Abstract: The test tube holder includes an elongated tubular member which supports a pivot member thereby rendering the tubular member and pivot member relatively pivotable with respect to each other. Latch members provided on the tubular member and pivot member are engagable with complementary shaped latch members of other test tube holders to form a linkage. The pivotal relationship between the tubular member and the pivot member permit pivotal movement of one test tube holder with respect to the longitudinal axis of another test tube holder. A pivotal connection between the latch members of adjacent test tube holders also permits tilting of one test tube holder with respect to another test tube holder in the linkage. An adapter member for holding test tubes is insertable in the tubular member and pivot member assembly. The adapter member accommodates one size test tube and can be interchanged with another adapter member that accommodates another size test tube.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for synthesizing large quantities of a compound of formula I ##STR1## wherein a solution of a compound of formula II ##STR2## is mixed with a solution of a compound of formula III ##STR3## under suitable process conditions, and wherein A, same or different, is N--R, O, S, CRR' or P(O)R, and R and R' are hydrogen, alkyl, alkylidene, aryl, tosyl, allyl or benzyl, and B is O.Compounds of formula I may be reduced to form an azacorand of formula IV ##STR4## wherein K and L, same or different, are N--R, O, S, CRR', or P(O)R, and R and R' are hydrogen, alkyl, alkylidene, aryl, tosyl, allyl or benzyl.Also disclosed in a compound of formula IV synthesized in accordance with the above procedure wherein K and L are not both O or S.

Abstract: Minimum carryover container for the successive containment of discrete liquids as are successively introduced thereinto, and minimum carryover discrete liquid analysis system utilizing the container, are disclosed and operate through use of container materials which are selectively wettable by an immiscible isolation liquid which is introduced to the container independently of the discrete liquids to form an independently flowing isolation liquid stream which covers the walls of the container from the container inlet to the container outlet thereby preventing contact by the discrete liquids with the container walls. The container can include wall portions enabling the transmission of light energy therethrough from the outside of the container.

Abstract: The automatic sampling system includes a test apparatus for testing specific characteristics of a fluid withdrawn from a closed test tube. Stoppered test tubes are continuously and automatically delivered to the test apparatus by a conveyor system that includes a continuous linkage of test tube holders. The test tube holders have the capability of pivotal movement about a longitudinal axis of the test tube holders, and tilting movement wherein a longitudinal axis of one test tube holder tilts with respect to the longitudinal axis of another test tube holder in the linkage. The compound pivotal and tilting movement capability of the test tube holders in the linkage enable the linkage to be stacked in a fan-fold or Z-fold arrangement because of the flexible characteristics of the linkage. The linkage also has the capability of having one or more test tube holders tilted together at a group with respect to other test tube holders. Thus, the basis for a mixing operation of specific test tube holders is achieved.

Abstract: A method for determining the presence of microorganisms in a tests sample. Exogenous DNA containing a luminescent system or other genetic marker system derived from a suitable donor source is introduced by genetic means into a host microorganism which lacks or poorly expresses the donor DNA and whose presence it is desired to detect. Expression of the donor gene system allows the detection of the host microorganism. Compositions of bacteriophages and plasmids as well as a method for detection of antibiotics in a test sample are described.

Abstract: The present invention resides in the discovery of a class of compounds defined herein as "chromogenic cryptahemispherands" useful for the measurement of ions, in particular, ions in aqueous solution, which have the structure ##STR1## wherein: R, same or different, is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl or aryl;R', same or different, is lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl or aryl;R", same or different, is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl or aryl;Q is a chromogenic moiety capable of providing the appearance of or change in color, or which is otherwise capable of providing a detectable response in the presence of a particular cation;a, b, m and n, same or different, are 1 to about 3; and x, y, same or different, are 1 to about 4.A test device utilizing one or more of the compounds for performing such measurements is also disclosed.

Abstract: A continuous flow system is disclosed in which successive liquid segments are established containing different related components of a fluid package, such as an analysis mixture, separated by at least one immiscible segment, passed along a first section of a conduit, combined in a second section of the conduit and mixed while passing along a third section of the conduit, so as to provide a completely mixed segment. This system permits the delayed on-line mixing of different components of an analysis mixture, such as samples with reagents or diluents, as well as mixing and interaction of such components in a single conduit.

Abstract: A method and reagent useful therein are cyanide-free and capable of providing a rapid indication, e.g., less than 30 seconds, of total hemoglobin in a blood sample, so as to fine particular application in automated hematological instrumentation. The novel reagent comprises an ionic surfactant, a pH of at least about 11.3 and is free of ionic cyanide. The ionic surfactant itself can impart the required pH or a strong base independent of such surfactant may be included.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process in which a variety of cryptahemispherands bearing a chromogenic group attached to the partially preorganized moiety may be synthesized. The procedure of the present invention allows preparation of preferred chromogenic cryptahemispherands of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein: R, is same or different, is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl, aryl, or benzyl;R', same or different, is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl, aryl, or benzyl;R", same or different, is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl, aryl, or benzyl;Z is halogen;Y is an electron withdrawing group, e.g., CN, NO.sub.2, CF.sub.3, COOR;m is 1 to 3;n is 1 to 3;a is 1 to 3;b is 1 to 3;k is 1 to 3;l is 1 to 3; andx is 2 to 4.

Abstract: A method and reagent composition provide for the removal or blocking of serum interferences in liposome immunoassays. A carrier or liposome exhibiting at least one domain of phosphoryl ester groupings different from those of the marker liposome is introduced into the reaction mixture, whereby endogenous interfering species competitively bind to such carrier or liposome rather than to the marker liposome. Also, soluble phosphoryl ester groupings can be introduced into the reaction mixture which react with such endogenous species and further reduce serum interferences.

Abstract: Sampler apparatus and method are provided and include both closed and open tube samplers, and selector valve operable to select therebetween for sample supply to automated sample analysis apparatus. A shear valve divides the samples into separate sample quantities for independent sample quantity analysis by multi-channel analysis apparatus. A pressure equilibration chamber prevents vacuum build-up in the closed tube sampler to insure the supply of consistent sample quantitites therefrom. A source of a pressurized rinse solution is provided; and is operatively connected to the sampler apparatus in such manner as to insure the particularly thorough rinsing and cleansing of all relevant sampler components to remove sample residue therefrom between sampling operations, thereby reducing sample carryover to levels below those of clinical significance.

Abstract: The carbonate ion selective membrane of the invention comprises (a) a polymeric inert support material; (b) a plasticizer effective to solubilize the support material; (c) a quaternary ammonium ion; (d) an ionophore which is preferentially reactive with carbonate ions; and (e) a hydrophobic molecule effective to exclude ions other than carbonate ions. The addition of a hydrophobic molecule to the membrane formulation serves two purposes. First, it assists in the "binding" of the organic constituents to the matrix. Second, it repels charged species, i.e., anions and cations, from the solution phase, thereby improving selectivity to the carbonate species which enters the membrane via selective complexation with the ionophore. The quaternary ammonium ion is preferably a C.sub.7 to C.sub.9 quaternary ammonium ion. In this case, the plasticizer is selected to be one effective to maximize the binding of carbonate ions with the C.sub.7 C.sub.9 quaternary ammonium ions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the rapid determination of a differential white blood cell count in a sample, which method comprises:(a) preparing a reagent solution comprising;formaldehyde or paraformaldehyde;a surfactant;a sugar or sugar alcohol; anda buffer; and(b) rapidly mixing the reagent solution with the sample to be analyzed to form a reaction mixture, wherein both the reagent solution and the sample are initially at room temperature; and(c) rapidly heating the reaction mixture to a temperature of from about 62.degree. C. to about 72.degree. C. in order to lyse the red blood cells in the sample and fix the white blood cells in the sample.

Abstract: Sampler apparatus and method are provided and include both closed and open tube samplers, and selector valve operable to select therebetween for sample supply to automated sample analysis apparatus. A shear valve divides the samples into separate sample quantities for independent sample quantity analysis by multi-channel sample analysis apparatus. A pressure equilibration chamber prevents vacuum build-up in the closed tube sampler to insure the supply of consistent sample quantities therefrom. A source of a pressurized rinse solution is provided; and is operatively connected to the sampler apparatus in such manner as to insure the particularly thorough rinsing and cleansing of all relevant sampler components to remove sample residue therefrom between sampling operations, thereby reducing sample carryover to levels below those of clinical significance.

Abstract: Dual liquid dispenser package is provided and is operable to supply liquids from liquid supply chambers to liquid reservoirs through liquid supply channels by centrifugal force-induced liquid displacement and flow attendant dispenser package rotation. The supply channels include means to greatly inhibit, if not totally prevent, liquid foaming attendant liquid flow from the supply chambers to the reservoirs. Vents are included to vent the liquid supply chambers to atmosphere to prevent vacuum build-up therein, and include means preventing spillage of the liquids from the dispenser package through the vents. The dispenser package is particularly adapted for use in the supply of two reagent liquids to automated sample liquid analysis systems.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for the exchange of substances between substance carrier and recovery fluids in predetermined carrier/recovery fluid volumetric ratios, and operate through the vaporization of the carrier fluid in a separation chamber to separate the substance therefrom at a separation zone therein and effect the deposition and accumulation of the substance in a relatively narrow band, and the subsequent recovery of the substance band form the separation chamber by the substance recovery fluid. Correlation of the carrier fluid flow rate into the separation chamber, and the separation chamber temperature, is effective to determine the location of the substance band in the separation chamber. Segmentation of the substance carrier and recovery fluids materially increases the efficiency of the separation and recovery processes. The apparatus and method are particularly adapted for high operational rate operation on an automated basis; and are adapted for operation on a batch basis.

Abstract: New and improved microsample cup is provided, and comprises an outer cup body member, and an inner sample liquid vessel disposed and supported therewithin. An integral sample liquid overflow reservoir is provided to surround the inner sample liquid vessel to facilitate the precise filling of the same to a predetermined level coincident with the maximum sample liquid capacity thereof by enabling the overflow from the sample liquid vessel of any sample liquid in excess of the maximum sample liquid vessel capacity into the sample liquid overflow reservoir.

Abstract: Sampler apparatus and method are provided and include both closed and open tube samplers, and selector valve operable to select therebetween for sample supply to automated sample analysis apparatus. A shear valve divides the samples into separate sample quantities for independent sample quantity analysis by multi-channel sample analysis apparatus. A pressure equilibration chamber prevents vacuum bulid-up in the closed tube sampler to insure the supply of consistent sample quantities therefrom. A source of a pressurized rinse solution is provided; and is operatively connected to the sampler apparatus in such manner as to insure the particularly thorough rinsing and cleansing of all relevant sample components to remove sample residue therefrom between sampling operations, thereby reducing sample carryover to levels below those of clinical significance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for determining the volume and hemoglobin concentration of an isovolumetrically sphered red cell by passing the cell through a beam of monochromatic light to produce one forward light scattering pattern, and measuring the forward light-scattering pattern at two selected angular intervals to generate signals S1 and S2, respectively. The first angular interval is selected to span the angular region within which the first maxima of the light scattering patterns of the cells having volumes in the physiological range are expected to fall. The second angular interval is selected which begins above the upper limit of the first angular interval and below the second maximum of the scattering pattern of the cell having the largest volume in the physiological range and which extends to an angle at which the secondary maxima are reduced substantially to zero in comparison to the magnitude of the first maximum.

Abstract: This invention provides a hydrophilic specific binding assay reagent which is prepared by a process comprising the steps of reacting a partner of a specific binding pair and at least one hydrophilic substance with haloalkyl moieties associated with the surface of a solid phase and recovering the reagent so prepared from any unreacted binding partner. Preferably, the alpha-haloalkyl is chloromethyl and the at least one hydrophilic substance comprises at least one protein, such as albumin, and at least one non-proteinaceous amine to which the solid phase is impermeable, such as tris (hydroxymethyl) aminomethane. The specific binding assay reagent of the invention can be combined with other reagents to provide an assay composition.