Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a small volume pipettor, including: a plurality of pistons; a plurality of liquid delivery needles; motive device to cause one of the pistons to move axially within one of the needles to cause a liquid to be selectively drawn into and discharged from the needle; sealing apparatus disposed around the pistons to effect sealing of upper ends of the needles; assembly apparatus in which the needles and the sealing apparatus are disposed; and apparatus to permit the assembly apparatus to be removed from the pipettor as a one-piece unit. Further provided are novel apparatus to seal upper ends of the needles around the pistons.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automated staining apparatus including an arm moveable in three dimensions, and a hollow tip head located on the arm including integral reagent tip head, wash tip and blow tip for selectively dispensing gas and liquid onto microscope slides. Also disclosed are various sub-components of the apparatus that are specifically adapted to the processing of specimens on slides.

Abstract: There is disclosed a washing device for use with an automatic biochemical analyzer using reaction containers. The washing device comprises a sucking portion and a draining tube. When the sucking portion is advanced into any one reaction container placed in position and is set in a given position, a communication passage is created between the inner wall surface of the container and the outer wall surface of the sucking portion and between the bottom surface of the container and the bottom surface of the sucking portion. During draining, the container is depleted of wash liquid. Outside air flows from the communication passage into the container through its opening at the top end at a flow rate more than a given value. The air flow blows away the water droplets adhering to the inner wall surface of the container. The blown water droplets are urged downward toward the sucking port in the suction portion. Then, the water droplets are discharged into a waste tank through the draining tube.

Abstract: A reference T-sensor system is provided for detecting the presence and/or measuring the concentration of analyte particles in a sample stream. The system includes: a) a laminar flow channel; b) three or more inlet means in fluid connection with the laminar flow channel for respectively conducting into the laminar flow channel (1) an indicator stream which may include an indicator substance which indicates the presence of the analyte particles, (2) the sample stream, and (3) a reference stream, which can be a control stream and/or internal standard stream; c) wherein the laminar flow channel has a depth and/or width sufficiently small to allow laminar flow of the streams and a length sufficient to allow particles of the analyte to diffuse into the indicator stream to form a detection area; and d) outlet means for conducting the streams out of the laminar flow channel preferably to form a single mixed stream.

Abstract: A modular vial autosampler has a storage area for vials containing samples to be analyzed and at least one modular sampling station. A vial transfer mechanism includes an arm having a gripper that lifts a sample vial from the storage section, and the arm moves it to a station for identification and then to a sampling station, and under central control activates the sampling station for obtaining a sample for analysis. The vial transfer mechanism gripper is movable in X, Y, and Z directions to capture and move a selected vial and includes an alignment guide for the vials. Potentiometers are used for providing signals indicating arm position and the control is provided with updated information for calibration of the potentiometers and also updated position information for the arm relative to a fixed home position is obtained.

Abstract: A filter tube for a reaction or other fluid vessel is disclosed which maintains the vessel under an inert gas atmosphere and maintains the integrity of the inert gas seal while performing filtered or unfiltered filling or filtered draining operations.

Abstract: A nephelometer and nephelometer/turbidimeter combination of the type useful in automated chemical analyzers is provided. The combination includes a laser for generating a polarized laser beam having an S-wave component and a P-wave component. The beam is split by a beam splitter specially constructed so that a known proportion of one of the two polarized portions of the beam is directed to a reaction container. In the reaction container, a first polarized component of the laser beam is used in a nephelometric chemical analysis. The remainder of the laser beam passes through the beam splitter to a laser control light detector. Before the remainder of the laser beam reaches the laser control light detector, however, the polarized component which is not used in nephelometric chemical analysis is filtered out. The laser control detector uses the non-filtered portion of the laser beam to control the output of the laser.

Abstract: The apparatus gathers and prepares liquid samples for analysis for elements or compounds within the liquid samples such as water samples for tritium analysis. This disclosure is further directed toward apparatus and methods for the gathering or collecting of water samples from underground formations penetrated by a borehole, or collecting water samples at varying depths in surface canals, ponds, and the like. The invention is particularly suited for monitoring water in the vicinity of nuclear manufacturing, fabrication and disposal facilities for tritium contamination of ground waters.

Abstract: A mixture of beads from a combinatorial library is held in suspension either by inducing circulating flow of a liquid in a tapered vessel by rising air bubbles or by floating the beads at the interface between two immiscible liquids. Beads are selected individually from the suspension by drawing liquid into the tip of a needle having a circular opening smaller than the diameter of a bead. After a bead is captured on the tip of a needle, excess beads are jarred loose or washed away by flow of a solvent through a sheath surrounding the needle, and the needle is moved by a robotic manipulator to a well into which the bead is released.

Abstract: An apparatus particularly suited for subjecting biological samples to any necessary sample preparation tasks, subjecting the sample to rapid thermal cycling, and then subjecting the sample to subsequent on-line analysis using one or more of a number of analytical techniques. The apparatus includes a chromatography device including an injection means, a chromatography pump, and a chromatography column. In addition, the apparatus also contains a capillary electrophoresis device consisting of a capillary electrophoresis column with an inlet and outlet end, a means of injection, and means of applying a high voltage to cause the differential migration of species of interest through the capillary column.

Abstract: In connection with a method for determination of the content of at least some substance which is solved in a liquid, is used a measuring device, which is arranged to detect the character of a physical magnitude of the liquid, which physical magnitude is related to the content of the present substance, when the liquid has been treated with an adequate reagent. A volume of the reagent is measured, which volume corresponds to a defined length of a line, in which the reagent is transported, whereafter the measured volume is incorporated in a closed loop (1) in which the measuring device (26) is included, whereby the reagent volume which is incorporated in the measuring loop initially is essentially unmixed with the sample liquid and forms a section (X) in the line of the loop, which for the rest is filled with sample liquid and whereby the length of said section corresponds to or is in direct proportion to said length of the line in which the reagent is transported before it is incorporated into the loop.

Abstract: In the present invention, a disposable tip or a tip of a cleaning system is attached to a lower edge section of a nozzle, and the nozzle detects a liquid level by receiving fluctuation of a light close to the disposable tip or to an opening section at a lower end of the tip in the cleaning system, for instance, a light reflected from the liquid surface. In the present invention, not only the liquid level is detected, but also a liquid is filled in the disposable tip or the tip of a cleaning system detachably attached to the nozzle, a light is passed through the liquid in the disposable tip or the tip of a cleaning system, and a change of a light amount of the sucked liquid is detected, so that, for instance, a suction rate of the liquid, transparency thereof, contaminated by bubbles therein, clogging and a state wherein water has been exhausted are determined.

Abstract: An analytical cartridge adapted for use in analyzing fluids which contain liquid and solid components. The cartridge includes a plumbing system composed of various wells or chambers which are interconnected by passageways. After introduction into the cartridge, liquid samples are separated and transported to a test well utilizing a sequential application of centrifugal force followed by pressurization of the system. The cartridge may be used to measure the concentration of a wide variety of chemical constituents in bodily fluids and is useful in measuring other properties of these fluids which contain liquid and solid components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing precise quantities of reagents is disclosed including a positive displacement syringe pump in series with a dispenser, such as an aerosol dispenser or solenoid valve dispenser. The pump is controlled by a stepper motor or the like to provide an incremental quantity or continuous flow of reagent to the dispenser. The pump and dispenser are operated in cooperation with one another such that the quantity and/or flow rate of liquid dispensed by the dispenser can be precisely metered substantially independently of the particular operating parameters of said dispenser to attain a desired flow rate, droplet size or mist quality, droplet frequency and/or droplet velocity.

Abstract: An electro-analytical cartridge adapted for use in analyzing fluids. The cartridge includes an electrochemical device that measures ionic activity using ion-specific electrodes. The cartridge further includes a plumbing system composed of the electrochemical device and various wells or chambers which are interconnected by passageways. After introduction into the cartridge, liquid samples are measured out and transported to the electrochemical device utilizing a sequential application of centrifugal force followed by pressurization of the system. Reference fluid is transported from a reference fluid well or reservoir to the electrochemical device for use in measuring ionic activity. The cartridge may be used to measure the ionic activity of a wide variety of ions in fluids including bodily fluids.

Abstract: An integral fitting and filter assembly includes a tubular body (119) having a integral proximal fitting piece (121) and an integral distal fitting piece (122). A central passage (125) extends through the proximal fitting piece and the distal fitting piece of the body. A tubular filter assembly sleeve including a filter sub-assembly (142) and tubular extension sleeve (140) is slidably received within the central passage of the body. The filter sub-assembly includes two end caps (144, 145) and a center piece (146). The center piece is packed with a selective chemical-absorbent packing material (26), that is retained within the center piece by first and second porous plugs (148) secured within opposite ends of the center piece of the end caps.

Abstract: An automatic chemistry analyzer is provided having a high throughput and a high reliability. The analyzer uses nephelometric and turbimetric analyzers to analyze a wide variety of parameters within liquid samples typically generated in, for example, a large medical testing laboratory. The machine employs a unique probe and stirring rod assembly mounted at a slight angle with one another using rack and pinion assemblies so that the lower end of the probe and the lower end of the stirring rod are in very close proximity to one another. This feature allows the machine to be used in unusually small reaction cuvettes. The analysis machine also includes an onboard control sample so that the machine can be programmed to periodically calibrate its analyzing equipment during the course of normal operation.

Abstract: A chemical metering and control system is provided which maintains a desired level of a pesticide (or other chemical) in any open or closed channel flow stream with fluctuating flow rates. The system dispenses an amount of the pesticide at an injection point of the flow stream along with a fluorescent indicating dye, and then takes a sample downstream from the injection point to determine how much of the indicating dye is present in the flow stream, and therefore how much pesticide is present. At the sampling point a pump extracts a flow stream sample and passes the sample to a fluorometer which measures the amount of fluorescent indicating dye injected upstream. A proportional integral derivative (PID) controller then adjusts the level of the pesticide/dye mixture in order to achieve the appropriate concentration of pesticide in the flow stream.

Abstract: A positioning system for a sample testing machine incudes a base pan and a set of independent drive systems for sliding a sample tray across the base pan. Each of the drive systems incudes a paddle that engages a side of the sample tray. The paddle is slideably mounted to a shaft with a collar that slides over the shaft. A motor and drive belt is provided to move the collar along the shaft, causing the paddle to engage the side of the sample tray and slide the sample tray across the base pan. Track sections are provided in the base pan to prevent the sample tray from rotating as the paddle slides the sample tray across the base pan.

Abstract: A system for handling a body specimen is described for particular use in the handling of fecal specimen which are to be treated with a stain for enhancing its visibility. The system includes dual optical viewing chambers mounted alongside of each other on a frame with appropriate tubing connecting ports of the viewing chambers to a liquid specimen supply and the satin supply. The stain supply is connected to one of the tubings leading to a viewing chamber so that the drawing action from a pump connected to ports on the other side of the viewing chambers can force an automatic mixing of the staining solution with one of the liquid specimen being drawn into one of the viewing chambers. Controls and techniques for operating the system are described.

Abstract: A glass slide enclosure assembly is described with which fluid couplings can be conveniently made between the enclosure and elongate plastic tubes. Heat shrink conduits are provided and placed around end segments of the glass enclosure and ends of the plastic tubes. The heat shrink tubes are then shrunk by the application of heat. A sealant of light curable type is placed on the end segments of the glass sealant to provide a convenient light activated technique to prevent leakage of body fluid between the heat shrink conduits and the glass enclosure slide.

Abstract: A calibration fluid cartridge for a medical device, such as a blood analyzer. The cartridge includes at least one calibrant bag that is filled with a flexible calibration fluid and a flexible waste bag for holding fluid waste from the blood analyzer. The calibrant bags contract as calibration fluid exits the bags, leaving a void in the cartridge that is filled by the waste bag, which expands with waste fluids as the calibrant bags contract. Thus, the cartridge can be made compact and light-weight, making it particularly suited for use in a portable blood analyzer. The calibrant bags have fluid ports with self-sealing valves and a flange to secure them within the cartridge, as well as a compliant member for facilitating a secure, fluid-tight seal between fluid fitting on the blood analyzer and the calibrant and waste bags. The calibrant bags can be directly coupled to the blood analyzer to reduce diffusion of gases from the calibrant bags.

Abstract: The present device is directed to a reagent transfer device for transferring a plurality of reagent samples from one location to another location having a deposit surface. The device includes a reagent tray having a top surface with a top surface area and a plurality of wells in the ratio of at least 1,000 wells per square centimeter of top surface area, and a transfer member having a transfer surface with a plurality of pins extending therefrom. Each of the pins is positioned to correspond to one of the wells so that when the transfer member is moved in the Z-direction the pins are simultaneously dipped into the corresponding wells. The device further includes a mechanism for moving the transfer member between a first position in which reagent from the wells is deposited onto the corresponding pins and a second position in which reagent on the pins is deposited on the deposit surface. The mechanism for moving is adapted to move the transfer member in the X-direction, the Y-direction and the Z-direction.

Abstract: A fluid diluter has a hydrodynamic focusing device with a circular mixing chamber opening into a receiving chamber via a sensing aperture. Diluent is supplied from a source and mixed with a sample of blood, for example, and the sensing aperture counts the presence of particles such as hemoglobin in the sample using the impedance method. The receiving chamber is subsequently emptied and the cycle repeated. In one embodiment, through-flow is achieved via a pair of pumps having different pumping capacities, connected together with a common actuator rod between the two pistons. In a second embodiment, four pumps are employed, three of which are ganged together. The system is substantially less bulky than known diluters yet permits accurate attainment of high dilution ratios. Particles may be analyzed in the aperture one at a time without coincidence. Altering relative capacities of the pumps permits adjustment of the dilution ratio.

Abstract: A calibration fluid cartridge for a medical device, such as a blood analyzer. The cartridge includes at least one calibrant bag that is filled with a flexible calibration fluid and a flexible waste bag for holding fluid waste from the blood analyzer. The calibrant bags contract as calibration fluid exits the bags, leaving a void in the cartridge that is filled by the waste bag, which expands with waste fluids as the calibrant bags contract. Thus, the cartridge can be made compact and light-weight, making it particularly suited for use in a portable blood analyzer. The calibrant bags have fluid ports with self-sealing valves and a flange to secure them within the cartridge, as well as a compliant member for facilitating a secure, fluid-tight seal between fluid fitting on the blood analyzer and the calibrant and waste bags. The calibrant bags can be directly coupled to the blood analyzer to reduce diffusion of gases from the calibrant bags.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, apparatus, and process to reduce the oxidized mercury in an exhaust gas to elemental mercury and to prevent its reoxidation by congeneric components in the exhaust gas prior to the photometric measurement of said elemental mercury. In the process, the sample stream flows through a reactor heated to preferably about 800.degree. C. in which a stream of hydrogen is introduced directly into a hot portion thereof. The congeneric oxidized mercury species, i.e, HgCl.sub.2, and HgO are thermally reduced quantitatively to elemental mercury. The hydrogen reacts in situ with oxygen to form water vapor and with chlorine to form hydrochloride gas. The hydrochloride gas is effectively absorbed by the water vapor and consequently prevents the reoxidation of elemental mercury. The concentration of total mercury in a stream can then be determined by the intensity of radiation absorbed by a UV spectrometer.

Abstract: An assembly for extracting analytes from a sample using a fluid under pressure, and embodying the invention, includes an extraction cell receiving the sample and having a chamber body closed at one end by a translatable slide block assembly in fluid communication with the fluid under pressure to introduce the fluid under pressure into the sample located within the chamber body; and a cylinder block assembly at the opposite end of the chamber body for extracting the fluid passing through the sample, the sample being enclosed in a vessel having a thimble body closed at opposite ends by pressure-fit end cap assemblies, each having a thimble cap, a seal, and a frit cap assembly for retaining the sample within the thimble body and permitting the passage of the fluid therethrough.

Abstract: A method and analyzer for monitoring the progress of a chemical process in which a fixed volume sample of the reactive mixture of the chemical process is periodically gathered and injected into a fluid stream of a liquid carrier. The sample in the liquid carrier is passed through an infrared detector which detects the amount present in the sample of a species of the reaction mixture which is indicative of the progress of the chemical process.

Abstract: A new chemical probe determines the properties of an analyte using the light absorption of the products of a reagent/analyte reaction. The probe places a small reaction volume in contact with a large analyte volume. Analyte diffuses into the reaction volume. Reagent is selectively supplied to the reaction volume. The light absorption of the reaction in the reaction volume indicates properties of the original analyte. The probe is suitable for repeated use in remote or hostile environments. It does not require physical sampling of the analyte or result in significant regent contamination of the analyte reservoir.

Abstract: A method for determining the amount of residual disinfectant removing agent in a process stream to which the disinfectant removing agent has been added to completely remove a disinfectant residual, comprising the steps of: (a) drawing off a sample of the process stream; (b) mixing an acidic iodate solution and an iodide solution to produce an iodine analyzing agent; (c) adding to the sample the iodine analyzing agent in an amount sufficient to react with the residual disinfectant removing agent and leave an unreacted amount of residual iodine; (d) allowing sufficient time for the iodine to react with the residual disinfectant removing agent; (e) analyzing the sample to determine the amount of residual iodine remaining in the sample, and (f) determining the amount of residual disinfectant removing agent in the sample based on the amount of iodine analyzing agent added and the amount of residual iodine remaining in the sample after reaction.

Abstract: A new type of centrifuge tube convenient for separation after density gradients centrifugation is invented. The inner bottom of the centrifuge tube is in a funnel shape, and an orifice is located at the narrowest place of the funnel neck. The orifice connects to a small tube, which is built inside the centrifuge tube wall and spanning the entire length of the centrifuge tube. The centrifuge tube can be used either as a centrifuge tube or a separation funnel. Such a tube not only saves time but also improves the efficiency of separation after density gradients centrifugation, because the built-in small tube is capable of performing separation by means of siphonic effect.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sequencing polypeptides, including a continuous flow reactor which may include a sample bearing membrane strip.

Abstract: The present invention provides a miniaturized integrated nucleic acid diagnostic device and system. The device of the invention is generally capable of performing one or more sample acquisition and preparation operations, in combination with one or more sample analysis operations. For example, the device can integrate several or all of the operations involved in sample acquisition and storage, sample preparation and sample analysis, within a single integrated unit. The device is useful in a variety of applications, and most notably, nucleic acid based diagnostic applications and de novo sequencing applications.

Abstract: An automatic sample testing machine for testing samples stored in test cards. The machine has a test sample positioning system for moving a tray containing a plurality of test sample cards and fluid receptacles among various stations in the machine. The machine has a diluting station for adding a predetermined quantity of diluent to the receptacles as needed. A pipetting station transfers fluid from one receptacle to another. A vacuum station is provided having a vacuum chamber moveable relative to the tray between upper and lower positions. The chamber cooperates with the tray to make a sealing engagement with the top surface of the tray when it is lowered to the lower position. A vacuum generator supplies vacuum to the chamber. When the vacuum is released from the chamber, the fluid samples are loaded into the cards from the receptacles.

Abstract: A carrierless method is described for the analysis of a fluid sample for determination of the presence of a chemical species in the sample or for the determination of a physical characteristic of the sample. A portion of sample is drawn into a holding coil, followed by drawing one or more reagents (if desired) into the holding coil, then moving the sample and reagent (or reagents) through the reaction coil to a detector (e.g., calorimeter, potentiometer, ion selective electrode, fluorimetric detector, photometric detector, etc.). No separate carrier fluid is used in this method.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously and uniformly transferring micro quantities of liquid from a first plurality of separate cells to a second plurality of separate cells. Each of the first plurality of separate cells contain a liquid sample. Intake ends of a plurality of conduits are inserted into the first cells so that the intake ends of the conduits are immersed in the liquid samples. The conduits further including discharge ends. The discharge ends of the conduits are aligned with the second plurality of cells. A pressure differential is created between the first plurality of cells and the second plurality of cells to cause micro quantities of the liquid samples to simultaneously and uniformly flow through their respective conduits and to the second plurality of cells.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting patient sample quality, and/or analytes, in the tip used to aspirate the patient sample liquid and then dispense it onto a slide test element. Spectrophotometric analysis is done on the liquid while still in the tip, by scanning the tip for transmittance in a light-tight enclosure, using NIR and adjacent visible radiation, and detecting the absorbence spectra of the liquid. Much smaller liquid volumes, and no through-the-label detection, are required, compared to doing the scanning of the liquid in a primary patient collection container.

Abstract: In an apparatus for fluid analysis, such as hematologic analysis, a plurality of reagent-mixture components are each injected by a respective pump through a valve matrix and into a flow-injection unit. The flow-injection unit defines a mixing chamber including a plurality of protuberances or nubs projecting inwardly toward the center of the chamber, and spaced relative to each other both axially and radially. As the reagent-mixture components are injected into the mixing chamber, the nubs agitate the fluid flow and create turbulence, thereby dispersing the reagent-mixture components and in turn mixing the components together to create a reagent mixture. The flow rates of the reagent-mixture components are adjusted in order to select the reagent-mixture ratio as the components are combined in the flow-injection unit to thereby create the selected reagent mixture.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed involve methods and constructions for metering, and in some instances combining, fluids. One such method includes fluidly connecting a source of first fluid to be metered with a pressure source capable of moving the first fluid with a first valve and a conduit. The first valve is operated such that first fluid moves in the conduit. The conduit is fluidly connected with a source of second fluid that has a fluid flow rate greater than the first fluid with a second valve. The second valve is operated such that the second fluid moves into the conduit. One construction for metering a fluid comprises a source of first fluid to be metered, a pressure source for moving the first fluid to be metered, and a first valve. A conduit fluidly connects the source of first fluid, the pressure source for moving the first fluid and the first valve such that operation of the first valve causes movement of the first fluid responsive to the pressure source.

Abstract: This invention describes a new analysis and dosing system and a method to manufacture such devices based on the latest microelectronic and micromachining working methods. On chip or wafer 1 which consists of the one- or multilayer substrate 2 and one- or multilayer cover 3, are arranged the essential construction components as reactor 6a, detector 6b, converter/collector 6c, injection valve 6d, micropumps, sensors, and valves V1 to V30, of the system, and the connection(s) to a detecting/metering device. The substrate 2 and/or the cover 3 show depressions 4 to build cavities and the co-operation of the elements 6a . . . 6n.

Abstract: An ion selective electrode assembly is provided having a sample injection cup, a flow cell analyzer and multiple module pump for simultaneously pumping liquids between the sample injection cup and the flow cell analyzer using a single motor. One of the pump modules is capable of pumping a reference solution directly to the flow cell analyzer. Flow through each pumping module is controlled by a pair of rocker valves. The sample injection cup includes a first diaphragm valve for allowing a mixture of sample and reagent to flow to the flow cell analyzer. The sample injection cup further includes a second diaphragm valve installed immediately downstream of the first diaphragm for allowing a flushing solution to flow throughout the sample injection cup and the flow cell analyzer.

Abstract: A device for processing slides-mounted samples where a slide is urged against a cell block so that a chamber is formed between cell block and slide. Via a fluid channel having a funnel at its one end, the chamber can be filled with liquid by means of a pipetting device having a connecting tip which matches the supply funnel. A device for processing samples where a contact pressure plate serves to press a slide against the cell block of the device. A device for processing samples comprising a down-pressure element which, when in non-operating mode, blocks the device from supplying liquid and where liquid can be supplied when said element is pressed down.

Abstract: A device for performing sample acquisition and introduction of a selectable quantity of the acquired sample to associated device such as an analytical instrument.

Abstract: A method and a device for the analysis of 5-hydroxyindoles or catecholamines with high sensitivity. New chemiluminescence labeling agents, 6-aminomethylphthalhydrazide or 1,2-bis(phthalhydrazino)ethylenediamine, are reacted with 5-hydroxyindoles or catecholamines to form their stable derivatives. The derivatives emit strong luminescence in the presence of an oxidizing agent. In the chemiluminescence detection method, there is extremely low background noise and thus the method enables analysis with high sensitivity.

Abstract: An analyzer for chemical assays includes a turntable which supports sample containers and reagent containers within a cooled volume and test cells about the periphery of the cooled volume. A probe is carried by a rotating arm for withdrawing liquid from the containers and dispensing the liquid. Fixed stations are also provided in the path of the probe. One such station serves to both wash the tip of the probe and to receive samples for flow-through analysis. Heaters associated with the probe and with the test cells increase the rate of reaction. Curved walls of test cell segments match the optics of an optical analyzer so that light from the analyzer lamp is generally orthogonal to the curved surfaces. The light voltage of the lamp may be controlled as a function of lamp wavelength required for particular assays. The system provides multiple-point calibration and automatic dilution of samples. Multiple aliquots of reagent may be drawn into the probe and then be dispensed into separate test cells.

Abstract: A method of continuously spotting a liquid onto a predetermined number of members to be spotted with the liquid includes the steps of mounting a disposable spotting tip on a suction nozzle, sucking the liquid in the spotting tip in a predetermined amount larger than the predetermined number times the amount for one spotting and discharging the liquid onto the members in sequence by the amount for one spotting by introducing a predetermined discharge pressure into the spotting tip. A signal related to the vapor pressure in atmosphere is obtained and the discharge pressure is corrected according to the change in the vapor pressure inside the spotting tip after the liquid is sucked in the spotting tip so that the same amount of the liquid is discharged onto all the members.

Abstract: A reagent strip slide treating apparatus includes a reagent strip comprised of a plurality of chambers. A reagent passageway on the strip connects to each of the chambers and connects to a common passageway. The chambers are arranged at variable predetermined distances along the strip. A double slide is provided which is comprised of a first and a second slide spaced apart by a predetermined distance and adapted to have therebetween biological material to be treated sequentially by a plurality of reagents. A tube connects the common passageway of the reagent strip to the space between the space slides. The capsules containing reagents are provided within the chambers on the strip. The capsules are provided with thin walls which are adapted to burst upon the application of pressure. A press moving at a constant speed is provided to press the reagent strip and capsules in the chambers causing the capsules to burst. The spacing between the chambers determines the timing of the application of the reagents.

Abstract: Apparatus for heating and venting a container. The apparatus has a heating station for the container. A heater is disposed to supply heat to the heating station. A drive has a body and a reciprocable member. The body is mounted in predetermined relation to the receiving station. The reciprocable member is movable relative to the receiving station between a first position and a second position. A cannula is joined to the reciprocable member. The cannula has a hollow bore. The cannula is movable between a retracted position and an extended position by movement of the reciprocable member between the first position and the second position. A vent line communicates with the bore and the ambient environment.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for calibrating an analysis system having a membrane, the outside of which is in contact with a medium to be analyzed, in order to detect a concentration of a species there, and a corresponding analysis system. In this connection it is desirable to be able to perform a calibration in situ. In this calibration, a first fluid of a predetermined first concentration of the species is conveyed along the inside of the membrane, at least a second fluid of a predetermined second concentration which differs from the first concentration is likewise conveyed past the inside of the membrane and the concentrations of the two fluids after passing the inside of the membrane are recorded. From these concentrations, parameters for a correlation between the concentration on the outside of the membrane and a measurement signal are ascertained.

Abstract: A unified fluid cell circuit assembly for an analytical instrument, such as a clinical hematology, immunoassy or chemistry or a flow cytometry instrument. The assembly includes a unified fluid circuit, a shear valve, a fluid pump assembly, and a plurality of solenoid valves. The unified fluid circuit is made of a plurality of acrylic plates which have formed in the various plate surfaces chamber cavities, pneumatic, hydraulic and vent line, and valve cavities. The plates, when secured together, form a plurality of reaction chambers, a plurality of control valves and various lines as a network for controlling the flow and mixing of aliquots of a sample and fluids (rinse, reagents, etc.) to perform the reactions for analyzing the sample. The fluid pump assembly is connected to the unified flow circuit and has a plurality of diaphragm pumps which pump precise volumes of fluids.