Abstract: An electro-optical sensing device for detecting the presence and concentration of an analyte in a liquid or gaseous medium includes a pair of indicator elements positioned to receive radiation from a radiation source and transmit radiation to a pair of photosensitive elements. The indicator elements each contain indicator molecules having an optical characteristic responsive to the presence of an analyte; however, one of the indicator elements is covered by an analyte-impermeable chamber that renders the indicator element insensitive to the presence of the analyte in the medium outside the chamber so that it can be used as a reference to cancel environmental and systemic variables that affect both indicator elements. The chamber preferably holds an analyte-containing fluid in contact with the reference indicator element so that the indicator elements operate under nominally identical conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for attenuating the effect of ambient light on optical sensors and for measuring and compensating quantitatively for the ambient light.

Abstract: An electro-optical sensing device for detecting the presence and concentration of an analyte in a liquid or gaseous medium includes a pair of indicator elements positioned to receive radiation from a radiation source and transmit radiation to a pair of photosensitive elements. The indicator elements each contain indicator molecules having an optical characteristic responsive to the presence of an analyte; however, one of the indicator elements is covered by an analyte-impermeable chamber that renders the indicator element insensitive to the presence of the analyte in the medium outside the chamber so that it can be used as a reference to cancel environmental and systemic variables that affect both indicator elements. The chamber preferably holds an analyte-containing fluid in contact with the reference indicator element so that the indicator elements operate under nominally identical conditions.

Abstract: An electro-optical sensing device for detecting the presence and concentration of an analyte in a liquid or gaseous medium includes a pair of indicator elements positioned to receive radiation from a radiation source and transmit radiation to a pair of photosensitive elements. The indicator elements each contain indicator molecules having an optical characteristic responsive to the presence of an analyte; however, one of the indicator elements is covered by an analyte-impermeable chamber that renders the indicator element insensitive to the presence of the analyte in the medium outside the chamber so that it can be used as a reference to cancel environmental and systemic variables that affect both indicator elements. The chamber preferably holds an analyte-containing fluid in contact with the reference indicator element so that the indicator elements operate under nominally identical conditions.

Abstract: An optical-based sensor for detecting the presence or amount of an analyte using both indicator and reference channels. The sensor has a sensor body with a source of radiation embedded therein. Radiation emitted by the source interacts with indicator membrane indicator molecules proximate the surface of the body. At least one optical characteristic of these indicator molecules varies with analyte concentration. For example, the level of fluorescence of fluorescent indicator molecules or the amount of light absorbed by light-absorbing indicator molecules can vary as a function of analyte concentration. In addition, radiation emitted by the source also interacts with reference membrane indicator molecules proximate the surface of the body. Radiation (e.g., light) emitted or reflected by these indicator molecules enters and is internally reflected in the sensor body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for dispensing and supplementing a large volume of liquid for use with cell and tissue cultures. The system disclosed comprises a large volume drum having liquid contained therein. The system disclosed further comprises a first assembly for dispensing the liquid from the large volume drum. The system disclosed further comprises a second assembly for supplementing the first liquid contained in the large volume drum with the second liquid. The system disclosed may also comprise a third mechanical arrangement for mixing the first and second liquids.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for dispensing and supplementing a large volume of liquid for use with cell and tissue cultures. The system disclosed comprises a large volume drum having liquid contained therein. The system disclosed further comprises a first assembly for dispensing the liquid from the large volume drum. The system disclosed further comprises a second assembly for supplementing the first liquid contained in the large volume drum with the second liquid. The system disclosed may also comprise a third mechanical arrangement for mixing the first and second liquids. The materials chosen are compatible with gamma irradiation sterilization process, sterile cell culture media, and standard distribution systems.

Abstract: A vertical gel slab electrophoresis apparatus is disclosed comprised of a vertically oriented gel slab arranged between upper and lower buffer solution reservoirs. A bifurcated movable lower tray contains both an upper buffer reservoir drain and lower buffer reservoir. Both upper and lower buffer reservoirs are provided with hinged covers which act as electrical interlocks to prevent unsafe operation of the apparatus, as well as prevent spillage of buffer solution. The design overcomes safety problems associated with both electrical shock and radioactive chemical contamination. The apparatus is provided with handles for each relocation. Cooling vents are provided for ambient air cooling of the apparatus. A gel mold experiment can be assembled and disassembled with unusual ease with the aid of unique self-locking clamp assemblies.

Abstract: A container having an open neck portion formed with a screw thread and a removable closure having a side wall portion formed with a mating screw thread. The closure has at least one protuberance on the side wall. The neck portion has at least one projection shaped to allow said protuberance to pass thereover in either direction when the closure is threaded on or off of the neck portion using an applied rotational force only. The projection extends downwardly away from the screw thread toward the neck portion/container interface. The protuberance requires an applied rotational force to enable same to pass over the projection wherein the closure can be partially unthreaded from the neck portion before the protuberance passes over the projection.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a container-closure assembly with detent means for positive positioning of the closure with respect to the container at a preselect intermediate position between full closure-container cooperation and non-cooperative relationship.A neck (16) of a container (10) is provided with external threads (22) including a detent positioning assembly (24) comprised of a pair of outwardly extending projections (26a and 26b) formed on a plane perpendicular to the axis of the container. The closure or cap (30) thereof is formed with internal threads (38) for engaging the external threads (22) of the container (10) and a detent positioning assembly comprised of inwardly extending projections (40) below the internal threads (38) thereof.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a roller bottle for cell growth production includes tissue culture treating the interior surface of a substantially cylindrical center portion having an open first end, an open second end and interior and exterior surfaces. A first end cap having a serrated circumferential surface is attached to the first end of the center portion. A second end cap also having a serrated circumferential surface is attached to the second end of the center portion. These end caps are attached so that their serrated surfaces protrude from the exterior surface of the center portion.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a container-closure assembly with detent means for positive positioning of the closure with respect to the container at a preselect intermediate position between full closure-container cooperation and non-cooperative relationship.A neck (16) of a container (10) is provided with external threads (22) including a detent positioning assembly (24) comprised of a pair of outwardly extending projections (26a and 26b) formed on a plane perpendicular to the axis of the container. The closure or cap (30) thereof is formed with internal threads (38) for engaging the external threads (22) of the container (10) and a detent positioning assembly comprised of inwardly extending projections (40) below the internal threads (38) thereof.

Abstract: A roller bottle is disclosed having a plurality of sections which may be bonded after their interior surfaces have been treated to enhance cell adhesion. The bottle may be plastic so that it is disposable, and has a pair of serrated circumferential edges to improve traction when in contact with rollers on a standard cell production roller apparatus. It includes a bottom cap, a cylindrical section, a top cap having a threaded neck, and a screw cap. The bottom and top caps include the serrated edges which enable the bottle to roll rather than slip on a roller apparatus. A method for the use of the bottles is also disclosed wherein a roller apparatus is able to rotate a large number of stacked bottles.

Abstract: A roller bottle is disclosed having a plurality of sections which may be bonded after their interior surfaces have been treated to enhance cell adhesion. The bottle may be plastic so that it is disposable, and has a pair of serrated circumferential edges to improve traction when in contact with rollers on a standard cell production roller apparatus. It includes a bottom cap, a cylindrical section, a top cap having a threaded neck, and a screw cap. The bottom and top caps include the serrated edges which enable the bottle to roll rather than slip on a roller apparatus. A method for the use of the bottles is also disclosed wherein a roller apparatus is able to rotate a large number of stacked bottles.