Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method and reagents for determining amphetamine and methamphetamine in a biological fluid such as urine. In particular, this disclosure relates to a fluorescence polarization immunoassay procedure for determining the presence of amphetamine and methamphetamine in a single assay and to a novel class of tracer compounds employed as reagents in such procedures. The procedure described includes pretreatment of the biological sample to eliminate cross-reactants such as .beta.-hydroxyphenethylamine by preincubating the sample solely with an aqueous periodate solution having a pH from about 4.0 to about 7.5 without adjustment to an alkaline pH.

Abstract: A sample duct in a carrier line is isolated by three-way valves blocking the flow of carrier or flushing liquid from reservoirs. The sample duct may be connected to a loading syringe and to a sample reservoir respectively by the valves. When the sample duct is connected into the carrier line, pressurized carrier fluid may convey the sample for analysis through a manifold comprising valves through which reagents may be introduced from reservoirs. The sample then passes through a thermostatically controlled reaction tube to a valve which switches it between waste and an outlet leading to a detector for analysis. The carrier and flushing fluids and the reagents are pressurized by gas from an inlet which is conveyed via an overpressure vent to the reservoir by lines. Rigid inert tubing is used throughout the carrier line, sample duct, manifold and reaction tube.

Abstract: A centrifuge for performing biological and medical analyses for samples in test packs mounted in holders peripherally disposed on the centrifuge rotor. The test pack holders are also rotated relative to the rotor by means of a mechanical spinning portion fitted below the rotor. Analyses are made with a spectrophotometric measuring device, whose optical path is perpendicular to the plane of the rotor.

Abstract: A gas mixer and distributor for a reactor has first and second inlet chambers with the second inlet chamber being interposed between the first inlet chamber and an entrance to a reaction chamber. Walls form tubular or slit-like passageways extending from the first chamber to the entrance of the reaction chamber through the second chamber. Upper portions of the passageways have uniform cross-sections selected to produce gas velocities above the flashback velocity, as well as producing turbulence to completely mix gas passing from the second chamber through orifices in the walls of the passageways. Lower sections of the passageways gradually increase in cross-section to reduce velocity and minimize vortexing and recirculation at the entrance to the reactor chamber.

Abstract: A continuous process for alkylating an alkylatable hydrocarbon in the presence of a acid-type catalyst in which the alkylatable hydrocarbon is contacted with an alkylating agent in the presence of a catalyst in a reaction zone so as to alkylate the alkylatable hydrocarbon. The reaction product is separated in an acid settler vessel into an alkylate product phase, located in the upper portion of the first separation zone, and a catalyst phase located in the lower portion of the first separation zone. The catalyst phase is further separated into a first portion and second portion, such that the first portion is cooled and recycled for use in the alkylation reaction zone as a catalyst recycle, and the second portion is passed into a second separation zone, wherein the catalyst phase is further separated into a rerun catalyst stream containing acid-type catalyst and an acid soluble oil stream. The rerun catalyst stream is passed into the hydrocarbon phase of the acid settler vessel.

Abstract: Colorectal, breast or ovarian cancer can be detected by means of a blood, plasma, serum, urine or feces assay for elevated levels of 47D10 antigen using a monoclonal antibody to the antigen.

Abstract: There are described the apparatus and a process for using it, wherein a wash station is provided apart from a continuously rotating incubator. Means are provided for moving a test element to the wash station before or in the middle of its incubation, and from the wash station to the incubator after it is washed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reactor for the conversion of methane to higher molecular weight hydrocarbons comprising an annular reaction zone with ceramic baffles positioned therein perpendicular to the flow of the mixture of gas and fluidized solid catalyst, the baffles having openings adapted to permit passage of the gas-solid mixture therethrough essentially only in the overall direction of flow from inlet to outlet.

Abstract: An automatic sample delivery apparatus for delivering selectively emergency samples and standard samples by interrupting the delivery of successive routine samples, including a main-turntable on which a plurality of emergency and standard sample vessel holding recesses are formed equidistantly along a first circle, a plurality of sub-turntables arranged rotatably on the main-turntable, each having a plurality of routine sample vessel holding recesses formed equidistantly along a second circle, a main-motor for rotating the main-turntable such that any one of the sub-turntables is indexed into a sample delivery position and any one of the emergency and standard sample holding recesses is indexed into a sample sucking position, and a sub-motor for rotating a sub-turntable indexed into the sample delivery position such that routine samples set on the relevant sub-turntable are indexed into the sample sucking position.

Abstract: Heat is more efficiently transferred to the catalyst tubes in a fuel cell power plant reformer by mounting sleeves about the individual catalyst tubes. The sleeves define helical hot gas flow paths on the outside of the catalyst tubes. Adjacent flow paths are separated from each other by arcuate ribs between the tubes and sleeves that provide line contact with the outer surface of the tubes for improved heat transfer. The ribs may be formed with circular rods attached to the tubes or sleeves, or by helical grooves with semi-circular configurations formed in the sleeves. Approximately fifty percent greater heat transfer can be achieved using the line contact ribs to form the hot gas flow paths. The sleeves, tubes and ribs are all made of metal.

Abstract: A liquid handling system includes flow network module structure that defines a contained array of flow channels and a plurality of valves for controlling liquid flow through the flow channel array. The flow network module structure is adapted to be connected to an external source for applying a pressure differential to the flow network array to produce liquid flow within passages of the array. Also incorporated in the flow network module is chamber structure that is connected to the flow channel array and that has port structure in an outer surface of the module structure. Valve structure on the module structure is movable between a first position in which the port structure is closed and a second position in which the port structure is opened, the valve structure including actuator structure for moving a valve member between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A liquid monitoring system includes chamber structure with a monitoring region in which the liquid to be monitored is disposed, the monitoring region having two spaced wall portions and a supplemental wall portion. The system further includes a radiation source mounted adjacent one of the spaced wall portions or directing a beam of radiation along a horizontal path, and a sensor mounted adjacent the opposed wall portion for receiving radiation in a beam path. The incident radiation beam as it passes through the wall into the monitoring region is refracted at the region surface as a function of gas or liquid within the region. At a first refracting angle, the refracted beam impinges on the supplemental wall and is internally reflected, the reflected radiation passing along a reflected beam path and sensed by the detector to provide an indication of the fluid in the chamber. At a second refracting angle, the refracted beam is not reflected in a direction such that radiation from the source is sensed.