Abstract: An electronic image-encoder with an SEC vidicon in which the electron beam is positioned according to a coordinate pair stored as digital signals and applied as analog signals to the deflection coils of the vidicon. This permits the beam to read selected points on the vidicon target and the beam is blanked until the desired deflection signals are applied.In one version of the device, the deflection signals are simply voltages corresponding to the values of the digital signals. In another version, one digital signal is converted to an analog deflection voltage and a standard ramp is used as the other deflection voltage, the beam being turned on to read only after a time interval following initiation of the ramp, which interval is proportional to the other digital signal.A special application of the encoder incorporates a crossed-dispersion optical system for projecting several stacked spectral orders into the vidicon target.

Abstract: Antigen-detecting reagents, suitable for detection of antigens present in liquids, biological fluids and tissues are prepared by covalently linking a large number of fluorescent dye molecules to the appropriate antibody through a polymeric backbone possessing reactive functional groups along the length of the chain.

Abstract: Reagents for the detection of specific reactants, such as antigens in biological fluids, comprising a polymer coupled to an antibody, the polymer having a plurality of dye molecules coupled thereto. The reagent is prepared by covalently linking an end functional group of polymers such as polyethylene amine to an antibody, typically through an aldehyde linkage, the polymer molecule having had a plurality of dye molecules, coupled to the polymer through side reactive sites.

Abstract: A novel composition of matter, process and apparatus is provided for distinguishing and absolutely counting leukocytes, erythrocytes, reticulocytes, and other cells as well as differently counting and classifying the different types of leukocytes. The composition of matter comprises a plurality of compatible dyes for uniquely distinguishing leukocytes, erythrocytes, reticulocytes, and other cells randomly distributed in a medium. At least one of the dyes imparts a characteristic fluorescence to all leukocytes stained therewith. The nature of the dye composition is such that when the stained leukocytes are irradiated with radiation having the characteristic absorption wavelengths of each dye, the relative intensities of the light emitted and/or transmitted by each leukocyte type defines that particular leukocyte type.

Abstract: A system for analyzing a time-varying phenomenon in which the latter is repetitively initiated to provide a train of repetitive output signals. A fast Fourier transform interferometer is provied to scan the train. Data corresponding to a selected temporal resolution element having the same selected time position following initiation of each signal are sampled and the samples coded to improve signal-to-noise ratio. The time relation between a selected retardation point in the interferometer and the initiation of each signal in a given train is successively shifted so as to produce a series of coded data, each datum corresponding to a resolution element occurring at the selected time position but at a different interferometer retardation. The selected data are then assembled in their time sequence to generate a synthetic interferogram.

Abstract: An improved high resolution chromatograph device operable at column pressures ranging between one and fifty atmospheres absolute measured at the column exit, means for closely regulating the column carrier gas velocity including intermittent stop flow operation, and sample collection chamber means to facilitate contamination free handling and concentration of collected pure sample during spectral or other analysis of eluted samples. Velocity and stop flow control without loss of chromatographic resolution permits matching operation time of chromatograph to that of spectral or other analysis devices.

Abstract: A system for suppressing normal serum fluorescence in fluorescence immunoassay, in which in one embodiment, the immunoassay fluorescently tagged reaction product in a single sample is irradiated at a first wavelength which will excite fluorescence from the tagged product and then at a different wavelength which is not substantially in an absorption band of the fluorescent tag, the respective fluorescent emissions being detected and converted to electrical signals. The difference between the signals, adjusted for variation in serum fluorescence at the two wavelengths, is a function of the antigen titer. In an alternative form, the sample is irradiated at the first wavelength for a predetermined period of time commencing very shortly after the emission reaction is started, and the resulting signal from the detector is differentiated. In both instances, output signal due to serum fluorescence per se is suppressed.

Abstract: A system for analyzing a time-varying phenomenon in which the latter is repetitively initiated and a spectral output is generated during the course of each successive phenomenon. The output spectrum is repetitively scanned by a fast Fourier transform interferometer to produce an interferogram. The time relation between a selected retardation point in the interferometer and the initiation of each phenomenon is successively shifted so as to produce an ordered set of interferograms each representing a different time relation between initiation and scanning. Data corresponding to a selected temporal resolution element having a fixed time position following initiation of the phenomenon are selected from each of the ordered set of interferograms and the selected data are then reassembled in the same order as the interferograms from which they were taken, to produce a synthetic interferogram.

Abstract: A seal apparatus for making demountable gas tight seals between juxtaposed dissimilar material parts in high temperature, high pressure and chemically reactive environments. The seal is comprised of two or more concentric elastomer washer seals mounted in a first juxtaposed part within a recessed channel of measured depth. The washer seals have a thickness greater than the measured depth of the channel, thereby providing contact with the second juxtaposed part interfaced with the first or channeled part. The inner concentric elastomer washer, being made of chemically relatively inert material, and the outer concentric elastomer washer being made of high resilient, therefore relatively chemically reactive material. The outer concentric washer seal is the true load bearing seal; the inner seal is a means for shielding the load bearing seal from chemical deterioration.

Abstract: A device for generating a multiplicity of proportionally diluted samples from a parent solution, which device has a plurality of chambers so connected that as the system is oscillated about a single axis, a proportional part of the fluid in each chamber is sampled and delivered to the next chamber.

Abstract: An improved gas chromatograph for "on line" use with absorption spectrum analyzers, particularly, infrared spectrometers. The new chromatograph has been adapted for compatibility with a variety of absorption spectrum analysis instruments from the standpoint of cycling time, dimensions, thermal characteristics and convenience in handling extremely small and highly reactive chemical sample materials.

Abstract: A system for identifying within a mixed population, a group of microorganisms replicating in a culture medium specific to that group, which culture medium includes a fluorescence inhibitor which the group incorporates in their nucleic acid upon replication.In one embodiment, a sample of the microorganism population is dyed with two different fluorescent dyes which are specific to nucleic acid, the fluorescent emissivity of one of the dyes being reduced or quenched by the presence of the inhibitor in the dyed nucleic acid, the fluorescent emissivity of the other of the dyes being unaffected by the presence of the inhibitor. The ratio of intensities of the fluorescent emission from the two dyes is independent of the total nucleic acid content of each microorganism, but is dependent upon the extent of incorporation of the inhibitor into the nucleic acid, so serves as a marker or identifier of a replicated organism.

Abstract: A continuous flow analytical system in which there is provided a continuous unobstructed carrier stream into which discrete volumes of sample solutions to be observed for reaction with the carrier stream are injected successively. A detector for measuring the results of any reaction between the carrier stream and sample solutions is positioned downstream from the point of injection.

Abstract: An improved system is desired for examining fluorescent material. The method comprises the steps of illuminating material with radiation at a fluorescent excitation wavelength of said material and at an intensity sufficient to cause bleaching of the material; detecting over a time interval commencing with initial illumination of the material, fluorescent emission produced by the material during bleaching of the latter by the radiation; and integrating over the interval the fluorescent emission detected during the bleaching of the material. Means are provided for illuminating the material to cause bleaching, for detecting fluorescent emission produced during bleaching, for measuring the decay time interval, and for integrating a signal from the detecting means over a time interval.

Abstract: A system for discriminating between the fluorescent emission from dye molecules bound to biological particles and the background emission from free molecules of the dye in the solution suspending the particles, where the quantum efficiency of the bound dye molecules because of their bound state, differs from the quantum efficiency of the unbound dye so that the emission from the bound dye exhibits a longer statistical decay lifetime. The system involves irradiating the particles in the solution with a mode locked laser, and measuring fluorescent intensity in delayed synchronism with the mode locking frequency.

Abstract: An improved system is described for providing approximately equalized illumination at all points between first and second opposite portions of a total internally reflecting cell. The system comprises in addition to the cell, a source of radiation of at least one selected wavelength, means for directing the radiation along a plurality of paths, and means for introducing the radiation in at least two of the paths into first and second opposite portions of the cell. Means can be provided for varying the penetration angle of the radiation into the cell.

Abstract: A device for aligning sample containers (particularly of the test tube type) regardless of the container's size, comprises a foot member provided with a tapered cavity for receiving the bottom end of the container, a holder for holding the other end of the container in a temporary position, and a head member having a tapered cavity for receiving the other or upper end of the container. The foot and head members are movable relative to one another so that the cavity of the head member can releasably engage the upper end of the container and align the container with a predetermined axis. The device can be used to mix and test sample fluids, as well as dispense and aspirate fluids into and out of the containers.

Abstract: A flow stream processor particularly adapted for use in blood cell processing, and having discriminator circuits for selecting a particular group of cells from a large population, thereby permitting digital processing of data relative to the cells to be carried on only with respect to the particular group. Additionally the system includes circuitry for automatically adjusting flow stream velocity in accordance with an error signal developed proportionally to the phase difference between signals received from the first and last detectors along the flow stream resulting from transmit of the same cell.

Abstract: Submicron-sized particles are detected by a system which observes emission, as by scattering or by fluorescence from particles undergoing Brownian motion in a region of a fluid medium excited by an evanescent wave created adjacent an interface between the fluid medium and a multiple internal totally reflecting cell or light guide. The excited region can range in depth between several wavelengths and a fraction of the wavelength of the exciting beam, hence serves as an "aperture" having a dimension of about the same order of magnitude as the particles being detected. The particles can be classified according to size by examining the amplitude modulation arising out of the motion of the particles through the aperture.

Abstract: A firing mechanism for a firearm with a barrel assembly having a plurality of substantially parallel barrels. The mechanism comprises a like plurality of firing assemblies, each assembly being associated with one barrel. The firing assembly is arranged to selectively discharge one or more cartridges. The assembly includes a trigger adapted to engage and release the firing assembly in sequence, and it includes means for adjustably controlling the number of firing assemblies which can be released upon a single actuation of the trigger.