Abstract: A fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) for detecting the presence of one or more amphetamine-class analytes in a test sample is provided. The immunoassay uses competition between the analyte and a fluorescently labeled tracer for the binding site on an antibody specific for phenethylamine derivatives. The concentration of amphetamine-class analyte in the sample determines the amount of tracer that binds to the antibody. The amount of tracer/antibody complex formed can be quantitatively measured and is inversely proportional to the quantity of analyte in the test sample. The invention relates to tracers, to immunogens used to elicit antibodies for use as assay reagents, and to assay kits incorporating these tracers and assay reagents.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a reliable redox indicator composition for use in chemical assay systems and is particularly well suited for assay systems using a dry phase format. More specifically, the improved indicator composition of this invention is directed to the use of a divalent metal complex to prevent unwanted metal hydroperoxide mediated and similar-type oxidation of redox indicators. A fundamental element of the present invention involves the use of divalent metal complexes of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein M is either Zn(II), Co(II), Mn(II), or Rb(II).

Abstract: Disclosed is a tetra substituted cyclohexane having an ionophore in the one and two positions wherein the ionophore may be the same or different and is selected from the group consisting of a crown, a podand and a cryptand wherein the ionophore is capable of complexing with a metal or ammonium cation. Positions four and five are substituted by an electron donor group and an electron acceptor group. Also disclosed is a method for detecting the concentration of cations in a fluid by subjecting the fluid to the tetra substituted cyclohexane composition which will thereby complex the cation in the fluid. The cations are preferably alkali metal and alkaline earth metal cations. The fluid may be an aqueous or non-aqueous fluid or body fluids.

Abstract: For use in automated or semi-automated hematology analysis apparatus, a method of introducing a volume of blood from a source thereof along a conduit leading to a sampling, metering and transfer valve assembly of the apparatus comprising the steps of drawing a predetermined volume of blood sample from the source, causing the drawn blood sample to travel along the conduit toward the valve assembly, providing detectors adjacent the inlet and outlet of the valve assembly and using vacuum to position the drawn blood sample so that it passes through the valve assembly and is disposed in metering condition within the valve assembly, the positioning being responsive to signals provided by the detectors.

Abstract: A method of removing lipid soluble chemicals from a biological material containing the lipid soluble chemicals comprising subjecting the biological material containing the lipid soluble chemicals to hydrophobic interaction chromatography, preferably using a resin comprising octadecyl chains coupled to a silica matrix.

Abstract: A chemical sensor, such as a fiber optic chemical sensor, is self-calibrated by measuring two output values which behave differently in response to an analyte, and forming a ratio between the two measured output values to cancel out effects of variations in external factors such as temperature variations, differences between coatings, light (illuminator) variations, fouling, bleaching, leaching or the like. An indicator material may be used which produces both fluorescence and phosphorescence, both monomer and aggregate emission or absorption bands, emission or absorption bands with or without an isosbestic point, emission peaks at one wavelength at two different excitation bands, or emission peaks at two wavelengths for excitation at two wavelengths.

Abstract: A pledget containing an anticoagulant for use with a blood sample is provided. The pledget includes a filler material, such as dextran, to increase the volume anticoagulant to minimize interference with free ion measurements in the blood.

Abstract: The invention features an apparatus and method of detoxifying and/or sterilizing waste materials utilizing ozone under pressure. The waste materials are loaded into a pressurizable chamber in which the ozone is introduced under pressure. The ozone penetrates and sterilizes and waste materials, after which the gas is evacuated from the chamber following a given treatment cycle. The evacuated gas is then fed to a second, purification chamber. Any toxic substances or contaminants that may have been released in the first waste chamber and were carried along with the evacuated gas are further purified. This is accomplished by introducing ozone into the second chamber to mix with and sterilize the evacuated waste gases. This second introduction of the ozone to purify the waste gases is an essential step of the process, and ensures that none of the toxic or contaminating substances escape to the environment.

Abstract: Transparent soap bars are made by a process comprising mixing solid, non-hydroscopic trialkylamine oxide dihydrate with a fatty acid soap and other conventional ingredients such as triethanolamine, glycerine, water, perfume, and the like.

Abstract: A method for measuring trace amounts of analyte substance(s), which utilize a pH electrode is disclosed. This method is by far simpler than conventional optical detecting systems. The apparatus for practicing the method is also disclosed. By the use of pH electrode, the apparatus is compact, inexpensive and easy to operate, and hence usable in small-size and medium-size hospitals or clinical laboratories and by patient's bedside.

Abstract: Automatic apparatus for cleaning dental handpieces and turbines is in the form of a housing having a compartment with hinged door. Standard motor noses project down from the top of the compartment to receive handpieces or turbines to be cleaned. Cleaning fluids, namely water, a disinfectant and oil are supplied sequentially to the motor noses while internal shafts of the motor noses are rotated by a set of pinions to drive the handpieces or turbines while the fluids are passed through them. The hinged door has an inflatable tube seal.

Abstract: Detergent bars suitable for use as toilet soaps are made by mixing an effective amount of a trialkylamine oxide dihydrate in a detergent bar formulation.

Abstract: A pourable amine oxide composition which is suitable for use in detergent compositions is obtained be reacting a tertamine with aqueous hydrogen peroxide in a nonionic surfactant as the sole organic solvent, at least a portion of the nonionic surfactant being a fatty alkanolamide corresponding to the formula ZC(O)NZ'Z" in which Z is an alkyl group containing 4-30 carbons, Z' is hydrogen or an alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group containing 1-3 carbons, and Z" is a hydroxyalkyl group containing 1-3 carbons. When the composition has a low water content, it is suitable for use in water-sensitive formulations, such as bar soaps and detergent concentrates.

Abstract: Certain phenalenimine fluorescent compounds represented by the structure ##STR1## wherein R' and R" are independently hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or a heterocycle, or R' comprises the carbon and heteroatoms which forms a fused ring with the compound nucleus, are useful in biomedical and analytical determinations. These compounds can be used for staining cells, as well as for the determination of various analytes found in human or animal biological fluids. Such determination can be carried out in solution or by using dry analytical elements. The fluorescent compounds can be reacted with quinone nuclei to form reducible compounds which are also useful in analytical methods. In addition, the compounds can be incorporated into what are known as "loadable" latex particles to form detectable labels and biological reagents.

Abstract: In the method for the evaluation of agglutination reactions between a reagent and a biological fluid to be examined, the reagent and the biological fluid are intimately mixed by agitation with a tumbling motion. The mixture is then placed in the ray path of an optical measuring system and, while maintaining the tumbling motion and superimposing a translational motion at right angles to the optical axis of the measuring system, an image of the agglutinates formed in the mixture is produced on a focusing screen, and the image is evaluated with an evaluation unit.

Abstract: A composition suitable for addition to an aqueous system which comprises a mixture of the following three components(i) a phosphonocarboxylic acid which contains at least 3 acid groups which are carboxylic and phosphonic acid groups, such that at least one acid group is a carboxylic acid group and at least one acid group is a phosphonic acid group, at least the said 3 acid groups being attached to carbon atoms, or a water-soluble salt thereof,(ii) an amino phosphonic acid having the formula:H.sub.2 --PO.sub.3 (CH.sub.2).sub.n --N(R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)in which R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 independently represent hydrogen, alkyl, of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, --(CH.sub.2).sub.n PO.sub.3 H.sub.2, or --(CH.sub.2).sub.n COOH, and n is 1 or 2, or a water-soluble salt thereof, and(iii) an aminophosphonic acid oxide of the formula:H.sub.2 --PO.sub.3 (CH.sub.2).sub.n --N(.fwdarw.O) (R.sub.1)(R.sub.2)in which R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and n are as defined above, or a water-soluble salt thereof.

Abstract: A portable instrument for use in the field in detecting, identifying, and quantifying a component of a sampled fluid includes a sensor which chemically reacts with the component of interest or a derivative thereof, an electrical heating filament for heating the sample before it is applied to the sensor, and modulator for continuously varying the temperature of the filament (and hence the reaction rate) between two values sufficient to produce the chemical reaction. In response to this thermal modulation, the sensor produces a modulated output signal, the modulation of which is a function of the activation energy of the chemical reaction, which activation energy is specific to the particular component of interest and its concentration. Microprocessor which compares the modulated output signal with standard responses for a plurality of components to identify and quantify the particular component of interest.

Abstract: An apparatus for preserving and conducting chemical tests on corneal tissues. The apparatus consists of a chamber having a medial portion with a port therethrough. Operatively attached to the port is a system for retaining the cornea in position. Placed over the port and in direct contact with the cornea is a cover member of non-abrasive, biologically compatible material. A nutrient supply conduit delivers liquid nutrients to the cover member from an external source. The nutrients are imparted to the cornea through direct contact between the cornea and the cover member. Residual nutrients are collected in a reservoir secured to the chamber beneath the port. The reservoir is drained using a waste conduit. Also, the chamber is filled with nutrients so that the inner surface of the cornea is sustained. As a result, the corneal tissues are maintained in a living state.

Abstract: An assay device is provided which includes a support, generally planar and elongated in shape, upon which a biological binding reaction may take place. This assay support includes in its broadest aspect, three sections, a sample receiving well section at one end and a gripping section at the opposite end, with a connecting section therebetween. The sample receiving well section includes at least two spaced-apart receiving wells, generally at the end of the assay support, for the addition of binding reactants. Each of the wells has an open end on a first face of the support, a concave inner surface extending concavely into the support, and a convex outer surface which projects convexly from an opposed face of the support. These wells may serve as a depository to contain aliquots of binding reagents, as well as a sample under analysis, the sample under analysis possibly containing a substance that will bind to the binding reagents.