Abstract: A sample digester with independently controllable sample heating and ultraviolet radiation. There are two unique advantages. Because the two digestion means are independent, the user can optimize the means of digestion to suit the analytical method. A second advantage is that the ultraviolet source can be maintained at a relatively cool temperature, for which the greatest amount of light is transmitted. Since both means of digestion can be carried out simultaneously, there is a substantial saving of time and a significant improvement in digestion efficiency.

Abstract: An analytical system for solutions containing soluble solids or high concentrations of dissolved solids. The system includes a container having upper and lower portions; a lead an/or a tubing line extending into the upper portion of the container, for withdrawing a portion of a gas in the upper portion of the container; and a sampling probe extending into the lower portion of the container, for withdrawing a portion of a sample of a liquid or of a mixture of a liquid and a solid. The sampling probe is a probe support shaft which may be provided with a filter for separating liquid and solid phases from one another if the sample is a liquid-solid mixture. Gas in the headspace above the liquid or the liquid-solid mixture can be withdrawn through the lead and/or the tubing line.

Abstract: A flow cell for chemiluminescence analysis. The flow cell has a flat, thin, opaque plate, with a groove machined into one side of the plate. An inlet port at the center, and an outlet port at the outside end of the groove pass through the plate, which is sandwiched between a flat sapphire window and a cell cap of a housing. The groove side faces the sapphire window, forming a flow channel with one wall being the sapphire window. A light detector is inserted into the housing until it butts up against that part of the housing holding the sapphire window, placing it very close to the generated light. The other side of the plate mates with inlet and outlet ports of the housing cap.

Abstract: A device for the separation of small particles or cells from a fluid suspension of the same is described. The device includes a coaxial tubular design in which the inner tube is a micro porous tube that allows the passage of liquids and certain particulates up to a certain size cut-off, and the outer tube allows for the collection of passed fluids. Inlet and outlet ports allow the introduction and flushing of components of interest. Embodiments of the device can be used for the separation of blood components, the sequestering of micro spheres used in micro-sphere-based immuno assay, and sample filtration. Other applications are not precluded. Another field of application for this device is in the separation of plasma from red blood cells. The red blood cells will not pass through the membrane due to their size, but plasma will.

Abstract: A device for the separation of small particles or cells from a fluid suspension of the same is described. The device includes a coaxial tubular design in which the inner tube is a micro porous tube that allows the passage of liquids and certain particulates up to a certain size cut-off, and the outer tube allows for the collection of passed fluids. Inlet and outlet ports allow the introduction and flushing of components of interest. Embodiments of the device can be used for the separation of blood components, the sequestering of micro spheres used in micro-sphere-based immuno assay, and sample filtration. Other applications are not precluded. Another field of application for this device is in the separation of plasma from red blood cells. The red blood cells will not pass through the membrane due to their size, but plasma will.

Abstract: A method for determining total and bound plasma bilirubin. The method utilizes zone fluidics to enable accurate determination of the bilirubin using small volumes of sample and reagents, and significantly reduces dilution errors caused by inherent changes in bilirubin-binding with sample dilution, as well as the effects of weak bilirubin-binding competitors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the automation of existing medical diagnostic tests is described. This method, called sequential injection analysis, makes use of a pump, multi-position selection valve, and micro-bore tubing to automate sample manipulation and reagent addition. A suitable detector with a flow cell also forms part of the flow manifold and this detector is used to measure some parameter that can be related to the desired diagnostic measurement. A reagent cartridge suitable for storing and reconstituting lyophilized reagent or reagent concentrate is also described. Use of such a reagent cartridge further enhances the automation of the device by providing a means for preparing reagents in an automated fashion. Automation of the measurement sequence and the sequencing of tests are controlled by a suitable central processor unit and software. The apparatus provides a means of automating existing manual diagnostic tests and as yet, undefined tests.

Abstract: A pulseless, reversible, precision piston-array pump. The pump head has a cylindrical body which rotates inside a cylindrical casing. A cam cap closes one end of the pump body, and a port cap the other end. The cam cap has on its interior surface a groove which controls the timing and depth of the piston strokes. The port cap has on its interior surface an inlet valve groove and an outlet valve groove to provide the valving action which controls the direction of fluid flow. At all times during the operation of the pump, at least one piston is in a compression mode; At least one piston is in a suction mode; and at least one piston is in a null mode, performing neither compression nor suction while moving across the port cap. This design decouples the rotary movement of the cylindrical body from the linear movement of the pistons, to provide pulseless flow for the pump.

Abstract: A method for merging and/or ratio-blending aliquants from two different streams in a first channel, and utilizing a second channel to propel merged and blended aliquants through a separate, pumped carrier channel by providing a pump comprising a plurality of pistons, a plurality of inlet ports, a plurality of outlet ports, a cam cap having cam profiles which controls timing and depth of strokes of the pistons, and a port cap having a plurality of valve grooves which control a direction of fluid flow.