Abstract: Methods and apparatus for measuring the concentration of decomposable substances, such as urea, are disclosed. The disclosed methods include adding a gaseous buffer, such as CO2, to the solution containing the decomposable compound, measuring the conductivity of the solution, decomposing the decomposable compound, measuring the conductivity of the thus-decomposed compound solution, and calculating the differential conductivities between the two measured solutions. The apparatus for carrying out these methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for the conduct of electrochemiluminescence measurements includes an ECL chamber having a transparent window defining one wall of the chamber and a photodetector mounted closely adjacent thereto. An assay fluid is subject to a magnetic field and is electrically energized. Electrochemiluminescence induced in the fluid is measured by the photodetector.

Abstract: A luminescence detecting apparatus and method for analyzing luminescent samples is disclosed. Luminescent samples are placed in a plurality of sample wells in a tray, and the tray is placed in a visible-light impervious chamber containing a charge coupled device camera. The samples may be injected in the wells, and the samples may be injected with buffers and reagents, by an injector. In the chamber, light from the luminescent samples pass through a collimator, a Fresnel field lens, a filter, and a camera lens, whereupon a focused image is created by the optics on the charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. The use of a Fresnel field lens, in combination with a collimator and filter, reduces crosstalk between samples below the level attainable by the prior art. Preferred embodiments of the luminescence detecting apparatus and method disclosed include central processing control of all operations, multiple wavelength filter wheel, and robot handling of samples and reagents.

Abstract: Electrochemoluminescent detector for analyzing a biochemical or biological substance, comprising at least a cell (11, 12) generating and detecting the electrogenerated chemoluminescence, which includes: at least a working electrode (16, 17) produced on a substrate (20); electric power supply (13) connected to the electrode; a photodiode (14) detecting the light generated by electrochemoluminescence; and a device for measuring the signal delivered by the photodiode. The photodiode (14) is produced by being integrated in the substrate (20). The cell comprises two interdigital working electrodes protected by a passivation layer (18) leaving part of their top surface in contact with outside. An intermediate layer (19) of dielectric material is inserted between the electrodes and the substrate (20).

Abstract: The oxygen and carbon dioxide content of expired respiratory gas is determined by measuring the mass and volume of the expired breath. From the composition of the inspired gas which may either be assumed or measured, the mass of the inspired volume may be determined, and since the inspired and expired breaths contain the same mass of nitrogen, the oxygen and carbon dioxide content of the expired breath may be determined. Measurements of temperature and humidity may be required to account for temperature and humidity changes between the inhalation and the exhalation or the inhaled gas may be adjusted in temperature and humidity to equalize the inhaled and exhaled temperature and humidity conditions. The mass and volume of the expiration and the volume mass of the inhalations are determined by an ultrasonic transit time system and a gas density sensor.

Abstract: A surface detector array device suitable for use with a biosensor is disclosed. The device is formed of a substrate having a surface defining a plurality of distinct bilayer-compatible surface regions separated by one or more bilayer barrier regions. The bilayer-compatible surface regions carry on them, separated by a film of aqueous, supported fluid bilayers. The bilayers may contain selected receptors or biomolecules. A bulk aqueous phase covers the bilayers on the substrate surface.

Abstract: Diagnostic assay system for conducting a luminescent test and recording luminescent signals generated thereby on an image recording material. The system comprising a light-tight housing assembly, an image recording system, and an assembly for holding at least one chemical implementation device mounted in the assembly. The system also including a movable shutter mechanism and a biasing device for moving the shutter. The present invention also includes, in one embodiment, a method of conducting a chemiluminescent test comprising: providing a implementation and diagnostic testing device; placing the implementation device in the assembly; applying a force to a penetrating member; moving a shutter actuator; actuating a timer; returning the shutter; and then ejecting the image.

Abstract: A synthetic strategy for the creation of large scale chemical diversity. Solid-phase chemistry, photolabile protecting groups, and photolithography are used to achieve light-directed spatially-addressable parallel chemical synthesis. Binary masking techniques are utilized in one embodiment. A reactor system, photoremovable protective groups, and improved data collection and handling techniques are also disclosed. A technique for screening linker molecules is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of quantitative microspectroscopy, and in particular to a method for calibrating a sample analyzer, which is preferably a disposable sample analyzer.

Abstract: Highly efficient, low cost, methods and compounds to determine product authenticity, tampering, manufacturing compliance are provided. The methods and chemicals defined are capable of measuring the relative amount of key materials in these products. The compounds are light emitting and interact with key elements in products like, neutral spirits, vodka, tequila, soft drinks and infant formulas. After the interactions are complete, methods are employed to determine resulting key components by light emission.

Abstract: A workstation has a transfer device with a gripper which is suitable for gripping sample tubes by a gripper clamp and for moving them from a sample tube rack to a sample tube bucket, for example for centrifuging. The transfer device has a receiving device (23) which can be gripped on a cylindrical upper handling part (25) by the gripper and removed from a holder (24) in which it has been placed in a defined position. It has an intermediate part (33) with, on its lower end, four hooks (37) which are arranged at the apices of a rectangle and can engage eyes in the sample tube buckets. After use, the receiving device (23) is replaced in the holder (24).

Abstract: A novel solar cell is shown, along with a method for the manufacture thereof, whereby molecules whose presence are to be verified and/or substances are deposited on such solar cells and are influenced by chemical or physical parameters to cause a change in the original electric parameters of the solar cells, such as photoelectric current or photoelectric voltage which facilitates the detection of chemical, biochemical and/or physical perimeters and substances on the solar cells. The sensitive molecules and/or substances, under certain conditions, also produce color or transmission changes, so that the photoelectric current of the solar cells change and, therefore can also be used as an indicator.

Abstract: A fragrant potpourri gel mixture is disclosed for dispensing fragrance to the air from a container, with the mixture lacking free liquids and being pourable into or out of the container. The fragrant potpourri gel mixture is prepared by providing an aqueous-based liquid, adding a bittering agent, and combining a coloring agent to form an aqueous-based mixture. An oil-based compound having a volatile fragrance oil component is added to the aqueous-based liquid. An absorbent polymer is mixed in by agitation or stirring to absorb the aqueous-based liquid within a gel mixture and to emulsify the oil-based fragrance component throughout to form a heterogeneous gel mixture having a plurality of micro-droplets of oil fragrance components and air pockets suspended therein. The heterogeneous gel mixture is prepared at room temperatures without heating. The volatile fragrance components of the micro-droplets volatilize from the surfaces of the micro-droplets when exposed to the air.

Abstract: A method for the conduct of a measurement of proximity between luminescent species based on detection of transfer of excitation energy between them. A first photoluminescent species (the “donor”) and a second photoluminescent species (the “acceptor”) are provided and are such that the donor species and the acceptor species have at least some excitation spectral regions which differ and that at least a part of the emission spectrum of the donor overlaps with at least a part of the excitation spectrum of the acceptor.

Abstract: Devices and test kits are provided for glucose detection and quantification in urine. The devices and kits comprise a chromogenic indicator mixture comprising a first indicator capable of color development to indicate the presence of a low-to-medium concentration of glucose, a second indicator capable of color development to indicate the presence of a higher concentration of glucose, wherein the first indicator prevents color development of the second indicator unless the higher concentration of glucose is present in the urine, and a non-chromogenic scavenger that interferes with color development of the first indicator when glucose levels are below a threshold concentration, and a carrier impregnated with the chromogenic indicator mixture.

Abstract: A sterilization monitor includes a substrate and an monitor composition. The monitor composition contains a colorant and a halogen source and undergoes a distinct color change when exposed to a peracid. The sterilization monitor can be used to monitor a sterilization process involving a peracid. A sterilization monitoring device, including a sterilization monitor enclosed in a housing having a vapor permeable barrier, can also be used to monitor a sterilization process.

Abstract: A method for the quantitative determination of silica oil or siloxane concentrations present in trace quantities in silicas or pyrogenic oxides by the quantitative evaluation of proton spectra is presented. The silica or pyrogenic oxide of interest is dispersed in a suitable organic solvent and the phases are then separated. The liquid phase is evaporated to a dry residue which is then redissolved in a deuterated solvent. The redissolved residue is evaluated quantitatively by proton NMR spectroscopy to determine the concentration of silica oil or siloxane by measuring the integral of the methyl silyl protons present in the 1H spectra and comparing same to the integral of the deuterated solvent.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method for determining an analyte in which a dye solution is illuminated to induce a first and a second output light at a first and second wavelength, respectively, and the analyte concentration is determined from the measured first and second output intensities. The apparatus includes a probe (12) containing a dye solution, a light source (24), a frequency-sensitive photodetector (28) and a controller (90).

Abstract: A staining apparatus for preparation of tissue specimens placed on microscope slides, comprising a plurality of stations in the form of vessels having liquid baths for receiving baskets or suspensions receiving microscope slides with the topical specimens, a device for transporting each of the baskets/suspensions to respective stations to undergo a staining process, and a control unit for controlling the staining process in accordance with a chosen program. The apparatus is provided with a magazine for loading and simultaneous reception of a chosen number of baskets/suspensions with microscope slides, the magazine being provided with a device for heating of the baskets/suspensions placed in the magazine.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optochemical sensor consisting of a polymer matrix and a luminescent colorant material contained therein, whose emission power may be modified by the substances to be detected after being excited with electro-magnetic radiation. The polymer matrix is formed by at least one polymer, wherein no plasticizers have been added, which polymer contains phenyl groups in the main chain and may also be sterilized. the invention also relates to a method for producing the disclosed optochemical sensor, wherein a solution of a polymer is prepared, wherein 0.01 to 100 mMol luminescent colorant material per polymer is added to the solution and the mixture is solidified to obtain a homogenous membrane.