Abstract: A method for analyzing metal in a fluid is provided comprising maintaining a first portion of a continuous filter media substrate at a temperature coinciding with the phase in which the metal is to be analyzed; contacting the fluid to a first portion of said substrate to retain the metal on the first portion of said substrate; preventing further contact of the fluid to the first portion of substrate; and contacting the fluid to a second portion of said substrate to retain metal on the second portion of the said substrate while simultaneously analyzing the first portion for metal.

Abstract: The invention described in detail herein relates to the detection, determination, and quantitation of certain ions and small molecules in solution. The invention specifically relates to improvements in the area of photoluminescent sensors for use in a detection scheme involving the alteration of a photoluminescent label or moiety attached to or associated with an analyte binding macromolecule. One may use the changes in photoluminescence lifetime, changes in ratios of photoluminescence intensity or changes in photoluminescence polarization (anisotropy) to determine the analyte. The photoluminescence change measured correlates to the concentration of the ion or molecule in solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a hydride formation analytical apparatus which forms hydrides of target components contained in a sample liquid and then analyzes them. The hydride formation analytical apparatus comprises a sample-introducing part, a reagent-introducing part, a reaction part, a gas-liquid separating part and a detecting part, wherein an acid-feeding part and a reducing agent-feeding part are part of the reagent-introducing part; the hydride gas of the sample is formed by the aid of the acid and the reducing agent fed into the above reaction part; and this is introduced into the detecting part for analysis.

Abstract: Stabilized aqueous coenzyme solutions which contain up to ca. 60 mM of a heavy metal salt and optionally a complexing agent in a defined ratio to the heavy metal salt as well as their use for the determination of dehydrogenases in particular lactate dehydrogenase or corresponding substrates in an alkaline environment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for on-line decomposition of a hydrogen peroxide solution, for use in fabricating a semiconductor device, includes a membrane tube having a porous plug inserted in each end, with the porous plugs defining a space where a platinum catalyst is disposed. A first coupling tube is inserted into one end of the membrane tube to supply a hydrogen peroxide sample to the membrane tube. The hydrogen peroxide contained in hydrogen peroxide sample is decomposed into water and oxygen gas according to an action of the platinum catalyst. A second coupling tube is inserted into a second end of the membrane tube to discharge a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution to an analytical instrument, where the decomposed hydrogen peroxide solution is analyzed on-line.

Abstract: A polyfunctional amine, such as cyclam, substituted with 4-(N,N-dimethylao) benzonitrile, exhibits triple fluorescence and complexes with metal ions. The complexation of metal ions with the fluorophore changes the triple fluorescence characteristics of the fluorophore. Thus, this substituted polyfunctional amine provides an effective indicator for the qualitative and quantitative detection of metals.

Abstract: A chemical moiety is disclosed which comprises a chemical, biochemical, or biological substance attached to one or more electrochemiluminescent organometallic compounds. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the substance is attached to one or more ruthenium-containing or osmium-containing luminescent organometallic compounds. Methods are disclosed for detecting low concentrations of the chemical moiety using chemiluminescent, electrochemiluminescent, and photoluminescent means. Compounds are disclosed which are useful for labeling substances of interest with ruthenium-containing and osmium-containing labels or other electrochemiluminescent labels. These labeled substances are useful in methods provided for detecting and quantifying analytes of interest in binding assays and competitive binding assays. The labeled substances are of particular use in homogeneous binding assays.

Abstract: A uranium-containing/metal binding complex and process for the determinat of natural and depleted uranium in biological samples such as water, urine, blood serum, saliva, amniotic fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, sweat, stool extract, synovial fluid, tears, semen extract, sputum, and peritoneal fluid. The samples are mixed with a buffer, one or more masking agents, and a solubilizing compound, to form a uranium-containing metal binding complex composition, followed by the addition of a pyridylazo indicator dye to said composition. The increase in absorbance due to the uranium-dye complex is determined with a spectrophotometer or colorimeter.

Abstract: Methods for identifying polypeptides which coordinate to select metals, chemosensors comprising polypeptides which coordinate to select metals and methods for selectively detecting the presence of metals using these chemosensors are disclosed.

Abstract: A method is used to detect a location of contaminant entry in a processing fluid production and distribution system. A wafer is placed in a clean container. The clean container is connected to a test point within the processing fluid production and distribution system. Processing fluid from the test point of the processing fluid production and distribution system is allowed to flow through the clean container. The wafer is dried. The wafer is then tested for the existence of contaminants.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a microwave heated chemical process is disclosed. Time varying concentrations of some chemical substances within fumes in the microwave oven are monitored to detect concentration variations for which responses are known. Responses to the detected variations are initiated to control the chemical process without terminating the process. Examples of responses include varying microwave radiation energy, initiating safety systems, increased venting of the microwave oven, and so forth.

Abstract: A sampling method for collecting metallic contaminants from a surface of a wafer having an oxide film thereon. A sampling vessel comprises a bottom having a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface, a cylindrical wall extending from the edge of the bottom, and a step section having a plane intercepting an arc plane of the cylindrical wall for adapting the orientation flat of the wafer. Sampling liquid containing 0.1 to 10% HF and hydrogen peroxide dissolves the oxide film and collects the metallic contaminants by swinging the sampling vessel on the convex outer surface of the bottom.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the preparation and use of a substrate having an array of diverse materials in predefined regions thereon. A substrate having an array of diverse materials thereon is generally prepared by delivering components of materials to predefined regions on a substrate, and simultaneously reacting the components to form at least two materials. Materials which can be prepared using the methods and apparatus of the present invention include, for example, covalent network solids, ionic solids and molecular solids. More particularly, materials which can be prepared using the methods and apparatus of the present invention include, for example, inorganic materials, intermetallic materials, metal alloys, ceramic materials, organic materials, organometallic materials, non-biological organic polymers, composite materials (e.g., inorganic composites, organic composites, or combinations thereof), etc.

Abstract: A method for microwave assisted chemical processes is disclosed that comprises applying sufficient microwave radiation to a temperature-monitored mixture of reagents, with at least one of the reagents being thermally responsive to electromagnetic radiation in the microwave range, and based on the monitored temperature, to maintain the added reagents at or closely about a predetermined temperature while substantially avoiding thermal dilution (or before substantial thermal dilution can occur) that otherwise would have been caused by the addition of the reagents to one another.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for digesting diphosphonic acid substituted cation exchange resins that have become loaded with actinides, rare earth metals, or heavy metals, in a way that allows for downstream chromatographic analysis of the adsorbed species without damage to or inadequate elution from the downstream chromatographic resins. The methods of the present invention involve contacting the loaded diphosphonic acid resin with concentrated oxidizing acid in a closed vessel, and irradiating this mixture with microwave radiation. This efficiently increases the temperature of the mixture to a level suitable for digestion of the resin without the use of dehydrating acids that can damage downstream analytical resins. In order to ensure more complete digestion, the irradiated mixture can be mixed with hydrogen peroxide or other oxidant, and reirradiated with microwave radiation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a selective fluorescent chemosensor, sensitive to nanomolar concentrations of zinc(II) and selective for this ion over Na.sup.+, Mg.sup.2+, Co.sup.2+.

Abstract: A method for detecting a substance in a liquid sample involves precipitating a substance from the liquid sample and filtering it from the liquid sample. The precipitate is then tested for the substance of interest by contacting the precipitate with a dye that forms a visible reaction when exposed to the substance. A releasing agent may be used after filtering the precipitate and prior to testing the precipitate with a dye. In another embodiment, the sample is filtered without the prior use of a precipitating agent.

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: A method for microwave assisted chemical processes is disclosed that comprises applying sufficient microwave radiation to a temperature-monitored mixture of reagents, with at least one of the reagents being thermally responsive to electromagnetic radiation in the microwave range, and based on the monitored temperature, to maintain the added reagents at or closely about a predetermined temperature while substantially avoiding thermal dilution (or before substantial thermal dilution can occur) that otherwise would have been caused by the addition of the reagents to one another.

Abstract: A method of extracting anionic species from a solid or liquid medium by contacting the medium with an extract solvent of supercritical carbon dioxide and a positively charged complexant ligand for solubilizing and extracting the anionic species form the medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the determination of polyvalent metal ions using a sandwich aggregation assay. One or more chelating agents capable of forming at least 2:1 or higher ratio stoichiometry complexes with polyvalent metal ions are attached to a suitable carrier such as latex particles through covalent bonds or by non-covalent interactions, such as hydophobic interactions. Upon complexation with the metal ions, the carriers of the complexing agent aggregate, causing an increase in light absorbance or light scattering which is proportional to the concentration of metal ions in the test sample. The measurement of the light absorbance or light scattering by a suitable instrument, such as a spectrophotometer or nephelometer provides a means for measuring the concentration of metal ions.

Abstract: A device (10) is disclosed for measuring the concentration of metal ions in solution, particularly lead in blood. The device comprises a mercury free electrode (16), which is separated from the test solution (21) by a layer of material (20) which permits passage therethrough of the ions to be measured. In preferred embodiments an insulating layer (18) having an array of photoablated holes (19) is disposed between the electrode and the ion-permeable layer (20). Also disclosed are methods for operating the device and measuring ion concentration using anodic stripping voltametry, and assay kits incorporating devices as described together with appropriate meters and circuitry.

Abstract: A method for assessing or determining alcohol consumption rates including using a blood specimen from a human subject to develop an individual blood constituent panel; comparing the individual panel with a reference blood constituent panel to provide categories corresponding to rates of alcohol consumption; and identifying the category of consumption rate. The methods of the invention can be varied through modification of one of several statistical models used therewith to preferentially weigh the analysis and identify one consumption category over another. Multi-variate and similar such statistical techniques correlate comparisons of individual/subject blood and reference panel constituents with recognized consumptions rates.

Abstract: Fractional-volatilization separation systems and methods are disclosed which enable a stable, continuous, non-bubbling liquid flow, essentially constant surface area/volume ratio, temperature controlled, fractional volatilization of volatile/semi-volatile components in a liquid analyte or component containing sample. The fractional volatilization separator system can be utilized in small scale analytical and large scale chemical purification, concentration and desalinization applications. Continuous rapid removal of residual liquid sample can provide concentrated non-volatile component/analyte solution, and allows quick and easy washout between sequential use with different liquid samples.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for rapid measurement of a fluid bulk analyte, requiring only microscale volumes. Several fluid bulk analytes can be measured simultaneously and, for biological samples, the cell content can also be measured simultaneously. The invention comprises reporter beads for chemical analysis of fluid bulk properties such as pH, oxygen saturation and ion content. Each reporter bead comprises a substrate bead having a plurality of at least one type of fluorescent reporter molecules immobilized thereon. The fluorescent properties of the reporter bead are sensitive to a corresponding analyte. Reporter beads are added to a fluid sample and the analyte concentration is determined by measuring fluorescence of individual beads, for example in a flow cytometer. Alternatively, reporter molecules which change absorbance as a function of analyte concentration can be employed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reaction chamber, which includes a cylindrical vessel, with at one end, at least one inlet or outlet tube or lead-through fitted with a valve for a liquid or gaseous component. The other end of the vessel is open. The reaction chamber further comprises a plunger, which performs a reciprocating movement within the cylindrical vessel in axial direction through the open end of the vessel. The plunger tightens against the inner wall of the cylindrical vessel, and has at least one channel, in substantially axial direction, fitted with a valve or connected to a tube fitted with a valve. The invention relates also to an assay method based on the use of the reaction chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, compositions, and apparatus for performing sensitive detection of analytes, such as biological macromolecules and other analytes, by labeling a probe molecule with an up-converting label. The up-converting label absorbs radiation from an illumination source and emits radiation at one or more higher frequencies, providing enhanced signal-to-noise ratio and the essential elimination of background sample autofluorescence. The methods, compositions, and apparatus are suitable for the sensitive detection of multiple analytes and for various clinical and environmental sampling techniques.

Abstract: A method is described for quantitative determination of mercury present in a sample (liquid or solid). The method involves converting mercury compounds to elemental mercury, removing all elemental mercury from the sample in vapor form by means of vacuum, passing the mercury vapor through a column which absorbs and captures all of the mercury vapor by converting it to a halide compound, eluting the mercury halide from the column, and colorimetrically analyzing for the amount of mercury halide collected.

Abstract: A surface processing method effected before the total-reflection X-ray fluorescence analysis is effected is disclosed. The surface processing is to modify all of the contaminants attached at least to the measurement surface of the wafer into particle-shaped residues. For this purpose, the measurement surface of the wafer is first dissolved by hydrofluoric acid to form a large number of droplets on the measurement surface. Next, the thus formed droplets are dried with the position thereof kept unchanged. After the drying, contaminants attached to the measurement surface of the wafer are left as particle-shaped residues. After this, the measurement surface of the wafer is analyzed by the total-reflection X-ray fluorescence analyzing method.

Abstract: A cartridge for collecting a sample of mercury or other substance of interest has a tubular housing and an insert, for example, of gold or another metal. The insert comprises a number of wire meshes sintered together to form a substantially unitary insert having an extended surface area, or otherwise is formed as a solid with a large surface area. The housing is provided with a groove and an internal projection as a mechanical coupling formations, to engage and retain the insert.

Abstract: The present invention describes the use of a family of fluorescent indicators for metal cations. The indicators are fluorophore conjugates of pyridyl-based metal ion chelators. The indicators are very sensitive detection as quantification reagents for a variety of metals, in a variety of oxidation states, even in the presence of high concentrations of Ca.sup.2+, Na.sup.+, or K.sup.+ or other ions, such as is found in seawater, making them highly useful for assaying physiological samples, biological samples, or environmental samples.

Abstract: A method of radiochemical analysis having the steps of providing a solid phase extraction sheet material containing ion-specific sorptive or reactive particles in a porous matrix as carrier for the particles, and providing a fluid including an ion-containing radiochemical analyte, contacting the sheet material with the fluid for a time sufficient for the particles to selectively extract the analyte from the fluid, and analyzing the sheet material in a direct mode for quantitative or qualitative data relating to the radiochemical analyte. Solid phase extraction sheet materials and methods for their preparation are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of reducing interference in a fluorescent assay of an analyte, which comprises adding fluoride ions to the measuring medium, and to its use in a fluorescent method of detecting and/or determining an analyte in a medium which may contain it.

Abstract: A continuous flow analyzing method and an apparatus for carrying out the analyzing method wherein a sample is injected in a continuously flowing carrier and the sample is introduced into a detector by the carrier to thereby perform a quantitative analysis contained in the sample. In the method the sample to be analyzed is filled into a sample introduction switchover valve (SISV); a portion of the sample from the SISV is injected into the carrier and an analysis of this sample is conducted to obtain a detection peak for the analyzed sample. These steps are repeated and the sample is continuously analyzed by, in the case where a detection peak obtained in the detector is under an optimum analysis range, increasing an injection amount of the sample, and in the case where the detection peak obtained in the detector is over the optimum range, decreasing the injection amount of the sample. Adjustment of the detection peak is repeated until the detection peak reaches the optimum analysis range.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for enhancing the response of a biometric sensor for sensing toxins by measuring the rate of change of sensor readings. An LED, optically coupled to the sensor and a photodiode, transmits light through the sensor to the photodiode. The photocurrent from the photodiode is converted to a digital sensor reading value proportional to the darkness of the sensor and is loaded into a microprocessor. In the microprocessor, the sensor readings are essentially differentiated to determine the rate of change of the sensor readings. The rate of change information is used to trigger an alarm condition indicative of a predetermined level of sensed toxins.

Abstract: The invention provides lanthanide chelates capable of intense luminescence. The celates comprise a lanthanide chelator covalently joined to a coumarin-like or quinolone-like sensitizer. Exemplary sensitzers include 2- or 4-quinolones, 2- or 4-coumarins, or derivatives thereof e.g. carbostyril 124 (7-amino-4-methyl-2-quinolone), coumarin 120 (7-amino-4-methyl-2-coumarin), coumarin 124 (7-amino-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2-coumarin), aminomethyltrimethylpsoralen, etc.The chelates form high affinity complexes with lanthanides, such as terbium or europium, through chelator groups, such as DTPA. The chelates may be coupled to a wide variety of compounds to create specific labels, probes, diagnostic and/or therapeutic reagents, etc. The chelates find particular use in resonance energy transfer between chelate-lanthanide complexes and another luminescent agent, often a fluorescent non-metal based resonance energy acceptor.

Abstract: A method of hair analysis that provides an extensive history is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: (1) releasing trapped hair from a hair follicle; and, (2) performing hair analysis on the released hair.

Abstract: Mercury Detection Method and Apparatus utilizes cartridges including gold for adsorbing mercury as an amalgam. The adsorbed mercury is desorbed by heating and passed through a Cold Vapour Atomic Fluorescence Spectrophotometer. Each cartridge is flushed with an inert gas, so that air and contaminants are never passed directly through the detector, so only inert gas passes through it. To further prevent adsorption of contaminants, the cartridges are maintained at a minimum temperature, above ambient temperature and below 100.degree. C. To enable unattended calibration, a permeation source is provided having a permeation chamber and a valve assembly, including 3 separate valves, to ensure that in an off state mercury vapour cannot leak to the cartridges. To ensure an efficient use of the inert gas, its flow can be adjusted between 3 different levels, for flushing, desorption of mercury, and an idle state to maintain the apparatus purged air.

Abstract: A method for detecting a substance in a liquid sample involves precipitating a substance from the liquid sample and filtering it from the liquid sample. The precipitate is then tested for the substance of interest by contacting the precipitate with a dye that forms a visible reaction when exposed to the substance. A releasing agent may be used after filtering the precipitate and prior to testing the precipitate with a dye.

Abstract: There are disclosed a process for detecting and determining an oxidized lipid in a specimen, which is capable of readily and accurately determining a specimen as containing an oxidized lipid, and a process for forming a water-soluble oxidized lipid having a hydroperoxide group which has specific influence on a living body. A specimen is detected and determined to contain an oxidized lipid by adding a lanthanide shift reagent to a specimen, followed by spectroscopic analysis thereof. An oxidized lipid is formed by adding superoxide dismutase (SOD) and CuSO.sub.4 to (1) an emulsion prepared by dissolving linoleic acid or arachidonic acid in deuterated methyl alcohol and adding the solution to a deuterated phosphate buffer under stirring, or to (2) a low density lipoprotein solution sufficiently dialyzed against an undeuterated phosphate buffer; followed by irradiation with long-wave ultraviolet light.

Abstract: Organic and inorganic contaminants of an environmental sample are analyzed by the same GC-MS instrument by adding an oxidizing agent to the sample to oxidize metal or metal compounds to form metal ions. The metal ions are converted to chelate complexes and the chelate complexes are extracted into a supercritical fluid such as CO.sub.2. The metal chelate extract after flowing through a restrictor tube is directly injected into the ionization chamber of a mass spectrometer, preferably containing a refractory metal filament such as rhenium to fragment the complex to release metal ions which are detected. This provides a fast, economical method for the analysis of metal contaminants in a sample and can be automated. An organic extract of the sample in conventional or supercritical fluid solvents can be detected in the same mass spectrometer, preferably after separation in a supercritical fluid chromatograph.

Abstract: The invention provides method and kits for detecting a metallic cation in a sample of a body fluid. The preferred method and kits include the use of at least two different types of antibodies having different specificities. In the preferred method, the sample of body fluid can be contacted with an effective amount of a capture antibody specific for a naturally occurring polypeptide that can bind the metallic cation to form a first antigen-antibody complex. An effective amount of an antibody specific for an epitope on a metallic cation-naturally occurring polypeptide complex or an antibody specific for a metallic cation is added to the first antigen-antibody complex to form a second antigen-antibody complex. The amount of the metallic cation in the sample of body fluid is determined by detecting the amount of the second antigen-antibody complex.

Abstract: The process of preparing higher aluminum alkyls by olefin chain growth on alkyl aluminum is improved by using on-line flow-through calorimetry to determine the aluminum concentration of a process stream, such as the aluminum alkyl feed stream, by reacting a sample portion of the process stream with a molar excess of alcohol and measuring the change in temperature. The aluminum concentration of the stream can then be adjusted as required to maintain it within a selected range.

Abstract: An improved device for monitoring the presence of toxic metals in workplace air comprises a base and a removable top assembly. The top assembly includes a test substrate, such as filter paper, having a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is supported by the top assembly and the second surface has an area that is sensitized with at least one chemical reagent for producing a reaction with at least one toxic metal. The base has an air inlet, an air outlet, and a channel connecting the air inlet and the air outlet, thereby enabling air entering the monitor from the air inlet to directly contact the area of the second surface of the test substrate prior to exiting the monitor through the air outlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of amplifying the emission signal of a luminescent compound in a luminescent assay, and to its use in a luminescent method of detecting and/or determining an analyte in a medium in which it may be present.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the detection of nutrients and contaminants in a liquid sample. The sample is added to a container which is then capped with a cap assembly which contains crushable reagent containers. As the cap is tightened, the crushable capsules release reagent which reacts with the substance to be detected, causing a detectable color change. The level of the substance in the sample correlates with the color change which can be quantitated by reading the reaction product in a spectrophotometer, or by comparing to known standards. The method is especially suitable for the detection of heavy metal contaminants such as lead, in drinking water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining mercury vapor content of a body of earth for the purpose of ascertaining the mercury vapor content and correlating to the expected degree of mineralized character of the body of earth which includes the use of a strip of silver placed within a pocket in the body of earth involved and then after an appropriate exposure time analyzing the silver to determine the mercury vapor content by reason of absorption of vapor therefrom by the silver and the subsequent driving off and measuring thereof.

Abstract: Methods of assaying for the presence or amount of a metal ion in a sample suspected of containing such ions. In one aspect, an enzyme amplified sandwich assay is provided which relies upon the ability of the analyte (metal ion) to form a complex with two complexing agents (chelators). In this assay, the first sandwich chelator is immobilized on a solid support, while the second sandwich chelator is linked to a reporter group (e.g., an enzyme). This assay combines the specific recognition of the analyte by the first and second sandwich chelators with the great signal amplification offered by the reporter group (e.g., enzyme). In another aspect, a competitive assay is provided that relies on the competitive inhibition of complex formation between the coating ligand (i.e., the chelator attached to the solid support) and the organometallic compound attached to the reporter group (e.g., enzyme) by the metal ions of interest present in the sample.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the detection of nutrients and contaminants in a liquid sample. The sample is added to a container which is then capped with a cap assembly which contains crushable reagent containers. As the cap is tightened, the crushable capsules release reagent which reacts with the substance to be detected, causing a detectable color change. The level of the substance in the sample correlates with the color change which can be quantitated by reading the reaction product in a spectrophotometer, or by comparing to known standards. The method is especially suitable for the detection of heavy metal contaminants such as lead, in drinking water.

Abstract: A method for detecting a substance in a liquid sample involving precipitating a substance from the liquid sample and filtering it from the liquid sample. The precipitate is then contacted by an oxidizing agent and tested for the substance of interest by contacting the precipitate with a dye that forms a visible reaction when exposed to the substance.