Abstract: A computer-aided decision-making system and method that is applicable to a variety of decision-making contexts and applications such as, but not limited to, automobile or home purchase decisions. The computer-aided decision-making system provides immediate, useful, and relevant information to a person in a decision-making context, overcoming common human cognitive problems that occur in decision-making, and enabling consumer purchases in an on-line sales environment. In particular, aspects of the invention that aid a person in decision-making include, but are not limited to: managing all the sub-decisions, educating the decision-maker, highlighting the most important sub-decisions, offering the most viable proposals for evaluation, distinguishing significant differences between proposals, supplying various evaluation tools, preventing blind spots, assisting the decision-maker's memory, gauging the progress of the decision process, and learning about the decision maker from the decision process.

Abstract: A computer-aided decision-making system and method that is applicable to a variety of decision-making contexts and applications such as, but not limited to, automobile or home purchase decisions. The computer-aided decision-making system provides immediate, useful, and relevant information to a person in a decision-making context, overcoming common human cognitive problems that occur in decision-making, and enabling consumer purchases in an on-line sales environment. In particular, aspects of the invention that aid a person in decision-making include, but are not limited to: managing all the sub-decisions, educating the decision-maker, highlighting the most important sub-decisions, offering the most viable proposals for evaluation, distinguishing significant differences between proposals, supplying various evaluation tools, preventing blind spots, assisting the decision-maker's memory, gauging the progress of the decision process, and learning about the decision maker from the decision process.

Abstract: A method for uniquely identifying a file, along with its particular version ID, used in an application program by a central processing unit provides a system for file security. The method computes a CRC for a file and then appends a version string and CRC at the end of the file according to its version ID. The added CRC/version record information is non-destructive. Once appended, the record will be transported with the file when ever it is moved or copied. CRC allows the integrity of the file to be verified at any time and is used to detect viruses or corrupted or tampered files at startup and also during runtimes of the file and its associated application. The operating system will store the new file length in a file allocation table and will also copy a file seal with the file. When used with a set of files for a particular installation, the file seal provides a unique bill of materials to identify the exact file contents of the particular installation.

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: 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.