Abstract: An analyzer for performing automated assay testing. The analyzer includes a storage and conveyor system for conveying cuvettes to an incubation or processing conveyor, a storage and selection system for test sample containers, a storage and selection system for reagent containers, sample and reagent aspirating and dispensing probes, a separation system for separating bound from unbound tracer or labeled reagent, a detection system and date collection/processing system. All of the subunits of the machine are controlled by a central processing unit to coordinate the activity of all of the subunits of the analyzer. The analyzer is specifically suited for performing heterogeneous binding assay protocols, particularly immunoassays.

Abstract: A dual analyzer system comprising at least two analyzers where samples to be tested are partitioned into three groups in accord with the frequency the test assays are requested. One analyzer performs a portion of the most frequently menu assays and all of a first subgroup of less frequently requested assays. The second analyzer performs a similar portion of the most frequently menu assays and all of a second subgroup of less frequently requested assays. The first of the analyzers is not equipped to perform any of the second subgroup of assays and the second analyzer is not be equipped to perform any of the second subgroup of assays.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for taking absorbance-based chemical measurements are described. In a specific embodiment, an indicator-based pCO2 (partial pressure of CO2) sensor displays sensor-to-sensor reproducibility and measurement stability. These qualities are achieved by: 1) renewing the sensing solution, 2) allowing the sensing solution to reach equilibrium with the analyte, and 3) calculating the response from a ratio of the indicator solution absorbances which are determined relative to a blank solution. Careful solution preparation, wavelength calibration, and stray light rejection also contribute to this calibration-free system. Three pCO2 sensors were calibrated and each had response curves which were essentially identical within the uncertainty of the calibration. Long-term laboratory and field studies showed the response had no drift over extended periods (months).

Abstract: A process is described, and also the system for its embodiment, for the determination of pollution by MTBE in the soil and in the overlying atmosphere. An example is described relating to the monitoring of underground fuel tanks for autotraction containing an oxygenated additive.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying a biological sample associated with a container is disclosed. A universally unique-identifier is associated with each container. In one or more embodiments, the identifier comprises one or more markings having a specular reflectance which differs from the specular reflectance of the outer surface of the container adjacent the markings. A detection apparatus detects the differences in specularly reflected light to identify the identifier associated with the container. The identifier is associated with certain information regarding the container and biological sample. From that point forward, any information about the contents of the container may be retrieved by searching on its container ID. Because the container ID is assured by its manufacturer to be universally-unique, the container and sample may move from one organization to another under the same identifier, and information about the contents of the container may be shared by querying on its container ID.

Abstract: A tube rack comprises a base having an array of vertical openings extending therebetween, the openings being configured and dimensioned to receive a plurality of tubes, with the upper ends of the tubes being accessible at the top surface. The base includes base sidewalls that each include a co-axial trunnion extending from the associated sidewall.

Abstract: This device is directed at filling multiple receptacles without losing integrity of the system. It is also directed at receiving a (sealed) container of receptacles (opened or stopper/closed), opening an access into the sealed container, retrieving receptacles, filling those receptacles, stoppering the receptacles after filling and ejecting the receptacles, either directly into the outside environment or into a closable sack or container, in the latter case while maintaining the integrity of the environment within the device and, if desirable, the sack or closed container.

Abstract: A drying composition according to the invention is composed of a solution of a surface-active agent in a mixture of a fluorinated hydrocarbon and of a polyfluorinated alcohol of formula: Rf—(CH2)n—OH??(I) in which n is equal to 1 or 2 and Rf represents a linear perfluoroalkyl radical containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms.

Abstract: An irreversible temperature indicating paint comprises 29 wt % to 37 wt % cobalt zinc silicon blue phenacite and a frit, 35 wt % to 45 wt % acrylic resin and 20 wt % to 30 wt % silicone resin excluding solvent. The solvent comprises a mixture of 80% 1-methoxy-2-propanol and 20% dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether. A particular irreversible temperature indicating paint comprises 34.9 wt % cobalt zinc silicon blue phenacite and a frit, 42.5 wt % acrylic resin and 22.6 wt % silicone resin excluding solvent. The irreversible temperature indicating paint is used to determine the temperatures to which various parts of turbine blades, turbine vanes or other components are subjected in operation of a gas turbine engine.

Abstract: A method of broad screen detection, competitive dye desorption from a solid adsorbent, is described for quantifying the presence of a molecule or target analyte in the vapor phase, in solution, or eluted from a solid. In the function of an analytical element for implementing the competitive dye desorption method of the invention, dye or dye-precursor molecules adsorbed on the surface of an adsorbent are caused to desorb through the adsorption of the target analyte on the adsorbent. The desorbed dye or precursor is made detectable through sequestering of a radiation detectable species in the device of the invention. Such detection may occur, e.g., through absorption or emission of radiation in regions of the spectrum extending from the ultra-violet through the visible and into the infra-red regions. In one aspect of the invention, these processes occur within a multi-layer analytical element, in which the functions of the device may be executed by different layers.

Abstract: A viscous liquid vibration damping composition containing (A) 30-95 weight percent of a viscous liquid, and (B) 5-70 weight percent of at least two solid powders having different average particle diameters, where the difference between the respective average particle diameters of the two solid powders is at least 10 &mgr;m. These viscous liquid vibration damping compositions are superior in vibration damping properties, and possess a stable vibration damping characteristic that is not significantly affected by temperature changes.

Abstract: A multichemistry measuring device and diagnostic test strips which, in combination with the multichemistry measuring device, provide a multichemistry testing system are disclosed. The test strips are for chemical analysis of a sample, and are adapted for use in combination with a measuring device having a test port and capable of performing a multiplicity of testing functionalities. Each type of test strip corresponds to at least one of the testing functionalities, and at least some types of test strips have indicators of the testing functionality on them. The test port is adapted for use in combination with a multiplicity of different types of test strips and includes a sensor capable of specifically interacting with the indicator(s) on the test strips, thereby selecting at least one of the multiplicity of testing functionalities corresponding to the type of test strip.

Abstract: The method for presenting grain for NIR spectography examination includes causing the grain to move downward across a sloping presentation surface; associating the optics of an NIR spectography apparatus with the presentation surface to permit light from the optics to be projected into the curtain of grain at a substantial right angle with respect to the direction of flow of the curtain of grain over the presentation surface. An apparatus for presenting grain for NIR spectography examination includes the structure for practicing the aforementioned method.

Abstract: Reagents and a method for simple and rapid discrimination and counting of erythroblasts in peripheral blood or circulatory system-related samples accurately with high precision is disclosed. The reagents include a hemolytic agent for dissolving erythrocytes in a body fluid sample and for conditioning leukocytes and erythroblasts in the sample to be suitable for staining, and including at least one fluorescent dye selected to stain leukocytes and erythroblasts differentially. When the selected fluorescent dye is mixed with the sample, a detectable difference in fluorescence intensity at least between leukocytes and erythroblasts arises under laser illumination in flow cytometric analysis. The reagents further include surfactant added to the hemolytic agent, selected to enable flow cytometric discrimination of erythroblasts in the body fluid sample by their maturation stages.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing compositions including (a) a compound selected from the group consisting of CHF2CF3, CHF2CHF2, CH2FCF3, CH3CF3, CH3CHF2, CH2FCF2CHF2 and CHF2CF2CF2CHF2 and (b) at least one saturated halogenated hydrocarbon and/or ether having the formula: CnH2n+2-a-bClaFbOc wherein n is an integer from 1 to 4, a is an integer from 0 to 2n+1, b is an integer from 1 to 2n+2-a, and c is 0 or 1, provided that when c is 1 then n is an integer from 2 to 4, and provided that component (b) does not include the selected component (a) compound, wherein the molar ratio of component (b) to component (a) is between about 1:99 and a molar ratio of HF to component (a) in an azeotrope or azeotrope-like composition of component (a) with HF.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting a fluid specimen, locally analyzing the specimen to qualitatively detect specified chemical components at concentrations above threshold levels, and providing machine readable test results for facilitating data collection and reporting. The apparatus includes an assaying device comprised of a cup for collecting a fluid specimen and a cap carrying at least one test strip for visually reacting to one or more specified chemical components in the specimen. The cap also carries an aliquot delivery mechanism for forcing an aliquot of the fluid specimen onto the test strip. The assaying device is preferably configured to interact with a reader device capable of reading the reaction of the test strip to produce a data output.

Abstract: A hair root collection kit for delivering hair samples to a laboratory for DNA analysis of the root sheaths includes a card with an adhesive strip extending thereacross for holding the hair samples on the card. With the hair samples on the card, the root sheaths overlie a non-adhesive impermeable plastic area. The card is covered by a clear plastic cover for protecting the hair during delivery to the laboratory.

Abstract: A fracturing fluid is provided for use in fracturing subterranean formations. It comprises a hydrocarbon base. In the base, acidified alkyl phosphate esters are complexed with metallic cations, to form a gel.

Abstract: A method and composition for controlling corrosion of metals, particularly ferrous-based metals in contact with aqueous systems is disclosed, which includes treating industrial waters with a combination of a tetrazolium salt of the general formula: where R1, R2 and R3 may be various organic or inorganic substitutents, where n may be 1 or 2, and at least one other aqueous system treatment material.

Abstract: Devices and methods for collecting a fluid specimen and testing it are disclosed that avoid unduly exposing the tester to the specimen and eliminate the possibility of contaminating the remaining portion of the collected fluid. The device includes a first compartment for collecting the fluid and provides controlled volumes of fluid from the first compartment to a second compartment where the fluid is accessible to test strips. Fluid from the first compartment is transferred to the second compartment by use of a fluid metering valve having a valve cylinder with one or more wells formed on the surface of the cylinder. The fluid metering valve is fluidly connected to the first compartment at a first valve position and is fluidly connected to the second compartment at a second valve position.