Abstract: A slide holder comprising a rectangular frame having two side walls facing each other, a first end wall facing a second end wall, the second end wall having a latch pivotally attached thereto, the latch capable of being pivoted in such a manner as to enable locking and unlocking of the slide holder in a slide holder carrier. The slide holder carrier has a first end wall, a first side wall, a second end wall, a second side wall, and a shaft running from the first end wall of the slide holder carrier to the second end wall of the slide holder carrier. At least one slide holder is rotatably mounted on the shaft.

Abstract: An artistic element holder comprising an artistic element platform with an artistic image permanently or semi-permanently mounted and an artistic element holder frame assembly capable of holding the artistic element platform.

Abstract: Methods and processing reagents for improving washing and aging a biological sample in an assay are disclosed. The processing reagents comprise an aqueous base reagent and a low vapor pressure composition in sufficient amount to raise the boiling point of the base reagent. The methods comprise applying the base reagent and low vapor pressure composition to the biological sample for use at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of the present invention determines whether zero, one, or a plurality of microscope slide coverslips are about to be applied to a microscope slide. Light, such as ultraviolet light, may be directed toward a coverslip testing region, in which a number of coverslips reside. The amount of light passing through the coverslip testing region is collected and measured. Based on the measured amount, the method and apparatus determine the number of coverslips present in the coverslip testing region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of the present invention determines whether zero, one, or a plurality of microscope slide coverslips are about to be applied to a microscope slide. Light, such as ultraviolet light, may be directed toward a coverslip testing region, in which a number of coverslips reside. The amount of light passing through the coverslip testing region is collected and measured. Based on the measured amount, the method and apparatus determine the number of coverslips present in the coverslip testing region.

Abstract: A slide holder comprising a rectangular frame having two side walls facing each other, a first end wall facing a second end wall, the second end wall having a latch pivotally attached thereto, the latch capable of being pivoted in such a manner as to enable locking and unlocking of the slide holder in a slide holder carrier. The slide holder carrier has a first end wall, a first side wall, a second end wall, a second side wall, and a shaft running from the first end wall of the slide holder carrier to the second end wall of the slide holder carrier. At least one slide holder is rotatably mounted on the shaft.

Abstract: A slide holder comprising a rectangular frame having two side walls facing each other, a first end wall facing a second end wall, the second end wall having a latch pivotally attached thereto, the latch capable of being pivoted in such a manner as to enable locking and unlocking of the slide holder in a slide holder carrier. The slide holder carrier has a first end wall, a first side wall, a second end wall, a second side wall, and a shaft running from the first end wall of the slide holder carrier to the second end wall of the slide holder carrier. At least one slide holder is rotatably mounted on the shaft.

Abstract: A valveless, positive displacement metering pump is provided which is capable of either mixing two or more fluids or dividing a fluid from an inflow line into two or more outflow lines. The pump includes a housing which contains a cylindrical working chamber at different radial positions. Three or more passages extend through the housing and communicate with the working chamber. A piston is positioned within the working chamber. The piston includes a duct defined by its outer surface which communicates with one of the passages, depending upon its rotational position. The piston is rotated as it is driven back and forth within the cylinder, thereby causing the duct to sequentially communicate with the passages and the piston to sequentially close the passages. Depending upon the axial direction of movement of the piston, fluid is either pumped into or out of the working chamber as the duct rotates into communication with one of the passages.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for analyzing a biological material such as blood serum to determine whether a substance indicative of disease is present. The apparatus utilizes a two-way valve construction for rinsing a cartridge containing the material under analysis at various operating stations.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting the presence of a substance in a biological material carried in a cartridge. Suitable substances are applied to such material, and adhere thereto if the substance sought to be detected is present. Optical means are then used to provide a signal indicative of the presence of such substance. The invention has particular application in detecting whether a quantity of human blood serum is infected with disease.