Abstract: A reaction receptacle apparatus includes one or more individual receptacles for containing chemical or biological substances. The one or more receptacles are arranged to be engaged by tubular elements of a substance transfer device for transferring substances into or out of the individual receptacles. Multiple receptacles are coupled to one another by a connecting rib structure that defines straight shoulders along opposite sides of the reaction receptacle apparatus, and the shoulders support the apparatus within reaction receptacle apparatus carrying structures. A contact-limiting element holding structure for holding contact-limiting elements, such as protective tips for tubular elements, is associated with each individual receptacle and holds a contact-limiting element in an operative orientation so as to be operatively engageable by the tubular element of the substance transfer device.

Abstract: A reaction receptacle apparatus includes one or more individual receptacles for containing chemical or biological substances. The one or more receptacles are arranged to be engaged by tubular elements of a substance transfer device for transferring substances into or out of the individual receptacles. Multiple receptacles are coupled to one another by a connecting rib structure that defines straight shoulders along opposite sides of the reaction receptacle apparatus, and the shoulders support the apparatus within reaction receptacle apparatus carrying structures. A contact-limiting element holding structure for holding contact-limiting elements, such as protective tips for tubular elements, is associated with each individual receptacle and holds a contact-limiting element in an operative orientation so as to be operatively engageable by the tubular element of the substance transfer device.

Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next.

Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, preforming in analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next.

Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next.

Abstract: An improved flavoring composition and process for brewing malt beverages is disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, the flavoring composition is formed from a high solids percent, room temperature stable, partially aqueous composition of a potassium salt of iso-&agr;-acids. Such composition may be added to the wort kettle or else used as a post-fermentation additive, preferably after dilution with demineralized water. In another embodiment, the flavoring composition comprises a mixture containing reduced (rho-) iso-&agr;-acids in alkali metal salts form, &bgr;-acids and hop oil. This latter composition is useful as a substitute for normal kettle extract, hops or hop pellets, allowing easy preparation of beer that resists formation of unpleasant, “skunk” flavors but has otherwise similar flavor and physical properties.

Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next.

Abstract: Iso-&agr;-acids and reduced iso-&agr;-acids in their free acids states are converted into mobile resins by the addition of concentrated solutions of alkali metal hydroxides. The products may be used in brewing for the bittering of beer and are most effectively used in an apparatus that automatically blends the product with water and injects the resultant, aqueous solution into beer.

Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next.

Abstract: A container closure is disclosed which includes a shell attachable to a container around a container opening thereof. The shell has a shell opening in fluid communication with the container opening when the shell is attached to the container. A tip is received on the shell movable between a closed position sealing the shell opening and an open position. A cover is releasably attached to the shell in a manner indicative of the tip being positioned in the closed position when the cover is attached to the shell. Both the shell and the cover may be provided with tamper-evident bands. The present invention is particularly well adapted to be formed as a push-pull container closure for sports bottles and the like.

Abstract: A reaction receptacle apparatus includes one or more individual receptacles for containing chemical or biological substances. The one or more receptacles are arranged to be engaged by tubular elements of a substance transfer device for transferring substances into or out of the individual receptacles. Multiple receptacles are coupled to one another by a connecting rib structure that defines straight shoulders along opposite sides of the reaction receptacle apparatus, and the shoulders support the apparatus within reaction receptacle apparatus carrying structures. A contact-limiting element holding structure for holding contact-limiting elements, such as protective tips for tubular elements, is associated with each individual receptacle and holds a contact-limiting element in an operative orientation so as to be, operatively engageable by the tubular element of the substance transfer device.

Abstract: A reaction receptacle apparatus includes one or more individual receptacles for containing chemical or biological substances. The one or more receptacles are arranged to be engaged by tubular elements of a substance transfer device for transferring substances into or out of the individual receptacles. Multiple receptacles are coupled to one another by a connecting rib structure that defines straight shoulders along opposite sides of the reaction receptacle apparatus, and the shoulders support the apparatus within reaction receptacle apparatus carrying structures. A contact-limiting element holding structure for holding contact-limiting elements, such as protective tips for tubular elements, is associated with each individual receptacle and holds a contact-limiting element in an operative orientation so as to be operatively engageable by the tubular element of the substance transfer device.

Abstract: A container closure includes a shell attachable to a container around a container opening thereof. The shell has a shell opening in fluid communication with the container opening when the shell is attached to the container. A tip is received on the shell movable between a closed position sealing the shell opening and an open position. A cover is releasably attached to the shell in a manner indicative of the tip being positioned in the closed position when the cover is attached to the shell. Both the shell and the cover may be provided with tamper-evident bands. The present invention is particularly well adapted to be formed as a push-pull container closure for sports bottles and the like.

Abstract: An injection moldable closure includes a base member having a top and a substantially cylindrical side with internal threads thereon. The top of the base member includes a socket with an aperture at the bottom of the socket and a groove extending away from the socket. The closure includes a pour spout which is symmetrical about a longitudinal axis thereof. The pour spout includes a cylindrical stem, a ball attached at one end of the cylindrical stem and a passageway extending through the cylindrical stem and the ball along the longitudinal axis of the pour spout. The ball of the pour spout is received within the socket such that the pour spout can be moved between a closed position with the cylindrical stem received within the groove and an open position wherein the passageway is aligned with the aperture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a peel-top flexible plastic closure to be formed by injection molding. The closure of the present invention is of reduced weight by incorporating a plurality of tapered-wall sections about the top surface of the closure. The closure of the present invention can be manufactured utilizing an injection mold having a single center gate.

Abstract: A continuous mixer has an elongated trough with two mixer assemblies mounted therein in a mutually parallel, laterally spaced apart relationship for axial rotation in opposite directions. Each mixer assembly has a rigid shaft with a plurality of blades mounted thereon which are shaped and mutually arranged to achieve an intersecting helical effect in the trough. The blades are arranged in sets of at least two, axially adjacent ones of said blades, wherein the blades within each set has a substantially identical circumferential position on its shaft, and the sets are positioned in a circumferentially staggered pattern about the shaft to axially balance the mixing assemblies, and thereby alleviate vibration, even during high speed mixing. Counterbalance weights or eccentric blades on the shafts can also be used to improve the dynamic balance of the mixing assemblies.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating catabolic, gut-associated pathological processes including intestinal mucosal and pancreatic atrophy and enhanced gut permeability, impairment of host defenses and compromised immune function, and for promoting recovery from bone marrow transplantation in an animal, which comprises administering to an animal a therapeutically effective amount of glutamine or an analogue thereof.

Abstract: The present invention discloses various one piece, flip style, injection molded, pour spout type closures. Each closure includes a frame having an aperture therethrough with a door hinged along a bottom edge of the aperture for opening and closing the aperture. Side panels are attached to the door and extend between the door and the side edges of the panel to form the pour spout when the door is in the opened position. Two embodiments of the present invention provide hinged side panels which fold up to help seal the closure and provide a substantially flat panel with the door in the closed position. Another embodiment of the present invention provides fixed side panels adapted to extend through the aperture and including stop members to limit the outward movement of the door to the fully opened position.