Abstract: A device for carrying out extemporaneous quantitative diagnostic tests on the whole blood which comprises:a) a rigid plastic strip, to the end of which there is cemented a substrate containing a reactive substance which undergoes a selective color reaction respectively with the substance to be determined in the blood, anda visual colorimetric reference scale specific for each of the examined substances and possibly corrected so as to directly read the content of the examined substance in the plasma from the test carried out the whole blood.

Abstract: The sensor includes a sensing element of a copper oxide ceramic with perovskite related structures. Electrical circuitry responsive to the conductivity of the sensing element is provided. This conductivity is a function of the gas partial pressure. A preferred ceramic oxide is in the Y-Ba-Cu-O system and these compounds exhibit a markedly greater dependence of conductivity on oxygen partial pressure than materials previously used.

Abstract: A system for introducing a sample substance into a spectroscopical analytical instrument which includes a first pump which, when on, pumps a sample liquid and a buffer liquid, and a second pump which, when on, pumps an eluting liquid and rinsing liquid. The system includes an ion exchanger column for retaining the elements of the sample to be determined and which can be eluted by the eluting liquid. A dosing capillary serves to introduce the sample into the furnace of an atomic absorption spectrometer. A valve has a first position wherein the first end of the ion exchanger column communicates with the first pump and the second end communicates with a waste outlet port, and the dosing capillary communicates with a source of displacing fluid; and a second position wherein the second end of the ion exchanger column communicates with the second pump and the first end communicates with the dosing capillary.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for chemically fixating a plurality of tissue specimens in a multimode microwave oven. The tissue specimens are loaded in respective cassettes and then placed in radial alignment in a circular container that is filled with a fixation solution. Selective microwave shields such as metal disks with central apertures are located above and below the container which is then rotated on a turntable while being exposed to microwave energy in the microwave oven cavity. The shields are selected to provide a substantially uniform microwave field within the region occupied by the cassettes so that all of the tissue specimens are consistently and uniformly fixated.

Abstract: A surface plasmon resonance (SPR) detector includes a laser source for generating radiation which is reflected off a concave reflector to a point or line of incidence on the interface between a glass slide and a metal layer. A single pencil beam from the laser is scanned by a moving mirror across a small arc, covering those angles of incidence within which surface plasmon resonance occurs. A sensitive, for example antibody, layer overlies the metal layer to form a combined layer, and a sample to be tested is passed across the antibody layer. Any binding which occurs with the antibody layer results in the refractive index of the layer changing, and this change may be detected by monitoring the strength of the beam internally reflected at the point or line. A light detector enables the beam to be measured.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biomimetic sensor for detecting the presence of airborne toxins, such as carbon monoxide, mercury, ethylene oxide, volatile organic materials, and hydrogen sulfide. The biomimetic sensor, which has a functional life of at least one year, comprises a porous, semi-transparent substrate into which is impregnated a self-regenerating chemical sensor reagent. The response of the biomimetic sensor mimics the human response to such toxins, with respect to sensitivity and affinity. The extended functional lifetime of the biomimetic sensor and the mimicking of the human response to the toxins are achieved by the use of a molecular encapsulant that encapsulates at least one component of the chemical sensor reagent.

Abstract: A device for obtaining from at least two spatially separated areas the heterogeneous components of a liquid, especially stabilized whole blood in a flexible and transparent bag with at least one line leading out of it. The device consists of a front plate that is part of a housing, of a pressure-application plate that pivots toward the front plate, of a drive mechanism, and of a sensor. The point that the pressure-application plate pivots around is below the bag and at the point of intersection between the surfaces of the plates, specifically at least 30% of the length of the pressure-application plate away, and the drive mechanism engages a lever that is rigidly secured to the pressure-application plate. A bag employed in conjunction with the device has an intake line at the top and an outlet line and a filling and blood-collecting tube at the bottom, only one bag-to-bag transport system at the top, and no outlet connections.

Abstract: A catalytic combustion type CO gas sensor which is composed of an electrical circuit by serially arranging two coils composing an active section and a compensating section, and by providing serial bridge resistances, r.sub.1 and r.sub.2, opposing to the said coils, respectively, and via a gas sensitometer, and which determines the CO concentration based on the difference in value of resistance of both coils of the active section and the compensating section on catalytic combustion of CO, characterized by:(A) that the values of the resistance of coils of the active section and the compensating section and bridge resistances, r.sub.1 and r.sub.2, at a definite temperature are made substantially the same, and thus the temperature coefficients of the coil of the active section and the bridge resistance r.sub.1, and of the coil of the compensating section and the bridge resistance r.sub.2 are made approximately the same.(B) that the value of resistance of the coil of the active section at 150.degree.-200.degree.

Abstract: The device of the invention comprises a plurality of cartridges (1) containing serum, conjugate, substrate, blocking liquid, and a liquid-receiving well containing an antigen-carrying brush. A processing device (40) for simultaneously processing cartridges (1) considerably reduces the time required for the reaction compared with prior art devices.

Abstract: A batch sterilization system is disclosed for first loading containers to be sterilized into cars, transferring the loaded cars into one of a plurality of retorts arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns, sterilizing the containers while in the retorts and discharging the containers from the cars, discharging the cars from the retort, unloading the cars and thereafter repeating the cycle. The system includes a plurality of single or double door retorts in horizontal and vertical rows thereby minimizing floor spaced. Different horizontally and vertically spaced retorts may process products requiring different sterilization times in the retorts. A programmable computer is preferably used for performing the several functions of the sterilization system and for keeping track of the location of the containers during and after processing.

Abstract: An endless path calibration system comprising a sensor cassette having a flow-through passage and at least one sensor to be calibrated, a chamber coupled to the sensor cassette to define an endless path and a sterile calibration liquid in the endless path. A gas injection passage for injecting gas into the sterile calibration liquid and a gas vent leading from the endless path to the exterior of the endless path. A check valve allows gas to escape from the endless path and substantially prevents gas and liquid from entering the endless path through the gas vent.

Abstract: A dimensionally-stable organosilicon material composition and method for producing the material composition including noncrosslinkable, continuous phase silicone with silica filler material dispersed therethorugh, and having dissolved therein a variably-radiative material (e.g., ruthenium dye) responsive to the concentration of a selected analyte (e.g., oxygen), and the products of a reaction between water and a modifier material selected for establishing the sensitivity of said variably-radiative material to the selected analyte.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor in which the phenomenon of long-range surface plasmon resonance is used to develop a highly sensitive detector for use in biological, biochemical or general chemical testing. The sensor includes a laminar structure having of a high refractive index glass block, a membrane of dielectric material, a thin metal layer, and a sensitive layer. A sample to be tested is brought into contact with the sensitive layer. The refractive index of the dielectric layer and that of the layer (sensitive layer/sample) on the opposite side of the metallic layer should be equal, or nearly so, and the refractive index of the glass block should be higher than this so that total internal reflection takes place at the interface between the block and the membrane. Light from a laser source is totally internally reflected at this interface, and the strength of the reflected beam is monitored by a light detector.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the flows of products of decomposition in a thermogravimetric procedure such that condensation on the support for a sample and on the chamber is minimized. A mixing chamber is established about a portion of the sample support that is open to the region of the sample such that products of decomposition can enter within the hot zone about the sample. A purge gas is fed into the interior of the mixing chamber, also the hot zone, but spaced apart from the end closest to the sample. The gases commingle within the mixing chamber and are extracted from the thermogravimetric chamber via outlets in a cooler region.

Abstract: A method capable of detecting low concentrations of a pollutant or other component in air or other gas, utilizing a combination of a heating filament having a catalytic surface of a noble metal for exposure to the gas and producing a derivative chemical product from the component, and an electrochemical sensor responsive to the derivative chemical product for providing a signal indicative of the product. At concentrations in the order of about 1-100 ppm of tetrachloroethylene, neither the heating filament nor the electrochemical sensor is individually capable of sensing the pollutant. In the combination, the heating filament converts the benzyl chloride to one or more derivative chemical products which may be detected by the electrochemical sensor.

Abstract: There are described apparatus for collecting used test elements containing possibly hazardous liquids, and a method of collecting them. The apparatus features a container, and preferably a stacking station used with the container. The container can comprise a variety of configurations, and includes side walls, first and second end walls, access means in one of the side walls near the first end wall defining an aperture to allow test elements to feed into the container, and biasing means for biasing a test element against the first end wall or against a test element adjacent to the first end wall. A highly preferred form of the container is one in which one of the noted side walls is constructed to be a leaf spring.

Abstract: A rotatable partition is provided to establish a sealing relationship between each pair of successive processes in a germ-free filling/packaging system or between a said processes and the outer air and a hollow cylinder containing therein this rotatable partition is provided with an inlet through which germ-free gas flows in and an outlet through which germ-free gas flows out. Floor(s) of a germicide mist fixing station and/or a germicide removing station, and/or conveyor arms is (are) provided heater elements.

Abstract: A device for presentation of receptacles containing samples of liquid with a view to transferring them to an automatic analyzer. The device comprises a cylindrical drum forming a core integral with at least two circular crowns perforated or with cavities to receive the receptacles and sloping them relative to the axis of the drum which is maintained horizontal during the presentation of the samples with a view to transferring them into the analyzer. Such a device having a small bulk enables ideal agitation as a consequence of the rotation and tipping over of the samples during their presentation.

Abstract: A biological sensor which utilizes the phenomenon of surface plasmon resonance to detect the refractive index change which occurs when two components--for example antibody and corresponding antigen--react with one another. Surface plasmon resonance takes place at the sloping exit surface of an optical waveguide such as a fiber optic 23. The input end of fiber optic 12 is connected to a light source 12. A layer 25 of metal is applied to the sloping exit surface so as to cause total internal reflection of the light proceeding down the fiber optic. Reflected light is detected by a detector 13. A sensitive, for example antibody, layer 26 is applied to the metal layer. Sample (not shown) reacts with layer 26 in such a way that the refractive index changes. Provided conditions are correct, this variation in refractive index can be monitored in detector 13 by virtue of the surface plasmon resonance which occurs in the area of total internal reflection.

Abstract: In order to render harmless the aerosol laden smoke stream which results from the operation of medical lasers in or on mammalian bodies, the stream is moved in a closed circuit maintained at negative pressure. The circuit includes a container of sterilizing fluid to retain and destroy the larger aerosol particles and downstream of that container a chamber having an oxygen enriched atmosphere which is heated to a temperature sufficient to incinerate the remaining aerosol particles which are too small to filter. The thus purified stream is then cooled and released to ambient.