Abstract: A single projector is used to project a grating pattern on the surface of the object being measured, and the grating pattern is recorded simultaneously by two cameras from two different directions relative to the direction of projection. Both cameras record images of the same object areas. The fringe phases of the image patterns recorded by each of the two cameras are computed separately; and the object coordinates, which are computed from the combination of the computed fringe phases of both cameras, are unambiguous within a large measured range.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for the handling and detecting of an electrophoretic transfer membrane is disclosed herein, the improvement comprising guide apparatus designed to accommodate the transfer membrane, a pressure head positioned relative to the guide apparatus to releasably engage the membrane, and light shielding apparatus positioned relative to the guide apparatus to selectively enclose about the transfer membrane. The apparatus is operated so that the pressure head engages a flexible portion of the transfer membrane containing an electrophoretic blot while it is in a position appropriate for detection. There is also disclosed herein a process for utilizing the apparatus of the invention. In the process drying and optionally heating of the membrane where the blot has been contacted with enzyme-triggered 1,2-dioxetanes, to enhance the resulting chemiluminescent signal, is disclosed.

Abstract: A device for colorimetric assay of at least one component in a liquid sample, which device comprises a support, a reagent layer formed on a part of one surface of the support and a sample-receiving layer which covers at least a part of the reagent layer and at least a part of the support surface, with which the timing of application of a sample on the device is automatically detected with accuracy.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for generating superoxides and other free radicals for cleaning and sterilizing contact lenses tonometers and other poorly oxidizing objects in an electrolytic solution which may optionally include an antiseptic such as hydrogen peroxide enzymes and soaps and for neutralizing the above agents by using electrolysis to decompose the peroxide and to generate free radicals that neutralize the enzymes and soaps and sterilize. The apparatus includes a timer for controlling the process and indicating when sterilization and neutralization are taking place and when they have been completed.

Abstract: Apparatus for sterilizing objects with a gaseous ethylene oxide held in a sealed ampule of the type including a breakable section, includes a cartridge for holding the sealed ampule in a substantially immovable manner, the cartridge including a first chamber for containing the ampule, a second chamber for holding an absorbent cotton material to hold the liquid sterilant upon breaking open of the ampule, the first and second chambers being in communication with each other, a transverse bore extending into the first chamber and outlet openings in the second chamber; a push-button slidably movable in the transverse bore for breaking open the ampule upon depression of the push-button in the transverse bore, wherein, upon breaking open the ampule, the gaseous sterilant escapes from the ampule through the outlet openings into sterilizing contact with the objects; a releasable guard for preventing slidable movement of the push-button in the transverse bore to prevent breaking of the ampule; and a liner bag for holdi

Abstract: A process for treating musculoskeletal tissue which comprises contacting musculoskeletal tissue with both an effective amount of at least one treating agent selected from the class consisting of antibiotics and disinfectants, and an agent to increase diffusion of the treating agent into the tissue, such as a surfactant or a permeation enhancer. The disinfectant and/or antibiotic function in killing bacteria, vegetative organisms, and viruses (including HIV virus) which may be remaining in the musculoskeletal tissue. A preferred disinfectant is ethanol.

Abstract: A chemical analysis system including a suction unit for sucking an amount of a sample from a sample vessel and determining whether or not the sucked sample is of a sufficient amount for analysis. If the sucked amount is of a sufficient amount, it is transferred directly to a reaction vessel for mixture with a reagent in a measurement unit for analysis. If the sucked amount is of an insufficient amount, it is initially transferred to a temporary sample storage unit in order to detect the amount of insufficiency and then is transferred to the measurement unit for mixture with the reagent and also with a dilution solution which is added to the insufficient sample in an amount determined by the amount of insufficiency determined in the temporary sample storage unit. Then, the analysis of the previously insufficient amount of sample is performed taking into account the amount of dilution solution added to the previously insufficient amount of sample.

Abstract: A sensing element for sensing the concentration of an analyte in a medium is disclosed. The sensing element comprises a matrix material having at least one indicator component covalently bonded thereto. The indicator component is capable of providing a signal dependent on the concentration of a analyte in a medium. The indicator component is derived from at least one indicator compound having an aromatic ring to which is directly bonded a group including a functional portion which is conjugated relative to this aromatic ring.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for conducting a reaction, such as an extraction reaction. The device is flexible and provides contained compartments with pre-incorporated liquids. The liquids are reliably moved past temporary barriers by constructing the barrier to be a relatively thin sheet that bursts preferentially compared to seals between the sheet and the rest of the material defining the compartments.

Abstract: Method for the manufacture of a self-supporting test field material of very small layer thickness. In a strip of test material (1) comprising an open-pored fibre structure a reagent film mass (6) is embedded from an application side (1a) in such a way that it extensively penetrates into the pores of the carrier material. The reagent film mass (6) is smoothed on the opposite side (1b) by the relative motion of the ribbon and a smoothing tool (4) in such a way that the pores of the composite fibre structure are spanned by the reagent film mass (6). Finally, the carrier material ribbon (10) thus produced is dried essentially free of contact.

Abstract: A method and product whereby color changing indicator salts such as cobaltous salts, preferably CoCl.sub.2 or CoBr.sub.2, are firmly adhered to sand, other particulate silicas or other carriers so that unwanted fines, material loss and solvent washing characteristic of prior indicator salt-coated carriers are eliminated. The process is carried out by thoroughly dehydrating a quantity of cobaltous salts and dissolving and storing the dehydrated cobaltous salt in absolute alcohol, preferably absolute ethanol. The absolute alcohol/cobaltous salt solution is then contacted onto a dehydrated or anhydrous carrier material and the absolute alcohol solvent is removed.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the detection and semi-quantitative measurement of analytes. The assay results are visualized by the formation on a filter of a colored annular or circular spot, the diameter of the spot being related to the concentration of the analyte of interest. The filter on which the assay results are visualized is divided into multiple regions by strips of non-porous tape crossing the filter surface. The invention also includes a component for diluting sample to a suitable concentration for analysis, and dispensing the diluted sample onto the test filter.

Abstract: A process is disclosed wherein whole blood or a blood fraction, such as platelets or leukocytes are stored within a modulated electrical field, such as a capacitive field, to extend the shelf life of the blood or fraction.

Abstract: The apparatus serves for testing and measuring blood clotting time. Blood or blood plasma (12) and a reagent (13) are introduced into a measuring cuvette (8). The clotting time is measured electro-optically with the aid of a stirring element (9) which is arranged in the measuring cuvette (8), can be attracted magnetically and is driven by a magnetic stirring device arranged outside the measuring cuvette (8). The method and apparatus are suitable for automatic measuring methods owing to the fact that blood plasma (12) and reagent (13) are introduced beside one another onto an essentially horizontal internal surface (10) of a measuring cuvette (8) provided with an opening above this surface (10), in that the measuring cuvette (8) and its contents are heated to the reaction temperature, in that the measuring cuvette is pivoted by essentially 90.degree.

Abstract: Contrail detection aft of an aircraft is provided by a rear-looking ranging system carried by the aircraft. A randomly modulated laser beam is directed into a detection volume aft of the aircraft for scatter back toward a detector on the aircraft. Bistatic mounting of a laser and a telescope of the detector preclude sensing of the scattered beam forward of the detection volume. Processing of the detected scattered beam includes cross correlation and analysis to indicate the formation of the contrail aft of the aircraft.

Abstract: A multi-well filtration apparatus is provided that has a housing, a multi-well filtration plate, and a pivotable member. The pivotable member secures the multi-well filtration plate to the housing and is associated with a resilient member. When the multi-well filtration plate is pressed against the pivotable member, it pivots, and the resilient member compresses to allow the pivotable member to instantaneously engage the multi-well filtration plate to secure it to the housing. The pivotable member can quickly release the multi-well filtration plate by simply exerting a force on a surface of the pivotable member.

Abstract: A semi-automated biological sample analyzer and subsystems are provided to simultaneously perform a plurality of enzyme immunoassays for human IgE class antibodies specific to a panel of preselected allergens in each of a plurality of biological samples. A carousel is provided to position and hold a plurality of reaction cartridges. Each reaction cartridge includes a plurality of isolated test sites formed in a two dimensional array in a solid phase binding layer contained within a reaction well which is adapted to contain a biological sample to be assayed. The carousel and cartridges contain structures which cooperate to precisely position the cartridges in each of three separate dimensions so that each cartridge is positioned uniformly. An optical reader operating on a principle of diffuse reflectance is provided to read the results of the assays from each test site of each cartridge.

Abstract: A process to inactivate viruses or bacteria by disinfecting whole blood products and blood products, including red blood cells, plasma and plasma fractions is disclosed. The process includes providing a disinfectant composition may also be applied to plasma fractions.

Abstract: A fiber optic optical osmometer (50) includes a fiber optic probe (20) inserted into a chamber (24) including a filter member (10 ) and a diaphragm (14) responsive to a pressure change in the chamber. The filter member transmits a fluid including an analyte into the chamber. A reagent within the chamber reacts with the analyte to form a reaction product. The filter member retains the reaction product in the chamber creating a pressure change. The diaphragm is illuminated by light directed to it from the fiber optic probe. Light reflected from the diaphragm is returned via the fiber optic probe to a detector and measurement electronics. As the diaphragm responds to pressure changes in the chamber, light returned to the detector is modulated proportional to the pressure change. The pressure change may be interpreted as a measure of the concentration of the analyte in the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a homogeneous process for the detection and/or determination of an analyte in a medium in which it may be present, by disclosing the reaction product of the analyte and a corresponding receptor, process consisting in: 1) adding to said medium a first reagent consisting of a receptor for the said analyte; 2) adding a second reagent consisting of at least one of the components of the reaction product of the analyte and at least one of its receptors; one of the two reagents being coupled with a luminescent compound and the other reagent possessing a heavy atom or units containing a heavy atom; 3) incubating the medium after addition of each reagent or after the addition of both reagents; 4) exciting the resulting medium and 5) measuring at equilibrium or during the kinetics, the signal emitted by the luminescent compound, said signal being modulated by the heavy atom effect.