Abstract: A disposable protective cap and method for covering a probe in a spectral imaging apparatus are provided. The cap protects the probe from direct contact with a subject's tissues. The cap is hollow and elongated to cover the probe, having an open end and a closed end. At the closed end is an optically transparent face. This permits light to be transmitted from the probe through the closed end of the cap with minimal optical distortion. At the open end of the cap are components which interact with the probe to assure that the cap is not used more than one time. These components can use electrical interaction to assure only a single disposable use of the cap. Mechanically interacting components can also be used, either alone or in combination with electrically interacting components to assure only a single use of the cap.

Abstract: The present invention is a multi-well vessel such as a microtiter plate, made from a plastic material formulated for increased thermal conductivity. In a preferred embodiment, the plastic material is a thermally conductive formulation of a cyclic polyolefin, syndiotactic polystyrene, polycarbonate, or liquid crystal polymer, with a melting point greater than 130° C. and exhibiting very low intrinsic fluorescent properties. A conductive medium, such as conductive carbon black, is included in the formulation of the plastic material at about 5% or greater by weight to increase thermal conductivity. To further increase thermal conductivity, a thermally conductive ceramic filler, such as a Boron Nitride filler, may be added to the formulation. A polymeric surfactant may also be added to the formulation for increased performance. The invention may also include a flat piece of conductive material attached to the flat bottom of the plate to impart conductivity and flatness to the part.

Abstract: Microemulsion cleaner compositions are disclosed. The cleaners comprise a terpene, a secondary or tertiary C.sub.4 -C.sub.5 alcohol, a surfactant, and water. Compared with commercial formulations, cleaners of the invention are low in water, high in hydrocarbon, and have excellent degreasing capability. The secondary or tertiary C.sub.4 -C.sub.5 alcohol coupling solvent, compared with other alcohols, significantly reduces the amount of surfactant required to produce a stable, effective microemulsion cleaner. The compositions are particularly valuable as metal degreasers.