Abstract: A method of imaging using selective fluorescent emitters and compositions for imaging are described. The method can include contacting a specimen with a composition comprising at least one selective fluorescent emitter of Formulas I through IX and irradiating the specimen with an excitation wavelength. The fluorescence emitted by the selective fluorescent emitter can be detected to generate an image. Formulas I through IX are: wherein: R1=OR4 or NR3R4; R2=OR4, NR3R4, Cl, F or H; R3=H, CH3, C2H5, C3H7 or C4H9; R4=H, CH3, C2H5, C3H7 or C4H9; R5=H or CH2(CH2)nNR3R4; R6=H or CH2(CH2)nNR3R4; R7=OR4, NR3R4, Cl, F or H; R8=N-methylpyridinium or N-methyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine; and n=1, 2 or 3.

Abstract: Compositions and systems are provided for the high efficiency quenching small water-soluble oligomers, or oligofluors, of from about 1-10 kd in size, where the oligofluors comprise multiple excimeric or exciplex forming fluorophores arranged on a scaffold, which are efficiently quenched by a quencher entity linked to the oligomer through a cleavable moiety. Fluorophores of interest include, without limitation, aromatic fluorophores such as pyrenes, e.g. benzopyrene, perylene, pyrene, etc. In some embodiments the oligofluor/quencher combination provides for a Stern-Vollmer constant (KSV) of greater than about 106 M?1, and may be greater than about 107 M?1, greater than about 108 M?1, or more. In some embodiments of the invention, the scaffold is a phosphodiester/glycoside backbone, e.g. an analog of a polynucleotide.

Abstract: Compositions and systems are provided for the high efficiency quenching small water-soluble oligomers, or oligofluors, of from about 1-10 kd in size, where the oligofluors comprise multiple excimeric or exciplex forming fluorophores arranged on a scaffold, which are efficiently quenched by a quencher entity linked to the oligomer through a cleavable moiety. Fluorophores of interest include, without limitation, aromatic fluorophores such as pyrenes, e.g. benzopyrene, perylene, pyrene, etc. In some embodiments the oligofluor/quencher combination provides for a Stern-Vollmer constant (KSV) of greater than about 106 M?1, and may be greater than about 107 M?1, greater than about 108 M?1, or more. In some embodiments of the invention, the scaffold is a phosphodiester/glycoside backbone, e.g. an analog of a polynucleotide.

Abstract: Devices and methods for utilizing dry chemistry dye indicator systems for body fluid analysis such as glucose level in whole blood are provided by incorporating a porous membrane with a skin side which enables separation of whole blood and visually reading the indicator without removing the red blood cell portion of the blood from the membrane. The devices also enable visual reading of the indicator by use of a membrane or matrix which provides separation of whole blood in a lateral flow of the blood through the matrix from the input area to a test area of the matrix. The devices also provide for microtitration of fluid samples in fixed volumetric openings containing indicator reagent. Another aspect of the device provides a determination of hematocrit level in whole blood in combination with indicator indication of analyte concentration which can be compensated for the hematocrit level. The devices provided are low cost.

Abstract: Devices and methods for utilizing dry chemistry dye indicator systems for body fluid analysis such as glucose level in whole blood are provided by incorporating a porous membrane with a skin side which enables separation of whole blood and visually reading the indicator without removing the red blood cell portion of the blood from the membrane. The devices also enable visual reading of the indicator by use of a membrane or matrix which provides separation of whole blood in a lateral flow of the blood through the matrix from the input area to a test area of the matrix . The devices also provide for microtitration of fluid samples in fixed volumetric openings containing indicator reagent. Another aspect of the device provides a determination of hematocrit level in whole blood in combination with indicator indication of analyte concentration which can be compensated for the hematocrit level. The devices provided are low cost due to efficient manufacturing methods provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing particles includes a storage tank for containing particles to be dispensed a metering mechanism for transferring particles from the storage tank and an air distribution system for receiving particles from the metering mechanism The air distribution system includes a bank of tubes for transporting particles in a flow of air having a flow rate, and a damper mechanism at the bank of tubes for selective control of the flow rate within the bank of tubes. The apparatus for dispensing particles also includes an air flow source for providing a flow of air to the bank of tubes, a sensor located at each tube for providing a sensor output signal indicative of a value of a flow characteristic, and a controller operably connected to the sensors and to the damper mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing particles includes a storage tank for containing particles to be dispensed a metering mechanism for transferring particles from the storage tank and an air distribution system for receiving particles from the metering mechanism. The air distribution system includes a bank of tubes for transporting particles in a flow of air having a flow rate, and a damper mechanism at the bank of tubes for selective control of the flow rate within the bank of tubes. The apparatus for dispensing particles also includes an air flow source for providing a flow of air to the bank of tubes, a sensor located at each tube for providing a sensor output signal indicative of a value of a flow characteristic, and a controller operably connected to the sensors and to the damper mechanism.

Abstract: An air seeder for planting agricultural crops includes: a storage tank for containing particles to be dispensed; a metering mechanism for transferring particles from the storage tank; an air distribution system for receiving particles from the metering mechanism, the air distribution system comprising a bank of tubes for transporting particles in a flow of air having a flow rate, and a damper mechanism at the bank of tubes for selective control of the flow rate within the bank of tubes; an air flow source for providing a flow of air to the bank of tubes; a particle velocity sensor located at each tube for providing a sensor output signal corresponding to a measured particle velocity; and a control mechanism operably connected to the sensors and to the damper mechanism for selective adjustment of the flow rate in the bank of tubes, the control mechanism being adapted to receive the sensor output signals, normalize the values corresponding to the sensor output signals, and display the normalized values.

Abstract: Devices and methods for utilizing dry chemistry dye indicator systems for body fluid analysis such as glucose level in whole blood are provided by incorporating a porous membrane with a skin side which enables separation of whole blood and visually reading the indicator without removing the red blood cell portion of the blood from the membrane. The devices also enable visual reading of the indicator by use of a cellulose fiber glass composite matrix which provides separation of whole blood in a lateral flow of the blood through the matrix from the input area to a test area of the matrix. Another aspect of the device provides a determination of hematocrit level in whole blood by measuring flow rate through a restricted passageway in the device.

Abstract: A device for indicating grain loss resulting from unthreshed heads in a combine harvester using a microwave transmitter-sensor. The device provides an output signal whose magnitude is a function of the mass of passing effluent which when compared to that of a typical threshed head provides a measure of unthreshed head grain loss.The device further provides that the output signal for unthreshed heads is distinct from that of loose grain providing means of distinguishing unthreshed head grain loss and loose grain loss.