Abstract: A device for performance of ligand-receptor assay methods for determining the presence of a liquid. The preferred ligand-receptor pair are antigen-antibody pairs. The device has a membrane having the receptor physically bound to its surface. The membrane is disposed at the top of a body member, and is affixed thereto by means for attaching, which is preferably a cap with a funnel depression. A porous means is disposed below the membrane to absorb liquid. Substantially all of the top surface of the membrane is exposed. The receptor site typically occupies only a portion of the top of the membrane, and in a preferred embodiment, a funnel member releasably attaches to the cap, thereby conveying the sample through only that area of the membrane having the receptor site. The device has a piston means disposed inside the body member, and in air-tight seal with the body member. Means to actuate the piston means are disposed outside the body member.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling antibody testing devices for use in conducting biotests which utilize a powder fluid absorbing material to fill the housing of the antibody testing devices. The apparatus has several stations at which the various assembly steps take place. At the first station, lower housing portions of the antibody testing device are loaded onto a conveyor belt. At a second station, the lower housing portions are loaded with a fluid absorbing powder. At a third station, the powder loaded lower housing portions are engaged with a slotted indexing carousel wheel and are carried away from the conveyor belt. At a fourth station, the liquid absorbing powder in the lower housing portion is compressed therein. At a fifth station, a disk of filter material is placed atop the liquid absorbing powder loaded into the housing portion. At a sixth station, caps carrying membranes which have been spotted with receptors are engaged with the powder filled housing portion.

Abstract: A new apparatus and method for immunoassays. A gold sol bead is held in a funnel member. First antibodies are associated with the gold sol bead. When the sample contacts the gold sol it dissolves the bead. A second antibody is impregnated on an immunosorbent surface. When the dissolved gold sol passes this surface, any antigen already reacted with the first antibody present reacts with the second antibody forming a gold: first antibody: antigen: second antibody: immunosorbent complex. The gold sol acts as the visible label.

Abstract: A device for performance of ligand-receptor assay methods for determining the presence of a ligand. The preferred ligand-receptor pair are antigen-antibody pairs. The device has a membrane having the receptor physically bound to its surface. A closable gap exists between the membrane and an absorbent means. Substantially all of the top surface of the membrane is exposed. The device has a piston means disposed inside the body member, and in air-tight seal with the body member. Means to actuate the piston means are disposed outside the body member. The piston means creates a region of reduced pressure.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for collecting liquid analytical samples for examination, particularly whole urine and blood samples, and reproducibly separating them into two or more fractions. A sample is disposed within such an apparatus, then staining with dye or reacting with reagent as necessary without dislodging or disturbing the sample within the apparatus, or the arrangement of the apparatus itself. A sample can be transferred from the apparatus which serves as a preparation zone, to a separate analysis zone. An apparatus is shown of a type utilizing a container and a petter, said petter provided with an upper portion which enables attachment to the container, a lower retainer portion including a peripheral aperture, the non-apertured portion of which enables wedge-fit thereof into the container, and a body portion connecting the upper petter portion and lower retainer portion.

Abstract: A volumetric pipette having branches. A liquid sample is drawn up into one branch and a precise volume is expelled by using the second branch. The pipettes of the present invention are conveniently made by blow molding plastic.

Abstract: The disclosure teaches a pipette or petter tube and a system using the pipette to obtain reproducible liquid samples of known small volume. The pipette has an elongate body with one end adapted to be removably engaged by an aspiration device and the other end which is closed is adapted to contact a surface. The body has a spherical portion proximate the closed end. At least one aperture penetrates the wall of the spherical portion. When the petter tube is used in conjunction with a hollow tube having a known volume and of such size that the closed end of the pipette contacts the bottom of the tube a quantity of liquid can be aspirated from the tube leaving only a small predetermined volume behind.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically assembling immunotesting filter funnels. At a first station, a slotted indexing carousel receives correctly oriented funnel retaining rings. At a second station a disk of filter material is placed in the retaining ring. At a third station a funnel body is placed in the retaining ring. At a fourth station, the funnel body is forced into the retaining ring forming a completed funnel. At a fifth station the completed funnels are removed.

Abstract: A apparatus for joining a pair of molded plastic pieces and an interference fit joint including a plurality of pegs on a first piece and a plurality of elongate sockets on a second piece. The elongate sockets have a first dimension less than 1.0 times the diameter of the pegs to achieve an interference fit and a second dimension of at least 1.25 times the diameter of the pegs. This invention has particular utility in the manufacture of disposable laboratory slides.

Abstract: A compound is bound to a membrane which is reactive to a component in a fluid sample which is being tested. Under the membrane a porous support is added. The fluid sample suspected of containing a specific component is drawn over the membrane and into the porous support by a piston and cylinder arrangement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that imprints protein binding membranes with predetermined patterns, determined by (a) a pattern cut in a porous foam, or (b) a circular pattern achieved by contacting a drop of protein containing solution. The apparatus and process are particularly well adapted to forming the active surface for devices that detect antigens with antibodies.

Abstract: A specimen gathering method and apparatus having a piston operated ejectable scoop member. Preferably, the specimen gathering device inserts into a container and releasably seals the container. The apparatus is useful for gathering and transporting stool and other biological specimens.

Abstract: A transparent laboratory slide for wet mount microscopic examination. A base member is formed with discrete platform surfaces or slide plates over which a cover slip is removably positioned. The fluid specimen to be examined is retained in the thin space between the platform surface and the cover slip by a capillary action. Peg and socket interconnecting means provide precise spacing between the platform and the cover slip. The platform surface is raised from the bottom wall of the base and the sides of the platform are opened to the external environment. This slide conveniently provides for low power and high power magnification as well as increased magnification by means of oil immersion.