Abstract: A method of preparing porous microparticles comprises the steps of combining one or more organic compounds with a volatile system, and drying the system thus formed to provide substantially pure porous microparticles of the organic compound or composite porous microparticles of combinations of organic compounds. Organic compounds used in the method may be one or more of a bioactive, a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, a pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvant or combinations thereof. The invention also relates to porous microparticles produced by such a method, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising such porous microparticles.

Abstract: A dust collection conversion device for facilitating removal of dust from the area of work piece when a user is working on the work piece. The dust collection conversion device includes a frame assembly being designed for being coupled to a top of the shop vacuum. The frame assembly has a base member and a stanchion member. The base member is designed for coupling to the shop vacuum. The stanchion member is coupled to the base member. An arm member is coupled to the stanchion member of the frame assembly. The arm member is designed for coupling to a hose of the shop vacuum for directing the hose towards a work piece for vacuuming dust when the shop vacuum is turned on.

Abstract: A plurality of directional solar energy sensors are each positioned skyward at a different orientation defined by a unique combination of elevation and azimuth so only one sensor at a time receives appreciable solar energy. A solar energy collector is supported so it is movable in elevation and azimuth. Responsive to the sensors, the collector is moved to the unique combination of elevation and azimuth of the one sensor receiving solar energy. In one embodiment, the collector is positioned by a pair of fluid driven pistons in a cylinder corresponding to each sensor; the sun's heat received by the sensor expands the fluid and drives the pistons to position the collector accordingly.

Abstract: A device useful in medical laboratories for receiving urine and performing analyses thereof is described. In a preferred embodiment urine flows into portions on either side of a unitary housing. The two side portions are interconnected by an overflow reservoir. Urine first fills a plurality of upper compartments having preselected volume and then overflows a weir into the reservoir. In the other side portion a trough receives urine and wicks transfer a limited quantity thereof to nutrient media. A sample tube in the second side portion collects urine for sedimentation analysis. Excess urine overflows to the reservoir. A float in the reservoir closes off the weirs when the reservoir is filled. An inner housing within the side portion with nutrient media is removable for incubation.In another embodiment the patient urinates into a receiving vessel having side apertures near its bottom and mounted on a float. Initially the urine flows from one aperture to a region beneath the float.

Abstract: A urine sample collection and testing device in which a housing has a plurality of chambers. Urine samples are collected from a common funnel unit which is mounted on top of the housing and forms a removable lid to the housing. The lid can be removed or rotated to one side relative to the housing to provide access to one or more sample compartments in the housing. A large reservoir compartment provides storage for any urine in excess of the amount used to fill the sample compartments. A forestream collection unit in the form of a collapsible bag is positioned inside the reservoir and is arranged to collect the first urine received from the funnel and to be isolated from the other compartments after receiving a predetermined amount of the initial flow through the funnel. The sample compartments permit isolation for culture growth, specific gravity measurement, sugar level measurement, and microscopic examination of sample gathered by the use of the device.

Abstract: This centrifuge tube has the general shape of a conventional centrifuge tube or test tube. An external re-entrant groove is provided along an upper portion of the tube. An internal tube has an open end in the closed bottom of the centrifuge tube and is in fluid communication with a flexible external tube removably fittable into the re-entrant groove. This permits a sample to be centrifuged with the external tube in place in the groove and then the external tube can be bent down to withdraw heavy sediment from the bottom of the centrifuge tube.

Abstract: A midstream urine sample collector in which three separate detachable containers are supported from and interconnected by a frame including a fluid passage which interconnects the three containers. The first container is a disposable bag of flexible material which connects to the fluid passage at a point lower than the connection of the passage to the other two containers. An inlet receiving a funnel directs the urine stream into the passage, the urine flowing into the first container because it is at the lowest level. Once the first container is filled, fluid flows through the passage into the second and third containers in that order. The second container is a removable centrifuge vial which can then be used to run the sample tests. Means is provided for cutting off flow of fluid in and out of the first container once it is filled to prevent contamination of the fluid in the second container, which receives the midstream sample.

Abstract: A technique is provided for collecting and transferring body fluids such as blood or sputum. A blood sample is taken through a tube into an evacuated chamber. After the sample has been drawn it may be centrifuged to separate red cells from the plasma. Samples are then withdrawn from the first chamber into a second evacuated chamber where several analysis tubes are located. The sample is thus subdivided for analysis without exposure of the sample to the person making the tests. In another embodiment sputum is collected in a first chamber and is first blended with a preservative and then transferred to a second chamber where analysis tubes are located. Transfer is likewise without exposure of the person or contamination of the sample.

Abstract: This device is for taking a sample of blood from a patient and dispensing a predetermined volumetric sample for analysis. A blood collection needle is in fluid communication with the interior of a closed longitudinally collapsible container such as a bellows having substantially rigid ends. The bellows is elastically compressed from its normally extended position to decrease the interior volume and it is temporarily secured in the compressed position. Once the needle is in place for drawing blood, the bellows is manually released and its elastic extension assists in withdrawing a sample. Samples from the device are dispensed by recompressing the bellows so that some of the blood overflows through a passage into a "ladle" in the top portion of the container. A measured sample is then withdrawn by removing the cap from an outlet tube from the ladle. A plurality of outlet tubes may be used for samples of different predetermined volumes.