Abstract: A miniaturized implantable transponder in which all components, including the antenna, are fully integrated into a single microchip that has a conformal coating that consists of a polymeric substance that is applied by vapor deposition techniques resulting in reduced volume versus the typical implantable transponder and reduces the volume size of the typical implantable transponder to enable easier implantation in a patient virtually eliminating implantation trauma in a patient.

Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides to Internet Service Providers (ISP) precise control over who receives an advertisement. Thus, in accordance with the present invention, an ISP provider may now offer advertisers precision advertising. An ISP provider has access to precise demographic data on each of the ISP's customers. The ISP provider also has access to data on the periods of usage, including the type of customers accessing the Internet during such periods of usage. With this information, which is available only to the ISP provider, a profile may be compiled by the ISP provider that provides precise information on the ISP customers (e.g., demographic data) and the periods of heaviest Internet access by the various different ISP customer groups (e.g., 20-35 year old males, retired persons, children, etc.).

Abstract: A DNA amplification and homogeneous DNA probe assay device is provided which includes a multiplicity of discrete sample cells in a flat "card" format, with each sample cell containing the reagents necessary for both DNA amplification and homogeneous DNA probe assay. The device is particularly suitable for fluorescence polarization DNA probe assays, aid is preferably provided with and integal polarizer to avoid the need for polarizing elements in the related measuring apparatus. The size and geometry of the sample cells allows for a "hot start" of the DNA amplification reaction and thereby avoids mis-priming of the amplification reaction.

Abstract: A phage-based antibiotic susceptibility test is carried out by maintaining a patient sample in a sealed sample well during addition of the phage and Luciferin substrate used in the test, in order to prevent contamination of the laboratory environment. The phage is adhered in dried form to a metal carrier disk which is retained beneath the cap of the sealed sample well by means of an external magnet, and is mixed with the patient sample by removing the external magnet and allowing the carrier disk to fall to the bottom of the sample well. The Luciferin substrate is adhered to the underside of the cap and is mixed with the patient sample by shaking or inverting the sealed sample well after the metal carrier disk has separated from the underside of the cap. A row of connected sample wells and caps may be employed to allow the same patient sample to be tested with multiple antibiotics.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out a homogeneous nucleic acid amplification and nucleic acid assay on a liquid biological sample comprises a sample well and an optical window element which is received in the sample well. Opposed, spaced-apart surfaces of the optical window element and sample well define a capillary chamber into which a liquid biological sample is drawn by capillary force. By spreading the liquid biological sample into a thin film within the capillary chamber, head space is eliminated, heat transfer to the sample is maximized, and a large optical target is achieved to facilitate the detection step of the assay. The disclosed apparatus is particularly suited for use with homogeneous nucleic acid amplification and fluorescence polarization assays, but can also be used in connection with other types of biological and chemical processes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for performing a biological process and is particularly useful for processes which include amplicon decontamination and nucleic acid amplification steps. The apparatus includes a sample well for introduction and removal of a liquid biological sample, at least one reaction chamber containing dried reagents in fluid communication with the sample well, a pneumatic chamber in pneumatic communication with the reaction chamber and sample well, and a pneumatic port in the pneumatic chamber for connection of the apparatus to a pneumatic aspiration/dispensing means which causes the flow of the liquid sample within the apparatus.

Abstract: A disposable, self-contained test unit is provided for use in carrying out an immunoassay or an integrated nucleic acid amplification and nucleic acid assay. The test unit includes sample, reagent and waste chambers, and the flow of sample and reagent liquids is controlled by centrifugal force. Different liquids may be caused to flow at different times by locating the chambers at different radial distances from the axis of rotation, and progressively increasing the speed of rotation during the assay procedure. An automated test instrument for receiving and rotating a number of such test units is also disclosed.

Abstract: A detection system for detecting the degree of agglutination of particles in an agglutination reaction occurring in a test slide having a display area of a predetermined length and thickness is provided. A laser directs a diffraction limited spot at the display area of a test slide at intervals along the length of the display area. A photodetector detects the level of light attenuated by the particles and produces a detection signal representative of the size and number of particles scanned along the length of the display area by the laser light.

Abstract: An agglutinographic slide for immunochemical liquid agglutionation particle reagents has a first panel and a second panel. The second panel is spaced a predetermined distance from the first panel. The slide has an entrance end and a viewing end. A channel is positioned between the first and second panels so that liquid agglutination particle reagents are transported from the entrance end to the viewing end. The channel has a length greater than the length of the slide to allow control of flow and enhance the viewability of the reaction.

Abstract: A reagent detection system for detecting an agglutination reaction in a reagent is provided. A light source directs monochromatic light toward an isoplanar sample field. A detector is provided for detecting a change in the amount of light scattered from the isoplanar sample field caused by the agglutination reaction of the reagents. The agglutination reaction is controlled by the intervention of a kinetic activator and results in consistently reproducible sensitive detection of the agglutination reaction.

Abstract: An agglutinographic reaction chamber for reacting immunochemical particle reagents. The chamber includes a first transparent panel having a first surface and a second panel having a second surface spaced apart from the first surface to define a chamber therebetween. The chamber intrinsically causes immunochemical particle reagents to react by being moved therein without external motion being imparted to the chamber.

Abstract: An electrolysis hair removal apparatus including a stylet adapted to be placed in contact with a papilla to effect destruction of same and further including an indicator for indicating the optimum position of the stylet and the duration that the stylet should remain in such optimum position during each electrolysis hair removal operation is provided. The stylet is coupled through a voltage source to a conductive reference member. A detection circuit is adapted to produce a detection signal when the stylet is selectively positioned at the papilla. A first indication circuit, in response to the detection signal, is adapted to produce a first indication signal representative of the optimum positioning of the stylet. A delay indication circuit, in response to said detection circuit producing a detection signal, is adapted to produce a second indication signal representative of the completion of the hair removal electrolysis operation at a predetermined interval of time after the first indication signal.

Abstract: A light-weight, universally sized prosthetic applicance for supporting a person having a residual limb. The prosthetic limb includes a socket adapted to define a selectively adjustable sleeve for receiving and securing a residual limb therein. The adjustable sleeve includes an ischial bearing member for supporting the person's weight. An elongated support member is adjustably and releaseably secured to the socket for selectively adjusting the length of the prosthetic limb and the utility thereof.

Abstract: A thermoplastic control complex for releasably securably bonding and debonding distinct elements together is provided. An elongated exothermic electrical conductor having a predetermined resistivity for each lengthwise unit thereof is provided with a thermoplastic resin selectively positioned along the length thereof. The complex is disposable between two distinct elements so that the thermoplastic resin is selectively transformed from a non-sticky substantially solid state to a substantially liquid state in response to a current being flowed through the exothermic conductor, whereby the thermoplastic resin, in the liquid state, effects wetting of the distinct elements for effecting subsequent releasable securable bonding of the elements together.

Abstract: An optical comparator for facilitating identification of plant parasites is provided. The comparator includes a lens system for defining at least one object plane and a viewing region. The lens system produces a magnified image at the viewing region of a specimen, such as a plant leaf, when the specimen is disposed at the object plane. A support member is provided for supporting the lens system, the support member further defining an opening for positioning the specimen at the object plane. The support member is further adapted to position a light source to direct light on the object plane. The support member is constructed and arranged to position a photographic reference at the object plane and thereby provide a juxtaposed magnified image of a specimen and photographic reference at the viewing region.