Abstract: A machine-based method for collecting and interpreting quantitative data on cells and tissues so that a diagnosis will obtain as to the existence or non-existence of disease in an human. Vibrational spectroscopy is used and the spectra generated by such spectroscopy are compared with stored spectra to provide whether cells or tissues are diseased, and if diseased to what degree. It, therefore, is possible to provide a basis for immediate diagnostic decisions for patients and physicians, leading in turn to immediate implementation of next-step procedures and treatment all in one visit to the doctor's office. This means that patients and the examining clinician can know almost instantly whether or not the cells or tissue examined are normal or diseased, and the level of disease present if found.

Abstract: Detecting red blood cells in a patient's urine by placing an aliquot of the urine in an automated analyzer sampling cup. The urine is transferred to a cuvette mounted within the automated analyzer and one or more reagent compositions in an aqueous medium is injected into the cuvette. The reagent contains a buffer to adjust pH, chemicals to remove substances in the urine that interfere with colorimetric photometry, a compound to lyse the red blood cells in the urine, a substrate to react with the hemoglobin, a color indicator and a surfactant to improve fluid mechanics. The sample is read against a standard using a pre-programmed monochromatically specified wavelength to determine the presence or absence of blood cells in the patient's urine.

Abstract: Gliotoxic factor in the isolated or purified state, characterized in that it possesses toxic activity with respect to human or animal astrocytic cells, having the effect of a cytomorphological disorganization of their network of intermediate filaments and/or a degradation of the proteins of said intermediate filaments and/or cell death, in particular by apoptosis.

Abstract: A method of analyzing a specimen by infrared spectroscopy is disclosed wherein a specimen support having a plurality of unobstructed holes of substantially uniform size and a film of the specimen enclosing each hole is positioned vertically in the spectrometer and a beam of infrared light is directed through the holes to generate a wavelength spectrum characteristic of the specimen.

Abstract: A method of analyzing for As(III) as AsO.sub.2.sup.-1 ion in an Au(I) containing electroplating solution. The concentration of As(III) in the electroplating solution is maintained high enough to avoid formation of "burnt Au" oxides but low enough to avoid bond failures. A sample of the electroplating solution is withdrawn and added to a buffered solution, for example an acetate-ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) buffered solution. A complexing agent for Au(I) ion is added to the buffered solution. This can be an alkali metal cyanide. Next ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate is added as a complexing agent for the AsO.sub.2.sup.-1 ion. The ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate--AsO.sub.2.sup.-1 ion is extracted, for example with methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK). The extract is analyzed for As(III) by atomic absorption, as electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the detection of hydrazine, monomethylhydrazine, 1,1-dimethylhydrazine in air (or other gas medium) or in an aqueous solution. The detection is accomplished by introducing a stream of air, or other gas medium, or aqueous solution suspected of containing hydrazine, monomethylhydrazine, 1,1-dimethylhydrazine or mixtures thereof into a pH controlled reagent solution containing an aromatic dicarboxaldehyde to react with the hydrazine, monomethylhydrazine, 1,1-dimethylhydrazine or mixtures thereof, respectively, and by exposing the reacted reagent solution to an excitation wavelength range and monitoring an emission from the exposed reagent solution at an emission wavelength range to detect the presence of a hydrazine derivative, monomethylhydrazine derivative, 1,1-dimethylhydrazine derivative, or mixtures thereof (i.e.

Abstract: In order to quantitatively measure an Amadori compound by a simple optical method utilizing light scattering, a sample containing an Amadori compound which is stored in a cell is irradiated with excitation light from an He--Ne laser unit so that scattered light from the sample is received and separated into its spectral components for obtaining a light scattering spectrum, and a light scattering peak existing at 820 to 840 cm.sup.-1, 1655 to 1660 cm.sup.-1, 2000 to 2020 cm.sup.-1, 2080 to 2100 cm.sup.-1, 2460 to 2470 cm.sup.-1 or 2530 to 2600 cm.sup.-1 in shift wavenumber with respect to the excitation wavelength in the light scattering spectrum is detected by a detector. The saccharide concentration or the saccharification ratio of the Amadori compound is measured by a calibration curve through the peak intensity or the peak integral value of the light scattering peak.

Abstract: A method and materials are described for the monitoring of ionizing radiation in a location or on a person. The method comprises providing a fluorescent organic sensor material in the location where monitoring is required, the fluorescent organic sensor material having a molecular structure comprising at least one pair of fluorophore units, the units being held together by a spacer unit such that they are capable of interacting to produce a distinct fluorescence spectrum different from those of the individual fluorophore units; exposing the sensor material to the radiation; and determining any change in the fluorescence spectrum of the sensor material after exposure.

Abstract: A method for the rapid quantitation of minute amounts of particulate insoluble substantially opaque colored light absorptive substances is disclosed. The method may be employed to quantitate such particulates which are formed as an end product of an assay productive thereof. The method is practiced by bringing into contact particles to be quantified and an optical component or matrix formed of substantially water insoluble reflective granules of material which is substantially nonabsorptive of light and has a light scattering coefficient of at least about eighty. The opacity of the particles to be quantitated, when in contact with the component granules, masks and prevents any substantial light flow through the contacted granule surface areas which, with the absorptivity of light by the contacting particles, is effective rapidly and dramatically to reduce the light transmittance capability of the optical component.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining the acid concentration in acid-water-hydrocarbon (acid-soluble oil) solutions using near-infrared spectrophotometry. The use of a multivariate analysis such as Partial Least Squares algorithm enables one to predict simultaneously the concentrations of water and acid-soluble oil in the process acids from the near-infrared spectra. Although the preferred embodiment is directed to sulfuric and hydrofluoric acids used for alkylation, the method is also applicable to processes using other organic or inorganic acids containing hydrogen bound to either carbon, oxygen or nitrogen. Advantages are elimination of acid waste, hazardous acid handling, and better alkylate product quality.

Abstract: A method for classifying and counting leukocytes which includes the steps of (i) adding a first reagent used for classifying leukocytes into four groups which contains, (a) at least one ionic surfactant in a sufficient amount to lyse erythrocytes and to damage a part of cell membrane of leukocytes, (b) at least one organic compound having an anionic group in a sufficient amount to bond with a cationic component present in leukocytes to give morphological differences between leukocytes, (c) a nonionic surfactant, and (d) a buffer for adjusting pH, to a part of a blood sample to determine information on the cell size and morphological features in order to classify leukocytes into four groups consisting of three groups corresponding to lymphocytes, mononuclear cells and eosinophils and one group corresponding to neutrophils and basophils; (ii) adding a second reagent used for measuring basophils to another part of the blood sample to determine information on at least the cell size in order to classify basophils,

Abstract: A series of organic test papers are described for the detection and identification of all types of organic compounds such as aldehydes, ketones, esters, acids, amines, isocyanates, anhydrides, amides, nitrides, aromatics, phenols, ethers, and other organic compounds, said test papers comprising an absorbent paper or microporous plastic impregnated with a reagent or reagents capable of reacting with a class of organic compounds. The method of using the test papers for the identification of organic compounds comprises making a presumptive identification of the class of the unknown sample using FTIR spectroscopy, and then placing this presumptively identified sample onto the paper to generate a new substance known as a derivative of the organic compound, which aids in the identification of the unknown organic compound.

Abstract: A method of determining the effect of a test substance on any life stage of at least one clone of a Centroptilum triangulifer mayfly comprising (A) identifying and selecting at least one clone of Centroptilum triangulifer as a test clone to be subjected to the test substance; (B) exposing each test clone to the test substance for a predetermined time; and (C) determining the effect of the test substance on each test clone by at least one of (i) observing the test clone for a lethal or sublethal effect and (ii) Sacrificing the test clone, and analyzing the sacrificed test clone for at least one of (a) the presence of at least one of the test substance and any of its metabolites, (b) the quantity of at least one of the test substance and any of its metabolites, and (c) a lethal or sublethal effect of at least one of the test substance and any of its metabolites.

Abstract: In a method for the determination of the fat content of samples, preferably organic samples, fat portions are dissolved out of the sample by means of extraction. A high boiling point solvent is used for extraction. Through the use of a high boiling point solvent, all possible fat portions will be dissolved out and the extraction time will be significantly reduced. Concurrent with extraction, the extracted fat portions are saponified through the addition of a base, as a result of which salts of the fatty acids contained in the sample will be formed. In further procedural steps, these salts of the fatty acids are subjected to further treatment, separated from one another and analysed. The method enables the exact determination of the fat content of organic samples on the basis of the fatty acids contained within the sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for simultaneously or sequentially detecting multiple nucleic acid analytes in a single medium utilizing oligonucleotide hybridization probes coupled to different chemiluminescent labeling reagents. The methods may be used in a heterogeneous, homogeneous or non-homogeneous assay system. The invention also relates to specific combinations of chemiluminescent labeling reagents suitable, when coupled to an oligonucleotide probe, for use together in methods for the detection of multiple nucleic acid analytes. The invention also concerns kits useful in these methods.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the quantitative analysis of sample liquids. A sample is dried and irradiated with visible and/or infrared light. Light that is diffusely or specularly reflected from the sample and sample carrier is detected and analysed. Furthermore the invention concerns a system for carrying out the method according to the invention and a sample carrier having a diffusely or specularly reflecting surface.

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 method and apparatus for determining the condition of tissue or otherwise making chemical identifications includes exposing the sample to a light source, and using a synchronous luminescence system to produce a spectrum that can be analyzed for tissue condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the direct quantitative determination of cholesterol and involves the formation of a spectrophotometrically active product of cholesterol obtained by contacting cholesterol with an acyl compound and a perchlorate effective to form the spectrophotometrically active product.

Abstract: A fiber optic probe for remotely detecting the presence and concentration organic species in aqueous solutions. The probe includes a cylindrical housing with an organic species indicator, preferably diaminonaphthyl sulfonic acid adsorbed in a silica gel (DANS-modified gel), contained in the probe's distal end. The probe admits aqueous solutions to the probe interior for mixing within the DANS-modified gel. An optical fiber transmits light through the DANS-modified gel while the indicator reacts with organic species present in the solution, thereby shifting the location of the fluorescent peak. The altered light is reflected to a receiving fiber that carries the light to a spectrophotometer or other analysis device.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling an HF alkylation system comprising a reactor, a settler, an HF acid regenerator and a source of fresh HF acid wherein a stream of olefins and a stream of isobutanes are contacted in the reactor in the presence an HF acid catalyst. At least the reactor feed is sampled, and the sample is passed to an analyzer using an attenuated total reflectance cell. Signals are generated which are representative of infrared spectra of the samples in a range providing information on the amount of at least one of HF, water, ASO and sulfolane. These signals are simultaneously determined and generated because all absorb in the same spectral region. This aspect provides for viewing these distortions of the main HF absorption band to quantify these three components. The infrared spectra signals are compared with stored signals to generate control signals; and at least one of HF, water and sulfolane fed to the reactor feed is adjusted in response to the control signal.

Abstract: An initial rate photometric immunoassay method useful for detecting and quantifying analytes in various physiological fluids is disclosed. The method is carried out by combining in a liquid medium an undiluted sample of analyte-containing physiological fluid, such as serum, and an excess of an anti-analyte antibody. A substantially constant initial rate of increase of the liquid medium's turbidity, due to the resulting immunoprecipitation reaction, is measured in real time and compared to a calibration curve prepared from known analyte concentrations to detect and quantify the analyte. Detection and quantification of numerous analytes including, haptens, drugs and proteins, in a wide variety of physiological fluids can be rapidly carried out by the present method.

Abstract: A process for measuring and controlling the concentration of a solution at an aim point of an amide solvent and aramid polymers having aromatic and aliphatic carbon-hydrogen bonds that overlap using a near-infrared analyzer.

Abstract: Images comprised of silver such as X-rays and electrophoresis gel bands, wherein the size and darkness of the image provides useful information, are quantitated utilizing a spectrophotometer to quantify the silver which comprises the image. An image is isolated from X-ray film or an electrophoresis gel followed by removal therefrom of any silver which is present. The removed silver is complexed to cause an optical change. A spectrophotomer is then used to measure the absorbance and the absorbance measurement is compared with a calibrated reference standard.

Abstract: Sample water is supplied to an oxidative decomposer, heated to 90.degree. C. under presence of a photooxidation catalyst, and irradiated with ultraviolet radiation by a low pressure mercury lamp while being supplied with air, to cause photooxidative decomposition reaction. After the reaction, nitric acid ions are measured with an absorption photometer at a wavelength of 220 nm. Then, a color developer is added to the sample water, and the colored solution is employed for measurement of phosphoric ions with the absorption photometer at a wavelength of 880 nm.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for magnetohydrodynamic acoustic-resonance, near-IR spectroscopy. The method includes a step of applying to a subject under study a magnetic field having a strength between 2,00-10,000 gauss, near-IR radiation having a wavelength between 800-3,000 nm and an acoustic wave having a frequency between 10 khz -1 Mhz. The method also includes the steps of inducing vibration of ions in the magnetic field and detecting an electric wave generated magnetohydrodynamically by the acoustic wave induced vibration of the ions. Next is the collecting of the electrical, acoustical and near-IR spectra and the analyzing of the collected spectra. The spectra is analyzed in a hyphenated, multidimensional fashion.

Abstract: A method of monitoring compliance of a patient that has been placed on a medication maintenance program with a prescribed medication dosage by determining a normalized urine methadone concentration. An unadulterated urine sample is obtained from the patient. The urine methadone concentration and urine specific gravity are measured. The normalized urine medication concentration is calculated as a function of the measured medication concentration in the urine and the urine specific gravity. The calculated normalized urine medication concentration is compared with an expected medication concentration value for the patient for the maintenance program prescribed to determine any significant differences therebetween as an indication of noncompliance.Alternatively, a urinary-parameter normalized urine medication concentration is calculated as a function of the measured medication concentration in the urine, the urine specific gravity and at least one selected pharmacokinetic parameter of the medication.

Abstract: There is disclosed a slide test element and method of assay that allows for detection of analytes in biological liquids without the use of any detection reagents. The method uses NIR spectroscopy and a test element comprising a support, and a substantially constant light-path defining layer comprising a diffusely-reflecting material that is a) sufficiently porous in all directions as to allow a liquid to spread uniformly in all directions, and b) homogeneously reflects at least 95% of NIR radiation.

Abstract: A method for determining the amount of photoreactive polynuclear aromatic compound in a sample is described. A sample containing an unknown amount of a photoreactive polynuclear aromatic compound is mixed with a known quantity of a polyhalogenated organic compound and exposed to light of a known wavelength for a known length of time. The quantity of the photoreaction product which results from the light exposure is measured by absorption spectroscopy. Comparison of the absorption measurement to a standard curve allows determination of the concentration of the photoreactive aromatic compound. The simplicity of the method makes it suitable for on-site testing. The method can be used to test for photoreactive compounds in various media, such as soil, aqueous samples, and oil.

Abstract: The presence of trace materials in a sample is detected using both macroscopic and microscopic properties. A detector includes a light source and an optical resonator. The light source may be located either inside the resonance cavity of the resonator or outside the cavity, in which case it may be a semi-conductor such as a semi-conductor laser or a superluminescent diode. The detector also includes at least one reflective member that has a total internal reflection (TIR) surface and may be a passive device or an active gain element. Light from the light source is preferably focussed onto a single point of reflection on the TIR surface. The test sample is positioned within the evanescent field region of the TIR surface. Optical changes arising within the evanescent field region, such as excitation of fluorescence in the sample, changes in its refractive index, and changes in the resonant frequency of the optical resonator, are then detected.

Abstract: One or more properties of a refrigerant sample, such as composition, purity or both composition and purity, are analyzed for purposes of refrigerant recovery and reuse by providing a refrigerant cell having a chamber for containing a refrigerant sample and a passage for connecting the chamber to a source of refrigerant in vapor phase. The sample chamber and passage are evacuated, and the chamber and at least a portion of the passage contiguous with the chamber are cooled until the temperature thereof reaches a predetermined temperature at or below ambient temperature. After the chamber and passage have been evacuated and cooled, the passage is connected to a source of refrigerant in vapor phase such that a refrigerant vapor sample is drawn into the chamber and condensed to liquid phase. After the cell chamber has been filled with a liquid refrigerant sample, one or more desired properties of the liquid refrigerant sample are measured or detected.

Abstract: The present invention is an optical detection and identification system and provides an optic sensor, an optic sensing apparatus and methodology for detecting and evaluating one or more analytes or ligands of interest, either alone or in admixture. The optic sensor of the system is comprised of a supporting member and an array formed of heterogeneous, semi-selective thin films which function as sensing receptor units and are able to detect a variety of different analytes and ligands using spectral recognition patterns.

Abstract: An automatic calibration technique for a gas analyzer includes applying electrical energy to a source that is different from the level used to detect gas concentration in order to produce a different level of radiation from that used to detect gas concentration. The different level is applied with a non-absorbing gas in the gas sample chamber. The detector output at the reduced level is resolved to a calibration factor. The instrument can be linearized by repeating the calibration procedure at multiple different levels of reduced source radiation. In one embodiment, source assembly (26) is provided that includes a plurality of infrared emitters (36) to which is applied modulated electrical energy in a timed sequence in order to produce output levels for three component gas concentrations. A filter (56) between each one of the sources (36) and a detector (50) pass radiation at an absorption line of one of the component gases.

Abstract: A spectroanalytical system includes housing structure with vent structure open to the atmosphere; radiation dispersing apparatus in the housing structure for dispersing radiation into a spectrum for application to sensor apparatus; sample excitation apparatus for exciting sample material to be analyzed to spectroemissive levels for generating a beam of radiation for dispersion by the dispersing structure; a source of gas; structure for flowing gas from the source into the housing structure for exhaust from the housing structure through the vent structure at a flow rate that is less than one percent of the volume of the housing structure per hour; first control structure for maintaining the pressure of the gas in the housing structure at a constant (within about one millibar) pressure independent of atmospheric pressure; and second control structure for maintaining the temperature of the gas within the housing structure constant within about 0.1.degree. F. during system operation.

Abstract: A device and process for increasing analyte concentration in a sorbent from a source of analytes contained in a sample uses means for increasing a temperature differential between the sample and the sorbent. The sorbent can be a polymeric coating on a substrate. The sorbent is located in a headspace of the sample and has internal cooling means such as liquid carbon dioxide so that the sorbent can be cooled relative to the sample. Preferably, the sample is heated to further increase the temperature differential between the sample and the sorbent. As the temperature differential increases, a partition coefficient of the sorbent/sample also increases. Preferably, the sorbent is located in a headspace of the sample. Previously, for certain analytes, the partition coefficient was too low and the concentration of analytes extracted into the sorbent from the sample was insufficient to provide an accurate measurement of concentration.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for determining the structure of a carbohydrate sample, comprising perbenzoylating a carbohydrate sample with a perbenzoylating agent to protect free hydroxyl groups in the carbohydrate sample; cleaving the glycosidic linkages of the perbenzoylated carbohydrate sample by contacting the carbohydrate sample with an amount of BrCH.sub.2 COBr/H.sub.2 O effective to cleave the carbohydrate sample; treating the resulting product with AgOAc and methanol or AgOTf/TMU and methanol to effect glycosidation; treating the resulting product with thiourea to remove bromoacetate groups; subjecting the resulting product to effect methoxycinnamoylation of free hydroxyl groups; separating the resulting benzoates with high-pressure liquid chromatography; performing mass, ultraviolet and circular dichroic spectroscopy on the separated benzoates; and comparing the spectra so obtained with reference spectra or calculated values to identify the structure of the carbohydrate.

Abstract: In analysis systems which employ discrete nebulized samples which are developed in a sample chamber, potentially interfering residual traces of the sample are removed in a wash-out, prior to development of a subsequent nebulized sample for analysis, in a considerably shorter time than previously possible by directing a jet of flushing gas through the chamber against the face of the nebulizer, preferably a jet of wash liquid is also directed against the nebulizer, before, after or concurrently with the jet of flushing gas.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting fluorescent biological molecules and/or microorganisms containing said fluorescent biological molecules within a given area or space. The method comprises illuminating an area or space with light of a suitable wavelength to excite the fluorescent biological molecules and then measuring the resultant fluorescent light from the illuminated area or space at a wavelength indicative of fluorescence of the fluorescent biological molecules. The invention can also be used to detect changes in the levels of such biological molecules and/or microorganisms within a given area or space by illuminating the area or space at two different times, measuring the resultant fluorescence after each illumination and comparing the respective fluorescence measurements. The present invention is also directed to a hand-held device for in vivo inspection of desired areas or spaces.

Abstract: A process of continuously controlling at least one characteristic of a simulated moving bed para-xylene separation process has been developed. The characteristics controlled may be the purity or the recovery of the para-xylene. The process involves measuring the concentrations of the para-xylene, meta-xylene, ortho-xylene, and ethylbenzene in the pumparound or pusharound stream, calculating the value of the characteristic, and making required adjustments to operating variables according to an algorithm which relates changes in the value of the characteristic to the changes in the concentrations of the components resulting from changes in the operating variables. The process is unique in that the necessary quantity of data to control the separation is rapidly generated, thereby providing increased efficiency, precision, and accuracy.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of N-methylformamide as solvent in the determination of water by the Karl Fischer method.

Abstract: A method for the analysis of a medical sample, particularly a body fluid, with the aid of an analyzing instrument, in which a test fluid, which contains an aliquot part of the sample and reagents, is in an optical cuvette and the temperature of the test fluid is determined in the cuvette. In order to determine the temperature of the test fluid directly and without contact, in a temperature calibration step the optical absorption of a calibrator fluid is determined at various temperatures at at least two wavelengths within the NIR range in order to obtain a calibration data set relating to the temperature-dependency of the optical absorption. In a temperature-measuring step the optical absorption of a test fluid of unknown temperature is measured at the same wavelengths and its temperature is determined by comparison of the absorption data obtained in the measuring step with the calibration data set.

Abstract: In a stained particle analyzing method and apparatus for staining a test sample containing suspended particles, shooting an image of the stained sample, and classifying the particles and computing the density from the shot image of the sample, the sample, which may not be analyzed precisely, is detected before the start of an image analyzing process. Only the sample, which will be analyzed precisely, is stained and subjected to the image analysis. Color information of the sample before the staining is detected and stored. Color information of an image of the sample shot after the staining is compensated based on the color information of the sample detected before the staining. The sort and density of the particles are classified and computed on the basis of the image after the color compensation.

Abstract: A method is provided for precisely and concurrently measuring dynamic engine oil consumption and fuel consumption within an internal combustion engine on a real-time basis. Nonradioactive organo- bromine or chlorine compounds are added to the oil in small amounts in their natural isotopic abundance or enriched. Upon complete combustion, the bromine or chlorine is converted into hydrogen bromide (HBr) or hydrogen chloride (HCl), respectively. A tunable diode laser spectrometer is used to determine the trace amounts of the resultant HBr or HCl in the exhaust gases, which continuously flows through a sample cell by the use of a sample line that allows the unimpeded transport of samples, reduces the pressure of the exhaust gas and maintains it at a suitable level for analysis, and prevents the condensation of water vapor in the exhaust gas so as to prevent the dissolution of the tracer compounds in the water condensate.

Abstract: The instant invention is a method for converting particulate silicon into monocrystalline silicon suitable for the determination of contaminates present in the particulate silicon. The method uses a silicon vessel, with known levels of the contaminates to be determined, to contain the particulate silicon. The silicon vessel, containing the particulate silicon, is float-zone processed to form a monolithic unit of monocrystalline silicon. The concentration of contaminates in the monocrystalline silicon can then be determined by the more sensitive analytical methods known for analysis of monolithic, monocrystalline silicon. The instant method is especially useful for measuring very low levels of aluminum, boron, phosphorous, and carbon in particulate silicon.

Abstract: The invention is to continuously measure the contents of trace ingredients such as alkaline metal contained in combustion gas with high precision. An oxidizer and fuel are supplied into a flue line to form a flame, while a part of the combustion gas is introduced to the flame for inducing light emission. The contents of metal ingredients in the gas are calculated based on the intensity of the emitted light. Since a flame forming device is installed in the flue line without any additional equipment such as a sampling line, and such the contents of trace ingredients in the gas are calculated based on the intensity of the emitted light, the contents of the trace ingredients can be measured with high precision. Quickly responsive monitoring and control are assured.

Abstract: Spectrophotometric sample analysis systems, and methods of their use, capable of "simultaneously" detecting, quantifying, displaying and/or recording energy absorption factors, and ratios of various energy absorbtion factors, regarding a multiplicity of single frequency electromagnetic waves in a beam of multiple single wavelength electromagnetic waves which is caused to pass through a sample analyte containing sample solution, are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of detecting a concentration of contaminants in an air sample. The method includes the steps of combining a first portion of the air sample with a fuel to produce a sample/fuel mixture, igniting the sample/fuel mixture in a combustion chamber to produce a flame, and supplying a second portion of the air sample to the combustion chamber so that at least some of the contaminants contained in the second portion are ionized by the flame.

Abstract: A method for measuring or detecting halogenated organic compound content. For example, the method can be used to identify polychlorinated biphenyls ("PCB's"), contaminating soil or oil. The method is based on a light induced color producing reaction between a photodonor reagent and a halogenated organic compound. This reaction produces change in the optical absorption of the light exposed photodonor. Reversing the role of reagent and halogenated organic compound provides a method for identifying polyaromatic organic compounds such as pyrenes.

Abstract: A method for testing blood samples for determining lead content therein. The method utilizes filter collection paper that is spotted with a blood sample; the blood sample spotted thereon is allowed to dry. The dried blood sample on the paper is punched out in a predefined manner to obtain a uniform volume equivalent to a predefined volume of whole blood. A dilute aqueous acid reagent containing a surfactant wetting agent is utilized to remove the part of the blood sample containing the lead. The filter collection paper retains the hemoglobin and blood proteins thus yielding a protein free solution that is suitable for direct analysis of the trace lead elements. The dried blood sample may be easily stored and economically transported to testing laboratories where the dried blood sample may be eluted into a hemoglobin and protein free solution that is stable for weeks under proper storage conditions.

Abstract: A diagnostic test can determine the occurrence of myocardial infarction or the total plasma antioxidant status as a marker of predisposition to such an event, or the antioxidant status of other clinical and non-clinical samples. The test involves contacting a clinical sample in the presence of myoglobin and an oxidant therefor with a compound which reacts in that environment to form a chromogenic species with a characteristic absorption band in the visible spectrum spaced from potentially interfering bands attributable to haem proteins and other blood components.