Abstract: This invention relates to a system for printing and dispensing chemical reagents in precisely controlled volumes onto a medium at a precisely controlled location. A jetting tube, comprising an orifice at one end and a fluid receiving aperture at the other end, is concentrically mounted within a cylindrical piezo-electric transducer. The fluid receiving aperture is connected to a reservoir containing a selected reagent by means of a filter. The reservoir may be pressurized by a regulated air supply. An electrical signal of short duration is applied to the transducer. The pulse causes the transducer and the volume defined by the jetting tube to expand, thereby drawing in a small quantity of reagent fluid. The cessation of the pulse causes the transducer and the volume of the jetting tube to de-expand, thereby causing at least a substantially uniformly sized droplet of reagent fluid to be propelled through the orifice.

Abstract: A vertical beam spectrophotometer for measuring the light absorption of an assay prepared using standard wet chemistry procedures and conventional solid phase coated bead technology is disclosed. The spectrophotometer measures the absorption of the assay in a conventional reaction cuvette with the bead remaining in the cuvette. The light source of the spectrophotometer illuminates the bead, which diffuses the light into the surrounding assay solution. A lense projects the diffused light onto a photocell which converts it into an electrical signal having magnitude related to the light absorption of the assay. The signal is processed in a known manner by conventional processing circuitry to obtain an absorption value.

Abstract: A device for collecting ionized metal from a liquid solution, such as silver from photographic or radiographic solutions, which is highly efficient in operation and convenient in use. Efficiency of the device results from a unique impeller/turbulator which, besides being adapted to pump liquid through the device, induces a relatively high state of turbulence in such flow that promotes electrolytic action. A cathode on which metal ions are deposited is formed of a flexible sheet of carbon-filled plastic that is low enough in cost to be conveniently disposable.

Abstract: A device for recovering metal from an aqueous bath generating metal ions, by means of an electrolytic process. The device includes a source of direct current and a non-conductive base plate adapted to be immersed in the aqueous bath. One face of the base plate has a conductive anodic surface layer thereon operatively connected to the direct current source for charging the anodic surface positively. The other face of the base plate has a conductive cathodic surface layer thereon also operatively connected to the direct current source for charging the cathodic surface negatively so that metal from the metal ion bath is plated onto the cathodic surface.

Abstract: A device for collecting ionized metal from a liquid solution, such as silver from photographic or radiographic solutions, which is highly efficient in operation and convenient in use. Efficiency of the device results from a unique flow path which induces vortex currents that promote increased electrolytic action. A cathode on which metal ions are deposited is formed of a configuration and composition that is sufficiently inexpensive to be considered disposable. Disassembly and reassembly of the device is accomplished with a minimum of effort and manipulative steps.

Abstract: An electrolytic apparatus is disclosed for recovering a metal from a solution in which the metal is present in ionic form. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes an elongated strip of plastic film coated on both sides thereof with conductive coatings to form anodic and cathodic surfaces. The film strip is located between two end plates to form a cell. The strip is formed into a spiral or helix so as to place the anodic surface opposite the cathodic surface. The cell is mounted within a canister and fluid passageways are provided to enable metal ion-containing solution to pass through the helical cell. Electrical leads are provided to equally distribute the plating current throughout the cell.