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: 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 high accuracy flowmeter for testing and calibrating flowmeters and the like, and more particularly a positive displacement flowmeter which may include a cylinder (12), a piston (10) within the cylinder (12) which makes a clearance seal with the inside of the cylinder, an encoder (40) associated with the piston, and a control valve (V) for controlling the supply of a fluid flow (A1) to be measured. The flowmeter may have an arrangement for receiving differently-sized interchangeable modules for measurement of different flow rate ranges, each module having for example a compatible piston and cylinder of a predetermined size. The flowmeter includes a channel for receiving a fluid flow so as to move the piston (10) within its cylinder (12); and a device (36, 38) including the encoder (40) for detecting movement of the piston and generating electrical signals representative of the fluid flow to be measured.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high accuracy flowmeter for testing and calibrating flowmeters and the like, and more particularly to a positive displacement flowmeter which may include a cylinder (12), a piston (10) within the cylinder (12) which makes a clearance seal with the inside of the cylinder, an encoder (40) associated with the piston, and a control valve (V) for controlling the supply of a fluid flow (A1) to be measured. More generally, the flowmeter includes a channel for receiving a fluid flow so as to move the piston (10) within its enclosure (12); and a device (36, 38, 40) for detecting movement of the piston and generating electrical signals representative of the fluid flow to be measured. The movement of the piston is detected as a function of a known volume of the enclosure traversed by the piston, and a measured variable elapsed time over which the piston traverses the volume. Preferably, the flowmeter system includes a damping device (FIGS. 6A-6D) which may be mechanical, pneumatic, or fluidic.

Abstract: A tube magazine for a sampling system has a plurality of sampler tube receiving spaces for receiving sampler tubes. The sampler tubes can be separated from the system as a unit, and transported to another location for analysis. A first part of the system includes a plurality of introducing devices disposed for introducing gaseous fluid into corresponding ones of the sampler tubes; and a second part which forms with the sampler tubes a replaceable magazine which is readily removable from the first part, whereby the corresponding introducing devices and receiving spaces are simultaneously brought into fluid communication when the first and second parts are connected together.