Abstract: A microbiological test array with a plurality of microwells connected by a microchannel to a solution reservoir. Subsequent to filling the microwells, the microchannels are sealed to protect the integrity of the solution in the test microwells.

Abstract: An elongate canister having a generally rectangular cross-section sized to house a plurality of antibiotic susceptibility test arrays stacked one atop another and maintained secure within an environmentally controlled inventory chamber in a random access microbiological analyzer.

Abstract: A microbiological test array with a generally flat base having a plurality of upwardly projecting microwells connected by a microchannel to an open reservoir formed in a top surface generally parallel to the base of the test array. The reservoir has an opening to permit an inoculum-broth liquid solution to flow from the reservoir through the microchannel, to a sacrificial evaporation well having an air vent port adapted to control a vacuum filling process, and subsequently to be distributed into each of the plurality of microwells.

Abstract: Performing antibiotic testing on samples contained in test arrays by orienting the arrays relative to the direction of gravity so that test solution within the microwells is drawn downwards and air within the microwells is forced to the uppermost portion of the test array. Antibiotic testing is conducted using an interrogating beam of radiation passing horizontally through the microwells at locations devoid of air bubbles.

Abstract: A magnetic sample rack adapted to support liquid containers is urged along a surface by means of a magnetic conveyor system located beneath the surface. The magnetic conveyor system comprises a plurality of magnetic housings driven by a belt, the magnetic housings including a magnet slideably contained in a closed upper cavity. Magnetic forces emanating from the magnet overcome frictional resistive forces between the sample racks and the operating surface and move the sample racks along input and output lanes defined in the operating surface. Abrupt movements of the sample racks are eliminated because the housing magnet slides smoothly towards the sample rack, secures the sample rack, and pulls the rack along the operating surface as the housings are moved at a steady rate by the belt.

Abstract: A random access microbiological analyzer for performing AST and ID tests on samples using on-board inventories of different AST test arrays and different ID test rotors within separate AST and ID incubation and analysis chambers.

Abstract: Mixing a liquid solution in a container by rotating a pair of bar-shaped magnets in a coordinated pattern in which lines parallel to the axes of the bar-shaped magnets remain normal to one another, the magnets disposed in close proximity to and on opposite sides of the container a distance above the bottom of the container so that a magnetic mixing member is caused to rotate in the liquid about the same distance above the bottom of the container. Relative vertical movement of the magnets and the container generates a vortex-like mixing action throughout the container.

Abstract: A method for reducing carryover of and delivering liquid taken from a source container by a dispensing means to a target container by spinning the target container so that any liquid within the target container is removed from the dispensing means prior to dispensing liquid into the target container.

Abstract: Monitoring the intensity pattern of a radiation beam reflected from a sample tube before and after the tube is tilted from an original alignment to determine signal areas that correspond to the location of a liquid interface within the tube.

Abstract: A computer interface module having a first information display screen that is directly linked to a plurality of additional information display screens containing on-line information about the operational status of plurality of interrelated automated devices as well as information describing the location of any specific sample and the status of clinical tests to be performed on the sample. A combination of general function buttons and specific function buttons as well as a scrollable text area where informational messages are displayed.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a novel ionophore having the general structure: wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently straight or branched chain alkyl having 4 to 12 carbon atoms or the alkyl groups may optionally contain a cycloalkyl group having 3 to 8 carbon atoms or R1 and R2 or R3 and R4 together with N to which they are attached, can form a ring having 5 to 8 carbon atoms. This ionophore has increased selectivity for carbonate ions over other ions, especially salicylate. The invention includes membranes containing effective amounts of the novel ionophores and -sensors containing these membranes.

Abstract: A method for rapidly mixing a liquid solution in a sample container by causing a small magnetic mixing member to rapidly revolve or orbit the container's axis within the solution in a generally circular pattern in response to a revolving magnetic field positioned in close proximity to the sample container.

Abstract: A liquid aspiration method which includes a method for determining the quality of the aspirated sample through mathematical analysis of the pressure profile generated before, during, and after the aspiration process and comparison of the results with predetermined known values.

Abstract: A dental composition curing method and device for exposing a dental composition to a beam of radiation emitted by a light-emitting-diode (LED) positioned proximate the composition, LED radiation being more efficient than the conventional use of filtered white light or laser radiation.

Abstract: Calibrating an immunoassay by generating two reaction rate measuring curves, from samples having higher and lower relative levels of antigen, extrapolating a combination of the curves to cover sample concentrations known to contain an excess of antigen relative to an amount of capture reagent and combining the low end linear potion of the higher reaction rate measuring curve with the higher end portion of the extrapolated reaction rate measuring curve, thereby eliminating measuring inaccuracies otherwise arising from the hook effect. For antigen concentrations higher than the assay range, a high antigen signal utilizing the two rates avoids reporting false results.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for mixing two or more liquids and detecting light emitted by the mixture. The method comprises forming a liquid droplet containing two or more liquids on a substantially planar surface in containerless containment on the surface and causing the droplet to deform in an essentially zero air flow environment thereby mixing the liquids and surrounding the planar surface with a reflective housing and photodetector. An apparatus of the invention comprises (a) a substantially planar support, (b) means for dispensing liquids onto the support to form a droplet, and (c) non-evaporative means for causing the droplet to deform without deforming the support thereby mixing the liquids and a two part reflective housing and photodetector which is moveable. The drop can be deformed by, for example, application of acoustic energy or a variable electrostatic field. The methods and apparatus have particular application to the determination of an analyte.

Abstract: A device is provided for both collecting and testing a fluid specimen. The device includes a specimen container having a collection chamber, an isolation chamber and a test chamber. The collection chamber is in fluid communication with the isolation chamber and sealed from the test chamber. The isolation chamber is also sealed from the test chamber. The fluid specimen is collected in the collection chamber and an aliquot is isolated in the isolation chamber. A fluid releasing element is provided to release fluid from the isolation chamber and establish a flow path to the test chamber while sealing the isolation chamber from the collection chamber. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the specimen container may include a tamper evident lid which provides an identification of whether or not the container has been opened which may indicate that the contents of the container have been compromised.

Abstract: Calibration of an assay by converting an analyzer's normal signal response through an arithmetic function prior to performing the curve fit, thereby improving the accuracy of the curve fit in a region of greatest diagnostic interest.