Abstract: An assay device for detection or determination of an analyte in a sample uses either removably attachable components or hinged panels to provide greater flexibility and reduce manufacturing and storage costs. In one embodiment of the device, the device comprises: (1) a first opposable component including:(a) a first panel; (b) a second panel mounted on the first panel generally parallel to the first panel with space between the first and second panel, the second panel having an opening forming a first receptacle for a sample collection device; and (c) a second receptacle for a test strip formed by the first panel and the second panel; and (2) a second opposable component hingedly attached to the first opposable component. In this device, the first and second opposable components can be brought into operable contact so that fluid is expressed from the sample collection device and applied to the test strip for detection or determination of an analyte by a test performed on the test strip.

Abstract: A disposable, pre-packaged device as particularly suitable for conducting diagnostic procedures based on immunological reactions using specimens gathered up in the absorbent tip of a swab. The device is made up of a base component upon which a sample sensitive element is mounted and a guide member that is normally mounted on the base component in covering relationship to the reactive element. The guide member includes structure which defines an elongated passageway extending therethrough. One end of the passageway is positioned in close proximity to the sensitive element when the member is mounted on the base component. The other end of the passageway opens outwardly of the guide member. In using the device, the swab tip is pushed through the passageway and toward the sensitive element using the stick of the swab. A number of ribs are positioned in the passageway adjacent the sensitive element to squeeze the tip and express fluid therefrom as the tip is pushed toward the sensitive element.

Abstract: A disposable, pre-packaged device for conducting an immunoassay procedure that results in the production of separable liquid and solid phases. The device includes a cup having an inlet and presenting a liquid phase receiving chamber. An absorbent for liquid phase materials is in the chamber and a series of ribs hold the absorbent away from the walls of the chamber providing a breathing space extending around the absorbent. A porous capture media element for capturing and displaying solid phase products of the procedure is disposed adjacent the inlet of the device in fluid communication with the absorbent so that in operation the absorbent promotes flow of liquid phase through the capture element. A lid element is mounted on the cup adjacent the inlet and the lid and the cup are held together by welding of annular flanges. The lid element includes an elongated cylindrical member extending through the inlet and defining a throat for directing flow of liquid phase onto the capture media.

Abstract: A disposable, pre-packaged device is particularly suitable for conducting diagnostic procedures based on immunological reactions using specimens gathered in the absorbent tip of a swab. The device is made up of an elongated holder member which includes structure for supporting and positioning a swab, another holder member hingedly mounted at one end of the swab holder member and which carries a capture media element assemblage suitable for conducting an immunoassay test. The device also includes a cover member hingedly mounted on the opposite end of the swab holder member. The cover member includes structure positioned for pressing the swab tip against the capture element when the device is operated. Thus, the light in the swab tip is squeezed and the test fluid is expressed therefrom and brought into intimate contact with the capture element. The results of the test are visually observable by simply swinging the member which carries the capture element away from the swab holder member.

Abstract: Dielectric sealing of porous anodized aluminum, in which moisture in the pores of the coating formed by hardcoat anodizing is removed, and the porous anodized surface then impregnated with a water insoluble metallic salt. The impregnant material is a compound of a Group II or III metal with a long chain fatty acid containing between 8 and 32 carbon atoms, saturated or unsaturated. The impregnant material may be applied as a hot melt or in solution; in the former case, any excess material is removed from the surface. The resulting product has excellent resistivity and dielectric properties, and maintains these properties at elevated humidities. As a final step the surface may be polished to provide favorable toner release characteristics during pressure transfer.

Abstract: Dielectric sealing of porous anodized aluminum, in which moisture in the pores of the coating formed by hardcoat anodizing is removed, and the porous anodized surface then impregnated with a water insoluble metallic salt. The impregnant material is a compound of a Group II or III metal with a long chain fatty acid containing between 8 and 32 carbon atoms, saturated or unsaturated. The impregnant material may be applied as a hot melt or in solution; in the former case, any excess material is removed from the surface. The resulting product has excellent resistivity and dielectric properties, and maintains these properties at elevated humidities. As a final step the surface may be polished to provide favorable toner release characteristics during pressure transfer.

Abstract: A gel composition suitable for use as a carrier for adhesives, dyes, pigments or the like is formed from a Group II metal salt or Group III metal salt of an aliphatic carboxylic acid having from 8 to 36 carbon atoms and a chelating agent for the metal, dispersed or dissolved in a liquid dispersant that can be water, a water-miscible organic solvent or a mixture of water and at least one water-miscible organic solvent. The gel contains from about 80 to 96 percent by weight of the liquid and the mole ratio of the salt to chelating agent employed is between about 0.5 to 1 and 2 to 1. When employed as an adhesive carrier, the gel contains from 5 to 45 weight percent, based upon the total weight of the adhesive composition, of a water soluble or water dispersible film-forming adhesive such as polyvinylpyrrolidone.