Abstract: An apparatus is described in which an optical fiber is mounted within a fiber optic holder which includes the non-rotating shaft of a linear actuator. The fiber holder may be held captive in order to restrain the fiber holder and, consequently, the fiber mounted therein, from rotating during operation of the linear actuator, thereby resulting in linear travel with minimal rotational effects and minimal change in optical alignment of the fiber during travel. In addition, an optical path length sensor in conjunction with an optimized absorbance method of operation is utilized herein to provide micron precision of the displacement between respective receiving and transmission fibers so as to enable precise absorbance measurements from about 0.005 up to about 2.0 Absorbance Units for any given path length.

Abstract: A dual-mode method and apparatus of selectively measuring samples in either a vessel or as a surface tension retained sample held between two opposing pedestals is introduced. In either configuration, such modes further contain optical paths from a source system through a small-volume or large-volume sample to a spectrometer based system. Such a system enables a user to measure samples with absorbances ranging from about 0.005 up to about 2.0 Absorbance Units for any given wavelength.

Abstract: A dual-mode method and apparatus of selectively measuring samples in either a vessel or as a surface tension retained sample held between two opposing pedestals is introduced. In either configuration, such modes further contain optical paths from a source system through a small-volume or large-volume sample to a spectrometer based system. Such a system enables a user to measure samples with absorbances ranging from about 0.005 up to about 2.0 Absorbance Units for any given wavelength.

Abstract: An apparatus is described in which an optical fiber is mounted within a fiber optic holder which includes the non-rotating shaft of a linear actuator. The fiber holder may be held captive in order to restrain the fiber holder and, consequently, the fiber mounted therein, from rotating during operation of the linear actuator, thereby resulting in linear travel with minimal rotational effects and minimal change in optical alignment of the fiber during travel. In addition, an optical path length sensor in conjunction with an optimized absorbance method of operation is utilized herein to provide micron precision of the displacement between respective receiving and transmission fibers so as to enable precise absorbance measurements from about 0.005 up to about 2.0 Absorbance Units for any given path length.

Abstract: A photometer is provided with modular lighting units wherein each lighting unit includes one or more light emitters. A user may select a desired lighting unit and install it within a photometer base unit, and thereafter activate one or more of the emitters (which may emit light of different wavelengths) to illuminate a specimen. The light provided by the specimen in response can then be captured at a detector, and analyzed to provide an indication of the specimen's characteristics. Different lighting units may optionally include one or more input light adapters (filters or polarizers which modify the light provided by the emitter(s) to the specimen), and/or one or more output light adapters (filters or polarizers which modify the light provided by the specimen to the detector). Users may therefore select lighting units with emitters and light adapters which are particularly suited for detection/analysis of particular specimens and/or components therein.

Abstract: A photometer is provided with modular lighting units wherein each lighting unit includes one or more light emitters. A user may select a desired lighting unit and install it within a photometer base unit, and thereafter activate one or more of the emitters (which may emit light of different wavelengths) to illuminate a specimen. The light provided by the specimen in response can then be captured at a detector, and analyzed to provide an indication of the specimen's characteristics. Different lighting units may optionally include one or more input light adapters (filters or polarizers which modify the light provided by the emitter(s) to the specimen), and/or one or more output light adapters (filters or polarizers which modify the light provided by the specimen to the detector). Users may therefore select lighting units with emitters and light adapters which are particularly suited for detection/analysis of particular specimens and/or components therein.

Abstract: A non-invasive female urinary device allows a woman to urinate in a standing or sitting position. The non-invasive female urinary device provides a scoop portion designed to be positioned adjacent to the woman's body, and is sized to fit between the labia majora. The scoop gathers urine as it is produced, with little or no loss due to spillage. A generally tubular body is attached at an upstream first end to the scoop portion. The device is made of six flat sides to allow the woman to control the orientation of the device. The logo on one of the sides provides a tactile reference, allowing the woman to orient the device without the need for visual input. A flow concentrator is attached to a downstream second end of the tubular body, and has a generally rectangular opening that narrows the stream of urine to result in a smooth and continuous stream.

Abstract: A non-invasive female urinary device allows a woman to urinate in a standing or sitting position. The non-invasive female urinary device provides a scoop portion designed to be positioned adjacent to the woman's body, and is sized to fit between the labia majora. The scoop gathers urine as it is produced, with little or no loss due to spillage. A generally tubular body is attached at an upstream first end to the scoop portion. The device is made of six flat sides to allow the woman to control the orientation of the device. The logo on one of the sides provides a tactile reference, allowing the woman to orient the device without the need for visual input. A flow concentrator is attached to a downstream second end of the tubular body, and has a generally rectangular opening that narrows the stream of urine to result in a smooth and continuous stream.

Abstract: A gel cassette useful in electrophoretic separation of molecular fragments is disclosed, in which a gelatinous substrate is uniquely configured to concentrate similar separated fragments. Containment means is also disclosed which provides for the desired configuration of the substrate. The containment means further includes a cover design which locks into an open position to eliminate cross contamination. In addition, processes for the preparation of such cassettes and for use of the cassettes in separation and transfer apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electric mower, preferably of the riding type, in which microcontrollers are interposed between quadrature controllers and motors operating each of the drive wheels. The microcontrollers are programmed to provide pulse width modulated current drive control and braking. Other functions are controlled electronically to assure operations that are not harmful to the operator, the motors, the battery or the lawn being mowed.

Abstract: A bowed framed membrane is disclosed for use in automated direct blot electrophoresis and subsequent membrane process steps to develop a chemiluminescent image of the resultant blot of selected fragments and to detect that image. A frame made from a thin rigid plastic plate such as polyethylene is provided with a window. A membrane covers that window and is bonded on two opposing sides only while the frame is held in a bowed condition. The membrane is maintained under tension during processing by the bowing permitting processing at the elevated temperatures used in molecular biological procedures without loss of flatness. Processes for preparing such frames and various utilities are also disclosed.

Abstract: A gel cassette useful in electrophoretic separation of molecular fragments is disclosed, in which a gelatinous substrate is uniquely configured to concentrate similar separated fragments. Containment means is also disclosed which provides for the desired configuration of the substrate. The containment means further includes a cover design which locks into an open position to eliminate cross contamination. In addition, processes for the preparation of such cassettes and for use of the cassettes in separation and transfer apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: A disclosure is made of automatic apparatus for processing transfer membranes to which a blot pattern of molecular fragments has been bound so that the pattern may be optically visualized. The apparatus is characterized by at least one open processing cell and two systems for pumping; one selectively controlled to direct fluid to and from functional units and one which is closely coupled to the cell and recirculates the fluid in the cell to assure adequate and thorough treatment therein by uniform fluid flow across both sides of the membrane.

Abstract: A DNA sequencing system and method are described to detect the presence of radiant energy emitted from different excited reporter dye-labeled species (DNA fragments) following separation in time and/or space, and the identity of the species which emit radiant energy closely spaced in wavelength. Functions of the emitted energy are obtained which vary over the wavelengths of the closely spaced spectra in different senses and the functions ratioed, whereby the ratio is indicative of the identity of the DNA fragments. The emitting portion of the reporter-labeled DNA fragment is preferably one of a family of fluorescent dyes based on 9-carboxyethyl-6-hydroxy-3-oxo-3H-xanthene. These xanthene dyes are covalently attached to the DNA fragments through the carboxylic acid functionality, preferably via an amide linkage. The dyes may be protected by including an alkoxy group at the 9-position. A spacer may be inserted between the dye and the amine.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for the handling and detecting of an electrophoretic transfer membrane is disclosed herein, the improvement comprising guide apparatus designed to accommodate the transfer membrane, a pressure head positioned relative to the guide apparatus to releasably engage the membrane, and light shielding apparatus positioned relative to the guide apparatus to selectively enclose about the transfer membrane. The apparatus is operated so that the pressure head engages a flexible portion of the transfer membrane containing an electrophoretic blot while it is in a position appropriate for detection. There is also disclosed herein a process for utilizing the apparatus of the invention. In the process drying and optionally heating of the membrane where the blot has been contacted with enzyme-triggered 1,2-dioxetanes, to enhance the resulting chemiluminescent signal, is disclosed.

Abstract: A DNA sequencing system and method are described to detect the presence of radiant energy emitted from different excited reporter dye-labeled species (DNA fragments) following separation in time and/or space, and the identity of the species which emit radiant energy closely spaced in wavelength. Functions of the emitted energy are obtained which vary over the wavelengths of the closely spaced spectra in different senses and the functions ratioed, whereby the ratio is indicative of the identity of the DNA fragments.The emitting portion of the reporter-labeled DNA fragment is preferably one of a family of fluorescent dyes based on 9-carboxyethyl-6-hydroxy-3-oxo-3H-xanthene. These xanthene dyes are covalently attached to the DNA fragments through the carboxylic acid functionality, preferably via an amide linkage. The dyes may be protected by including an alkoxy group at the 9-position. A spacer may be inserted between the dye and the amine.

Abstract: A DNA sequencing system and method are described to detect the presence of radiant energy emitted from different excited reporter dye-labeled species (DNA fragments) following separation in time and/or space, and the identity of the species which emit radiant energy closely spaced in wavelength. Functions of the emitted energy are obtained which vary over the wavelengths of the closely spaced spectra in different senses and the functions ratioed, whereby the ratio is indicative of the identity of the DNA fragments.The emitting portion of the reporter-labeled DNA fragment is preferably one of a family of fluorescent dyes based on 9-carboxyethyl-6-hydroxy-3-oxo-3 H-xanthene. These xanthene dyes are covalently attached to the DNA fragments through the carboxylic acid functionality, preferably via an amide linkage. The dyes may be protected by including an alkoxy group at the 9-position. A spacer may be inserted between the dye and the amine.

Abstract: A separation and direct blot transfer module useful in gel electrophoresis is disclosed in which a transfer membrane stabilized by a frame is moved substantially orthogonally relative to the plane of the separation gel while in minimal contact with the end of the gel toward which molecular fragments are driven electrophoretically. The frame moves at a controlled velocity in a selected direction away from a line of contact that generates a controlled tension in the membrane which is a function of the loading on the line of contact. The module is particularly amenable to automated processing. Apparatus for automated separation, transfer, membrane processing, detection and identification is disclosed in which the module of the invention is employed.

Abstract: An optical inspection apparatus using a polychromatic source to generate a channeled spectrum for measuring the variations in the thickness of a thin transparent web as the web moves on-line with respect to an optical inspection station.