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 and method for biological fluid analysis involving radiation measurement. The apparatus includes a pipetting dispenser having means for directing radiation from the piston thereof generally axially through the liquid in the pipette tube such that the pipetting dispenser serves not only as a means for measuring and mixing liquids, but also serves as a cuvette. The apparatus and method provide maximum radiation path length to accommodate liquids of different optical density. Still another feature of the apparatus and method is the provision of means for removing liquid from the outer surface of a pipette tube, which means are readily adapted to automated procedures. The apparatus in one embodiment is adapted for absorbance measurement of analyte samples, and in another embodiment is adapted for measurement of fluorescent radiation from analyte samples.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for aligning and simultaneously removing excess fluid from test devices. The apparatus comprises carrier means designed to support a test device used for the determination of constituents in fluid. The apparatus further comprises blotter means supported and guided by the carrier means, said blotter means being capable of moving along the carrier means and contacting the test device along one of the blotter surfaces. The surface of the blotter means which contacts the test device has characteristics to facilitate the removal of excess fluid present on the test device upon contact of the blotter with the test device.

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: Centrifuge device and method for fractionation and separation of finely divided solid particulate material suspended in a liquid are disclosed. The centrifuge device comprises an enclosure means for enclosing suspending liquid, a liner for entrapping solid particles present in the suspending liquid, a cap for retaining the liquid and liner in said enclosure means and rotation means for rotating the enclosure means about the vertical axis thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for biological fluid analysis involving radiation measurement. The apparatus includes a pipetting dispenser having means for directing radiation from the piston thereof generally axially through the liquid in the pipette tube such that the pipetting dispenser serves not only as a means for measuring and mixing liquids, but also serves as a cuvette. The apparatus and method provide maximum radiation path length to accommodate liquids of different optical density. Still another feature of the apparatus and method is the provision of means for removing liquid from the outer surface of a pipette tube, which means are readily adapted to automated procedures. The apparatus in one embodiment is adapted for absorbance measurement of analyte samples, and in another embodiment is adapted for measurement of fluorescent radiation from analyte samples.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transferring fluids (48) in a multi-liquid reagent protocol. Serum/plasma for a therapeutic drug assay is first obtained and mixed with a fluorogenic drug reagent (48) within a first cuvette (38). After mixing, the reaction product is accessed through a small opening (50) by tipping the cuvette (38). Fluid transfer is effected through a capillary tube (12) having an accurately calibrated bore (14), the capillary tube (12) being held between its open distal and proximal ends (30, 32) by a gripping sleeve (24). The capillary tube holder (10) is then inserted into a second cuvette where it suspends the capillary tube (12) over the liquid level (54) of a second reagent (56) in second cuvette (40). By vigorous up-and-down shaking of the second cuvette (40), the contents of the capillary tube (12) are discharged substantially uniformly throughout the liquid second reagent (56) in a short time period.

Abstract: An improved method is provided for producing monocellular layers of cell-containing biological fluid, such as blood, by spinning a sample slide bearing a sample to be analyzed. In the practice of the improved method, the slide is positioned with the sample-bearing surface thereof facing downwardly so that the force of gravity aids, rather than hinders, monocellular layer formation. Such layer formation is further facilitated by spinning of the slide in a holder provided with integral wall means shielding the sample from the buffeting effect of circumambient air to thereby avoid premature drying of the sample, minimize cell distortion and prevent aerosol formation.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus are provided for producing monocellular layers of cell-containing biological fluid, such as blood, by spinning a sample slide bearing a sample to be analyzed. In the practice of the improved method and use of the improved apparatus, the slide is positioned with the sample-bearing surface thereof facing downwardly so that the force of gravity aids, rather than hinders, monocellular layer formation. Such layer formation is further facilitated by spinning of the slide in a holder provided with integral wall means shielding the sample from the buffeting effect of circumambient air to thereby avoid premature drying of the sample, minimize cell distortion and prevent aerosol formation.

Abstract: A test device for determining the presence of a constituent in a sample, and a method for making it are disclosed. The test device comprises reactants (e.g. reagents, enzymes, etc.) incorporated with a carrier matrix such that when the device is wetted with a test sample, the reactants and the constituent react to produce a detectable response. The reactants are positioned separately from each other on the matrix in substantially, discrete, non-contacting areas. Hence, reactants are maintained substantially separate from each other until the test device is wetted with the sample.

Abstract: A platen and the method of operation thereof are described for applying liquid to a generally flat surfaced object, such as a microscopic slide, so as to provide multiple liquid treatments in at least two transverse bands across the width of the object. The apparatus and method permit different biological markers to be applied to separate areas of the same specimen on a microscopic slide; the same biological marker to be applied to different specimens on the same microscopic slide; the same biological marker to be applied to separate areas of the same specimen on a microscopic slide; or different biological markers to be applied to different specimens on the same microscopic slide.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for applying liquid to a series of individual, substantially flat objects. The apparatus and method are particularly adapted for staining microscope slides. The apparatus comprises a fixed plate member and preferably an opposing plate member positioned substantially parallel to and movable toward and away from the fixed plate member, aligned by means of at least one guide member which engages said plate members. A series of movable spacing shims extend along the guide member for separating flat objects, such as glass slides. The flat objects are inserted into the apparatus while the movable plate member is positioned away from the fixed plate member. Once the flat objects have been inserted in the apparatus between adjacent spacing shims the movable plate member is moved toward the fixed plate member to clamp the flat objects in predetermined spaced parallel face-to-face relation.

Abstract: An improved flow-through type particle analyzing apparatus utilizing multiple electrodes to produce an electrical pulse upon sensing a particle passing through an aperture is provided with a well-shaped liquid sample receiving receptacle or reservoir which is positioned over said aperture and comprises an orifice electrode, made at least in part of a conductive material such as metal. The construction minimizes the sample volume required to properly wet and make electrical contact with the orifice electrode, and it also minimizes the flow path of aperture current thereby correspondingly minimizing electrical noise.In a preferred embodiment means are incorporated for cleaning the particle analyzing apparatus in the immediate vicinity of the aperture, thereby minimizing the blockage and avoiding the necessity of dismantling the apparatus for cleaning.

Abstract: Apparatus and the method of operation thereof are described for conveying an object, such as a microscopic slide, over a flat liquid-applying surface and interrupting the advance of the object for a predetermined time period while the object is at rest in position of the liquid-applying surface to achieve even application of a treating liquid to the object. The treating liquid can be injected into the space between the object and said flat liquid-applying surface while the object is substantially stationary or prior to interruption of the object movement.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for applying liquid to a series of individual, substantially flat objects. The apparatus is particularly adapted for staining microscope slides. The apparatus comprises a fixed plate member and preferably an opposing plate member positioned substantially parallel to and movable toward and away from the fixed plate member, aligned by means of at least one guide member which engages said plate members. A series of movable spacing shims extend along the guide member for separating flat objects, such as glass slides. The flat objects are inserted into the apparartus while the movable plate member is positioned away from the fixed plate member. Once the flat objects have been inserted in the apparatus between adjacent spacing shims the movable plate member is moved toward the fixed plate member to clamp the flat objects in predetermined spaced parallel face-to-face relation.

Abstract: Apparatus and the method of operation thereof are described for conveying an object, such as a microscopic slide, over a flat liquid-applying surface and interrupting the advance of the object for a predetermined time period while the object is at rest in position over the liquid-applying surface to achieve even application of a treating liquid to the object. The treating liquid can be injected into the space between the object and said flat liquid-applying surface while the object is substantially stationary or prior to interruption of the object movement.