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: Apparatus for measuring electrolyte concentrations in fluid samples. The apparatus includes an ion selective electrode capable of generating a voltage differential having a magnitude related to the concentration of the corresponding electrolyte in the sample. A voltage to optical transducer circuit is provided to convert the voltage differentials to a digital code and then to an optical signal which is related to the concentration of the electrolytes. The optical signals are suitable for detection by conventional optical detector apparatus of assay instruments. A passive duplex transfer is utilized to simultaneously read one optical signal while transferring the next bit of the digital code. The duplex transfer configuration also makes novel use of the photodetection properties of an LED.

Abstract: A semi-automated biological sample analyzer and subsystems are provided to simultaneously perform a plurality of enzyme immuno assays 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: Apparatus for measuring electrolyute concentrations in fluid samples. The apparatus includes an ion selective electrode having a plurality of ion selective detection sites. Each site has an affinity for a preselected electrolyte of interest and generates a potential having a magnitude related to the concentration of the corresponding electrolyte in the sample. A voltage to optical transducer circuit is provided to convert the voltage differentials to optical signals having intensity related to the concentration of the electrolytes in a first embodiment, a digital code related to the concentration of the electrolytes in a second embodiment, and an optical absorption or density value related to the concentration of the electrolytes in a third embodiment. The optical signals are suitable for detection by conventional optical detector apparatus of assay instruments and may be processed using conventional two point linear interpolation techniques to determine the concentrations of the preselected electrolytes.

Abstract: A two-part test cartridge for use in a centrifugal analyzer for measuring the concentration of different electrolytes in blood or blood serum samples has one part which is disposable and which is characterized by a sample entry port, one or more filled calibrant chambers, a waste chamber and passages between various chambers; and a second, mating part which is reusable and which is characterized by an ISE, a power supply and circuitry therefor, and a series of chambers and passages adapted for communication with the series of chambers and passages in the disposable part.

Abstract: An improved ISE is provided for measuring the concentration of an electrolyte in a sample in a centrifuge-type analyzer utilizing a multichamber test pack. The reference cell and sensor cell of the ISE are each comprised of an electrode, fill solution, housing and membrane in a fully self-contained configuration. Each cell is of sufficiently small size to fit in the test pack. The electrode of each cell is provided with screw threads to allow each cell to be screwed directly into the test pack thereby securing the cell to the test pack and at the same time providing a convenient electrical contact to the readout electronics of the test pack. With the present design manipulation of the ISE sensor output voltage can be achieved by varying the known ion concentration of the fill solution. Also provided is a novel method of introducing a fill solution into the cell after all of the cell components are in place.

Abstract: A portable ultrasonic Doppler System for sensing movement, e.g. fetal heartrate, within a body. A handheld unit includes a housing containing an ultrasonic transmitter and an ultrasonic receiver. The ultrasonic receiver detects ultrasonic energy emitted from the ultrasonic transmitter and reflected off of the moving object being monitored. The handheld unit also includes a radio frequency transmitter for transmitting a carrier modulated in accordance with the response of the ultrasonic receiver. A radio frequency receiver unit, separate from the handheld unit, receives the signal broadcast by the handheld unit. The receiver unit drives a speaker or earphone to provide an audio output for listening to the moving object being monitored. Digital display and memory circuitry is also provided which can be used in conjunction with said receiver unit to store and display data indicative of the movement being monitored.

Abstract: A method of automatic combustion control in a combustion system comprising a combustion chamber, combustion means for causing the combustion of fuel in the chamber, a heat exchanger connecting with the combustion chamber, an exhaust passage connected with the heat exchanger, and fuel supply means for supplying fuel to the combustion means, such method comprising measuring the combustion temperature in the combustion chamber and producing a first quantity corresponding in magnitude with the combustion temperature, measuring the exhaust temperature in the exhaust passage and producing a second quantity corresponding in magnitude with the exhaust temperature, producing a summation of the first and second quantities and thereby producing a summation quantity, and varying the supply of air to the combustion means in such manner as to maximize the summation quantity, whereby the combustion efficiency is also maximized.

Abstract: The vibratory-rotary motion converter may comprise a vibratory member having a generally cylindrical external surface, supporting means for supporting the vibratory member for axial vibratory motion along the cylindrical axis of such surface, vibration producing means for causing such axial vibratory motion of such member, a rotary member slidably and rotatably mounted around such cylindrical surface for rotary motion relative thereto about the cylindrical axis thereof, a shoulder member on the vibratory member and having a shoulder facing toward said rotary member, and at least one flexible resilient arm on the rotary member and having an end portion extending toward said shoulder for engagement therewith, the arm being oriented for flexing motion in a direction such that the end portion of the arm has axial and circumferential components of motion relative to the cylindrical axis, the rotary member being biased toward the shoulder to produce a yieldable biasing force between the shoulder and the end portion

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer device is disclosed, comprising an elongated front end mass, an elongated tail mass, a pair of piezoelectric elements disposed between said front end mass and said tail mass, an electrode disposed between said piezoelectric elements, means for clamping said front end mass and said tail mass together with said piezoelectric elements and said electrode clamped therebetween, and a mounting member having an opening therein slidably receiving said piezoelectric elements and portions of said front end mass and said tail mass, said opening having a sufficiently loose fit with said piezoelectric elements and said masses to obviate any substantial damping of ultrasonic vibrations. Preferably, said electrode comprises a plate projecting outwardly beyond said piezoelectric elements, said mounting member having an internal peripheral slot within said opening and slidably receiving said electrode plate to restrain said piezoelectric elements and said masses against longitudinal movement.

Abstract: Devices are disclosed using ultrasonic vibratory energy for atomizing water, gasoline or other liquids, for use in humidifiers, carburetors, and the like. A humidifier or atomizer is disclosed comprising an ultrasonic transducer having a vibratory member, together with means for producing ultrasonic vibrations thereof, a liquid supply conduit for directing a liquid into contact with the vibratory member, and a collection receptacle disposed below the vibratory member for collecting the liquid when the ultrasonic transducer is not in operation.

Abstract: The cueing device, to facilitate the operation of bringing the stylus of a phonograph pickup into engagement with a selected unrecorded zone of a phonograph record, so that the next recorded zone will be played, may include a light source mounted on the pickup for providing a light beam to be reflected from the face of the record to a photoelectric device on the pickup. A utilization device, preferably including a visual signal mounted on the pickup, is operated when the reflected light beam is received by the photoelectric device from the unrecorded zones. The light source, the photoelectric device and the light path therebetween are preferably mounted in a transverse perpendicular plane, transverse to the record grooves and generally perpendicular to the record face. The light reflected by the unrecorded zones is given a polarization in a plane transverse to such transverse perpendicular plane.

Abstract: An ultrasonic piezoelectric device is disclosed, comprising a piezoelectric transducer having at least one piezoelectric element having a pair of electrodes on opposite sides of the element, a solid-state amplifier having input and output connections, a driver transformer having a primary winding connected to said output connection of the solid-state amplifier, the driver transformer having a secondary winding connected to the electrodes of the piezoelectric transducer, a feedback transformer having a secondary winding connected to the input connection of the solid-state amplifier, the feedback transformer having a primary winding, and a phase shifting circuit connected between the primary winding of the feedback transformer and the electrodes of the piezoelectric transducer.