Abstract: The operating lifetime of a hot cathode discharge ion source is extended by introducing nitrogen into an ion implantation apparatus after introduction of an ion implantation gas, such as GeF4, is stopped. The nitrogen is preferably introduced along with the GeF4 during implantation as well.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for isolating and purifying nucleic acids and other target molecules directly from blood, plasma, urine, cell cultures and the like by totally automated means, without centrifugation, aspiration or vacuum. After mixing a sample containing target molecules with a test reagent in an environmentally isolated compartment, target molecules are adsorbed onto a binding material and eluted in a small volume using an elution reagent. A preferred embodiment purifies nucleic acids and automatically detects target sequences from a sample of fresh blood.

Abstract: A molecular analyzer and method of use for sensitive, rapid and accurate detection of specific, or target, molecules or specific parts of molecules in a liquid sample to be detected without the use of radioisotopes. Apparatus for sealingly holding any number of sample tubes (23) containing a test sample and having pre-incorporated, internally contained detection reagents for removing unbound molecules from the sample tubes, as well as means for rapidly changing the temperature of the test sample and means for quantitating the target molecules without allowing molecules in the sample tube to contact the environment is provided. Alternatively, the apparatus may be adapted to receive detection reagents that are not preincorporated without exposing them or the test sample to the atmosphere.

Abstract: This invention concerns a slider valve in which a sliding block (10) of generally square cross-section (the corners of which are rounded) is a close sliding fit in a circular bore (14) in a body member (16). At right angles to the axis of the bore (14) and communicating therewith are ports (18) each of which is similar. Each port includes a smaller diameter section in which is located a cylindrical pad (22) of a plastics material having a fluid passage (24) formed therethrough to allow fluid from a tube (26) encased within a metal sheath (28) to pass into a port (30 or 32) in the block (10) if the latter is registering therewith. Two or more such valves can be joined by axially aligning and securing together the cylindrical body member 16 and the end of one block (10) will act on the end of an adjoining block (10) in an adjoining valve.

Abstract: A connector is described for joining tubes together, particularly plastics tubing as used in laboratories and the like.The connector comprises a first member having a barb-like projection through which the tube can be pushed but cannot be pulled in the reverse direction due to the interaction between the barb-like projection and the surface of the tube. The protruding captive end of the tube passes through a resiliently deformable disc of plastics material preferably Polytetrafluroethylene and in a preferred embodiment the disc is partly housed in a cup-shaped extension from the first member.The assembly of first member and disc is secured within a sleeve by means of a screw-thread engagement between the said first member or a further member which acts on the rear of the said first member. The said further member is screw-threadedly engaged into or onto the sleeve.

Abstract: A connector is described for joining tubes together, particularly plastics tubing as used in laboratories and the like.The connector comprises a first member having a barb-like projection through which the tube can be pushed but cannot be pulled in the reverse direction due to the interaction between the barb-like projection and the surface of the tube. The protruding captive end of the tube passes through a resiliently deformable disc of plastics material preferably Polytetrafluroethylene and in a preferred embodiment the disc is partly housed in a cup-shaped extension from the first member.The assembly of first member and disc is secured within a sleeve by means of a screw-thread engagement between the said sleeve and a further member which acts on the rear of the said first member. The said further member is screw-threadedly advanced into or onto the sleeve.