Abstract: The present invention discloses a device and a process for quantitation of end point in the formation of fluorescent reaction product in microfluorophotometry. The process comprises:(a) incorporating a protective agent in a suitable mounting medium in an amount sufficient to reduce fading of fluorescent reaction product less than 25% of initial fluorescent intensity;(b) calibrating photometer used in said microscopy with a stable emitter; and(c) recording the intensity of fluorescence of said fluorescent reaction product by means for measuring light intensity.The invention also includes a device for calibration of the photometer and a kit comprising separate containers for suitable mounting medium, buffer, suitable immunofluorescent reagents, fading retardant means, a photometer calibrating device and the like and optional instructions.

Abstract: An incubator is provided with an inlet, a measurement station and an outlet for chemical analysis slides, and a number of levers or pushing devices for stepwisely circulating the slides through the apparatus. The device is useful for uniformly incubating a plurality of chemical analysis slides or the like according to a continuous, rather than batch, process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for storing and dispensing analysis slides in a chemical analyzer. Slides contained in cartridges are loaded into a rotor in a slide supply, and a positioning means is adapted to locate a selected cartridge such that a slide can be removed from the cartridge by a dispense blade. The blade is adapted to deliver the slide to a slide distributor in the analyzer.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for repeatedly and accurately depositing predetermined amounts of fluid, especially biological fluids, onto generally planar analysis slides. Fluid is aspirated into a disposable metering tip which is rapidly moved into a metering position where the fluid is expelled onto a slide. During movement of the tip into the metering position, a partial vacuum is created on the fluid in the tip, causing the fluid to be drawn up into the tip and thereby preventing fluid from being prematurely expelled onto the slide.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing and analyzing various liquids, such as blood ser includes an indexable table for supporting a plurality of liquid sample containers. A probe is inserted into each sample container in succession. During probe insertion, a portion of the sample to be analyzed is withdrawn by the probe from the respective container and moved to a station where it can be analyzed and tested. The probe is then moved to a station where it can be washed prior to insertion into the next sample container. The drive mechanism for the apparatus is characterized by the fact that all indexing mechanisms and actuator cams are mounted on a single rotatable shaft and arranged such that each periodic function performed by the mechanism is directly coupled to the rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for detecting sample fluid on an analysis slide of the type which is used to perform quantitative analyses. The apparatus comprises means for projecting radiation comprising wavelengths absorbed by water onto the slide and means for measuring the intensity of radiation received from the slide, both before fluid is metered on the slide and after fluid has been metered thereon. The difference between radiation received from a wet slide and from a dry slide is compared with known values to determine if the slide contains sufficient fluid for a suitable test result.