Abstract: A method of measuring the degree of partitioning of a labeled species between free and bound states which involves the use of an insoluble porous monolith having a means for binding a portion of the labeled species within the pores thereof, which monolith is capable of substantially attenuating the signal emitted by labeled species subsequently bound within the pores thereof.

Abstract: A method of preparing neocyte-enriched blood is disclosed wherein a contained sample of whole blood is centrifuged at high speed so as to distribute the blood components in said chamber along a density continuum. Following the high-speed centrifuging step, the blood components in the first chamber are partitioned by transferring those components beyond a selected partition line in the first chamber from the spin axis to a second chamber so that the blood components in the first and second chambers can be used independently. Apparatus for effecting the separation and partitioning of the blood in a completely sterile environment is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hand-held device for causing a blood sample to be controllably drawn into a flexible envelope or the like. The envelope is placed between a rigid and a hinged member disposed within the housing of the device, and a roller advanced along the hinged member to progressively compress the envelope. When the wheel is moved back along its path, the envelope is allowed to progressively expand thereby drawing the blood sample into the envelope.

Abstract: Flexible polyvinyl chloride insulation for wire is made conductive at elevated temperatures activating a sensing conductor and eliminating thermostatic controls. Conduction through the insulation is imparted by adding compounds such as nonylphenoxy poly (ethyleneoxy) ethanol, certain metallic salts of alcohol sulfates, mixed ortho, parasulfonamides, and liquid crystal compounds.

Abstract: Flexible polyvinyl chloride insulation for wire is made conductive at elevated temperatures activating a sensing conductor and eliminating thermostatic controls. Conduction through the insulation is imparted by adding compounds such as nonylphenoxy (ethyleneoxy) ethanol, certain metallic salts of alcohol sulfates, mixed ortho, parasulfonamides, and liquid crystal compounds.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for staining biological specimens by forming a film of staining reagents on the surface of the specimen containing slide. Heating means raises the temperature of the staining reagents on the slide. The temperature of the reagent film is determined, and a feedback signal to the heating means accurately maintains the temperature of the film within a predetermined range.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the temperature of an open liquid body when actual measurement of that temperature is not possible. A thermal analog of the liquid body, which is exposed to the same heating or cooling source as the liquid body, is incorporated into a sensor which provides controlling feedback to the heating or cooling source. The sensor, which is disposed in the atmosphere which surrounds or flows by the liquid body, includes a dry element and a wet wick, body of which are in thermal contact with a temperature sensing element. The dry element senses the temperature of the atmosphere and the wet wick has a cooling effect on the sensing element that is related to the rate of evaporation of liquid from the body. This sensor is advantageously employed in a system for regulating the temperature of a reagent film on a microscope slide.

Abstract: In the preparation of blood films for microscopic examination a slide spins in a centrifuge for a time which is a function of the red blood cell concentration of the blood. A drive circuit controls the time of spinning of a slide centrifuge. A variable control for the centrifuge motor includes a manual adjustment which is adjustable across a scale labeled as a function of the percent hematocrit of the blood.

Abstract: In a system which automatically analyzes laboratory slides, the adjustable objective lens is automatically focused. A beam splitter splits light from the slide into two parts. One slide image is projected to an actual image plane where it is converted into electrical signals representing the optical characteristics of the slide. The other slide image is projected to a parfocal image plane at which two light sensing devices for the focusing system are positioned. One light sensing device is in front of the parfocal image plane and the other is behind the parfocal image plane. These light sensing devices produce electrical signals representing the position of the actual image plane with respect to the desired image plane. The electric signals are differentiated and then applied to a comparator which supplies pulses to a stepping motor which moves the objective lens.

Abstract: A device embodying a substrate having at least one longitudinal groove formed in a flat surface thereof for accommodating microstructures for microscopic examination.