Corning Glass Works

Medical Scientific, Inc.

Neocyte, Inc.

Charles H Rogers

Lynn G Amos

Kevin J Sullivan

Burton H Sage

James W Bacus

Laughton E Miles

Robert C Beaty

Arthur H Rogers

Charles M Beechey

Douglas A Cotter

Miles E Vance

Method and apparatus are provided for carrying out multiple simultaneous transfers of fluid. The method and apparatus are particularly directed toward immunoassays wherein immunologically active compounds, such as antigens and haptens, are detected through their associated antibodies. The device relies on the ability to transfer fluids, such as biological samples and reagents, between a reservoir and an associated receptacle. By providing a receptacle having a port at its lower end and which is otherwise hermetically sealed, such fluid transfer can be effected by immersing the port beneath the surface of the fluid in the reservoir and manipulating the pressure on the remaining surface area outside the port. The transfer of biological fluids at positive pressure provides enhanced fluids flow characteristics, particularly reduction or elimination of the tendency of these fluids to froth or bubble. Moreover, since the fluids can easily be manipulated, they can be agitated to speed up the reaction and reduce the overall reaction time and can be transferred from the reaction zone to allow interim measurements of the extent of reaction to provide for a rate mode assay. The method and apparatus also find use in preparing solid phase reagents for use in assay systems, as well as a highly accurate pipetting system in analytic applications not limited to immunoassays.

Method and apparatus for performing assays

A method of measuring the degree of partitioning of a labeled species between free and bound states which involves the use of an insoluble porous monolith having a means for binding a portion of the labeled species within the pores thereof, which monolith is capable of substantially attenuating the signal emitted by labeled species subsequently bound within the pores thereof.

Method of measuring degree of partitioning

A method of preparing neocyte-enriched blood is disclosed wherein a contained sample of whole blood is centrifuged at high speed so as to distribute the blood components in said chamber along a density continuum. Following the high-speed centrifuging step, the blood components in the first chamber are partitioned by transferring those components beyond a selected partition line in the first chamber from the spin axis to a second chamber so that the blood components in the first and second chambers can be used independently. Apparatus for effecting the separation and partitioning of the blood in a completely sterile environment is also disclosed.

Means for preparing neocyte enriched blood

A hand-held device for causing a blood sample to be controllably drawn into a flexible envelope or the like. The envelope is placed between a rigid and a hinged member disposed within the housing of the device, and a roller advanced along the hinged member to progressively compress the envelope. When the wheel is moved back along its path, the envelope is allowed to progressively expand thereby drawing the blood sample into the envelope.

Blood sample collecting means

Method and apparatus for staining biological specimens by forming a film of staining reagents on the surface of the specimen containing slide. Heating means raises the temperature of the staining reagents on the slide. The temperature of the reagent film is determined, and a feedback signal to the heating means accurately maintains the temperature of the film within a predetermined range.

Microscope slide staining apparatus having temperature control

Apparatus for controlling the temperature of an open liquid body when actual measurement of that temperature is not possible. A thermal analog of the liquid body, which is exposed to the same heating or cooling source as the liquid body, is incorporated into a sensor which provides controlling feedback to the heating or cooling source. The sensor, which is disposed in the atmosphere which surrounds or flows by the liquid body, includes a dry element and a wet wick, body of which are in thermal contact with a temperature sensing element. The dry element senses the temperature of the atmosphere and the wet wick has a cooling effect on the sensing element that is related to the rate of evaporation of liquid from the body. This sensor is advantageously employed in a system for regulating the temperature of a reagent film on a microscope slide.

Apparatus for controlling the temperature of a liquid body

In the preparation of blood films for microscopic examination a slide spins in a centrifuge for a time which is a function of the red blood cell concentration of the blood. A drive circuit controls the time of spinning of a slide centrifuge. A variable control for the centrifuge motor includes a manual adjustment which is adjustable across a scale labeled as a function of the percent hematocrit of the blood.

Blood smeared slide centrifuge

In a system which automatically analyzes laboratory slides, the adjustable objective lens is automatically focused. A beam splitter splits light from the slide into two parts. One slide image is projected to an actual image plane where it is converted into electrical signals representing the optical characteristics of the slide. The other slide image is projected to a parfocal image plane at which two light sensing devices for the focusing system are positioned. One light sensing device is in front of the parfocal image plane and the other is behind the parfocal image plane. These light sensing devices produce electrical signals representing the position of the actual image plane with respect to the desired image plane. The electric signals are differentiated and then applied to a comparator which supplies pulses to a stepping motor which moves the objective lens. The coupling between the stepping motor and the objective lens includes an eccentric member which translates the objective lens with no sliding friction. This allows very accurate positioning of the objective lens.

Automatic focusing system

A device embodying a substrate having at least one longitudinal groove formed in a flat surface thereof for accommodating microstructures for microscopic examination.

Growing community of inventors

Raleigh, NC, United States of America

Charles H Rogers