Abstract: The invention is a device for transporting and preserving microscope slides and specimens having a larger air filled compartment enclosing a smaller air filled and slide containing compartment which protects slides from damage and preserves specimens by air drying provided by air circulation between compartments.

Abstract: The invention provides a container for the storage and transport of microscope slides. In particular, the container comprises one or more receiving means for receiving a plurality of microscope slides such that both surfaces of each slide are exposed to air and at least one side of the container is fully open. The container may also comprise a closing means capable of preventing microscope slides contained inside the container from sliding out of the container. The design of the container allows for air exchange between the outside and inside of the container to facilitate the drying of slides contained within the container. Methods of transporting and drying microscope slides are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for creating a colored design including transparent light-transmitting receiving wells for receiving and holding colorants, the wells being disposed in a grid-like plate adapted to hold the wells. The device also including a colorant material transfer device for transferring colorant material to the receiving wells. The colorant materials may be liquid or solid materials.

Abstract: A combined fluid storage container and applicator device comprising a sheet-like impermeable material having overlying symmetrical or asymmetrical portions with a fold line and a temporary seal around the remaining periphery of the device forming a cavity for an inviscid fluid, a pad within the cavity and adhered to the sheet, and a separation mechanism for simultaneously applying continuous separating force in multiple directions to open the cavity and expose the pad. Methods of using and making the device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A grip-steadying device for a writing instrument with an elevated-elongate grip-protrusion extending from the barrel of the instrument. The protrusion may extend from, or comprise a collar adapted to slidably encircle the barrel that can be moved to a point convenient to the grip of the user, or be positioned over the writing tip of the instrument when the latter is not in use. If desired, a holding clip can be provided in association with the collar.

Abstract: An integral alcohol preparation device (10) or like type of fluid applying device includes an absorbent material or pad (11) for containing alcohol or other fluid, a fluid impermeable material, for example of metal foil (20) lined with plastic (21), as a selectively openable fluid tight chamber for the pad and fluid contained therein, and the pad and fluid impermeable material being attached as a substantially integral assembly. Being so attached, a method of using such a fluid applying device, then, may include the steps of manipulating the fluid impermeable material to open the chamber and to expose the pad and fluid contained therein without breaching the integrity of the several parts individually or collectively, and applying the fluid from the pad to an external surface. Further, a method is disclosed for making an integral fluid applying device. In an alternate embodiment a one piece fluid applying device is formed of flexible material that is folded to form a chamber to contain a fluid.

Abstract: A one piece fluid applying device is formed of flexible material that is folded to form a chamber to contain a fluid. The flexible material is impermeable and unaffected by the fluid. A seal is formed about the chamber to maintain the fluid tight integrity thereof. Surface portions of the flexible material which form walls of the chamber also form surfaces for applying the fluid to another surface, for example, to the skin of a patient.

Abstract: An integral alcohol preparation device or like type of fluid applying device includes an absorbent material or pad for containing alcohol or other fluid, a fluid impermeable material, for example of metal foil lined with plastic, as a selectively openable fluid tight chamber for the pad and fluid contained therein, and the pad and fluid impermeable material being attached as a substantially integral assembly. Being so attached, a method of using such a fluid applying device, then, may include the steps of manipulating the fluid impermeable material to open the chamber and to expose the pad and fluid contained therein without breaching the integrity of the several parts individually or collectively, and applying the fluid from the pad to an external surface. Further, a method is disclosed for making an integral fluid applying device. An alternate embodiment of fluid applying device includes a fluid permeable material and located therein a breakable fluid tight container containing the fluid.

Abstract: An integral device for preparing a smear of blood or other sample on a glass slide or other surface is disclosed. The device includes as an operatively integral structure an elongate reservoir having a tip at one end for drawing blood into the reservoir, for example by capillary action or aspiration, and delivering controlled quantities of blood from the reservoir to a slide. Attached to the opposite end of the reservoir a smearing device has an edge cooperable with the surface of the slide to smear blood deposited by the tip. Using the device, a person would manually hold the same in position to draw blood via the tip into the reservoir, would then manipulate the device to deposit a quantity of blood onto the surface of a slide, and while still holding the device would turn the same to place the smearing edge in contact with the slide and would effect relative movement therebetween to smear the blood.