Abstract: An improved automated immunoassay analyzer including a high throughput automated immunoassay system which can perform high volume testing on a broad range of analytes while selecting from among a diverse set of immunoassays for any given sample. The immunoanalyzer has the capacity to perform a wide range of different types of immunoassays by facile storage and automated combination aboard the instrument among a wide variety of different types of reagents and heterogenous immunoassay beads stored on-board the instrument. The automated design allows reduced user interface (e.g., tests are performed automatically from computer input) including the ability to order, perform and reassay tests reflexively based on test results without operator intervention. Further, the inventive analyzer is not sample tube specific; that is, an instrument that can accept sample tube sizes within a broad size range.

Abstract: An improved automated immunoassay analyzer including a high throughput automated immunoassay system which can perform high volume testing on a broad range of analytes while selecting from among a diverse set of immunoassays for any given sample. The immunoanalyzer has the capacity to perform a wide range of different types of immunoassays by facile storage and automated combination aboard the instrument among a wide variety of different types of reagents and heterogenous immunoassay beads stored on-board the instrument. The automated design allows reduced user interface (e.g., tests are performed automatically from computer input) including the ability to order, perform and reassay tests reflexively based on test results without operator intervention. Further, the inventive analyzer is not sample tube specific; that is, an instrument that can accept sample tube sizes within a broad size range.

Abstract: A bead dispenser device, and a system comprising a plurality of same, useful for supplying, one at a time, beads for heterogenous immunoassay, including a track capable of storing and feeding a plurality of substantially spherical beads by effect of gravity to a lower track end, where the track is sealingly housed within an enclosure having a base including upper and lower sections defining a plunger chamber, and a bead chamber defined in the upper section communicating with the lower track end and the bead chamber being offset along the plunger chamber relative to a bead exit opening in the lower section, with a plunger sealingly provided in the plunger chamber capable of horizontal reciprocal movement within the plunger chamber, the plunger having a throughhole defining another bead chamber normally aligned with the first-mentioned bead chamber at the lower track end and with a plunger portion concurrently blocking the exit opening via a horizontal biasing device acting on the plunger, wherein when opposing

Abstract: A manipulator for holding and positioning a test head which is used with automatic test equipment. The manipulator includes a horizontal telescoping member attached to a vertical column. The test head is attached to an assembly suspended from this member. Six planes of free motion of the test head are provided. The column can pivot around a vertical axis. The telescoping member can move up and down along the column and can telescope in and out. The test head assembly can pivot about a vertical axis. Within the assembly, the test head can rotate around two orthogonal vertical axes. This arrangement allows the test head to be positioned into a wide variety of positions. The manipulator includes a set of cable support rings which reduces the forces a cable places on the test head when it is moved. This arrangement allows a prober to be positioned beneath the test head so that the manipulator occupies very little floor space.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high speed homogenizer which has an adjustable gripping means to grip and hold containers of varying size. This gripping and holding means can be centered or decentered under the homogenizing tool. Decentering a container held by the gripping and holding means tends to minimize or even eliminate vortexing problems. The homogenizer also has electronic means for controlling the speed and time of operation of the homogenizing tool. The electronic control means of the homogenizer can also monitor the temperature of the sample being homogenized and respond to changes in temperature when necessary. The homogenizer can be easily adjusted up and down a vertical support post by a counter weighting mechanism such as a constant force spring.

Abstract: A status display for a hardware modeler includes an LCD panel which is divided into regions corresponding to cartridge banks and each region is further divided into sections corresponding to individual cartridges. The sections display relevant identifying information for its associated cartridge. If the cartridge is currently active, that information is shown in reverse video to indicate that the cartridge is active. The modeler can be paused by pressing a pause switch. The modeler's processor then inhibits activity of inactive cartridges and, at the next opportunity, inhibits activity of active cartridges so that the cartridges can be rearranged, etc. The status of the modeler as a whole is also displayed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for processing photosensitive material and, in particular, to a compact table top apparatus for developing silver halide photosensitive materials, such as a sheet or web of photographic film or paper or plate, and its use.

Abstract: A shelving apparatus includes a vertically extending first leg having a first end with a frusto-conical outer surface. A horizontal shelf has a frusto-conical hole. A vertically extending second leg has a first end with (a) a frusto-conical inner surface having a taper shaped to engage the frusto-conical outer surface of the first leg, and (b) a frusto-conical outer surface having a taper shaped to engage the frusto-conical inner surface of the shelf hole. Preferably, all engaging frusto-conical surfaces and holes are coaxial and cofrustal. Alternative tapered structures for the first and second legs and shelf hole may be provided.

Abstract: A device for mounting a treatment electrode on the skin of a patient in an area covered by a body cast comprises an access window secured intermediate the ends of a relatively flexible band embedded in the body cast. The access window has a releasably latched cap with a central opening in which is secured a flexible diaphragm for supporting an electrode in contact with the adjacent skin area of the patient. The cap opening is normally tightly closed by a removable cover.

Abstract: The portable infant carrier is made with a mesh body of three-dimensional shape which is molded with the frame of the seat. The mesh body conforms to the shape of the individual infant and thus permits an infant to be carried in a supported, semi-fetal position. A handle is provided by which the carrier can be transported in a pendulum-like manner. The seat may also be pivoted into one of a plurality of reclining positions relative to the leg support.

Abstract: A cold weather breathing device having an improved conduit which has swivel connections and hinge connections, and having an improved dual-flap valve arrangement to reduce vibration and to provide a faster acting valve device. Further disclosed is a deflector baffle arrangement which promotes synchronous valve cycling even under severe conditions and a cool air bypass in the conduit of the device to enable the user to mix cool and warm air so as to provide the desired temperature of the breathed in air.

Abstract: A cold weather breathing device comprises a mouthpiece, a valve unit containing first and second valves in air communication with the mouthpiece and a conduit (preferably flexible) extending downwardly from the valve unit. The first valve in the valve unit provides air communication between the conduit and the mouthpiece when the user inhales, and blocks said air communication when the user exhales. A second valve in the valve unit provides air communication between the mouthpiece and an exhaust opening of the valve unit when the user exhales, and for blocking such air communication when the user inhales.

Abstract: A photographic tray having inwardly turned upper edges, ribs along the lower surface thereof for making the tray more rigid and upwardly sloping bottom surface portions on which the tray may be rocked to agitate a liquid located therein is fabricated as a single, unitary structure by blow molding techniques. The tray is also provided with a pouring spout and with a specially designed molded-in portion for resting a thermometer in the tray so that it will not be dislodged or otherwise inadvertently moved. The tray is fabricated as a closed container by blow molding, and a major surface is then cut off, for example, by sawing, routing, or any other suitable method to arrive at the resultant tray.