Abstract: Non-invasive in-vivo and in-vitro methods for determining a person's total hemoglobin concentration as well as the concentration of the hemoglobin species which contribute to this total concentration, i.e., oxy-, deoxy-, carboxy-, and methemoglobin are described. The measurement comprises a ratio formed by dividing absorbance data at analyte wavelengths by absorbance data at reference wavelengths. In a first embodiment the analyte wavelengths occur at a local maximum of each of the hemoglobin species in the visible region. The reference wavelengths include those in the short wavelength near-infrared region from 800 to 1300 nm. In order to determine the concentration of each hemoglobin species a dA/A treatment is utilized comprising a difference term of absorbance data in the region from 800 to 1300 nm divided by the absorbance at a local maximum for each species.

Abstract: A method of noninvasive and in-vitro glucose and cholesterol concentration measurement employing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is described. The measurement comprises a ratio formed by dividing the area of the resonance of the desired analyte, e.g., glucose or cholesterol, by the area of the water resonance in a spectrum of blood or tissue. In the in-vivo setting, the spectrum is obtained either in linkage with the pulsation of blood or by using a slice selection gradient such as that employed in the magnetic resonance imager. This measurement is then correlated to a traditional serum analyte concentration.

Abstract: A binder composition for aggregate mixtures which comprises a sugar selected from the group consisting of mono saccharides, di saccharides, tri saccharides and mixtures thereof. Also disclosed are a novel monolithic layer composition incorporating the binder and a method of forming a protective layer in a metallurgical vessel utilizing the monolithic layer composition.

Abstract: A valve is disclosed for venting and relieving pressure within a blister in built-up, multiple layer roof structure, which includes a hollow shaft having one open end adapted to be inserted into the blister and the other end covered by an air permeable, water impermeable membrane protected by a housing. The exterior of the shaft is threaded to permit penetration into the blister and holding of the valve. Air is vented through the membrane and out a passage provided in the housing.

Abstract: A triaxial compression test apparatus includes a cylindrically-shaped sample disposed in a fixed-hydraulic cylinder with the sample's ends disposed between a first piston and the fixed cylinder's base. An annular space for hydraulic fluid surrounds the remaining surface of the sample. The first piston, located in the fixed cylinder, includes a rod mechanically coupled to the housing of a floating hydraulic cylinder housing a second piston therein. A single force applied to the second piston, 1. transmits a first force, via the first piston, along the longitudinal axis of the sample and 2. transmits a second force along the axial axes of the sample via a hydraulic fluid coupled from the floating cylinder to the annular space of the fixed cylinder. A constant ratio is maintained between the two forces.