Abstract: A sensor made of porous matrix or sol-gel glass and non-enzymatic macromolecular polymer immobilized in the sol-gel glass. The macromolecule is physically entangled or otherwise trapped, and does not leach regardless of exposure to elevated temperature and pressure. Surface effects are minimized since the there is no chemical bond between macromolecules and sol-gel glass. Indicator molecules may be attached to the macromolecular polymer either before or after the macromolecule is incorporated into the porous matrix.

Abstract: In a method of determining creatinine clearance for detecting and monitoring renal dysfunction, spot samples of urine and blood from a person are obtained. Specific gravity and creatinine concentration of the urine sample are measured. Creatinine concentration of plasma of the blood sample is also measured. Creatinine clearance is calculated as a function of the measured urine specific gravity, the measured urine creatinine concentration and the measured plasma creatinine concentration.

Abstract: The system for analyzing multiple samples includes a plurality of portable of sample supports each for accommodating a plurality of samples thereon, and an identification mechanism for identifying each sample location on each of the plurality of sample supports. The mass spectrometer is provided for analyzing each of the plurality of samples when positioned within a sample receiving chamber, and a laser source strikes each sample with a laser pulse to desorb and ionize sample molecules. The support transport mechanism provided for automatically inputting and outputting each of the sample supports from the sample receiving chamber of the mass spectrometer. A vacuum lock chamber receives the sample supports and maintains at least one of the sample supports within a controlled environment while samples on another of the plurality of sample supports are being struck with laser pulses. The computer is provided for recording test data from the mass spectrometer and for controlling the operation of the system.

Abstract: Testing apparatus is provided in the form of a pen and has a body 11 and cap 12. The body 11 has an inlet 13 at its tip which communicates with a fuel cell chamber 14, containing a fuel cell 15, and, via that chamber, with a passage 16 and a cylinder 17. A piston 18 is mounted in the cylinder 17 for operation by a button 19, a spring 21 and latch 22 such that it can draw air through the inlet 13 to the fuel cell 15. If the inlet 13 is placed in a user's mouth the apparatus can provide an indication of his breath alcohol concentration, for example, on display 23.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring liquid aldehydes includes a liquid sample pouring mechanism for dividing a liquid sample which contains aldehydes into a formaldehyde measuring liquid sample and a total aldehyde measuring liquid sample and pouring the liquids separately from each other; a formaldehyde measuring mechanism for measuring the liquid formaldehyde in the formaldehyde measuring liquid sample; a total aldehyde measuring mechanism for measuring the liquid aldehydes in the total aldehyde measuring liquid sample; and a formaldehyde ratio calculating mechanism for calculating the ratio of the formaldehyde to the total aldehyde from the results of the measurements of the respective aldehyde measuring mechanisms.

Abstract: An azide catalyst for peroxyoxalate chemiluminescence reactions is provided, which catalyzes a reaction of an oxalic acid ester compound with a peroxide in a solvent to produce 1,4 dioxetane dione as an intermediate that is subsequently decomposed catalytically by a fluorescent agent to emit light. The catalyst improves not only luminous efficiency such as luminous time and luminous intensity but also reaction of the intermediate with a peroxide.

Abstract: Apparatus for assaying a fluid sample with radiation capable of exciting fluorescence in fluorescent material comprises a totally internally reflecting, unitary elongated substrate transmissive to both the excitation radiation and to the fluorescence. The fluorescent material includes at least a moiety of an antibody-antigen complex that includes a tag that will provide the fluorescence when excited by an evanescent wave generated by the excitation radiation. The substrate includes an elongated fiber and an integral lens formed to guide the optical radiation into the fiber within the bounds of a critical angle to assure total internal reflectance. A hollow elongated enclosure is disposed concentrically about and spaced from the fiber so as to provide an interspace of capillary dimensions.

Abstract: A reagent system for accurately determining the volume of a pipette using a photometer is disclosed. The reagent system for use with the photometer includes a first container holding a reference solution and at least one second container holding a sample solution. A container holding the reference solution having maximum absorbance at a first wavelength is positioned in the photometer. The absorbances of the container at the first wavelength and at a second wavelength are measured. Then the optical pathlength of the container at the second wavelength is calculated from the measured absorbances at the first and second wavelengths. An aliquot of the sample solution is introduced into the container with a pipette to be calibrated. The sample solution has maximum absorbance at the second wavelength. The sample solution is mixed with the reference solution to form a mixture. Then the absorbance of the mixture in the container is measured at the second wavelength.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for accurately determining settling data for the settling of erythrocyte cells from a plasma fluid in a test specimen of blood. The apparatus includes a settling tube, a sensing assembly movably mounted proximate the settling tube. Preferably an infrared emitter and detector are provided in the sensing assembly, and a control assembly is provided which senses data at a high rate and is responsive to the sensed data to sample or store the time at which sensed reflectivity exceeds a threshold level. When the threshold is reached, data is sampled and the tracking head is moved by a very small step. This process is repeated to enable tracking of the descent of the separation boundary between the erythrocyte cells and plasma fluid. The apparatus senses changes in reflectivity of the erythrocyte portion of the specimen below and up to the separation boundary.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel lytic reagent composition highly selective in its interactions with the cell membranes of blood cells and also provides a method of using the reagent composition in a semi-automated or an automated system to effect a significantly improved white blood cell differential determination. The lytic reagent composition is characterized by an ability to selectively shrink the white blood cells into the increasing size order of lymphocytes, a midregion consisting mainly of monocytes, other mononuclear cells, some basophils and eosinophils, and neutrophils and can readily be optimized to effect a significantly improved three component separation on the histogram of commercially available semi-automated and automated blood analyzers when compared to the reagents conventionally employed on such instruments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for manipulation of very small droplets of liquid, by placing the droplets on wettable positioning electrodes on a non-wettable substrate, applying voltages to the positioning electrodes to electrostatically charge the droplets, and applying voltages of opposite polarity to target electrodes, thereby attracting the droplets from the positioning electrodes toward the target electrodes. The electrodes can be on a manipulation surface or on a separate portable dispensing tool or pickup tool.

Abstract: This invention is a self-contained NO.sub.x sensor assembly. It may be used to detect NO.sub.x levels in a flowing gas stream such as might be found in an exhaust gas from a combustion process and to produce a measurable electrical output related to the content of NO.sub.x measured. The NO.sub.x sensor assembly is of a configuration that may be detached from a mounting and replaced. The sensor assembly comprises two sensor elements one of which is made up of a catalyst on a temperature measuring device. The other is a gas stream ambient temperature measuring device. The catalyst is selected and configured so that it selectively reduces NO.sub.x and the resulting heat of the reaction raises the temperature of the allied temperature measuring device. The sensor assembly also contains a NO.sub.x reductant source. The sensor assembly may be placed in a moving vehicle for measuring NO.sub.x levels in its exhaust gas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing detectable intestinal parasites. The method includes obtaining an intestinal mucosa sample (e.g. feces) having intestinal parasites, such as Dientamoeba fragilis; and contacting the obtained intestinal mucosa sample with an acridine base compound (e.g. acridine orange and/or acridine yellow, etc.) such that the intestinal parasites become differentially stained and detectable by a human eye when viewed through a fluorescence microscope. The apparatus includes a kit or the like which includes at least one vessel or vial. Preferably, two vials are contained within the kit with one vial having an isotonic salt solution including a salt, sodium chloride, potassium phosphate, etc., and the other vial containing an acridine biological staining compound.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing solder on the terminal pads of printed circuit boards in which a solder resist layer or layers having a thickness corresponding to the desired solder height border the pads. Molten solder from a reservoir is directed by nozzles against the sides of the board to fill the cavities extending above the terminal pads while the board is moving via a conveyor mechanism relative to the reservoir. The cavities when filled with molten solder are covered by a suitable element such as a flexible belt or roller. The molten solder within the covered cavities is then cooled below its solidification point and the covering element removed. If desired, part or all of the solder resist layer or layers may then be stripped from the board to leave solder pads extending above the surface of the board.

Abstract: The content of decomposable organic carbon compounds present in a gaseous phase is determined down to the parts per billion (10.sup.-9) range and in special cases down to the parts per trillion (10.sup.-12) range. The gaseous sample material being tested is introduced into a limited quantity of water wherein the organic compounds are photolytically decomposed. The decomposition products are ascertained in the carrier gas and/or in the limited quantity of water.

Abstract: An analytical device is used for the determination of an analyte in a liquid sample. The device includes a fleece layer including fleece material and polyester fibers, and a reagent for determining an analyte. The reagent is for entering into a detectable reaction with the analyte. The polyester fibers are heat-meltable copolyester fibers containing terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, and 1,4-butanediol.

Abstract: Air reactivity, CO.sub.2 and soot index of a carbon product is determined. The air reactivity and CO.sub.2 reactivity of a sample of a carbon product are determined on the basis of the same test of the same sample. Air reactivity is analyzed first and, when such analysis is finished, CO.sub.2 reactivity is automatically analyzed on the same sample. The soot index is determined by collecting and weighing soot dust. A vertical tube furnace includes an inlet for the introduction of gas, and a sample holder which is freely suspended from a weighing device and extends down into the tube furnace. The sample holder is provided with one or more thermocouples for registering temperature of a carbon product.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a weather resistance test on a composite material having a metallic, inorganic, or organic base member, and an organic material covering the base member. The apparatus includes a sample holding device disposed in a sample chamber for holding a sample of the composite material. An artificial light source irradiates light substantially in the ultraviolet light area to one surface of the sample. A dipping mechanism dips the sample in a corrosive ionized water, and dew condensation is formed through a temperature control device disposed in the sample holding device, working with a moisture source, for causing dew condensation in the surface of the sample. A cleaning device is provided for cleaning the surface of the sample, and steaming of the sample is performed through the use of a heating element disposed in the sample chamber, and the moistening means, for steaming the sample in an atmosphere of high temperature and high humidity.

Abstract: Apparatus for growing tissue cultures in vitro, which permits a concentration gradient of nutrients to develop through a permeable membrane to which a sample of tissue is attached. The permeable membrane is attached to the bottom end of a cell culture insert that in turn is supported by a flange connected to its upper end on the top of a well containing the nutrients and is self centered in the well by the arrangement of the sidewalls of the cell culture insert. The self centering feature of the insert minimizes capillary action.

Abstract: A device for indicating the presence of CO.sub.2 in a patient's inhaled air comprises a CO.sub.2 detector including an indicator element (14) which undergoes a reversible color change in response to exposure thereof to air containing CO.sub.2 in concentrations of the same order of magnitude as the CO.sub.2 concentration of air exhaled by a human being, and also comprises a heat-moisture exchanger (12) including a housing (13) with a first connecting port (15) adapted to be connected to the trachea of a patient, and a second connecting port (15) adapted for connection to a ventilator or an anesthetic machine, for example. In a flow-through passage (P) extending between the connecting ports (15, 16) there is mounted an element (18) for the regenerative exchange of heat and moisture between, on the one hand, air flowing through the flow-through passage (P) in one direction and, on the other hand, air flowing through the flow-through passage (P) in the opposite direction.