Abstract: An apparatus for performing a binding assay for an analyte of interest present in a sample based upon measurement of electrochemiluminescence at an electrode surface comprising a cell defining a sample containing volume intersecting with inlet and outlet means, an electrode having a substantially horizontally positioned surface exposed to and positioned below a portion of the sample containing volume, means for impressing electrochemical energy upon said electrode sufficient to generate luminescence, means for magnetically collecting particles along said surface and means for measuring the luminescence generated at said electrode.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and kits for performing a binding assay for an analyte of interest present in a sample based upon electrochemiluminescence. The compositions and kits comprise an electrochemiluminescent label, collectable particles, binding reagents, and an electrolyte.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a binding assay for an analyte of interest in a sample based upon measurement of clectrochemiluminescence at an electrode surface comprising: (a) a cell defining a sample; (b) an electrode adjacent a portion of the sample containing volume; (c) a voltage control device for impressing electrochemical energy upon the electrode sufficient to generate luminescence; (d) means for magnetically collecting particles along the electrode surface; and (e) a light detection device for measuring the luminescence.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of performing a binding assay for an analyte of interest present in a sample based upon electrochemiluminescence at an electrode of interest. Particles are employed in the method, which are then collected in a zone at which electrochemiluminescence can be induced, wherein the amount of induced electrochemiluminescence is related to the amount of analyte in the sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods, apparatus, reagents, and kits for performing a binding assay for an analyte of interest present in a sample based upon electrochemiluminescence at an electrode of interest. In the method, reagents and kits particles can be employed; for instance, for settling upon the electrode surface by gravity, centrifugation or magnetic attraction. The apparatus can include a magnet for generating a magnetic field in a region proximate the electrode.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of performing a binding assay for an analyte of interest present in a sample based upon electrochemiluminescence at an electrode of interest. Particles are employed in the method, which are then collected in a zone at which electrochemiluminescence can be induced, wherein the amount of induced electrochemilurninescence is related to the amount of analyte in the sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a binding assay for an analyte of interest present in a sample based upon measurement of electrochemiluminescence at an electrode surface comprising a cell defining a sample containing volume intersecting with inlet and outlet means, an electrode having a substantially horizontally positioned surface exposed to and positioned below a portion of the sample containing volume, means for impressing electrochemical energy upon said electrode sufficient to generate luminescence, means for magnetically collecting particles along said surface and means for measuring the luminescence generated at said electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus as provided for use in carrying out electrochemiluminescence test measurements. The apparatus includes a fluid container having an inlet for introducing an electrochemiluminescence sample fluid and a fluid outlet. The fluid container is composed of a durable, transparent, chemically inert, and electrically nonconductive material. A working electrode is disposed to one side of a fluid flow path of the container which has a light transmissive wall opposite the working electrode. A counter electrode is secured to the light transmissive wall. A first portion of the counter electrode is disposed upstream of the working electrode, while a second portion of the counter electrode is disposed downstream of the working electrode.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are methods and apparatus for performing a binding assay for an analyte of interest present in a sample based upon measurement of electrochemiluminescence at an electrode. The method uses magnetically responsive particles. The method and apparatus call for a plurality of electromagnets or permanent magnets in north-south orientation for imposing a magnetic field so as to collect the particles.

Abstract: An apparatus is taught for carrying out electrochemiluminescent measurements which includes a working electrode and a temperature sensor. The electrochemiluminescent measurements made by the apparatus are adjusted based upon the measured temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for agitating an electrochemiluminescent test sample in a sample container having a mouth for permitting withdrawal of the electrochemiluminescent test sample therefrom and a body extending away from the mouth. The apparatus includes a base, a first member movably mounted with respect to the base and including a first engaging mechanism for engaging the body of the sample container at a first position, and a second member fixedly mounted with respect to the base and including a second engaging mechanism for engaging the body of the sample container at a second position between the first position and the mouth thereof. In this apparatus, a first motive mechanism is provided for moving the first member so that at least a portion of the sample container adjacent to the first position thereof together with the electrochemiluminescent test sample therein is agitated in response to the motion of the first member.

Abstract: An apparatus for conducting electrochemiluminescence test measurements consisting of a fluid container having a fluid flow path, a first counter electrode positioned within the fluid container directly secured to a transparent mounting block and having an electrode surface exposed to fluids within the fluid flow path, a working electrode with an electrode surface being displaced from the electrode surface of the first counter electrode laterally with respect to the flow direction of fluid within the fluid flow path.

Abstract: An apparatus for conducting measurements of electrochemiluminescence including a movable sample container support in the form of a carousel having a plurality of spaced apart support positions, an electrochemiluminescence testing device, a motor system to move the sample container support in a predetermined sequence, a sample transfer device to transfer sample from containers in the support positions to the testing device, and a detection system to detect the presence of a sample container and to produce an actuation signal based on the detected presence of the sample container.

Abstract: An apparatus as provided for use in carrying out electrochemiluminescence test measurements. The apparatus includes a cell to contain an electrochemiluminescence sample fluid. A working electrode is provided within the cell and is coupled to a supply of electrical energy to apply the same to the sample fluid. A temperature effect adjustment system serves either to adjust a temperature of the electrochemiluminescent sample fluid so that it is within a predetermined range, or else adjusts an output signal representing light produced through electrochemiluminescence of the sample fluid based on the temperature of the sample fluid.

Abstract: The apparatus holds a section of an optical fiber in a fixed plane while permitting the tension on the optical fiber to be adjusted. The holder is configured to provide complete access to the optical fiber for chemical etching, ion beam etching, coating operations, and the like. The holder also protects the fiber during processing operations, such as the formation of gratings, when the optical fiber is weak and subject to handling damage. The holder is also suitable for use with fine wires, rods, and the like.

Abstract: An inexpensive and efficient switching device for use with optical fibers is disclosed wherein at least three optical fibers are mounted in the switching device with one of the at least three fibers mounted in a fixed magnetic block and the at least two fibers are mounted or fixed to a sliding nonmagnetic block. The blocks are held relative to a fixed base to which the fixed block is secured by means of permanent magnets and the switch is actuated by means of an electromagnet. Stops are provided for the sliding block to insure accurate alignment of the fibers to be switched during switch actuation and transmission of information in the fibers.

Abstract: A tuned optical fiber grating and a tuning process is disclosed. The gratings on the optical fiber ar tuned so that the reflectance of the grating can occur at a specific wavelength. The process involves encasing that portion of the fiber containing the grating while shining light of the wavelength of desired reflectance through the fiber and stretching the grating until reflectance occurs. Thereafter, the tuned grating is sealed within a tube formed around the tuned grating.

Abstract: A ruggedized grated optical fiber is described. The gratings in the fiber permit its use as a reflector or an interferometer when pairs of gratings having the same reflectance characteristics are spaced along the optical fiber. The ruggedized fiber comprises an optical fiber having the outer cladding removed down to an inner sheathing wherein a portion of the inner sheathing is further removed to expose the core wherein evanescent waves are encountered. The gratings are formed in this core. Surrounding the gratings and connected to the inner sheathing are two semi-tubular sections which are affixed to the inner sheathing and hermetically sealed around the gratings.

Abstract: The liquid transfer device includes a one-piece molded barrel plate having a plurality of syringe-type barrels extending downwardly therefrom and support flange extending downwardly about the perimeter of the barrel plate. An elastic membrane rests on and is substantially coextensive with the upper surface of the barrel plate. A retaining plate having a plurality of apertures in alignment with the respective barrels is detachably mounted on the barrel plate in either a first position wherein annular projections about each aperture lightly engage the membrane to hold it in place or a second position wherein the projections extend into each barrel to seal the membrane about the upper edge of each barrel. A plunger having a plurality of pins is placed on the retaining plate with the pins extending through the apertures to engage the membrane. Depressing and releasing the plunger will draw a predetermined amount of liquid into each barrel.

Abstract: The apparatus is capable of coating thin objects, such as wires, optical fibers, and the like, with fluids such as enamels, photoresist primers, photoresists, and the like. The apparatus is configured so that the area over which the object is coated and the thickness of the coating can be adjusted. The coating is applied in a reproducible manner. The coating is applied without damaging the articles, such as thin wires and optical fibers having diameters on the order of about 5 to 50 micrometers.