Abstract: A method and apparatus for analyzing the results of determinations of the concentrations of medically significant components of control solutions comprise providing a programmable machine, executing on the machine a program which tests the results against a set of statistical quality control rules, and producing indications to an operator of the results of the tests. Illustratively, (a) laboratory analytical instrument(s) run(s) the control solutions interspersed among patient samples, the concentrations of medically significant components of which are determined by the laboratory instrument(s). The quality of the laboratory instrument's(s') process(es) for determining the concentrations of the medically significant components of the patient samples are monitored by testing the outcomes of the concentration determinations of the control solutions against the set of QC rules.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing communication between a first machine and a second machine comprises the steps of, and apparatus for, coupling a first video display output of the first machine to a first input port of the second machine, converting first video display signals generated by the first machine at the first video display output into first instructions and data and using the first instructions and data to operate the second machine.

Abstract: A system and method provide for distinguishing among characters of a character set. The characters are represented by a data stream of pixel information to a display port. A subset of the pixel information in the data stream contains sufficient information for unique identification of each character within the character set. Examination of the data within the subset of pixels permits identification of respective characters within the set.

Abstract: A broaching device and method for enlarging an opening, hollow or cavity in a workpiece comprises a broaching tool which is mounted on, or formed on, either the shaft or the nut of a ballscrew drive unit which includes a ballscrew shaft and a ballscrew nut.

Abstract: Novel reagent compositions and an assay method for the measurement of total and direct bilirubin are disclosed. The reagent compositions comprise an aqueous solution of at least one betaine selected from the group of alkyl betaine, betaine and betaine hydrate, a sulfanilamide diazonium salt, iodide ions and sulfamic acid. In the measurement of total bilirubin, alkyl betaine serves as an accelerator/solubilizer for the reaction of unconjugated bilirubin, and the alkyl betaine, betaine or betaine hydrate, together with iodide ions, minimizes or substantially eliminates interference from hemoglobin and lipemia.