Beckman Instruments, Inc.

Other

Becton Dickinson and Company Limited

Pasteur Sanofi Diagnostics

Paul C Harris

Curtis C Genstler

Chan S Oh

Ker-Kong Tung

Morton A Vodian

Shih-Yun Lee

Linda K Cragle

Philip M Clegg

Linda J Stone

Jack R U'Ren

An automated sample analysis instrument positively identifies and maintains the identity of a plurality of patient samples contained in individual sample containers. The invention prevents sample misidentification, especially when patient sample must be transferred from one sample container to reaction wells in Microtiter.RTM. plates. Rows of reaction wells in Microtiter.RTM. plates are processed in parallel so the difference in reaction time between any two wells on a plate is four minutes or less. Reaction wells are washed with high-pressure jets of wash solution and are aspirated so as to advantageously utilize fluid meniscus on top of fluid contained in the wells. The apparatus can be adjusted to perform a variety of different ELISA-type tests.

Automated patient sample analysis instrument having tubes and reaction

The analytical dipstick of the present invention facilitates analyte testing with reduced liquid reagent volumes and provides improved mixing. The dipstick includes an elongated member having a fluid displacing member at one end thereof and a ligand attached to a portion of the elongated member in a region adjacent to the displacing member. The displacing member has a configuration that substantially conforms with the inner side wall of an analytical well in which the dipstick is placed to displace fluid therein. When the displacing member is substantially centered at the bottom of the well, the portion of the dipstick supporting the ligand preferably is spaced from the inner side wall by a distance of at least about twice that between the displacing member and the inner side wall, measured along a line passing through the greatest lateral dimension of the displacing member. With this configuration, essentially all of the liquid at the bottom of the well is displaced upwardly so that the ligand is immersed therein. The relatively large space between the intermediate portion and the side wall of the well facilitates turbulent flow to enhance mixing in the region of the ligand.

Analytical dipstick for improved mixing and reduced reagent volume

A method and system for locating the point P.sub.0 which defines the location of a machine, e.g. an earth moving machine, a surveying or locating machine, etc., in relation to a tract or area of interest by measuring the angles defined by two different sets of reference points selected from at least three reference points that are in known relation to the tract or area.

Real time three-dimensional machine locating system

A novel bidentate conjugate has two different chemical moieties, or bidentate members, attached through an adequate spacer moiety. Each bidentate member acts as a small molecule ligand and is capable of specifically binding to a different macromolecular substance. The bidentate members are relatively small molecules, usually less than about 7,000 Daltons in size. The spacer moiety is selected so that both bidentate members can simultaneously bind to their respective specific binding partners. Where the specific binding partners are multivalent, large complexes can be formed. The formation of these complexes can be inhibited by the presence of an unconjugated monovalent bidentate member, such as free analyte from a test sample. The bidentate is of particular use in turbidimetric or nephelometric inhibition immunoassay procedures.

Bidentate conjugate and method of use thereof

Automated patient sample analysis instrument

A system and method for performing a clinical assay, both including the use of a reaction capsule having a hydrophobic membrane which may be repeatedly wetted and rendered hydrophobic. A pressure differential across the membrane causes liquid flow therethrough to be initiated and the hydrophobic state is then achieved by flowing gas through the membrane. The system includes a turntable supporting a plurality of reaction capsules and eccentric means for agitating the turntable and capsules. The turntable is rotated to position the capsules at various processing stations, including sample introduction, reagent introduction, wash, substrate introduction and read stations. A single cylinder two-inlet valve may be used, one inlet connected to liquid and a second inlet connected to a gas source, to provide both liquid and gas flow through the membrane.

Apparatus and method using a new reaction capsule

A power load for use with an underwater spear gun including a casing, explosive material within the casing, the casing having one closed end adapted to open when the explosive material explodes. The closed end is sealed with a sealing compound to prevent water from penetrating the casing. The closed end may be crimped closed or closed by means of a wad or plug of suitable material. The sealing compound may be a silicone rubber or polylvinylchloride which permeates the closed end.

Power load for underwater spear gun

A spear gun and a power load for use therewith, the spear gun including a breech, a barrel fixed to the breech, and a spear adapted to be received by a bore within the barrel. The breech includes a chamber for receiving an explosive power load, the chamber being in fluid communication with the bore. The spear is sized to substantially prevent the flow of gas between the spear and the bore and may include a gas restrictor proximate one end to further reduce the flow of gas past the spear. The power load has no projectile and includes an explosive sealed to prevent water damage to the explosive. A line retainer adapted to be carried by the spear includes a plurality of pins urged toward the spear, the pins being adapted to be received in a reduced portion of the spear.

Spear gun having gas sealing means

An immunoassay for assaying an antigenic substance (Ag) in a fluid. The immunoassay is the type which comprises contacting the fluid with at least one first entity selected from a group consisting of an antibody (Ab) to the Ag, a soluble, labeled antibody (L-Ab.sub.a) to the Ag, and an antibody (Ab.sub.b) to the Ag bound to a solid support (SC). The immunoassay is characterized in that the fluid is contacted with at least one additional entity selected from a group consisting of at least one different type of soluble, labeled antibody (L-Ab.sub.c) to the Ag, at least one different type of antibody (Ab.sub.d) bound to a solid carrier (SC.sub.1), and at least one different type of antibody (Ab.sub.e) to the Ag. The SC.sub.1 is selected from a group consisting of SC, at least one different solid carrier (SC.sub.2), and mixtures thereof (SC and SC.sub.2). Each type of L-Ab.sub.c, Ab.sub.d -SC.sub.1, and Ab.sub.e has a lower average affinity constant (K) for Ag than each respective K of L-Ab.sub.a, Ab.sub.b -SC and Ab.sub. e ; and the additional entity is present in an amount sufficient to avoid a hook effect. Also, a reagent of the type comprising at least one first entity selected from a group consisting of L-Ab.sub.a, Ab.sub.b -SC, and Ab. The reagent is characterized in that it further comprises at least one additional entity selected from a group consisting of at least one different type of L-Ab.sub.c and at least one different type of Ab.sub.d -SC.sub.1, and at least one different type of Ab.sub.e. Ab, L-Ab.sub.a, Ab.sub.b -SC, L-Ab.sub.c, Ab.sub.d -SC.sub.1, and Ab.sub.e are as defined above.

Immunoassays and kits for use therein which include low affinity

A direct particle agglutination immunoassay for assaying an antigenic substance (Ag) in a fluid. The immunoassay is the type which comprises:

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Edmonds, WA, United States of America

Paul C Harris