Abstract: This invention relates to novel tracers and their synthesis and use in an immunoassay for the detection of controlled drugs such as amphetamine (APM), methamphetamine (MAPM) and their derivatives, in a biological or aqueous sample. In particular, this invention provides methods for synthesizing novel tracers in which a non-controlled substance is both the starting material in tracer synthesis and the binding site on the resulting novel tracer for the antibody, thereby eliminating the necessity of using controlled substances as starting materials. In addition, the novel tracers of the present invention can be used as an analyte analog in an immunoassay, such as a continuous flow displacement immunoassay. It was unexpectedly discovered that the novel tracers of the present invention substantially improve the performance of the continuous flow displacement immunoassay as compared with conventionally designed tracers.

Abstract: In this disclosure, novel caanabinol-based tracers suitable for use in immunoassays that detect cannabinoids in a biological sample are disclosed. These cannabinol-based tracers are particularly useful in a continuous flow displacement immunoassay. The disclosure also describes the processes for synthesizing the novel tracers, and the application of these tracers in fluorescence immunoassays for detecting and quantifying cannabinoids in biological samples.

Abstract: A device for retracting tissue that includes a cannula and a retractor positionable in the working channel of the cannula. The retractor includes a working tip configured to atraumatically displace tissue as the retractor is manipulated through the tissue.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel tracers and their synthesis and use in an immunoassay for the detection of controlled drugs such as amphetamine (APM), methamphetamine (MAPM) and their derivatives, in a biological or aqueous sample. In particular, this invention provides methods for synthesizing novel tracers in which a non-controlled substance is both the starting material in tracer synthesis and the binding site on the resulting novel tracer for the antibody, thereby eliminating the necessity of using controlled substances as starting materials. In addition, the novel tracers of the present invention can be used as an analyte analog in an immunoassay, such as a continuous flow displacement immunoassay. It was unexpectedly discovered that the novel tracers of the present invention substantially improve the performance of the continuous flow displacement immunoassay as compared with conventionally designed tracers.

Abstract: A device for measuring, concurrently from the same sample solution, the pH and presence or quantity of an analyte in the solution. The pH and analyte measuring sections of the invention are contained within the same holding structure.

Abstract: An edible emulsion is disclosed having a fat content of less than 5 weight %. An edible fat or oil component is dispersed in an aqueous phase with a two-component emulsifier system comprising a primary emulsifier which acts to stabilise the emulsion and a secondary emulsifier which works in synergy with the fat or oil component to impart a desirable texture and structure to the finished product.

Abstract: A device (10) is provided which includes an elongated cannula (20) having a first inner diameter (DI) and an outer diameter (DO) sized for percutaneous introduction into a patient. The cannula (20) defines a working channel (25) between its ends (21, 22) which has a second diameter (D2) equal to the diameter (DI) of the cannula sized for receiving a tool therethrough. An elongated viewing element (50) is engageable to the cannula (20) adjacent the working channel (25), preferably by a fixture (30, 170). The fixture (30, 170) includes a housing/body (31, 171) attachable to the proximal end (22) of the cannula (20). The housing (31) defines an optics bore (60, 180) to support a viewing element (50) for translation and rotation relative to the cannula (20) so that the longitudinal axis of the optics bore (60, 180) will translate parallel to and rotate about the longitudinal axis of the working channel (25).

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing percutaneous spinal surgery under direct visualization and through a single cannula are shown. A device (10) is provided which includes an elongated cannula (20) having a first inner diameter (DI) and an outer diameter (DO) sized for percutaneous introduction into a patient. The cannula (20) defines a working channel (25) between its ends (21, 22) which has a second diameter (D2) equal to the diameter (DI) of the cannula sized for receiving a tool therethrough. An elongated viewing element (50) is engageable to the cannula (20) adjacent the working channel (25), preferably by a fixture (30). The fixture (30) includes a housing (31) attachable to the proximal end (22) of the cannula (20) that defines a working channel opening (35) which is in communication with the working channel (25). The housing (31) also defines an optics bore (60) adjacent the working channel opening (35).

Abstract: A fixture for performing percutaneous surgery under direct visualization and through a single cannula includes a housing/body attachable to the proximal end of the cannula by a ring. The ring encircles the cannula and is provided with a pair of opposing arms defining a slot therebetween. A mechanism connected to the arms is operable to compress and release the arms such that the fixture can grip the cannula at a plurality of locations along the cannula. The housing/body includes a support column extending between the housing/body and the ring and an optics bore for supporting a portion of a viewing element.

Abstract: A method for percutaneous surgery on the spine of a patient under direct visualization is performed through a single cannula having a predetermined length. The length is determined by measuring a distance from the lamina of a spinal vertebra to the skin of the patient, determining a first portion of the length to be less than the measured distance, and determining a second portion of the length to be about one fourth (1/4) the length of the first portion. The first portion is the length of the cannula to be introduced into the patient and the second portion extends external to the patient. This length is preferably 5.5 to 7.0 times greater than the transverse dimension of the cannula. Such dimensions for the cannula permits the longitudinal axis of a tool to be angled between 5 degrees and 8 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cannula.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing percutaneous spinal surgery under direct visualization and through a single cannula are shown. A device (10) is provided which includes an elongated cannula (20) having a first inner diameter (D.sub.I) and an outer diameter (D.sub.O) sized for percutaneous introduction into a patient. The cannula (20) defines a working channel (25) between its ends (21, 22) which has a second diameter (D.sub.2) equal to the diameter (D.sub.I) of the cannula sized for receiving a tool therethrough. An elongated viewing element (50) is engageable to the cannula (20) adjacent the working channel (25), preferably by a fixture (30). The fixture (30) includes a housing (31) attachable to the proximal end (22) of the cannula (20) that defines a working channel opening (35) which is in communication with the working channel (25). The housing (31) also defines an optics bore (60) adjacent the working channel opening (35).

Abstract: A mixer feeder wagon (1) for mixing animal feed which includes hay, straw, silage and the like, including a mixing compartment (20) and a dispensing compartment (21). A mixing rotor (30) is rotatable in the mixing compartment (20) for mixing the animal feed, and a dispensing auger (38) in the dispensing compartment (21) dispenses the mixed animal feed through a dispensing outlet (22). A plurality of first blades (55) extend radially from mixing paddles (47) of the mixing rotor (30) and co-operate with a plurality of second blades (56) which are mounted on a base (12) of the mixing compartment (20) for cutting the fibrous material of the animal feed into relatively short lengths as the mixing rotor (30) rotates.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing percutaneous spinal surgery under direct visualization and through a single cannula are shown. A device (10) is provided which includes an elongated cannula (20) having a first inner diameter (D.sub.I) and an outer diameter (D.sub.O) sized for percutaneous introduction into a patient. The cannula (20) defines a working channel (25) between its ends (21, 22) which has a second diameter (D.sub.2) equal to the diameter (D.sub.I) of the cannula sized for receiving a tool therethrough. An elongated viewing element (50) is engageable to the cannula (20) adjacent the working channel (25), preferably by a fixture (30). The fixture (30) includes a housing (31) attachable to the proximal end (22) of the cannula (20) that defines a working channel opening (35) which is in communication with the working channel (25). The housing (31) also defines an optics bore (60) adjacent the working channel opening (35).

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing percutaneous surgery under direct visualization and through a single cannula are shown. A device (10) is provided which includes an elongated cannula (20) having a first inner diameter (D.sub.I) and an outer diameter (D.sub.O) sized for percutaneous introduction into a patient. The cannula (20) defines a working channel (25) between its ends (21, 22) which has a second diameter (D.sub.2) equal to the diameter (D.sub.I) of the cannula sized for receiving a tool therethrough. An elongated viewing element (50) is engageable to the cannula (20) adjacent the working channel (25), preferably by a fixture (30, 170). The fixture (30, 170) includes a housing/body (31, 171) attachable to the proximal end (22) of the cannula (20).

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing percutaneous spinal surgery under direct visualization and through a single cannula are shown. A device (10) is provided which includes an elongated cannula (20) having a first inner diameter (D.sub.I) and an outer diameter (D.sub.O) sized for percutaneous introduction into a patient. The cannula (20) defines a working channel (25) between its ends (21, 22) which has a second diameter (D.sub.2) equal to the diameter (D.sub.I) of the cannula sized for receiving a tool therethrough. An elongated viewing element (50) is engageable to the cannula (20) adjacent the working channel (25), preferably by a fixture (30). The fixture (30) includes a housing (31) attachable to the proximal end (22) of the cannula (20) that defines a working channel opening (35) which is in communication with the working channel (25). The housing (31) also defines an optics bore (60) adjacent the working channel opening (35).

Abstract: A mixer feeder wagon (1) comprises a mixing compartment (4) and a dispensing compartment (5). A mixing rotor (7) rotatable in the mixing compartment (4) mixes animal feed therein and urges the mixed animal feed into the dispensing compartment (5) through a communicating opening (6). A dispensing auger (8) in the dispensing compartment (5) dispenses the mixed animal feed through a dispensing outlet (11). The mixing rotor (7) comprises a rotor shaft (55) and a plurality of mixing paddles (56) carried by radial carrier members (57). Each mixing paddle (56) comprises a radial leading surface (69) and a bevelled trailing surface (71) which define an included acute angle .alpha. of approximately 45.degree. for preventing a build up of dry fibrous ingredients on the paddles (56).