Abstract: An electro-optical instrument for measuring a quantitative physical parameter of a sample in a diagnostic cartridge is provided.

Abstract: A device and method for its use in diagnostic assays are provided. The device comprises at least one assay path, where an assay path includes a main flow path and at least one side reagent channel. The main flow path begins at a sample addition port, continues through a main reagent area into an incubation area and ends in a waste area. In fluid communication with the main flow path is at least one side reagent channel that begins at a liquid addition port, continues through a side reagent area and ends in said main channel at a region between the main reagent and waste areas, usually upstream from the incubation area. Agitation means may be included in at least one of the main and side reagent areas and/or the incubation area. At least one fluid interruption means located at various positions along the main and side reagent channels upstream from the incubation area provide for control over reagent interaction and fluid flow through the device.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of a unique apparatus and method for extracting radioactive components from liquids, such as electrophoresis buffers. In the present invention, the radioactive liquid is pumped or transported by other suitable means and is passed through a cartridge having an elongated chamber that contains an exchange medium. The exchange medium, i.e. exchange resin, is contained within the elongated chamber between an upper frit and a lower frit. Further, the cartridge has a means within the elongated chamber for retaining pressure between the upper frit and the lower frit. The nucleotides, being charged molecules, bind to the exchange medium and are removed from the liquid. The liquid then exits the cartridge and has such a low amount of radioactivity that it can be disposed of to a conventional drain.

Abstract: A disposable diagnostic device and method of its use are provided. The device comprises a housing containing first and second flow paths orthogonal to each other. The first flow path commences at a sample addition port and continues through a transport channel which feeds sample to an incubation area by means of capillary flow. The incubation area comprises a signal producing system and is underneath an optically-clear window. The first flow path terminates in a top waste reservoir which receives sample and wash fluid. The second flow path begins on one side of the incubation area at an inlet port over a side reagent reservoir. Liquid flows along the second flow path from the side reagent reservoir across the incubation area into the side waste reservoir. The incubation area may comprise agitation means for homogenous dispersion of reagent into liquid.

Abstract: A disposable diagnostic assay device and method for its use are provided. The device comprises a sample addition port in fluid communication with at least one main channel. The main channel comprises, in the direction of fluid flow, a main reagent area in fluid communication with an incubation area and a waste area. In fluid communication with the main channel is at least one side reagent channel. The side reagent channels comprise, in the direction of fluid flow, a liquid addition port and a side reagent area in fluid communication with the main channel at a region of the main channel upstream from the incubation area. Agitation means may be included in the at least one of the main and side reagent areas and/or the incubation area. Capillary valves may be located at various positions along the main and side reagent channels upstream from the incubation area, providing for control over fluid flow through the device.

Abstract: This invention relates to isolating a DNA sample from a heterogeneous mixture of the DNA and other compounds. The invention relates in particular to isolating a plasmid DNA sample from a cleared bacterial lysate. The invention provides an apparatus and method for using the apparatus to rapidly and economically isolate a DNA sample from such a mixture without the use of hazardous chemicals.

Abstract: This invention encompasses porous microchambers which contain cells and permit liquid to flow in and out of the chamber while retaining cells within the chamber. These porous microchambers serve as disposable devices for placing cells in a microflowchamber so that properties of the cells within the porous microchamber can be measured.

Abstract: A disposable diagnostic device and method of its use are provided. The device comprises a housing containing first and second flow paths orthogonal to each other. The first flow path commences at a sample addition port and continues through a transport channel which feeds sample to an incubation area by means of capillary flow. The incubation area comprises a signal producing system and is underneath an optically-clear window. The first flow path terminates in a top waste reservoir which receives sample and wash fluid. The second flow path begins on one side of the incubation area at an inlet port over a side reagent reservoir. Liquid flows along the second flow path from the side reagent reservoir across the incubation area into the side waste reservoir. The incubation area may comprise agitation means for homogenous dispersion of reagent into liquid.

Abstract: A disposable diagnostic unit is provided which employs a housing which provides for a sample port, and a channel which feeds the sample to an incubation area by means of capillary action. The incubation area is underneath an optically-clear window and comprises a lipid membrane which has optical properties, particularly fluorescent properties and usually a reagent. A reservoir at the end of the channel downstream from the incubation area receives the sample and waste washes, while on one side of the platform area is a reagent reservoir and on the other side a side waste reservoir, so that one can move the reagent from the reagent reservoir through the platform area into the waste reservoir. Various reagents may be contained within the unit and the necessary liquids added automatically by appropriate instrumentation, so as to have the assay carried out automatically, without technician involvement, providing an accurate and sensitive determination.

Abstract: This invention encompasses porous microchambers which contain cells and permit liquid to flow in and out of the chamber while retaining cells within the chamber. These porous microchambers serve as disposable devices for placing cells in a microflowchamber so that properties of the cells within the porous microchamber can be measured.

Abstract: This invention is a debubbler, degasser or gasser device used to remove gas bubbles and/or dissolved gasses from a liquid stream or to add gasses to a liquid stream. The device consists of a first block, a hydrophobic membrane, and a second block. The first block has a channel for carrying liquids which is grooved into its lower surface. The end of the channel is connected to an inlet and outlet. The second block has venting holes. When the hydrophobic membrane is pressed between the first and second block liquid can flow through the channel and bubbles or dissolved gasses in the liquid stream pass through the hydrophobic membrane. Alternatively, or in combination with degassing or debubbling, the device may be employed to introduce into the liquid stream gasses provided on the opposing side of the hydrophobic membrane.

Abstract: Apparatus are provided which automatically add diluent/quench reagent in such a manner as to enable adequate mixing as well as a short period for further mixing in automated immunoassay techniques. The probes for adding the diluent/quench reagents are offset from the optics module probe so that reagents are being added to a second row while the optics probe aspirates solutions from a first row.

Abstract: A tool for use in establishing a precise level line or plumb line or line for alignment uses a visible laser diode for projecting the line. The tool is relatively small and compact, drives the laser diode using batteries contained in the tool, and includes tilt compensation for use on surfaces which are not level, up to about 5.degree. off level, for still delivering a truly plumb or truly horizontal beam. A manual selector device is provided for shifting the beam from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation when desired. Specific forms of tilt compensation apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: A tool for use in establishing a precise level line or plumb line or line for alignment uses a visible laser diode for projecting the line. The tool is relatively small and compact, drives the laser diode using batteries contained in the tool, and includes tilt compensation for use on surfaces which are not level, up to about 5.degree. off level, for still delivering a truly plumb or truly horizontal beam. A manual selector device is provided for shifting the beam from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation when desired. Specific forms of tilt compensation apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for centering the open end of tubes prior to the insertion of a probe is described. The tube aligning means has a frustoconical inner surface to gather the tube mouth held loosely in a tube rack. The tube is centered relative to the probe. The aligning means is caused to move along the probe shaft axis by cooperation of an outer probe surface and an inner female surface for receiving the probe. In the preferred embodiment, a spool-like cylindrical member is positioned within the arms of a U-shaped bracket which limits the vertical and restricts the rotational movement of the aligning member.

Abstract: For use with an apparatus for performing biological fluid assays, the apparatus having a probe assembly that includes a tubular probe, a probe wash station for washing the tubular probe with a washing fluid. The probe wash station comprises a probe washing receptacle that is adapted to receive the tubular probe, the receptable having an anti-splash mechanism therein for preventing the splashing of the washing fluid.

Abstract: A tube restraining apparatus is described for centering the mouth of a loosely held test tube prior to the insertion of a probe. The apparatus is automatically activated by a motor driven carriage and the cooperation of the probe and the bail. The mouth of the tube is centered by contacting the tube rim with the conical inner surface of the restrainer.

Abstract: A multi-mode scanner head employing split (semicircular transducers) is described. In some modes such as simultaneous B-scan and M-scan each transducer moves independent of the other. For continuous Doppler mode the transducers move together. The relatively small, hand-held scanner head is particularly useful for cardiac examinations.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging apparatus is described. The hand-held device includes a first oscillating transducer for providing a B-scan display and an offset second transducer which is manually positioned for providing Doppler data. The transducer pulses are interlaced and Doppler transmissions are inhibited to permit B-scan transmissions. However, circuits provide a continuous signal representing a Doppler signal when the Doppler transmissions are inhibited.