Abstract:
A quantitative measuring instrument includes a casing with a cavity for a reagent strip handling mechanism. The mechanism includes a slide with a resiliently biased toggle member for providing snap action of the slide between an open, reagent strip loading position and a closed, quantitative measuring position. A light seal is mounted on the toggle member that engages each reagent strip in the closed position of the slide. In a first, alternative embodiment of the instrument, the slide mechanism includes a cam arm that engages cam surfaces on the instrument raising the cam arm to an open, reagent strip loading position from a closed, reagent strip holding position. In this embodiment the slide can be removed from the instrument and cleaned. In a second alternative embodiment the slide includes a first detent corresponding to a closed position of the slide and a second detent corresponding to an open position. A pair of spring fingers are mounted in the cavity of the instrument casing. One of the spring fingers engages the first detent in the closed position and the second spring finger engages the second detent in the open position providing resistance that defines the two positions. The slide in this embodiment can also be removed and cleaned.
Abstract:
A method for volume metering of a liquid sample onto a reactive surface and a flow metering capillary device for controlled fluid flow comprising two opposing surface areas spaced apart throughout a capillary zone of intended liquid transport at a distance no greater than that which will maintain a capillary flow of liquid introduced therebetween, means to permit Introduction of a test specimen between these surfaces, there being formed between said opposing surfaces an overflow channel and an overflow chamber which draws any excess liquid from the means for introducing the liquid between the surfaces.
Abstract:
Reflectance apparatus is disclosed for obtaining measurement of nonspecular reflected light in which one or more light sources and one or more detectors are mounted together on the same plane surface in close proximity to each other at an angle (φ) from the normal to the surface of the specimen holder. Angle (φ) is selected such that the specular reflection at the surface of the specimen is insignificant compared to the minimum diffused reflection expected from the specimen.
Abstract:
A quantitative measuring instrument includes a casing with a cavity for a reagent strip handling mechanism. The mechanism includes a slide with a resiliently biased toggle member for providing snap action of the slide between an open, reagent strip loading position and a closed, quantitative measuring position. A light seal is mounted on the toggle member that engages each reagent strip in the closed position of the slide. In a first, alternative embodiment of the instrument, the slide mechanism includes a cam arm that engages cam surfaces on the instrument raising the cam arm to an open, reagent strip loading position from a closed, reagent strip holding position. In this embodiment the slide can be removed from the instrument and cleaned. In a second alternative embodiment the slide includes a first detent corresponding to a closed position of the slide and a second detent corresponding to an open position. A pair of spring fingers are mounted in the cavity of the instrument casing. One of the spring fingers engages the first detent in the closed position and the second spring finger engages the second detent in the open position providing resistance that defines the two positions. The slide in this embodiment can also be removed and cleaned.
Abstract:
Separation device and method for the fractionation and separation of finely divided solid particulate material suspended in a liquid are disclosed. The separation device comprises. upper and lower portions which are joined together to form an inner cavity retaining liquid and a capillary gap which extends outwardly radially from said cavity. During rotation solid particles present in the suspending liquid pass outwardly along and/or become entrapped in the capillary gap(s).
Abstract:
A multiple profile reagent card for simultaneously or sequentially performing multiple analyses of analyte is formed by applying ribbons of reagent impregnated matrix material parallel to each other on a substrate and then removing portions of at least the matrix material to create separate matrices along each ribbon of matrix material. The multiple profile reagent card facilitates automatic processing of immunochemical, diagnostic and/or serological tests.