Abstract: An improved beta activity counter is disclosed which provides for counting plural, preferably even numbers of, samples simultaneously, while allowing automated handling of sample vial racks which are different widths are multiples of the number of simultaneous testing cells. The number of indexing steps needed per rack are adjusted automatically according to the number of vials that each rack will hold. Quench counting of adjacent samples simultaneously via use of one external source is also provided.

Abstract: A serum folate assay wherein the serum folate is stabilized with dimercaptosuccinic acid or thioctic acid.

Abstract: Compounds useful in a simultaneous multiple assay for analytes such as steroids, proteins, peptides, carbohydrates or drugs. The compound or compounds are prepared by labelling an individual analyte with a radioisotope through a chelating agent to form a coordinated compound. The assay uses one or more chelated labelled analytes with one or more labelled analytes wherein each radioisotope is different.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an automatic pipette which directly detects the volume of an inserted syringe, thus eliminating the need for operator specification of this quantity.

Abstract: A guide rail or track system for guiding test tube holders or racks from one station to another, e.g., in a mono-channel analyzer, for presenting test tubes in such holders in sequence to one or more servicing operations at a plurality of stations. The rail system may comprise a main linear guide rail along which a holder having a row of test tubes supported therein is adapted to be moved longitudinally stepwise to present each test tube in the holder in sequence to a given station, or a given position therein, where an operation is to be carried out with respect to each test tube as it is presented in the station.

Abstract: An incubation apparatus for use in automated biochemical analyzer systems which comprises a block of thermoconductive material having rows of wells for the reception of sample carriers to be incubated with temperature control attached to the block; the block resting with well openings facing downward upon a pair of insulating plates so arranged that by movement of one of the plates, a row of wells is exposed so as to allow a number of sample carriers, equivalent in number to the number of wells in a row, to be loaded into that row of wells, the sample carriers being in alignment with and directly below the row of wells; and a means for lifting the sample carriers up into the wells or lowering sample carriers down out of the wells.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned wit analytical equipment comprising a centrifuge and means for introducing and/or withdrawing from the centrifuge, a carrier for liquid materials to be centrifuged in preparation for testing. The centrifuge comprises a plurality of swing supports, such as buckets or baskets, for holders or carriers of the liquids to be centrifuged, and counterweight or balancing means for assuring balanced operation even though one or more of the swing supports is or are empty while others are loaded with carriers. Provision is also made to avoid the necessity to lower a carrier for the material to be centrifuged into the centrifuge and later lifting it out. Instead, the material is supplied and discharged in a horizontal path, avoiding the lowering and lifting.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a novel container for receiving a liquid material having a fitting at one end adapted to provide a discharge port for the liquid within the container and having at its other end a plunger or piston adapted to be moved within the inside wall of the container to discharge one or more predetermined "aliquots" or "doses" of liquid from the container through the port. The invention also comprises a novel device adapted to receive a liquid-containing cartridge or package of the type just mentioned and having means for coacting with the package to move the plunger within the container during dose-dispensing or -discharge in such a manner as to gradually accelerate movement of the plunger from a position of rest within the container through a maximum rate of motion and then gradually decelerate the motion of the plunger to a final position at the end of the dose-discharge.