Abstract:
A high-speed burst digital time multiplexed data system has N parallel input data paths that are multiplexed onto a serial data path for transmission from a transmitter to a receiver. Serial transmission takes place in a short burst upon command at the transmitter. Data from the serial data path is demultiplexed back into N parallel data paths at the receiver. The entire process is accomplished asynchronously without the aid of a clock or framing signal. In the preferred embodiment, a train of N sampling pulses is generated by two tapped delay lines, one at the transmitter and one of the receiver. The length of each sequential sampling pulse is determined by the tap spacing of the delay line, and the duration of the entire burst process is equal to the total delay of the delay line. A new burst may be initiated at any time after the completion of the previous burst. Thus, bursts may follow each other immediately or be arbitrarily spaced to occur whenever data transmission is required.
Abstract:
An instrument for culturing and detecting the presence of microorganisms in human tissue specimens is disclosed. The instrument includes one or more drawers slidably received within the instrument housing. The drawers include racks for holding and agitating a plurality of specimen containing bottles. The instrument may include a mechanical drive apparatus designed to move the racks in a substantially sinusoidal pattern of motion. The racks are preferably provided with gripping means for removably and repeatably positioning the bottles within the drawer. An optical detection system is also disclosed, in which an optical filter is used to render a photodetector substantially blind to all light other than light emitted by a fluorescent sensor located within the specimen vessel, including excitation light impinging on the sensor. The instrument preferably includes a forced air convection system for warming the interior of the drawers and the specimen vessels held therein.
Abstract:
Systems for conducting analytical procedures include multiple work stations (22 to 36) that are serviced by a shuttle mechanism (20). The shuttle mechanism (20) conveys materials to and from the work stations (22 to 36) for processing. The systems use a test carrier (12) that is transported by the shuttle mechanism (20) to and from the various work stations (22 to 36). The work stations (22 to 36) themselves include transport mechanisms for moving the test carrier (12) independent of the shuttle mechanism (20). The systems are capable of sequentially transporting a number of test carriers (12) in nonlinear, discontinuous paths among the various processing stations (22 to 36) to thereby perform different prescribed processing tasks upon different carriers (12) at the same time.
Abstract:
A chromogenic assay for determination of Protein S, using an indicator of Factor Xa as a measure of Protein S concentration. This technique utilizes the dependency of activated Protein C on Protein S in order to inactivate a known portion of Factor VIII. Residual Factor VIII is then activated and acts with Factor IXa to activate Factor X. The chromogenic substrate is then cleaved by Factor Xa and the rate of conversion of the indicator molecule is an indirect indicator of free Protein S.
Abstract:
A prothrombin time reagent is disclosed for use in a prothrombin time test. The reagent utilizes recombinant human tissue factor, phospholipids of a natural or synthetic origin, a buffer composition and calcium ion. Stabilizers and salts may also be utilized in the reagent. In addition, a method for creating lipid micelles containing tissue factor is also disclosed.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a growth monitoring apparatus for collected transfusable bodily fluids. In particular the apparatus involves a flexible blood collection bag (20) or a sample bag (20) containing microbial growth media. A sensor (22) attached to the inside wall of the bag (20) is used to noninvasively detect microbial contamination within the bag (20). This invention also relates to a method to detect microbial growth in a blood collection bag (20) immediately prior to transfusion.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a biosynthetic cerebrospinal fluid control and method of use. Additionally, this invention relates to the isolation and purification of stable liquid human prealbumin, a component in the biosynthetic cerebrospinal fluid control.
Abstract:
The present invention is a multi-layer blood culture sensor which includes a pH sensitive absorbance dye encapsulated in or isolated by a first light transmissive gas permeable, proton impermeable matrix (2) and a pH insensitive fluorescence dye in a second matrix (4), the first and second matrices being spectrally coupled, and a method to use this sensor to detect microorganisms in a blood culture bottle.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a method to determine the concentration of anticoagulants as a function of the inhibition of thrombin formation in an assay mixture. The assay mixture is composed of two reagents and the diluted plasma sample. The diluted plasma sample containing an anticoagulatory substance is mixed with a clotting factor reagent, which is a combination of an excess amount of purified coagulation factors of the endogenous system, phospholipids and a weak thrombin inhibitor, which can be potentiated by an anticoagulatory substance. Then a coagulation cascade activator and calcium chloride, an activator reagent, is added to the mixture and formed thrombin is measured after a chosen incubation time. A proportionality between the inhibition of the thrombin formation and the anticoagulatory active components allows for a determination of the concentration of anticoagulatory active components in the sample.