Abstract: An automated multi-channel capillary electrophoresis analyzer includes a plurality of capillaries having first and second ends. The first ends of the capillaries are adapted to be collectively transported to and from selected reagent reservoirs. The second ends of the capillaries are removably and sealable retained within a common manifold that is in turn in selectable fluid communication with selected reagents and a vacuum source.

Abstract: Detecting light in a capillary electrophoresis optical system includes input and output windows in the outside surface of a capillary tube. The width of the windows is not substantially greater than the bore of the tube. A fiber optic input is spaced from the capillary tube so that the light is directed to the tube and is matched to the window width. The light output from the tube is matched to be received by a fiber optic output spaced from the capillary tube. The optical light envelop from the fiber input through the tube and to the fiber output is governed by the LaGrange Invariant. The matching is effected in accordance with the Numerical Aperture of the fiber optics.

Abstract: A capillary electrophoresis detector assembly including a separation column in which the components of a mixed sample are separated; an exit column which completes the connection to the terminal buffer reservoir; and a support sleeve which includes precisely positioned radial bores therethrough to allow insertion of optical fibers in the form of an input fiber which transmits the incoming radiation from an illumination source and an exit fiber which receives the radiation and relays same to a detector.In fabricating the assembly, a precision wire is partially inserted into the output end of the separation column. The column/wire combination is inserted into one end of the sleeve. The exit column is threaded onto the precision wire and also inserted into the opposite end of the sleeve. The input and exit fibers are inserted into the radial bores in the sleeve until they touch the precision wire in opposition.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methodologies for the Capillary Electrophoretic Immunosubtraction ("CEI") of samples. In a preferred embodiment, CEI of a sample comprising constituent parts to be separated comprises the steps of: (1) separating a first aliquot of the sample into constituent parts by capillary electrophoretic techniques, and detecting said parts; (2) admixing a second aliquot of said sample with at least one specific binding partner to a constituent of said sample, said specific binding partner capable of being substantially removed from said aliquot; (3) separating said second aliquot into constituent parts by capillary electrophoretic techniques and detecting said parts; and (4) comparing the separated constituent parts of step (3) with the separated constituent parts of step (1).

Abstract: A modular reaction cassette has a fluid metering mechanism and valves for releasing fluid which are actuated by various centripetal acellerations generated in an automated patient analysis instrument having a variable speed rotor. Various geometries and sealant materials are used to select the rotational speed at which the sealant material yields to operate the metering device and release valves.

Abstract: A microwell for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays has a concavely curved, circumferential sidewall, a flat optical bottom and a top lip, including smooth transitions between the top lip, concave sidewall and flat bottom. This shape minimizes the tendency of fluid to cling to the well for washing efficiency and maximizes a vertical optical path length of fluid in the well for improved optical determination.

Abstract: An automated vertical photo densitometer for reading solutions contained in microwell plates. The densitometer utilizes an optical system for minimizing the optical effect of a meniscus on the fluid sample. The invention also discloses a method for determining a centrally located position of a microwell beneath an interrogating beam of light by controlling the size of the light beam and by stepping the well through the beam. A measurement of the light intensity received by a detector is taken at each step. A maximum light intensity value is selected as corresponding to a well position wherein a central area of the fluid sample is substantially within the interrogating beam.

Abstract: An automated pipette employing a device to ensure exact volume pickup and delivery. An optical device senses the presence of a liquid in the tip of the pipette. By intaking the volume past the optical device stream continuity is determined.

Abstract: A nephelometer including an optical excitation system for directing light through a first window area into a cylindrical glass container and an optical detection system for quantitatively monitoring light scattered by a substance within the container and passing therefrom through a second window area. The optical detection system includes a lens system in optical alignment with the second window area and focused on an optical dark region on an inner wall of the container opposite the second window area. The optical dark region is free of internal light reflections. Therefore, the light monitored by the detection system is scattered light from the substance substantially free of internal light reflections representing background error.

Abstract: A standard for calibrating a densitometer or the like is disclosed consisting of an optically transparent substrate supporting a plurality of spaced bands of different predetermined optical densities. Each band comprises alternate dark and clear strips and is sized to eclipse a beam of light generated in the densitometer and defining an illuminated zone. The width of the clear strips is large compared to the wavelength of the light beam and small compared to the width of the illuminated zone so that the quantities of light passing through the bands as the standard moves through the densitometer, and hence the optical densities of the bands, are directly proportional to the ratio of the areas of the clear strips to the areas of the dark strips in the bands. The bands are placed at an angle to the scan axis of the illuminated zone to present a gradient change in optical density to a scanning densitometer which is within the response time thereof.