Abstract: Paper chains have been used by children to make paper jewelry for a century. Decorative patches have been worn throughout history, offering feelings of pride and belonging. My invention consists of at least one computer template that controls the printing of decorative patches on supply paper for paper chain making. Paper chains present two visible sides made up of sets of 2 (half) one-half inch squares. The intent is to increase the visual impact by maximizing the size of decorative patches. The template prints only on those squares that are visible when the paper chain is assembled, reducing printing ink by as much as seventy five percent. The template addresses design problems characteristic of assembly of paper chains. The template eliminates decoration misalignment due to the chain link assembly procedure, and eliminates asymmetry errors due to view reversal that results from the folding of paper chain links.

Abstract: An anticoagulant solution of sodium citrate for use in blood chemistry-related techniques and apparatus is disclosed. The anticoagulant solution should include an effective concentration of sodium citrate sufficient for preventing the coagulation of a sample of blood employed in the technique or added to the apparatus. The sodium citrate-based anticoagulant solution should have a pH ranging from above 6.0 to about 8.5 and a sodium citrate concentration preferably ranging from about 0.05M to about 0.2M.

Abstract: An anticoagulant solution of sodium citrate for use in blood chemistry-related techniques and apparatus is disclosed. The anticoagulant solution should include an effective concentration of sodium citrate sufficient for preventing the coagulation of a sample of blood employed in the technique or added to the apparatus. The sodium citrate-based anticoagulant solution should have a pH ranging from above 6.0 to about 8.5 and a sodium citrate concentration preferably ranging from about 0.05M to about 0.2M.

Abstract: This invention relates to an assembly for centrifugally separating lymphocytes and monocytes from the heavier phases in samples of human blood utilizing a liquid density gradient medium. The particular inventive subject matter concerns the use of novel partition means initially separating the liquid density gradient medium from the sample of blood and designs for such partition means.

Abstract: Liquid containers or receptacles are disclosed with cooperating means for rupturing the receptacles to release contained fluid to rain upon test specimens. Structure is disclosed for rupturing receptacles in response to relative motion occurring between receptacles and test specimen support members or in response to punch means formed integrally with a receptacle. A method of molding a liquid receptacle with an integrally formed punch means for rupturing the receptacle is also disclosed.

Abstract: An assembly for separating lymphocytes and monocytes from granulocytes in a sample of unseparated whole blood. A water insoluble, thixotropic gel-like substance, which is chemically inert to blood constituents is provided in a container. A fluid capable of altering blood cell densities and diameters is positioned above the surface of the water-insoluble thixotropic gel-like substance. Means for preventing the absorption of water by the thixotropic gel-like substance from the fluid and/or the sample of unseparated whole blood prior to separation are provided to substantially eliminate the influence of water absorption on the cell separation performance characteristics of said thixotropic gel-like substance.

Abstract: A device for separating mononuclear cells from blood includes a collection tube, a first layer of a liquid density gradient material placed in the tube, a second layer of a gel-like substance placed in the tube and situated above the first layer, a porous foam member placed in the tube and situated above and in contact with the second layer of gel-like substance, and a third layer of a Newtonian gel-like substance placed in the tube above the porous foam member. The gel-like substance of the second layer has a lower specific gravity than that of the liquid density gradient material of the first layer so that it floats on top of the first layer. The gel-like substance of the second layer becomes less viscous when heated such that it is absorbed by the porous foam member and forms a hydraulic barrier between the liquid density gradient material of the first layer and a blood sample placed in the collection tube.

Abstract: This invention relates to an assembly for centrifugally separating lymphocytes and monocytes from the heavier phases in samples of human blood utilizing a liquid density gradient medium. The particular inventive subject matter concerns the use of novel partition means initially separating the liquid density gradient medium from the sample of blood and designs for such partition means.

Abstract: A blood separation device includes a collection tube containing a first layer of a thixotropic gel-like substance and a second layer of a newtonian gel-like substance which is positioned below the first layer. The first layer of the thixotropic substance is positioned between the second layer of the newtonian substance and a blood sample received by the tube, prior to centrifuging the tube, and acts as a barrier between the second layer and the blood sample to prevent intermixing of the second layer and the blood sample. The thixotropic gel-like substance of the first layer has a specific gravity which is greater than the newtonian gel-like substance of the second layer whereupon centrifugation of the tube, the first layer moves to a position below the second layer.

Abstract: An assembly for separating lymphocytes and monocytes from granulocytes in a sample of unseparated whole blood. A water insoluble, thixotropic gel-like substance, which is chemically inert to blood constituents is provided in a container. A fluid capable of altering blood cell densities and diameters is positioned above the surface of the water-insoluble thixotropic gel-like substance. Means for preventing the absorption of water by the thixotropic gel-like substance from the fluid and/or the sample of unseparated whole blood prior to separation are provided to substantially eliminate the influence of water absorption on the cell separation performance characteristics of said thixotropic gel-like substance.

Abstract: This invention is directed to means for inhibiting the apparent shift in the buoyant density of and/or to restore any loss in the buoyant density of the granulocytic white blood cells in a sample of blood, thereby insuring the quality of the separation of lymphocytes and monocytes from granulocytes in a blood sample. The invention comprises contacting a blood sample with a hypertonic fluid containing a low molecular weight organic or inorganic ionic substance and/or with an isotonic or hypertonic fluid containing a high molecular weight organic substance which may contain organic molecules having a lipophilic substituent in their structures and/or with a culture medium for blood cells. An integral part of the invention is an improved blood separation tube utilizing a gel-like substance having a specific gravity between 1.060-1.065 g/cm.sup.3 to significantly enhance the purity of cell separation, while providing acceptable cell yields.

Abstract: This invention is directed to means for inhibiting the apparent shift in the buoyant density of and/or to restore any loss in the buoyant density of the granulocytic white blood cells in a sample of blood, thereby insuring the quality of the separation of lymphocytes and monocytes from granulocytes in a blood sample. The invention comprises contacting a blood sample with a hypertonic fluid containing a low molecular weight organic or inorganic ionic substance and/or with an isotonic or hypertonic fluid containing a high molecular weight organic substance which may contain organic molecules having a lipophilic substituent in their structures and/or with a culture medium for blood cells. An integral part of the invention is an improved blood separation tube utilizing a gel-like substance having a specific gravity between 1.060-1.065 g/cm.sup.3 to significantly enhance the purity of cell separation, while providing acceptable cell yields.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for dispensing discrete lengths of adhesive tape onto a substrate. A take-off reel is rotatably mounted in a housing having an opening through which tape is dispensed. A supply reel, a curved flat spring guide, a tape cutting blade and a dispenser mechanism are all located within the take-off reel. The guide reverses the direction of the tape from the supply reel and presses the adhesive side thereof against the inner surface of the take-off reel. A detent mechanism resists the rotation of the take-off reel after predetermined angular rotations thereof. When properly indexed, the take-off reel is rotated one detent position to properly align the tape with respect to the blade. The blade is actuated to cut from the tape a discrete label which can be dispensed.