Abstract: The invention teaches the preparation of a concentrated sanitizing and cleaning preparation. The preparation has a dual use for cleaning and sanitizing food surfaces as well as food contact and non-food contact surfaces. The composition of the invention shows rapid microbicidal properties against representative gram positive and gram-negative bacteria. The invention uses GRAS, food additive ingredients and/or ingredients that are approved by the USFDA for use on food.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for analyzing a blood or other biological fluid sample in a quiescent state, whereby particulate constituents of biological samples that contain sparse populations of interesting cellular species can be enumerated and inspected using an optical scanning instrument. Specifically, this invention relates to a method and apparatus for obtaining increased cellular or particulate concentrations within the use of said optical scanning method.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing samples, such as biological samples, to accurately and effectively determine the susceptibility of the samples to antimicrobial materials, so as to determine minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for the respective samples and antimicrobial materials. At each of a plurality of time intervals, the system and method directs a plurality of different analyzing light wavelengths, such as red, green and blue wavelengths, onto each of a plurality of sample wells, and detects a respective resultant light wavelength emanating from the respective sample wells for each of the analyzing light wavelengths. The system and method uses resultant light wavelengths to generate at least two growth indicator characteristic curves representing, for example, the redox state and turbidity characteristics of the sample wells.

Abstract: A liquid sample sensing device comprises a set of stackable liquid sample base units that are adapted to be stacked together to form multiple sample volumes that are substantially sealed, each with an electroacoustic member disposed therein having a surface adapted for binding to a particular target molecule. Top and bottom units are preferably attached to a closed loop of flexible tubing and a peristaltic pump. Individual electroacoustic members in the stack can each be adapted to bind with different target molecules, allowing for a multiple target assay. Alternately, a plurality of electroacoustic members can be adapted to bind with the same type of target molecule, thereby increasing the sensitivity of the sensing device. The base units are adapted such that sample liquid is caused to flow over and be in close proximity to the sensing surface of each electroacoustic member as the sample liquid flows from one base unit to the next, thereby increasing the efficiency of binding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for analyzing a blood or other biological fluid sample in a quiescent state without the need for additional diluting reagents or fluid streams passing through the apparatus during the analytic process, whereby particulate constituents of biological samples can be enumerated and inspected using an optical scanning instrument. Specifically, this invention relates to a method and apparatus for obtaining decreased cellular or particulate concentrations within the use of this system.

Abstract: A lubricant composition for ammunition is an admixture of (a) molybdenum disulfide, (b) a fluorotelomer lubricant, and (c) a solvent medium which is deposited onto (d) a corn cob particle absorbent. Metal particles such as BBs or other grit may be included in the composition for use with copper jacketed bullets. The lubricant composition is deposited on the bullets by tumbling or vibrating the bullets, or otherwise contacting the bullets with the lubricant composition; drying the bullets and, thereafter contacting the bullets with untreated corn cob particle.

Abstract: A fire-extinguishing, material-containing, launching apparatus has a bore in which a projecting or launching wall releasably seats a canister of fire-extinguishing material. The apparatus includes a hollow tube which is disposed the launching wall and biasing member such as a spring, which normally urges the wall toward an open end of the tube. The wall is restrained from movement through an actuator rod, the forward end of which defines a retention member. Guide slots provided in the tube limit the movement of the launching wall.

Abstract: The invention discloses an apparatus and a method for determining the volume of individual red blood cells or other particles that are suspended in liquids. The sample is disposed into an optical cuvette suitable for microscopic analysis. An absorbing dye is added that does not leak into the cells, and that is able to absorb light at wavelengths that are only weakly absorbed by the cells. The cell volume is determined using transmitted light intensity values measured (i) in a first area comprising a single cell, (ii) in a second area close to that cell, and (iii) in said second area, after changing the cuvette thickness by a known amount.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method and apparatus for determining the volume of single red blood cells or other particles that are suspended in liquids. The sample is disposed into an optical cuvette suitable for microscopic analysis. A fluorescent dye is added that does not leak into the cells, and that is able to absorb excitation light and emit fluorescence light at wavelengths that are only weakly absorbed by the cells. The cell volume is determined using fluorescence intensity values measured (i) in a first area comprising a single cell, (ii) in a second area close to that cell, and (iii) in said second area, after changing the cuvette thickness by a known amount.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the concentration of a medium in at least one container using photothermal spectroscopy. The medium can be a gas, such as oxygen or carbon dioxide, or a solid or liquid. The system and method each employs an energy emitting device, such as a laser or any other suitable type of light emitting device, which is adapted to emit a first energy signal toward a location in the container. The first energy signal has a wavelength that is substantially equal to a wavelength at which the medium absorbs the first energy signal so that absorption of the first energy signal changes a refractive index of a portion of the medium. The system and method each also employs a second energy emitting device, adapted to emit a second energy signal toward the portion of the medium while the refractive index of the portion is changed by the first energy signal, and a detector, adapted to detect a portion of the second energy signal that passes through the portion of the medium.

Abstract: A tool and method for installing siding panels in overlapped relation. The tool comprises a clamp and lip arrangement for clamping and supporting a panel on a previously installed panel, a handle extending from the clamp, a first gauge for setting the overlap between successive panels, a second gauge for marking or drilling nail installation locations, and an arrangement for changing the amount of overlap between successive panels. In use, one or more of the tools are clamped along the bottom edge of a panel being installed and the tool supported by the lip on the upper edge of the previously installed board, enabling the installer to temporarily tack the new panel in place. The tool(s) can then be removed from the new piece by twisting and pulling down on the handle portion. The second gauge is used to mark/drill the nail installation locations, prior to or after tacking.

Abstract: A method for extracting ATP from a biological sample is disclosed. The method involves introducing a cationic extractant and an anionic substance and then extracting ATP. The method may be used to assay for the presence of ATP in a biological sample or to determine the amount of ATP extracted from a biological sample. The method is particularly useful in detecting contamination on surfaces and in food products. A reagent, a test device and a test kit that involve the use of the method to detect contamination are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for creating an environment in a container that is suitable for growing anaerobic bacteria. The device utilizes exothermic chemistry to deplete oxygen and drive the decomposition of a bicarbonate present in the closed system. The decomposition of the bicarbonate results in the release of carbon dioxide. The result of this exothermic reaction and decomposition of the bicarbonate in the closed system results in a suitable oxygen depleted, carbon dioxide enriched atmospheric environment for the growth of anaerobic bacteria. The device is formed of an air permeable package containing a heat generating composition and a bicarbonate. The air-permeable package is contained within an outer wrap that forms an air barrier to the air-permeable package. To activate the heat generating composition, the outer wrap is removed to expose the air-permeable package to the oxygen within the container.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for determining the volume of single red blood cells or other particles that are suspended in liquids. The sample is disposed into an optical cuvette suitable for microscopic analysis. A fluorescent dye is added that does not leak into the cells, and that is able to absorb excitation light and emit fluorescence light at wavelengths that are only weakly absorbed by the cells. The cell volume is determined using fluorescence intensity values measured (i) in a first area comprising a single cell, (ii) in a second area close to that cell, and (iii) in said second area, after changing the cuvette thickness by a known amount.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for determining the volume of individual red blood cells or other particles that are suspended in liquids. The sample is disposed into an optical cuvette suitable for microscopic analysis. An absorbing dye is added that does not leak into the cells, and that is able to absorb light at wavelengths that are only weakly absorbed by the cells. The cell volume is determined using transmitted light intensity values measured (i) in a first area comprising a single cell, (ii) in a second area close to that cell, and (iii) in said second area, after changing the cuvette thickness by a known amount.

Abstract: A mobile telephone or cellular phone unit and a rear view mirror housing of an automobile are combined to provide an improved phone apparatus that enables a hands-free use by a driver while operating the vehicle, the improved phone apparatus includes a rear view mirror housing, the housing including a rearview mirror, and phone for sending and receiving phone calls, and is removably connected thereto. A telephone key pad is cooperatively connected to the phone for dialing the phone. An attachment bracket attaches the mirror housing to the vehicle. The phone is removably attached to the rear view mirror housing. The housing has the electronic circuitry incorporated therewith to which a phone is connectable.

Abstract: A gripping device for a horse's hoof to provide improved grip to the surface on which the hoof contacts, and a method therefor. The gripping device comprises an elastomeric or polymeric material integrally molded to a gripping plate whereby to form a pad and a surface gripping section that extends upwardly from the plate and in part above the pad. The gripping device spreads shock and concussive forces evenly through the device, distributing pressure over the entire surface of the hoof. The present device provides traction protection and has therapeutic shoeing applications. The present device may be used in conjunction with a hospital plate which overlies an injury to the hoof wherein the elastomeric or polymeric material is cut out at the wound and overlies same, the hospital plate fitting into the cut out portion.

Abstract: A live animal trap for capturing and restraining a small animal comprises a rectangular mesh cage having an open front sized to admit an animal to be trapped, and a trap door hingedly affixed to the cage and movable between raised and lowered positions, respectively, permitting entry to and preventing escape from the cage. Embodiments are disclosed of gravity and/or spring assisted latching and tripping structures for releasably securing the trap door in the open position and responsive to an animal seeking to get to bait in the back of the cage. In one, a spring assisted brace member is hingedly affixed to and drives the lower end of the trap door into the closed position. In another, a multipurpose guide collar locks and drives the trap door in and for movement between the raised and lowered positions, and assists in animal release and in resetting of the trap.

Abstract: A substrate having an extended shelf life for chemiluminescent detection and assaying is useful with enzyme-based probes as well as for immunoassays, DNA or RNA or protein detection and blotting. The substrate is a mixture of (a) a chemiluminescent compound, (b) an oxidant, (c) a stabilizer and (d) a buffer. The substrate may further include a chemiluminescent enhancer and a solubilizer. The substrate may be in an organic solvent or may be aqueous based.