Abstract: A quantitative measuring instrument includes a casing with a cavity for a reagent strip handling mechanism. The mechanism includes a slide with a resiliently biased toggle member for providing snap action of the slide between an open, reagent strip loading position and a closed, quantitative measuring position. A light seal is mounted on the toggle member that engages each reagent strip in the closed position of the slide. In a first, alternative embodiment of the instrument, the slide mechanism includes a cam arm that engages cam surfaces on the instrument raising the cam arm to an open, reagent strip loading position from a closed, reagent strip holding position. In this embodiment the slide can be removed from the instrument and cleaned. In a second alternative embodiment the slide includes a first detent corresponding to a closed position of the slide and a second detent corresponding to an open position. A pair of spring fingers are mounted in the cavity of the instrument casing.

Abstract: Separation device and method for the fractionation and separation of finely divided solid particulate material suspended in a liquid are disclosed. The separation device comprises upper and lower portions which are joined together to form an inner cavity retaining liquid and a capillary gap which extends outwardly radially from said cavity. During rotation solid particles present in the suspending liquid pass outwardly along and/or become entrapped in the capillary gap(s).

Abstract: A multiple profile reagent card for simultaneously or sequentially performing multiple analyses of analyte is formed by applying ribbons of reagent impregnated matrix material parallel to each other on a substrate and then removing portions of at least the matrix material to create separate matrices along each ribbon of matrix material. The multiple profile reagent card facilitates automatic processing of immunochemical, diagnostic and/or serological tests.

Abstract: A multiple profile reagent card for simultaneously or sequentially performing multiple analyses of analyte is formed by applying ribbons of reagent impregnated matrix material parallel to each other on a substrate and then removing portions of at least the matrix material to create separate matrices along each ribbon of matrix material. The multiple profile reagent card facilitates automatic processing of immunochemical, diagnostic and/or serological tests.

Abstract: Apparatus for accurately positioning and retaining multiple, individual reagent test devices in a holder. The holder consists of a base member and a top member in which the top member contains openings of at least the same number and dimension as the reagent pads appearing on the test devices. The holder permits the practical utilization of multiple, individual dip-and-read test devices in automated instrumentation.