Abstract: A readhead for a spectrometer for illuminating a target area and receiving light from said target area is provided with a housing adapted to be incorporated in a spectrometer, a light source mounted in a fixed position relative to the housing, a support mechanism adapted to support a biological sample to be illuminated by the light source, a light-shaping mechanism disposed between the light source and the support for increasing the diameter, intensity, and uniformity of the light beam, and a photodetector mounted in fixed position relative to the housing, the photodetector being adapted to detect light from a biological sample disposed in the target area illuminated light sources. The light sources may be in the form of a light-emitting diode that emits substantially monochromatic light having a first wavelength, and the readhead may also include a second light-emitting diode that is adapted to emit substantially monochromatic light of a second wavelength towards the target area.

Abstract: A blood sampling device is provided with a housing, a lancet assembly, a lancet holder disposed in the housing for supporting the lancet assembly, the lancet holder being movable in a lancing direction between a cocked position and a puncture position, a drive spring for forcing the lancet holder from the cocked position to the puncture position, and a mechanism for damping movement of the lancet holder during travel of the lancet holder from the puncture position to an intermediate position between the puncture position and the cocked position. The damping mechanism may be provided in the form of a non-planar surface, such as a corrugated surface, disposed on the lancet holder and a damping member which makes contact with the non-planar surface during movement of the lancet holder.

Abstract: A blood sampling device (10) is provided with a housing (12), an end cap (60) adapted to be connected to the housing (12), and a lancet (32) which is movable in a lancing direction between a retracted position in which the lancet (32) does not extend outside of the end cap (60) and an extended position in which the lancet (32) is adapted to make a puncture having a depth. The blood sampling device (10) includes an actuator mechanism for causing the lancet (32) to move from the retracted position to the extended position and an attachment mechanism for allowing the end cap (60) to be securely attached to the housing (12) by moving the end cap (60) in a direction parallel to the lancing direction from a removed position in which the end cap (60) is separated from the housing (12) to a secured position in which the end cap (60) is securely attached to the housing (12) and a mechanism for adjusting the puncture depth of the lancet (32).

Abstract: The present invention is a heated wiper blade comprising an elongated blade and a heating element connected to the electrical system of a vehicle. The heating element utilizes a material with a positive temperature coefficient of resistance placed between a pair of conductive members. The conductive members span the length of the heating element to provide a uniform distribution of heat through the length of the blade. Electrical connections to the heating element are preferably located at one end of the blade. The heating element can be located inside the blade or between a semi-rigid attachment member and an upper surface of the blade.

Abstract: A heavy metal-free composition and its method of use in an ion selective electrode-based assay are disclosed. The heavy metal-free composition includes a borate compound and an alkalinity adjusting compound, and is used to dilute a test sample; buffer the test sample; and substantially reduce the effects of interferents present in the test sample on the ion selective electrode-based assay. The heavy metal-free composition and its method of use are especially useful in an ion selective electrode-based assay for carbonate ion concentration in a test sample, like blood serum, blood plasma, urine or cerebrospinal fluid.

Abstract: An optical transmission spectrometer for transmission measurements of absorbing and scattering samples includes light sources mounted parallel to each other in a holder. The beams of light emanating from the light sources are directed through a beam-combiner. The beam-combiner includes a first refractive surface at an angle of incidence of 45.degree.. The first refractive surface refracts light toward a common axis. The beam-combiner includes a second refractive surface parallel to the first refractive surface for refracting the beam of light along a common axis parallel to the original direction of the beam of light. The beam-combiner can include additional refractive surfaces for other beams of light to combine the beams of light into a primary beam. The spectrometer includes a collimating tube extending along the common axis for baffling stray light and directing the primary beam through a sample.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for biological fluid analysis involving radiation measurement. The apparatus includes a pipetting dispenser having means for directing radiation from the piston thereof generally axially through the liquid in the pipette tube such that the pipetting dispenser serves not only as a means for measuring and mixing liquids, but also serves as a cuvette. The apparatus and method provide maximum radiation path length to accommodate liquids of different optical density. Still another feature of the apparatus and method is the provision of means for removing liquid from the outer surface of a pipette tube, which means are readily adapted to automated procedures. The apparatus in one embodiment is adapted for absorbance measurement of analyte samples, and in another embodiment is adapted for measurement of fluorescent radiation from analyte samples.

Abstract: A test device and method are provided for determining the hemoglobin content of blood. The test device comprises a substantially opaque light reflecting matrix having a refractive index significantly different from the refractive index of blood. In use, a test sample of blood is contacted with the matrix of said test device and the light reflectance therefrom is measured as an indication of the quantitative amount of hemoglobin present in said sample.

Abstract: Gold is recovered from gold bearing materials by dissolving gold in an iodide-iodine solution, precipitating gold with a reducing solution, removing the precipitated gold and then regenerating the iodide-iodine solution with an oxidizing agent.

Abstract: Rotor balancing apparatus and a system comprising balance probes for measuring unbalance at the ends of a magnetically suspended rotor are disclosed. Each balance probe comprises a photocell which is located in relationship to the magnetically suspended rotor such that unbalance of the rotor changes the amount of light recorded by each photocell. The signal from each photocell is electrically amplified and displayed by a suitable device, such as an oscilloscope.

Abstract: A linear magnetic bearing provides magnetic support by means of permanent magnets and control by means of electromagnets and an electronic control system such that virtually zero power is required to maintain the bearing in suspension. Persisting net force producing electric energization of the electromagnets resulting from displacement of the bearing causes the energization to be augmented to reposition the bearing to an oppositely displaced position of substantial equilibrium with minimized net force producing electric energization of the electromagnets. The linear magnetic bearing is effectively utilized in one application to significantly reduce the power requirements for magnetic levitation vehicles.