Abstract: An improved nephelometer for immunochemical complex assay measures forward light scatter in samples. The angle of forward scatter, about 30.degree., is small enough to result in a large amount of forward scatter from the immunochemical complex particles which are to be assayed, whose size is of the order of the wave length of the light used in the optical system. Forward scattering from smaller particles, such as from molecules of buffer, antibody and serum, is constant during the course of a test, and is compensated for by the use of subtraction circuits which are readily and semiautomatically adjusted to subtract proper values, in accordance with the readings taken on standard or "blank" samples of buffer, antibody and serum. Forward scattering from large particles, such as dust, is variable, and results in fluctuating signals, which are electrically processed to ignore the spurious peaks. The results of a test are displayed on a digital read out meter.

Abstract: In a spinning or twisting machine, a anti-balloon ring stationarily fixed around the bobbin spindle is first sand-blasted so as to produce a predetermined degree of surface roughness, then provided with a nickel coating in order to reduce undesirable excrescences followed by a copper coating in order to reduce friction and loss of yarn resistance while permitting much higher spindle speeds in respect of an acceptable rate of wear.

Abstract: A process for sterilizing a solution and thereafter transferring it to a solution container for storage. A sterilizing filter, flexible tubing and the solution container are provided as a pre-sterilized unit with a label indicating that the unit is sterile. A source of solution to be transferred is connected to an inlet of the sterilizing filter, and the solution is sterilized by transferring it from the source and through the sterilizing filter to the container via the flexible tubing. The integrity of the filter is determined by introducing a pressurized gas into the filter and observing through a light-transmissive portion in the sterile unit for gas bubbles, which would indicate a loss of filter integrity and unit sterility.

Abstract: A centrifugal analyzer and method for performing chemical reaction measurements. A cuvette ring (60) is positioned on a rotor (36) encircling a shaft (40). A carrier member (62) defining a central aperture (92) is positioned within the central opening of the cuvette ring (60). The carrier member (62) defines a plurality of slots (100), each of which receives a disposable container-like insert (130). The inserts (130) may carry a precoating of an agent for use in an in vitro diagnostic test. Each insert has a slot (136) for enabling centrifugal transfer of the liquid in the insert through the slot, through the aperture (122) defined by the peripheral wall of the carrier member (62), and into a respective cuvette cell.

Abstract: An automated system is provided for manufacturing flexible plastic blood containers (10) having closed ports (22, 24) and a donor tube (26) extending from one end (20) of the containers. First (12a) and second (12b) webs of plastic material are conveyed to a port sealing station. Mandrels (71-85) are provided intermediate the first and second webs at the port sealing station. The mandrels are moved forwardly through both webs so that the front ends of the mandrels extend past opposed ends of the webs to engage the closed ports and donor tubes. The mandrels are retracted to bring the closed ports and donor tubes intermediate the opposed ends of the webs, and the opposed ends are heat sealed to each other. The mandrels are retracted further to disengage from the closed ports and donor tubes. The webs are conveyed to sealing and cutting stations (64, 66) to seal the sides and other end of the webs and to cut the webs transverse their direction of conveyance.

Abstract: A photometric system for determining the absorbance ratio, in a sample, of two different wavelength lights. First and second lights, each having a different wavelength, are passed through the sample in alternation with each other. The radiation intensity from each light that has passed through the sample is detected. A comparator, up/down counter and digital to analog converter are coupled so that a scaling factor is derived which, when multiplied with an analog signal proportional to the intensity of the first light after it has passed through the sample, is equal to an analog signal proportional to the intensity of the second light after it has passed through the sample. The output of the counter comprises a digital word corresponding to the ratio of the absorbance ratio of the first light and the second light.

Abstract: A sleeve valve is carried in a parenteral solution administration device. The valve comprises an outer housing (30) defining an outlet tube (28); an inner tubular support (38) defining an inlet tube (45) and a closed forward end positioned within the outlet tube. Lateral aperture means (46) are provided in the tubular support, and an elastic tube (40) surrounds the inner tubular support to cover the lateral apertures. The inner tubular support is free of elastic, tube-retaining structures at its closed end, and is adapted to permit the elastic tube to be laterally slidable on the inner, tubular support through a limited distance. The outer housing defines vanes (44) to limit the lateral advancement of the elastic tube on the support, while shoulder means (42) are positioned about the support to limit the lateral retraction of the elastic tube away from the closed end.

Abstract: Equipment for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis in which a solution container is coupled via flexible tubing to a patient's tube that communicates with the patient's peritoneal cavity by means of a catheter, usually a surgically implanted catheter. The equipment includes a flexible, foldable plastic dialysis solution container having a transfer port. A flexible tube having a luer connector at its distal end extends from the transfer port, for connecting to a luer connector carried by the patient's tube. The flexible tube carries a frangible member which normally blocks fluid flow but permits fluid flow after the frangible member is broken. A particulate filter and a manually-operable clamp are in series with the flexible tube.Peritoneal dialysis is accomplished by connecting the luer connector from a fresh dialysis solution bag to the patient's tube luer connector, breaking the frangible member, and opening the clamp on the flexible tubing.

Abstract: A system is provided for detecting the absence of liquid in a liquid chamber. A signal is transmitted through a liquid chamber and a signal is provided in response to the amplitude of the received signal. A receiving transducer receives an AC signal which is amplified and fed to a DC control circuit. A reference voltage is provided to one input of a comparator and the output of the DC control circuit is fed to the other input of the comparator. The comparator output provides the liquid absence signal if the difference between the reference voltage and the DC control circuit output voltage is less than a predetermined value.

Abstract: In a potted-type seal for sealing an opening in a relatively rigid housing stress-relief means is provided to prevent excessive shrinkage-induced stress between the compound and the housing. The stress relief means includes a relatively flexible peripheral lip portion as part of the housing or, preferably, as part of the potting compound, which lip portion flexes when the potting compound shrinks to reduce stress between the compound and the housing.

Abstract: An administration set including a burette with an air valve communicating with the burette chamber. The air valve comprises a stationary port extending from a top portion of the burette chamber with a fitting closing the port except for a small passageway defined by a top portion of the fitting. A pivotable closure overlies the port and is pivotally connected therewith. The pivotable closure defines an opening for communication with the small passageway when the closure is pivoted to a predetermined open position. The closure opening and the passageway are segregated when the closure is not in the predetermined open position. A filter member is received within the port and directly underlies the small passageway.

Abstract: A liquid presence detector having a light-transmissive chamber for the liquid to be detected. A light emitting diode is positioned outside of the chamber for transmitting light through the chamber and a photosensitive transistor is positioned for receiving the light that has been transmitted through the chamber. The light emitting diode is located at a distance from the chamber that is equal to the focal point of a lens that is created by the chamber and liquid when the liquid is present. The photosensitive transistor output voltage is compared with a reference voltage and an output signal is provided in response to a predetermined difference between the detector output voltage and the reference voltage.

Abstract: A plastic clip is provided for holding a safety razor in association with an aerosol shaving cream container. The clip is formed as a one-piece integrally molded device and has an arcuate portion which is generally resilient for grasping the aerosol shaving cream container. The clip also has a sleeve-like portion extending from the arcuate portion. The sleeve-like portion defines an opening for receiving the handle of a safety razor.

Abstract: The device comprises a magazine for a stack of sheets, a sheet-extracting head which can be connected to a vacuum source and is rotatably mounted on a turntable which carries a number of columns, and means for counting the number of revolutions performed by the turntable. A first safety device indicates whether the sheet-extracting head has taken more than one sheet and a second safety device checks whether the extracting head has in fact taken at least one sheet. A circular sector of the first safety device is pivotally mounted on the extracting head. The radius of the sector is equal to the distance between its geometrical axis and the cylindrical surface of the next column increased by a value between the thickness of a single sheet to be counted and the sum of thicknesses of two sheets.

Abstract: Liquid flow sensing apparatus which in the illustrative embodiment is used to sense an occluded vein (cessation of blood flow). A flexible pressure pillow is connected in the blood flow line and is inserted into a housing in contact with a metallic leaf spring. The position of the leaf spring is adjusted relative to an eddy current proximity sensor so that the sensing apparatus is calibrated to a no-alarm position during proper blood flow. If blood flow ceases, the flexible pressure pillow contracts thereby moving the leaf spring away from the eddy current proximity sensor and an alarm condition is thereby detected.

Abstract: A thermoplastic pharmaceutical solution container includes a neck portion having at least one port through the neck portion. A thermoplastic port protector or closure covers the port and defines a frangible section. The closure has a length to diameter ratio providing good mechanical advantage leverage to rupture the frangible section when the closure is pushed sideways.