Abstract: A slab gel electrophoresis cassette with an integrated upper buffer chamber is constructed such that the integrated chamber is collapsible to allow the cassette to assume a reduced thickness for purposes of stacking during storage and shipping.

Abstract: An electrophoresis gel is prepared with indicia incorporated into the gel itself rather than on a label or backing that is adhered to the gel. According to one method, the indicia are applied by first coating a solid surface that will be used as one internal surface of a gel mold with a solution of a water-permeable polymer, allowing the coating to dry, imprinting indicia in ink on the dry coating, and then forming the gel over the coating. In a variation on this method, the indicia are applied to a sheet which is then placed against the mold surface, the sheet being either a liner that is separable from the gel yet coated with the polymer or a sheet of the polymer itself. Alternatively, the indicia are printed directly on the mold surface without first coating the surface. This is achieved by using as a printing composition a mixture of an ink and a solution of a water-permeable polymer, then forming the gel over the imprinted indicia.

Abstract: An electrophoresis gel is prepared with indicia incorporated into the gel itself rather than on a label or backing that is adhered to the gel. According to one method, the indicia are applied by first coating a solid surface that will be used as one internal surface of a gel mold with a solution of a water-permeable polymer, allowing the coating to dry, imprinting indicia in ink on the dry coating, and then forming the gel over the coating. In a variation on this method, the indicia are applied to a sheet which is then placed against the mold surface, the sheet being either a liner that is separable from the gel yet coated with the polymer or a sheet of the polymer itself. Alternatively, the indicia are printed directly on the mold surface without first coating the surface. This is achieved by using as a printing composition a mixture of an ink and a solution of a water-permeable polymer, then forming the gel over the imprinted indicia.

Abstract: A phosphor screen with a smooth-surfaced phosphor layer is formed by casting a phosphor layer in liquid form on a sheet to which the layer adheres without bonding. The exposed surface of the layer is then solidified and bonded to a permanent substrate. The sheet on which the phosphor has been cast is then removed, leaving a smooth exposed surface, which may then be covered with a transparent protective layer.

Abstract: A stimulable phosphor having a plasma-deposited protective coating comprising a substantially continuous, protective coating which conforms substantially to the surface of the stimulable phosphor. In a preferred embodiment, the coating has a thickness of between about 0.10 and about 1.0 .mu.m, and provides a thinner coating having greater sensitivity to radiation emitted from weak radioactive labels than conventional screen protective coatings, but with effective protection from moisture and physical damage.