Abstract: A valveless metering pump includes a simultaneously reciprocating and rotating piston. The pump head includes radially spaced coplanar ports for drawing and dispensing fluids as the piston rotates sequentially past the ports. The reciprocating stroke of the piston is controlled by adjusting the axis of the piston relative to the drive axis. The pump is designed so that the angular relationship of the ports also can be adjusted relative to the piston to balance the output at the sequential ports. The plurality of adjustments provide a valveless, positive displacement metering pump which is reliable and dependable for dispensing precise volumes of fluid through a plurality of outlet ports.

Abstract: A disposable device suitable for performing automated solid-phase diagnostic assays which employs microparticles to complex an analyte and where the microparticle complex becomes retained and immobilized on a fibrous matrix such that the presence of analyte on the microparticles can be detached by optical means.

Abstract: A pipette tip for use in automated assay testing systems includes an annular, protruding seal ring on the interior wall of the pipette for engaging a sealing surface on a probe to provide a resilient seal. The pipette tip also includes a positive stop for assuring proper positioning and alignment of the pipette tip on the probe for facilitating mounting of the pipette tip on the probe while minimizing variation in the loading and unloading forces required. Locator surfaces are provided on the exterior of the pipette tip for precisely aligning the pipette tip in the system rack for positioning the pipette tip relative to the probe.

Abstract: A method for performing a microparticle diagnostic assay in a device having a shallow sample well for receiving a sample and reagents for forming a reaction mixture, a read well positioned adjacent to said sample well and separated from said sample well by a wall which is constructed and arranged such that when wash fluid is injected into said sample well, sample and reaction mixtures are washed from said shallow sample well, over the wall and into said read well. The steps of the method comprise forming microparticle analyte complexes in said shallow sample well; washing said microparticle analyte complexes from said shallow sample well over the wall and into said read well where a fibrous matrix retains and immobilizes said microparticle analyte complexes; adding to said read well an indicator substance capable of forming an assay signal when said microparticle analyte complexes are present; and detecting said assay signal produced by said indicator substance.

Abstract: An article is disclosed which comprises fibrous material which has been chemically modified such that the material's cutability using ultrasonic energy becomes facile and the material can be cut into a predetermined shape using ultrasonic energy. The article may additionally comprise fibrous material disposed between first and second fusible materials, wherein at least one of the fusible materials includes means for defining a selected line of cut, and ultrasonic energy directed through the materials along the means for defining a selected line of cut will effect cutting of the fibrous material and fusion of the fusible materials.

Abstract: A buffer composition which can be used to dilute assay components and which also can be used when performing immunohematological procedures. The buffer composition includes effective concentrations of phosphate buffer, polyvinylpyrrolidone, cholic acid, bovine serum albumin, a biological detergent and sodium hydroxide, at a pH of from about 5.6 to 7.2. The method of using the buffer composition and a kit containing the buffer composition also is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and materials for the detection of ketone and aldehyde analytes in fluid samples by means of reacting analyte containing samples with a first solid matrix material to which a nitroprusside salt is coupled and a second solid matrix material to which an amine is covalently coupled. Methods and devices are also provided for ascertaining the fat catabolism effects of a weight loss dietary regimen comprising determining the breath acetone concentration of the subject.

Abstract: A process for the N-arylation of isatins with organo bismuth reagents is disclosed.

Abstract: An immunoassay which is capable of simultaneously detecting any desired number of antigens of one infectious agent, or combinations of antigens of several infectious agents, or any desired number of immunoglobulins of one infectious agent, or combinations of immunoglobulins of several infectious agents on a single solid support. A test sample is contacted with a solid support on which one or more antigens are immobilized as discrete test sites. Antigen-antibody complexes are formed and detected on the solid support.

Abstract: A partially cationized protein-containing substance that exhibits enhanced immunogenicity as compared to the native protein-containing substance and is useful in mammalian immunization by oral or parenteral administration.

Abstract: A method for cutting fibrous materials using ultrasonic energy involves chemically modifying a fibrous material prior to the application of ultrasonic energy. Preferred fibrous materials include cellulose materials and its derivatives, such as, paper. Chemical modification includes oxidation or hydrolysis. Also disclosed is a test device made according to the method. The invention allows for the fusing of plastic and the simultaneous cutting of a chemically modified fibrous material along the line of fusion.

Abstract: Methods and materials detect ketone and aldehyde analytes in fluid samples by reacting analyte containing samples with a first solid matrix material to which a nitroprusside salt is coupled and a second solid matrix material to which an amine is covalently coupled. Methods and devices are also provided for ascertaining the fat catabolism effects of a weight loss dietary regimen comprising determining the breath acetone concentration of the subject.

Abstract: A device and method for permitting the separation of plasma or serum from whole blood. The device comprises a matrix of hydrophilic sintered porous material to which at least one red blood cell agglutinating agent has been applied. According to a first method of using the device, a sample of whole blood is applied to a first end of the matrix and the red blood cells within the sample come in contact with the agglutinating agents present in the matrix. The blood cells agglutinate, and are entrapped in the interstices of the matrix, while substantially blood-cell-free serum or plasma accumulates near the outlet of the device. A filter means in liquid receiving relationship with the matrix functions to wick the serum of plasma from the matrix.According to an alternative aspect of the invention, a filter means in liquid receiving relationship with the outlet of the matrix functions to retain any blood cells which pass through the matrix as the filter means wicks the plasma or serum from the matrix.