Abstract: Methods and apparatus in which pressure provides precise control over the timing and preferably synchronization of chemical reactions, particularly enzymatic reactions.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus in which pressure provides precise control over the timing and preferably synchronization of chemical reactions, particularly enzymatic reactions.

Abstract: A sealable vented microscale centrifuge tube for centrifuging samples at substantially atmospheric pressure, thus avoiding the danger of backpressure in the stoppered centrifuge tube which may expel the cap or shatter the tube during centrifugation. The device of the invention includes a container having a wall defining a cavity capable of holding a sample; a flange surrounding the cavity opening and possessing a hole; and a shell which surrounds the flange and which extends above and below its plane, and is attached to the flange rim, thus supporting the container within the shell. It additionally includes a removable cap which seals the cavity of the container. When the cavity of the container is sealed by the removable cap, air which would otherwise be compressed in the container is vented through the hole through the flange of the container and into the space between the container wall and the supporting shell.

Abstract: A durable, low cost, disposable, single test reagent package with plural compartments that maintain reagents separate during long term storage and permits combining of compartment contents without opening the vessel in a simple, rapid, and controlled manner includes a body component and an imperforate cooperating cover component. The body component defines a central compartment and an annular compartment surrounding the central compartment. Each compartment is upwardly open with annular ridge structure between the two compartments, and reagent material is stored in at least one of the compartments.

Abstract: A one-piece disposable electrode comprising a sealed chamber containing an electrolyte solution, silver-silver chloride conductor in the electrolyte solution in the chamber and a cast-in-place membrane essentially flush with an exterior wall of this chamber for exposure to a biological fluid whose ion content is to be measured.

Abstract: Sampling apparatus designed for aspirating, diluting and mixing a small sample of fluid in precise amounts and delivering the mixture to a scientific apparatus at a place remote from the place of aspiration. Operation of the device may be manual but is preferably automatic. The apparatus is designed to process a plurality of sample fluids with no cross-contamination between samples. In essence, the apparatus is a fluid handling system including a sample pick-up assembly in fluid communication with an automatic valve assembly having two operative positions. The automatic valve assembly is in fluid communication with a dilutor assembly having a sample pump and a diluent pump operable by a common means. A mixing and delivery assembly is also in fluid communication with the automatic valve assembly and includes a cup designed for bidirectional rotation with an annular space about the cup.

Abstract: A blood analysis system comprises a plurality of flow through measuring chambers, each of which has an associated measuring electrode system for producing an output signal as a function of a parameter of the blood sample in its measuring chamber; and a control device which in a first condition places the measuring chambers in fluid communication with the system inlet and in a second condition isolates the chambers to that the electrode systems may be calibrated concurrently and independently of one another

Abstract: A flush system for electrochemical analysis apparatus comprising a reservoir of flush solution, a flush chamber connected thereto and open at the top, and a sample entrance (probe) arranged for movement between an immersed position in the flush chamber and a sampling position removed from the flush chamber.