Abstract: A specific binding assay composition and method for determining a ligand in a sample are disclosed. The composition comprises (a) a binding partner for the ligand; (b) a detection system which has at least two components; (c) a selectively accessible vesicle having a surface-incorporated ligand or ligand analog and a first component of the detection system therein; (d) a substance which modifies vesicle accessibility in response to binding of surface-associated ligand or ligand analog and binding partner; and (e) at least one additional component of the detection system which is reactive with the first component to produce a detectable response which is reduced by association of the binding partner and vesicle modifying substance with the variabily accessible vesicle. A decrease in signal is measured upon reaction as compared to the signal of unreacted vesicles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a specific binding assay composition and method for determining a ligand in a sample. The composition comprises (a) a binding partner for the ligand; (b) a detection system which has at least two components; (c) a selectively accessible vesicle having a surface-incorporated ligand or ligand analog and a first component of the detection system therein; (d) a substance which modifies vesicle accessibility in response to binding of surface-incorporated ligand or ligand analog and the binding partner; (e) at least one additional component of the detection system which is reactive with the first component to produce a detectable response; and (f) at least one surfactant which does not modify vesicle accessibility. The composition and method are suitable for use with automated, including continuous flow-type, analyzers.

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 from 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: Apparatus and method are provided for the precisely controlled and coordinated supply of sample and sheath stream fluids to a sheath stream flow cell, and comprise the use of positive displacement differential pumping means which are operable to insure consistent sample and sheath stream fluid diameters, velocity and volume flow conditions within the flow cell, thereby maximizing the accuracy and reproducibility of successive analyses.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for the precisely controlled and coordinated, concomitant supply at optimal flow rates, by differential pumping, of selected sample and sheath liquids from respective pluralities of different sources thereof, to the same sheath stream flow cell for successive different types of sample analyses, thereby maximizing sample analysis accuracy and reproducibility, and reducing apparatus complexity and costs. The apparatus and method are particularly useful in high-speed automated biomedical analytical systems.

Abstract: A new and improved isolation liquid layer retention device is provided, and comprises a porous member operatively associated with the interior of a container which contains a quantity of an aqueous liquid having a layer of a generally immiscible isolation liquid which is generally of greater density disposed thereon. The porous member is operable to cause the aqueous liquid to form a generally convex meniscus to strongly support the generally denser isolation liquid layer thereon to prevent the sinking of the isolation liquid into the aqueous liquid; and is operable to act as a moderating control by virtue of a "source and sink" action vis-a-vis the isolation liquid to maintain a uniform and readily reproducible configuration for the isolation liquid layer on a container-to-container basis with regard to each of a plurality of the containers. The device is particularly adapted for use with a plurality of containers of aqueous sample and reagent liquids in contemporary automated sample liquid analysis systems.

Abstract: New and old tools are changed by loosening or fastening a chuck mounted on a main spindle gripping or releasing the new and old tools and rotating and indexing a tool storage magazine in which a multiplicity of tools are stored, without requiring an exclusively usable driving means.

Abstract: A raw pneumatic tire carcass having an uncured, elastomeric, annular body and an uncured, elastomeric, liner superposed upon and affixed to the internal surface of the body, is disclosed. The liner in one form thereof includes bead-communicating recesses for venting fluid from between the liner and an inflatable bladder used in a mold for effecting inflation of the body and liner from a cylinder to a torus. The liner in the latter form is constituted of an appropriate thermoplastic material which, when engaged and inflated by a smooth surface of the bladder and vulcanized, undergoes a transformation in which the recesses gradually disappear substantially and are transformed into a correspondingly smooth surface. A second form of the liner (which is preferably incorporated as part of the first said form of the liner) is represented by a convexity on at least one surface of the liner.