. As a method, the invention includes at least one modular temperature zone where the temperature is sensed at a point adjacent the samples in that zone. The samples are heated adjacent the sample plate. Cooling is by a step change. The cooling overshoots a set lower temperature.

Abstract: Mercury Detection Method and Apparatus utilizes cartridges including gold for adsorbing mercury as an amalgam. The adsorbed mercury is desorbed by heating and passed through a Cold Vapour Atomic Fluorescence Spectrophotometer. Each cartridge is flushed with an inert gas, so that air and contaminants are never passed directly through the detector, so only inert gas passes through it. To further prevent adsorption of contaminants, the cartridges are maintained at a minimum temperature, above ambient temperature and below 100.degree. C. To enable unattended calibration, a permeation source is provided having a permeation chamber and a valve assembly, including 3 separate valves, to ensure that in an off state mercury vapour cannot leak to the cartridges. To ensure an efficient use of the inert gas, its flow can be adjusted between 3 different levels, for flushing, desorption of mercury, and an idle state to maintain the apparatus purged air.

Abstract: A dispensing device having a flexible tube provided with a pipetting nozzle at an end, a washing solution supplier supplying washing solution to the flexible tube and the pipetting nozzle, a syringe connected to another end of the flexible tube and a control section for controlling the driving of the syringe. The control section of the present invention includes a syringe driving compensator by which the washing solution is supplied into or discharged out of the syringe in an amount compensate for the variation in the inner volume of the tube caused by reduction in the liquid pressure when the washing solution is transmitted from the washing solution supplier into the flexible tube. The liquid surface of the washing solution contained in the pipetting nozzle is maintained at a constant level by actuating the driving compensator in response to the completion of washing of the pipetting nozzle with the washing solution.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for use with electronic activation means such as work or entertainment systems introduce precisely controlled amounts of aromatic chemicals, using metered spray technology, into the immediate vicinity of the operator. Control is provided by microprocessor circuitry so that aromas may be used at appropriate times and intensities by computer or entertainment sources. Multiple removable spray containers may generate numerous aromatic enhancements to a wide variety of applications.

Abstract: A modular reactor system and method for synthesizing chemical compounds characterized by a uniform temperature throughout the reaction mixture by use of a continuous flow reactor under high pressure. The apparatus includes a number of generic components such as pumps, flow channels, manifolds, flow restrictors, and valves. Modular reactors, separator and analyzers on an assembly board provide a system where a modular reactor unit has an I.D. of up 100 .mu.m to optimize control of residence time within a reaction zone.

Abstract: An improved biological sample analyzer, and a method and system for operation thereof, wherein instrument systems used to perform assays of the biological samples loaded into the analyzer are operated in accordance with a schedule developed by a scheduler routine. The scheduler routine determines interval periods between operations performed by the analyzer instrument systems on each biological sample as a function of an entered load list unless a fixed interval period between the operations is required and schedules instrument system operations and the determined interval periods. The biological system analyzer performs assays of the biological samples by operating the analyzer instrument systems in accordance with the developed schedule.

Abstract: A novel reactor for reacting and subsequently analyzing sub-picomole quantities of a sample organic molecule. The reactor includes a continuous capillary connected between two valves that control fluid flow in the capillary. One part of the capillary forms a reaction chamber where the sample may be immobilized for subsequent reaction with reagents supplied through the valves. Another part of the capillary passes through or terminates in the detector portion of an analyzer such as an electrophoresis apparatus, liquid chromatographic apparatus or mass spectrometer. The apparatus may form a peptide or protein sequencer for carrying out the Edman degradation reaction and analyzing the reaction product produced by the reaction.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus useful as a secondary level assaying tool for qualitative and quantitative confirmation of results obtained by primary separation techniques and their correlation with a specific function or property of the tested sample. An apparatus is useful for the post-transfer development assaying on the solid support of the biological samples already assayed by standard separation techniques such as blotting or chromatography.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a washing water supply tank for supplying washing water to an endoscope placed on a washing and sterilizing bath and a sensor for determining whether or not the water supply tank needs washing or sterilizing. Further, in addition, the water supply tank is also washed and sterilized. A lamp and buzzer inform the user of a result of whether or not the water supply system needs washing and sterilizing.

Abstract: A polymer synthesis apparatus (20) for building a polymer chain including a head assembly (21) having an array of nozzles (22) with each nozzle coupled to a reservoir (23) of liquid reagent (24), and a base assembly (25) having an array of reaction wells (26). A transport mechanism (27) aligns the reaction wells (26) and selected nozzles (22) for deposition of the liquid reagent (24) into selected reaction wells (26). A sliding seal (30) is positioned between the head assembly (21) and the base assembly (25) to form a common chamber (31) enclosing both the reaction well (26) and the nozzles (22) therein. A gas inlet (70) into the common chamber (31), upstream from the nozzles (22), and a gas outlet (71) out of the common chamber (31), downstream from the nozzles (22), sweeps the common chamber (31) of toxic fumes emitted by the reagents.

Abstract: Microorganism growth within water chambers of air conditioning systems is controlled by the periodic introduction of minute quantities of biocidal materials. A large volume reservoir holds a concentrated solution of biocidal material. A pump, fed from the reservoir, pumps the solution through a tube to the water chamber. The pump is actuated for very short duration periods so that only a very small volume of the solution is dispensed. The time interval between periods is very long so that the biocide concentration in the water chamber is renewed as required. The duration of the pumping periods and the time interval between periods are adjustable by controls in a timer. A normally closed check valve in the line keeps the line full between periods. An antisiphon mechanism is provided in the line when it branches. An alarm mechanism is optionally provided to warn when the reservoir solution is depleted.

Abstract: Apparatus for sterilizing a transfer conduit having(a) a source of steam connected to the transfer conduit,(b) a condensate conduit for draining steam condensate from the transfer conduit,(c) a valve in the condensate conduit having a valve body with an upstream portion and a downstream portion, the portions are separated by a rapidly opening flow control means, such as a diaphragm,(d) a temperature sensor in the upstream portion of the valve body, and(e) a temperature controller connected to the temperature sensor adapted to read the temperature in the upstream portion of the valve body and to open the valve when the temperature drops below a fixed set point and to close the valve when the temperature is above the fixed set point.A steam condensate drain control system and a steam condensate valve are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A thermal cycling system and method of use are described. The thermal cycling system is based on the-circulation of temperature-controlled water directly to the underside of thin-walled polycarbonate microtiter plates. The water flow is selected from a manifold fed by pumps from heated reservoirs. The plate wells are loaded with typically 15-20 .mu.l of reagent mix for the PCR process. Heat transfer through the thin polycarbonate is sufficiently rapid that the contents reach thermal equilibrium with the water in less than 15 seconds. Complete PCR amplification runs of 40 three-step cycles have been performed in as little as 14.5 minutes, with the results showing substantially enhanced specificity compared to conventional technology requiring run times in excess of 100 minutes. The plate clamping station is designed to be amenable to robotic loading and unloading of the system. It includes a heated lid, thus eliminating the need for mineral oil overlay of the reactants.

Abstract: A device and method for efficiently synthesizing diverse molecular products on substrates. A parent vessel 200 contains a suspension of substrates. The suspension is pressurized with argon and transferred to a plurality of reaction vessels 201-209 in one or more reaction vessel banks where monomer addition reactions take place. Optionally, the substrates may be tagged with a tag monomer. A vortexing motor 300 vortexes the contents of reaction vessels 201-209 during monomer addition reactions to enhance synthesis. After the desired monomer and/or tag monomer addition reaction, the suspension is pressurized with argon and transferred back to parent vessel 200 for mixing. Thereafter, the suspension may be pressurized with argon and reallocated among reaction vessels 201-209 for further synthesis.

Abstract: A multiple product dispensing system includes a plurality of use solution dispensers and a controller for selecting one of the dispensers according to a preset regimen, e.g., selecting different dispensers on different days of the week. Each dispenser dispenses a controlled concentration of use solution using a diluent delivery apparatus that delivers a diluent to form a liquid concentrate from a solid chemical composition, and to form make-up diluent for diluting the liquid concentrate and forming a use solution of controlled concentration. A foam reducer reduces the kinetic energy of the make-up diluent prior to mixing with the liquid concentrate to reduce foaming. An unskilled operator may operate the dispensing system to dispense a use solution of carefully controlled concentration, and the controller will automatically select the proper dispenser according to the preset regimen, without any additional input on the part of the operator.

Abstract: A system for performing chemical analyses includes at least two analyzers and at least one peripheral device capable of serving either analyzer. A control system is coupled to the analyzers and to the peripheral device and selectively commands the peripheral device to serve one or the other of the analyzers depending upon the analyses requested for each analyzer and the analytical method applied. A control system providing sharing of peripheral devices in such a system is also provided, as is a method for performing chemical analyses wherein a peripheral device is shared by analyzers. The system permits simultaneous and asynchronous analysis for a variety of analytes while reducing the physical space occupied by the system and the idle time of both the analyzers and the peripheral devices.

Abstract: The operation of a steam sterilizer is monitored by a test unit and a controller which together comprise a system which can be operated in two principal method schemes: (1) the testing for completeness of air removal from a sterilizer chamber, and (2) the testing for effective sterilization conditions. These methods each have two principal modes of operation: (a) the performance of a Bowie and Dick type test, as is usually done on a once-a-day basis; and (b) monitoring the sterilizer during load conditions. In a preferred embodiment a test unit including temperature and pressure sensors, a moisture sensor and a heat sink are positioned within the chamber of a steam sterilizer and transmit by radio the conditions therein to an external controller. The test unit can employ a replaceable cartridge to assure effective operation even after a large number of cycles of operation.

Abstract: A minute sample analysis system includes a micro-reactor device, a quantitative measuring device, an analyzing device and a controller, whereby, when a very small amount of sample is handled, its dilution and loss can be suppressed to minimum level, and analyzing operations ranging from reaction with a reactive reagent to separation/detection of the sample can be consistently carried out efficiently. The micro-reactor device controls the solution, reactive reagent and sample flowing in the form of electroosmotic flow generated by high-voltage application under control of passage change-over switches. The quantitative measuring device measures the quantity of reactive sample received from the micro-reactor device and introduces the measured reactive sample into the analyzing device. The analyzing device optically detects components separated from the sample through electrophoresis. The above operations are generally controlled under by the controller.

Abstract: A polymer synthesis apparatus (20) for building a polymer chain including a head assembly (21) having an array of nozzles (22) with each nozzle coupled to a reservoir (23) of liquid reagent (24) , and a base assembly (25) having an array of reaction wells (26). A transport mechanism (27) aligns the reaction wells (26) and selected nozzles (22) for deposition of the liquid reagent (24) into selected reaction wells (26). A sliding seal (30) is positioned between the head assembly (21) and the base assembly (25) to form a common chamber (31) enclosing both the reaction well (26) and the nozzles (22) therein. A gas inlet (70) into the common chamber (31), upstream from the nozzles (22), and a gas outlet (71) out of the common chamber (31) , downstream from the nozzles (22) , sweeps the common chamber ( 31 ) of toxic fumes emitted by the reagents.

Abstract: A cleavage apparatus for obtaining a free peptide after assembly of a peptide on a solid support by solid-phase peptide synthesis equipped with a cleavage cocktail transport line installed between the column for cleavage containing a peptidyl resin and a cleavage cocktail supply bottle, through which a cleavage cocktail is supplied from the bottle to the column and recovered into the cleavage cocktail supply bottle from the column. This apparatus can provide easy, safe, rapid and reliable cleavage in a large scale peptide synthesis.

Abstract: An ice bagger includes a sanitizing system which periodically activates to sanitize the ice hopper. In operation, a flow of water is directed to the hopper to melt the ice in the hopper and to flush the melt water to a reservoir. A sanitizing agent is added to the water in the reservoir to form a sanitizing solution which is circulated throughout the hopper. After the sanitizing process, the sanitizing solution is drained from the reservoir and the reservoir is refilled with fresh water for rinsing the hopper.

Abstract: The present invention makes use of a single detector to monitor several process functions, e.g. reaction efficiency, reagent flow rates, the presence of empty reagent reservoirs, the absence of a chemical reactor column in the system, blockage of flow system, etc., at a single location in the flow system. In accordance with the detection scheme of the present invention, only one detector is required to accomplish the same, if not more, functions as many detectors in the prior art instruments. In the described embodiment, an optical detector is positioned downstream of a chemical reaction chamber. This detector monitors the effluent from the reaction chamber to monitor the reaction efficiency. It also monitors the system functions upstream of the reaction chamber. System flow rate is monitored by detecting the presence of a gas bubble which has been introduced into the system at a known instance.

Abstract: A deodorant equipment for an air conditioner includes a heater. A fin covers at least a part of an effective heating area of a surface of the heater. The fin has a radiator portion extending along a longitudinal direction of the heater. A vitreous coating film covers at least a part of an outer surface of the fin. A catalyst layer includes an absorption member and a catalyst. The absorption member absorbs odor components of air. The absorption member releases the odor components when being heated. The catalyst oxidizes and decomposes odor components when being heated.

Abstract: An reaction vessel utilizes a sample carrier composed of a magnetic core and a surface coating effective to support sample of protein or peptide. The sample carrier is floated magnetically and positioned within a reaction chamber. Edman reagent is applied to the sample to effect amino acid sequence analysis of protein or peptide from amino-terminal. By such construction, reaction efficiency is increased to produce sequentially thiazolinon amino-acid derivatives to thereby increase number of identified remaining amino acids, thereby enabling microanalysis of sample.

Abstract: A multi-tasking clinical laboratory work-flow system for test sample and reagent transfer to semi-automate various laboratory assays. The system includes a controller having a menu of protocols which provide format instructions to a robotic sample transfer device. The sample transfer device includes a work-flow surface (deck) having defined coordinates for mounting one or more test racks and one or more reaction mediums, and means for interacting a test sample with one or more reagent(s) or gel in a reaction medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for collecting a peptide fragment, wherein a C-terminal peptide fragment is collected from a peptide fragment mixture resulting from specific cleavage of the peptide bond between a lysine residue and the C-terminal amino acid residue adjacent thereto. The apparatus has an immobilizing means, a cleaving means, a recovering means and a control means. According to the present invention, since the control means sequentially executes the immobilizing means, cleaving means and recovering means, no skillful work is required in peptide fragment collection, making it possible to collect the carboxyl-terminal peptide fragment with simple operation and high reproducibility.

Abstract: An automated method and apparatus for performing biopolymer synthesis on a two-dimensional support surface whereby a two-dimensional matrix or array of biopolymers are obtained on the surface. An applicator in the form of a thick plate having in a surface at least one cavity in the form of an open chamber or channel is used for applying reagents to the surface of a solid phase support material. The applicator is positioned over the solid support material with the surface having the cavity sealed against the material surface. For each cavity, reagents for synthesis are introduced sequentially into one end of the cavity and collected from the other end of the cavity. A one-dimensional array of biopolymers are thus formed on the support material, where each element of the array contains a population of biopolymers having identical sequence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the analysis of unknown oligosaccharides and more particularly the form of analysis in which an unknown oligosaccharide is sequentially brought together with different agents which cause monosaccharides to be cleaved from (or chemically bound to) the oligosaccharide. If cleavage occurs the monosaccharide will subsequentially be detected in the products of the experiment thus confirming that the monosaccharide was attached to the unknown oligosaccharide and providing a means of determining the structure of the unknown oligosaccharide. The invention proposes an analytical technique for determining the best agent to be used in performing such an experiment so that a maximum amount of information is obtained from the experiment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for attaching a labeled probe to macromolecules such as DNA/RNA fragments or proteins attached to a membrane utilizes a flexible bag having an inlet and an outlet port. Reagents including the probe to which the membrane is to be exposed during the labeling process are stored in reservoirs. Pumps are provided to selectively transfer reagents from reservoirs to the inlet port and for selectively evacuating the bag via the outlet port so that reagents from the individual reservoirs can be sequentially supplied to or removed from the bag while the membrane is positioned therein. One or more rollers are arranged to roll back and forth over the top of the bag to uniformly expose the membrane to the reagent within the bag.

Abstract: A method and apparatus assures effective operation of sterilizers, especially those of the pre-vacuum type. The apparatus performs two principal methods: (1) testing for completeness of air removal from a sterilizer chamber, including the re-entrainment of air in the load due to air leaks in the chamber, vacuum system and/or steam system, and (2) the testing for effective sterilization conditions. Also, performed are three secondary methods: (i) identifying of causes of sterilizer faults, (ii) providing of preventive maintenance procedures (an Early Warning) (iii) identifying of procedures to correct sterilization faults in progress. These methods are illustrated for the two principal modes of operation: (a) the performance of a Bowie and Dick type test, as is usually done on a once-a-day basis; and (b) monitoring the sterilizer during load conditions.

Abstract: A novel reactor for reacting and subsequently analyzing sub-picomole quantities of a sample organic molecule. The reactor includes a continuous capillary connected between two valves that control fluid flow in the capillary. One part of the capillary forms a reaction chamber where the sample may be immobilized for subsequent reaction with reagents supplied through the valves. Another part of the capillary passes through or terminates in the detector portion of an analyzer such as an electrophoresis apparatus, liquid chromatographic apparatus or mass spectrometer. The apparatus may form a peptide or protein sequencer for carrying out the Edman degradation reaction and analyzing the reaction product produced by the reaction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the implementation of a multi-port rotary valve in an automated chemistry processing instrument which reduces chemical reagent cross contamination and simplifies system design and control. One or more multi-port rotary valves are used in conjunction with isolation valves which are each dedicated for an associated reagent in the system. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the instrument utilizes a multi-port valve which defines several fluid branches each associated with a reagent. The valve has a common inlet and common outlet which are selectively brought into fluid communication with the branches in a controlled sequence. At each branch, there is a two-way three-port isolation valve which controls introduction of an associated reagent into the branch. When a branch is selected by the rotary valve, the reagent introduced into the branch is delivered out of the common outlet by the flow from the common inlet.