Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for the detection and/or quantification of a microbial contaminant, for example, a bacterial endotoxin or a glucan, in a sample. In particular, the invention provides a test cartridge useful in the practice of hemocyte lysate-based assays for the detection and/or quantification of a microbial contaminant in a sample. In addition, the invention provides methods of making and using such cartridges. In addition, the invention provides a rapid, sensitive, multi-step kinetic hemocyte lysate-based assay for the detection and/or quantification of a microbial contaminant in a sample. In addition, the invention provides a glucan-specific lysate that can be used in a variety of assay formats, including, for example, a test cartridge, optionally configured to perform a kinetic assay.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for the detection and/or quantification of a microbial contaminant, for example, a bacterial endotoxin or a glucan, in a sample. In particular, the invention provides a test cartridge useful in the practice of hemocyte lysate-based assays for the detection and/or quantification of a microbial contaminant in a sample. In addition, the invention provides methods of making and using such cartridges. In addition, the invention provides a rapid, sensitive, multi-step kinetic hemocyte lysate-based assay for the detection and/or quantification of a microbial contaminant in a sample. In addition, the invention provides a glucan-specific lysate that can be used in a variety of assay formats, including, for example, a test cartridge, optionally configured to perform a kinetic assay.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for the detection and/or quantification of a microbial contaminant, for example, a bacterial endotoxin or a glucan, in a sample. In particular, the invention provides a test cartridge useful in the practice of hemocyte lysate-based assays for the detection and/or quantification of a microbial contaminant in a sample. In addition, the invention provides methods of making and using such cartridges. In addition, the invention provides a rapid, sensitive, multi-step kinetic hemocyte lysate-based assay for the detection and/or quantification of a microbial contaminant in a sample. In addition, the invention provides a glucan-specific lysate that can be used in a variety of assay formats, including, for example, a test cartridge, optionally configured to perform a kinetic assay.

Abstract: A Stirling cycle engine or refrigerator with a reciprocating piston within a cylinder and a reciprocating displacer rod within the bore of the piston, has a first generally cylindrical metal bellows sealing the space between the cylinder and piston and a second metal bellows sealing the space between the piston and displacer rod. A constant volume of substantially incompressible liquid is maintained in spaces adjacent and supporting one side of each bellows with the opposite sides respectively exposed to working gas at operating pressures of the apparatus.

Abstract: A record structure for recording with a radiation beam uses a transparent disc or drum, a coaxial backing disc or drum and two coaxial resilient ring-shaped seals to provide an enclosure between the discs or drums. Radiation-sensitive recording material on the side of the disc or drum within the enclosure is thereby protected from ambient dust particles and other contaminations, while the gaseous or solid by-products of the inter-action between the recording material and the radiation beam in the area around which the beam impinges are substantially contained between the disc surfaces and cannot produce deposits on an objective lens used to focus the radiation beam or poison the user.