Abstract: The invention relates to a filter device for use in diagnostic assay procedures for the effective separation of unwanted particulate matter from the liquid sample of an analyte. The device comprises plural sheet-like cappillary forms prepared from porous media, and that are able to receive and filter the liquid sample. The filter is so configured that, as the pores of the porous media become blocked, the liquid and any particulate matter contained therein are able to travel laterally, and then transversly, to unblocked regions of pores, thereby facilitating optimal speed and efficiency of sample processing. The invention extends to test kits for medical technologists that embody the filter device, and to corresponding methods of testing comprising the separation of particulate matter from samples such as body fluids and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to liquid transfer devices for use particularly in chemical diagnostic assays in extra-laboratory situations. The device comprises first and second capillary flow channels (210,212) in mutual abutment over an interface region (218), the first channel having a capillarity which is higher than that of the second channel. In a particular form, the first channel (210) defines a volume definition zone for a first liquid (223) in fluid connection with both the second channel (212) and means (219) for receiving excess first liquid, wherein the second channel is arranged for application of a second liquid (236). The first liquid may be a sample such as blood plasma, and the second liquid may be a liquid diluent. Use of the device allows the application of sample in excess, application of diluent liquid leading to reaction of assay reagents (228, 230) with sample in the volume definition zone only.

Abstract: An analytical device (1) for use in assay procedures comprises at least one liquid flow channel of porous material leading from a channel end to an analytical site (2) via a localized reagent site (3). A liquid-impermeable barrier (6) is arranged adjacent to the reagent site (3) in the liquid flowpath to slow the transport of the reagent to the analytical site (2) by creating a substantially stagnant zone (10) which has the effect of elongating the distribution of reagent in the liquid flow.

Abstract: The liquid storage device comprises a rotary heat-insulated jacket mounted on a stationary base to rotate about a vertical axis. The jacket is formed to carry a plurality of inverted liquid containing vials, situated at least partially within the jacket, the vials being in communication with respective take-off cups which are arranged near the base of the jacket and around the periphery thereof and from which liquid specimens can be drawn off. A constant level device ensures that the level of liquid in the cups is kept at a substantially constant level. The jacket is provided with a stepping drive so that it can be stepped about its rotary axis to bring any selected cup into a liquid take-off position.The interior of the jacket is cooled with circulating, cold air and the temperature of the vials is kept at a predetermined value, below ambient, by an air heater.The storage device is intended for storing reagents to be used in an automatic blood analyzing machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vial located in a pocket in a carrier.The pocket has an upwardly opening inlet and a plane, bottom cam surface the vial has a complementary, plane, bottom cam surface. Both cam surfaces are inclined to the axes of the vial and pocket so that on lowering the vial into the pocket through its inlet, the cam surfaces interact so that when the vial is fully home in the pocket, it occupies a predetermined position of angular displacement about the vial axis.The carrier may be in the form of a turntable having a plurality of such pockets around the peripheral region of the turntable. The pockets may open outwardly from the center of the turntable through the peripheral surface of the turntable so that labels fixed and appropriately positioned on the vial walls are visible through the openings in the peripheral surface when the vials are fully home in their pockets.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a turntable carrying, in a circular array centered on a central rotational axis of the turntable, a plurality of vials extending below the underside of the turntable. A stepper motor imparts stepwise rotational motion to the turntable so that during dwell periods of the turntable, specimens in the vials can be investigated optically.Air in a space below the turntable and bounded laterally and at the bottom by an enclosure is circulated by a rotating vane, and a thermistor, responsive to the temperature in the region of the vials, controls a heater in the space below the turntable so as to maintain the temperature of the vials at a predetermined value.

Abstract: Specimen agitation apparatus comprises a horizontal turntable carrying, and its periphery, a plurality of substantially equally spaced vessels for receiving specimens to be agitated. The turntable is rotated stepwise about its central axis by a stepping motor which applies driving impulses to the turntable so as to cause it to rotate from a first rotational position to a second rotational position, but before coming to rest at the second position the turntable oscillates about the central axis to agitate the specimens.

Abstract: A device for use in producing a scanning beam of radiation comprises a rotor member carrying two optical wave guides arranged so as to direct light along the rotary axis of the rotor member, then radially outwardly to pass from one wave guide to the other, then radially inwardly and finally along the said rotary axis again.When the device is adapted for investigating liquid samples, a turntable, carrying a number of vials containing liquid samples at spaced locations around its periphery, is rotated in indexing fashion and, during each dwell period of the turntable, the rotor member is rotated so that the circularly scanning beam of light leaving the first mentioned wave guide scans each of the vials in turn at least once.