Abstract: Disclosed is an assay for determining the presence of at least one analyte in a sample, which involves the steps of: (a) mixing the sample and predetermined amounts of first test microparticles having disposed thereon a binding molecule which binds a first analyte, and inert reference microparticles to form a reaction mixture, and to allow for the first binding molecule to bind the first analyte; b) counting the numbers of the non-reacted first test microparticles and the reference microparticles; and (c) comparing the number of non-reacted first test microparticles to the reference microparticles to thereby establish a first test value so that the presence of the first analyte in the sample may be determined. In a preferred embodiment, the first test value is compared to a control value for a non-reactive sample, and a change value is calculated therefrom.

Abstract: A fireplace furnace for the hot air heating of a room is disclosed. The fireplace furnace in a particular embodiment has an enclosed primary combustion chamber and a primary air supply for the initial burning of the fuel. A separate enclosed secondary combustion chamber and a secondary air supply for burning the volatiles remaining in the flue gas generated by the primary combustion chamber is also provided. The secondary combustion chamber is located between the primary combustion chamber and an enclosed room air heating chamber. The flow of the air in the room air heating chamber is counter to the flow of the flue gas in the secondary combustion chamber. With this construction, the heat transferred to the room air is from the flue gas of the secondary combustion chamber and none of the heat transferred to the room air is transferred directly from the primary combustion chamber.