Abstract: A multi-chambered pump-valve device for performing chemical processes, detections or analyses is described herein. The device includes a plurality of chambers having variable volumes in fluid communication with one another via one or more passageways. Liquid may be directed through the device by merely changing the volumes of two or more chambers. Despite the simplicity of the mode for transferring liquids in the device, complex chemical processing sequences may be performed using the device. A plurality of devices may be incorporated into a larger apparatus so that a plurality of chemical processing operations may be performed substantially simultaneously in parallel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device, system and method for desiccation of liquid samples. The device includes multiple concentration chambers, each having a gas inlet and a gas vent. Methods of using the device to desiccate multiple liquid samples also are provided. The device may be assembled with a processing device to form a module. Such modules may be assembled to form a system designed, e.g., to provide automated chemical analyses of liquid samples. The system is particularly useful for modular, high-throughput chemical processing, especially in the fields of genomics and proteomics.

Abstract: A device for indicating residence time in a liquid disinfection solution, the device comprising a visually observable detector of exposure of the device to the solution, the device being selected such that upon exposure of the device to the solution the detector visibly changes after a predetermined time interval.

Abstract: A fluorescent ionophoric compound is disclosed that includes a complexing moiety, such as a cryptand or crown-ether portion, and a fluorescing moiety such as a coumarin portion. The coumarin portion may be substituted at the 3-position with an electron withdrawing or polarizable group such as a substituted aromatic group or a substituted heterocyclic group having a heteroatom in at least one of its alpha positions. The compound, which exhibits good photostability, can be incorporated into cation-sensing composite structures by means of convenient points of covalent attachment.

Abstract: A dental air-water syringe includes a handle and a tip as well as a device for purifying water flowing through the tip. In one embodiment of the invention, the water purifying device is contained within a housing of the tip and optionally includes a number of iodide beads disposed along the length of the housing. In another embodiment of the invention, the device is detachably connected to the tip, and the tip and the device have outer diameters that are approximately equal.

Abstract: A dental impression tray has wall portions defining at least one channel for receiving a quantity of photocurable dental impression material. At least one of the wall portions is located next to the chamber and is made of a material that transmits electromagnetic actinic radiation. The tray also includes a chamber for receiving a chemiluminescent composition. Light emitted from the chemiluminescent composition induces the curing of the impression material in a uniform manner along the length of the channel.

Abstract: A dental impression tray includes at least one array of solid state light emitters for curing photocurable impression material received in a channel of the tray. The tray includes a body presenting the channel, and a housing that is detachably connected to the body. The tray preferably includes a battery that extends along a buccolabial side of the tray body and as a result is received in the patient's oral cavity when an impression is taken.

Abstract: A dispenser refilling system includes a bulk container for refilling a cartridge of a dispenser, so that the cartridge need not be disposed of after a single use. The system preferably includes one or more fill tubes that are movable by lever operation for extension into the chamber of the cartridge when desired. Each fill tube couples to a piston in the cartridge and directs the component to be replenished in the cartridge chamber through a port in the piston. In certain embodiments, the system includes two bulk containers and a dual chamber dispensing cartridge, and structure is provided to prevent inadvertently reversing the position of the cartridge and for insuring placement of the containers in proper receptacles.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring the concentration of an analyte in a medium is disclosed. In one embodiment, the sensor comprises a sensing element including a matrix material and, covalently bonded thereto, one or more monomeric indicator components each of which is capable of providing a first emitted signal of a given wavelength in response to being exposed to an excitation signal. The sensing element is capable of providing a second emitted signal having a longer wavelength than the first emitted signal or signals in response to being exposed to the excitation signal, the second emitted signal being provided by an excimer component produced in the sensing element from the monomeric indicator component(s) and being dependent on the concentration of the analyte in the medium to a greater extent than the first emitted signal or signals.

Abstract: A dental impression tray includes a self-contained light source for curing photocurable impression material. The light source is a solid state light emitter such as a light emitting diode. In one embodiment, an array of light emitting diodes is arranged along a channel of the tray. In another embodiment, a light dispersive material distributes light into the tray channel from a bank of one or more emitters.

Abstract: A fluorescent ionophoric compound comprises a cryptand portion and a coumarin portion substituted at the 3-position with an electron withdrawing or polarizable group. The compound, which exhibits good photostability, can be incorporated into cation-sensing composite structures useful in biological and environmental testing, which can be used with conventional glass optics, by means of convenient points of covalent attachment.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring the concentration of an analyte in a medium is disclosed. In one embodiment, the sensor comprises a sensing element including a matrix material and, covalently bonded thereto, one or more monomeric indicator components each of which is capable of providing a first emitted signal of a given wavelength in response to being exposed to an excitation signal. The sensing element is capable of providing a second emitted signal having a longer wavelength than the first emitted signal or signals in response to being exposed to the excitation signal, the second emitted signal being provided by an excimer component produced in the sensing element from the monomeric indicator component(s) and being dependent on the concentration of the analyte in the medium to a greater extent than the first emitted signal or signals.