Abstract: Reagents for the immobilization of biopolymers, processes for their preparation and their subsequent use in the immobilized of biopolymers for analytical and diagnostic procedures are described. One type of reagent includes a solid support fabricated of a polymeric material having at least one surface with pendant acyl fluoride functionalities, Another reagent includes solid supports fabricated of polymeric materials including ethylene acrylic acid or ethylene methacrylic acid copolymers and activated polypropylene. Processes for preparing reagents include derivatizing polymeric materials to form acyl fluoride functionalities or derivatizing ethylene acrylic acid copolymers and ethylene methacrylic acid copolymers to form active acyl functionalities.

Abstract: A novel electrophoresis separation medium comprises polyacrylamide and a dioxane. An electrophoresis separation system comprises a separation channel, the separation channel including the novel separation medium. In a method for electrophoretically separating analytes by introducing analytes into a separation channel, an electric field is applied across the separation channel and the analytes are allowed to electrokinetically migrate within the separation medium. The separation channel comprises the novel electrophoresis separation medium.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for detecting the pressure of a fluid. The device includes a device for detecting the pressure of a fluid comprising (a) a housing; (b) a first conduit disposed within the housing, having an open inlet end, and an outlet end; (c) a second conduit disposed within the housing having an inlet end and an open outlet end; and (d) a pressure detector disposed within the housing in abutment with the outlet end of the first conduit and the inlet end of the second conduit, such that the pressure detector is in direct operative contact with a fluid flowing within the first and second conduits. Typically, the pressure detector is a pressure transducer. Preferably, the pressure transducer is located within the body, such that the first conduit is disposed at an angle with respect to the pressure sensitive surface of the transducer, the angle being between about 50.degree. and about 75.degree., most preferably between about 65.degree. and about 70.degree..

Abstract: A microfluidic device having opposed spaced apart sheets of siliceous material, such as glass, the opposed facing sides of each of the sheets having hydrophilic and hydrophobic areas which form therebetween a fluid capillary which is hydrophilic and bounded by hydrophobic areas to form an microfluidic hydrophilic fluid pathway. The preferred device is useful for capillary electrophoresis.

Abstract: An automatic chemistry analyzer is provided having a high throughput and a high reliability. The analyzer uses nephelometric and turbimetric analyzers to analyze a wide variety of parameters within liquid samples typically generated in, for example, a large medical testing laboratory. The machine employs a unique probe and stirring rod assembly mounted at a slight angle with one another using rack and pinion assemblies so that the lower end of the probe and the lower end of the stirring rod are in very close proximity to one another. This feature allows the machine to be used in unusually small reaction cuvettes. The analysis machine also includes an onboard control sample so that the machine can be programmed to periodically calibrate its analyzing equipment during the course of normal operation.

Abstract: An ion selective electrode assembly is provided having a sample injection cup, a flow cell analyzer and multiple module pump for simultaneously pumping liquids between the sample injection cup and the flow cell analyzer using a single motor. One of the pump modules is capable of pumping a reference solution directly to the flow cell analyzer. Flow through each pumping module is controlled by a pair of rocker valves. The sample injection cup includes a first diaphragm valve for allowing a mixture of sample and reagent to flow to the flow cell analyzer. The sample injection cup further includes a second diaphragm valve installed immediately downstream of the first diaphragm for allowing a flushing solution to flow throughout the sample injection cup and the flow cell analyzer.

Abstract: An automatic chemistry analyzer is provided having a high throughput and a high reliability. The analyzer uses nephelometric and turbimetric analyzers to analyze a wide variety of parameters within liquid samples typically generated in, for example, a large medical testing laboratory. The machine employs a unique probe and stirring rod assembly mounted at a slight angle with one another using rack and pinion assemblies so that the lower end of the probe and the lower end of the stirring rod are in very close proximity to one another. This feature allows the machine to be used in unusually small reaction cuvettes. The analysis machine also includes an onboard control sample so that the machine can be programmed to periodically calibrate its analyzing equipment during the course of normal operation.

Abstract: A compound of general formula ##STR1## wherein R is methyl R' is selected from the group consisting of trityl and pixyl, and R" is H or OMe. These compounds may advantageously be employed in the synthesis of oligonucleotides by conventional methods, such as automated solid phase synthesis. Use of ethylene diamine in the cleavage and deprotection procedure substantially eliminates the formation of undesirable side products.