Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling samples such as blood samples for hemostasis. The sample is transferred from a test tube into a cuvette which has been released from a supply of cuvettes. Prior to transferring the sample, a needle is introduced into the sample and automatically senses the level or height of the sample in the test tube. The presence of vials of reagent is optically confirmed. Reagents are to be delivered through a delivery tube into the cuvette and the delivery tubes are initially primed with reagent. The presence and orientation of the cuvette are verified and the sample transferred into the cuvette, the reagent automatically delivered into the cuvette, and the reaction such as, but not limited to, blot clotting occurs in the cuvette. The occurrence of the reaction is optically confirmed. The system and method controls the sequential release of stacked cuvettes in addition to confirming the presence and proper orientation of the cuvettes.

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus for automatically performing medical assays includes an electrophoresis platform which cooperates with a gantry assembly. The electrophoresis platform and the gantry assembly are movable along paths that are perpendicular to each other. An applicator assembly includes pipettes which transfer fluid samples from a specimen tray to an electrophoresis plate mounted on the electrophoresis platform. The electrophoresis platform then moves to a position into the gantry assembly, where electrophoresis is conducted to separate the samples into different fractions. The electrophoresis platform then moves beneath a reagent pouring station where a reagent is applied to make the separated fractions fluoresce under ultraviolet light. The electrophoresis platform is then moved beneath the gantry assembly again, and an air knife in the gantry assembly spreads the reagent.

Abstract: An improved chromogen-reagent test system for a slide, test kit or the like has particular utility in the testing of fecal specimens for occult blood. The chromogen-reagent system may include the use of colorless guaiac which, in the presence of a developing solution and a catalyst, is oxidized to yield a predetermined color such as blue. Hydrogen peroxide is used as the developing solution and hemoglobin in the fecal specimen functions as the catalyst. The chromogen-reagent test system includes an indicator area for determining if the guaiac and the developing solution are functioning properly, i.e., the test system of the present invention verifies that the guaiac has not lost its activity nor been improperly catalyzed and that the hydrogen peroxide has not lost its activity. The indicator area includes a catalyst which has a greater stability than blood, in respect to adverse environmental conditions, such that a determination can be made if the reagents are functioning properly.

Abstract: A system measures and records deflection of an elongated shaft such as the shaft of a golf club and provides a trace or diagram of the swing of the club. The system includes an elongated rod, mounted to the golf club shaft, and a separate recording system. Preferably the recording system is a writing platform mounted to the golf club shaft. The recording member is biased into contact with the writing platform. During swing of the golf club, deflection of the golf club shaft causes relative movement between the writing implement and the writing platform and a trace or diagram of the golf club swing is created.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for discharging the contents of a sealed container, such as a test tube. The apparatus includes a member to penetrate the closure of a test tube and provides for reduction of the volume within the test tube, thus pressurizing the test tube contents so that fluid is dispensed through a fluid flow path. The apparatus further including a stabilizing system that facilitates the accurate dispensing of fluid onto a target surface. The method includes pressurizing the contents of the test tube by reducing the volume of the test tube, and providing a flow path such that fluid may be dispensed through the flow path in response to the reduction of the test tube volume.

Abstract: A platform for conducting electrophoresis includes a support, at least one first electrode which extends upward from the support, and at least one second electrode which also extends upward from the support. An electrophoresis plate is deposited on the support during a medical testing procedure. The electrophoresis plate includes a substrate and an electrophoretic medium layer on the substrate, the electrophoretic medium layer having first and second end regions. The at least one first electrode of the platform extends through a corresponding hole in the substrate to electrically contact the first end region of the electrophoretic medium layer and the at least one second electrode extends through a corresponding hole in the substrate to electrically contact the second end region of the electrophoretic medium layer. This arrangement makes it easy to install the electrophoresis plate on the platform and also provides good electrical contact with the electrodes.

Abstract: An analyzer system for automatic column chromatography includes chromatographic columns which are mounted in a rack. A drop removal mechanism system shakes the rack to transfer the last drop of eluate from the tip of a chromatographic column to a receptacle below the tip before the column is repositioned over another receptacle and another fluid or operation is introduced into the column. This prevents one eluate from contaminating another. The chromatographic column may have an upper end which is sealed by a foil member. During use, the foil member is ruptured by lowering a pressure cylinder with a seal-punching head against it. The pressure cylinder, which is part of the pressure tip unit, is then withdrawn so that fluid can be introduced into the column via the ruptured foil member. The pressure tip unit is then lowered into sealing engagement with the column so that pressure can be applied via a bore in the pressure cylinder.

Abstract: An analyzer system for automatic column chromatography includes chromatographic columns which are mounted in a rack. A drop removal mechanism system shakes the rack to transfer the last drop of eluate from the tip of a chromatographic column to a receptacle below the tip before the column is repositioned over another receptacle and another fluid or operation is introduced into the column. This prevents one eluate from contaminating another. The chromatographic column may have an upper end which is sealed by a foil member. During use, the foil member is ruptured by lowering a pressure cylinder with a seal-punching head against it. The pressure cylinder, which is part of the pressure tip unit, is then withdrawn so that fluid can be introduced into the column via the ruptured foil member. The pressure tip unit is then lowered into sealing engagement with the column so that pressure can be applied via a bore in the pressure cylinder.

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus for automatically performing medical assays includes an electrophoresis platform which cooperates with a gantry assembly. The electrophoresis platform and the gantry assembly are movable along paths that are perpendicular to each other. An applicator assembly includes pipettes which transfer fluid samples from a specimen tray to an electrophoresis plate mounted on the electrophoresis platform. The electrophoresis platform then moves to a position into the gantry assembly, where electrophoresis is conducted to separate the samples into different fractions. The electrophoresis platform then moves beneath a reagent pouring station where a reagent is applied to make the separated fractions fluoresce under ultraviolet light. The electrophoresis platform is then moved beneath the gantry assembly again, and an air knife in the gantry assembly spreads the reagent.

Abstract: A support system for an equipment housing includes a pair of screw-adjustable legs at one end of the housing and a pivoting trestle at the other end. The pivoting trestle is made of two channel members, one nested inside the other. The channel members have side walls, and a bolt extends through holes in the side walls to pivotally mount one member with respect to the other. Alternatively, the members can be pivotally connected together using a ball-and-socket or cylinder-and-sleeve connection. The housing can be levelled by adjusting the effective length of the two legs, and the trestle automatically pivots to accommodate these adjustments as they are made.

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus for automatically performing medical assays includes an electrophoresis platform which cooperates with a gantry assembly. The electrophoresis platform and the gantry assembly are movable along paths that are perpendicular to each other. An applicator assembly includes pipettes which transfer fluid samples from a specimen tray to an electrophoresis plate mounted on the electrophoresis platform. The electrophoresis platform then moves to a position into the gantry assembly, where electrophoresis is conducted to separate the samples into different fractions. The electrophoresis platform then moves beneath a reagent pouring station where a reagent is applied to make the separated fractions fluoresce under ultraviolet light. The electrophoresis platform is then moved beneath the gantry assembly again, and an air knife in the gantry assembly spreads the reagent.

Abstract: An electrophoresis plate includes a substrate and an electrophoresis medium layer on the substrate. The electrophoresis plate may be used for medical testing by placing fluid specimens in wells on the electrophoresis medium layer so that the specimens can be separated into different fractions by applying an electric field across the electrophoresis medium layer. The electrophoresis medium layer includes liquid in a microporous gel such as agarose. The electrophoresis plate is packaged with a protective plastic film across the electrophoresis medium layer, but removal of the protective film prior to use of the electrophoresis plate leaves liquid that has been expressed from the electrophoresis medium layer on the surface of the electrophoresis medium layer.

Abstract: A thromboplastin extract including an aqueous thromboplastin extract of a powdered thromboplastin source including a metal ion chelator. A thromboplastin reagent for use in blood coagulation tests, the thromboplastin reagent includes the extract and calcium ions, and may include one or more of a stabilizer and a preservative.A process for preparing a thromboplastin extract including extracting a powdered thromboplastin source in an aqueous solution having a metal ion chelator, and separating the powder in solution into sedimented powder and supernatant thromboplastin extract. The supernatant thromboplastin extract is mixed with calcium ions, and may be mixed with one or more of a stabilizer and a preservative, to prepare thromboplastin reagent.

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus for automatically performing medical assays includes an electrophoresis platform which cooperates with a gantry assembly. The electrophoresis platform and the gantry assembly are movable along paths that are perpendicular to each other. An applicator assembly includes pipettes which transfer fluid samples from a specimen tray to an electrophoresis plate mounted on the electrophoresis platform. The electrophoresis platform then moves to a position into the gantry assembly, where electrophoresis is conducted to separate the samples into different fractions. The electrophoresis platform then moves beneath a reagent pouring station where a reagent is applied to make the separated fractions fluoresce under ultraviolet light. The electrophoresis platform is then moved beneath the gantry assembly again, and an air knife in the gantry assembly spreads the reagent.

Abstract: An analyzer system for automatic column chromatography includes chromatographic columns which are mounted in a rack. A drop removal mechanism system shakes the rack to transfer the last drop of eluate from the tip of a chromatographic column to a receptacle below the tip before the column is repositioned over another receptacle and another fluid or operation is introduced into the column. This prevents one eluate from contaminating another. The chromatographic column may have an upper end which is sealed by a foil member. During use, the foil member is ruptured by lowering a pressure cylinder with a seal-punching head against it. The pressure cylinder, which is part of the pressure tip unit, is then withdrawn so that fluid can be introduced into the column via the ruptured foil member. The pressure tip unit is then lowered into sealing engagement with the column so that pressure can be applied via a bore in the pressure cylinder.

Abstract: A pump for discharging the contents of a sealed container, such as a test tube, is connected to a body member which includes an inlet path and a discharge path with a delivery tube in the discharge path. A predetermined clearance is provided between the exterior of the delivery tube and the interior of the discharge path, the clearance providing venting, or blow-by, such that temperature changes do not cause accidental discharge of the contents of the container, while still maintaining sufficient resistance to venting for permitting pressurizing the interior of the test tube with the pump for accurately controlling the discharge of the test tube contents. A second or supplemental vent is provided in the pump.

Abstract: A platform for conducting electrophoresis includes a support, at least one first electrode which extends upward from the support, and at least one second electrode which also extends upward from the support. An electrophoresis plate is deposited on the support during a medical testing procedure. The electrophoresis plate includes a substrate and an electrophoretic medium layer on the substrate, the electrophoretic medium layer having first and second end regions. The at least one first electrode of the platform extends through a corresponding hole in the substrate to electrically contact the first end region of the electrophoretic medium layer and the at least one second electrode extends through a corresponding hole in the substrate to electrically contact the second end region of the electrophoretic medium layer. This arrangement makes it easy to install the electrophoresis plate on the platform and also provides good electrical contact with the electrodes.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for discharging the contents of a test tube which has a resilient self-sealing, reusable stopper at one end. The apparatus includes a flexible member that has a constricted end and a second end. The constricted end defines an outlet area that has an opening. A support having an aperture is disposed proximate to the flexible member. The interior of the flexible member defines a cavity. The apparatus further includes a single fluid transfer tube having a longitudinal bore. The fluid transfer tube has a sharpened end for insertion into and through the seal of the test tube and an outlet end that extends into the aperture. The longitudinal bore establishes a fluid flow path from the sharpened end to the outlet end. When the fluid transfer tube is inserted into the seal of the test tube, the interior of the sealed test tube and the outlet area opening are in fluid communication.

Abstract: A thromboplastin extract including an aqueous thromboplastin extract of a powdered thromboplastin source including a metal ion chelator. A thromboplastin reagent for use in blood coagulation tests, the thromboplastin reagent includes the extract and calcium ions, and may include one or more of a stabilizer and a preservative.A process for preparing a thromboplastin extract including extracting a powdered thromboplastin source in an aqueous solution having a metal ion chelator, and separating the powder in solution into sedimented powder and supernatant thromboplastin extract. The supernatant thromboplastin extract is mixed with calcium ions, and may be mixed with one or more of a stabilizer and a preservative, to prepare thromboplastin reagent.

Abstract: A support system for an equipment housing includes a pair of screw-adjustable legs at one end of the housing and a pivoting trestle at the other end. The pivoting trestle is made of two generally U-shaped channel members, one nested inside the other. The channel members have side walls, and a bolt extends through holes in the side walls to pivotally mount one channel with respect to the other. The housing can be levelled by adjusting the effective length of the two legs, and the trestle automatically pivots to accommodate these adjustments as they are made.