Abstract: A sensor dispensing instrument adapted to handle a sensor pack containing a plurality of sensors and to perform a test using one of the sensors. The sensor dispensing instrument includes an outer housing and a disk drive mechanism contained therein for rotating the sensor pack and ejecting one of the sensors from the sensor pack and through a sensor opening on the housing. The disk drive mechanism of the sensor dispensing instrument is operated by pressing a button which activates a motor. The motor moves a disk drive pusher in a first direction to rotate the sensor pack, and then moves the disk drive pusher in a second direction to eject a sensor from the sensor cavity and through the sensor opening.

Abstract: A test sensor having a pair of electrodes and a reagent for electrochemically measuring the concentration of the analyte in a liquid sample. The test sensor comprises a capillary channel for collecting the liquid sample and a conductor disposed outside the capillary channel. The conductor is in fluid communication with the capillary channel. The liquid test sample is collected and moved through the capillary channel. The liquid test sample contacts the conductor when the capillary channel is substantially full to signal a full condition.

Abstract: An optical reagent format with a precise capillary channel is made by molding a format on a carrier of a precise predetermined thickness. The carrier includes an insert at least a portion of which is molded in the format. Once the format is made, the insert is detached from the carrier and removed from the format leaving a precisely dimensioned capillary channel with an inlet and vent. A reagent may be applied in the capillary channel and the format used to measure the analyte in a fluid such as blood. An electrochemical sensor with a capillary channel is formed by placing a sacrificial insert and electrodes on a sensor base and applying plastic material. After the plastic material is cured, the sacrificial is removed leaving a capillary channel in the sensor. The inserts may be removed by a tool including a clamp for clamping and holding each insert stationary and a sliding block to which the sensor is secured.

Abstract: A pressure ring for a lancing device for holding open a skin puncture while collecting a blood sample includes a collar that fits onto the end of a lancing device. A skirt is provided on the collar and a flared portion depends from the skirt. At least one axial slit is formed in the skirt. The pressure ring is made of a flexible material such as polypropylene such that when the lancing device with a pressure ring is placed on a person's skin and pressure is applied, the slits spread apart stretching the skin for a puncture by a lance in the lancing device. Once a puncture has been made, the pressure ring holds the puncture wound open to allow bleeding. Removing the lancing device from the puncture site releases the skin allowing the puncture wound to close.

Abstract: This invention related to novel sulfonamide substituted chroman derivatives which are useful in the treatment of beta-3 receptor mediated conditions.

Abstract: An aminopeptidase which is a component of GLUT4-containing vesicles in the natural state, and which cleaves insulin. The claimed protein has an apparent molecular weight of approximately 110 kD in its deglycosylated form and a predicted molecular weight of 117,239 Daltons. It includes the amino acid sequences Phe-Ala-Ala-Thr-Gln-Phe-Glu-Pro-Leu-Ala-Ala (SEQ ID NO: 1) and Ile-Leu-Gln-Asn-Gln-Ile-Gln-Gln-Gln-Thr-Arg-Thr-Asp-Glu-Gly-Xaa-Pro-Xaa-Me t (SEQ ID NO: 2, and reacts with antibodies produced against the peptide identified as (SEQ ID NO: 1). It is encoded by the cDNA of FIG. 20 (SEQ. ID NOs. 15 and 16) and is essentially the protein sequence therein described. Modulators of the activity of the aminopeptidase and a method for treating syndromes of insulin resistance, including diabetes, by administration of such a modulator are also claimed.

Abstract: Method of using specific acyl urea compounds as termiticides. The compounds are unusually non-repellant to termites and active at low dosages.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a process of treating crude dinitroaniline with an aqueous sulfite solution as a method of stabilizing the herbicide against formation of nitrosamines and of reducing impurities therein.

Abstract: Apparatus for dilution of one liquid with another, such as a pesticide concentrate diluted with water, wherein dual piston displacement pumps are each actuated respectively by a coil spring and by an opposed hydraulic actuator with a piston powered by the flow of the diluting liquid, the hydraulic actuator being controlled by a control means for alternating reciprocation of the respective pistons of each hydraulic actuator responsive to the rate of flow of the diluting liquid so that a constant dilution ratio is maintained regardless of the pressure of the liquid supply. The control means includes a vane that is pivoted alternately by the action of the hydraulic actuator pistons to direct the flow thereto of liquid for dilution.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the preparation of certain phosphorothioates and phosphonoates by means of a process which employs a three-phase system for the reaction of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal phenate, pyridinate or pyrimidinate with a phosphorochloridothioate or phosphorochloridate under alkaline conditions and in the presence of tertiary amine and quarternary ammonium salt co-catalyst, but in the absence of both a hydrocarbon or chlorinated hydrocarbon solvent and a surfactant.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing (aryl) or heteroaromatic methyl)-2,2'-1H-biimidazoles. Reacting an appropriate alpha-brominated or alpha-chlorinated, substituted or non-substituted, methylated monoaromatic ring compound with 2,2'-bi-1H-imidazole in a solvent such as ethanol in the presence of a base such as sodium hydroxide under reflux conditions; and to pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating hypertension with such compounds.

Abstract: Aroylthiazolones enhance myocardial contractile force and are useful as cardiotonics in the treatment of heart failure.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel aminoalkyl substituted heterocyclic sulfur compounds which are useful as antihypertensive agents.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel quinolyloxazole-2-ones which are useful as protein kinase C inhibitors, effective in the treatment of hypertension and asthma. This invention also includes a novel procedure for producing an intermediate ketone compound involving the reaction of a bromo-quinoline compound with butyl lithium and further reacting the lithiated compound with N-methyl-N-methoxyalkanamide.

Abstract: Phenyloxazolones are useful as cardiotonics in the treatment of heart failure and enhance cardiac function.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds which are allenyl amines, more specifically, .beta.-ethenylidene-(substituted)ethanamines, possessing antihypertensive activity. They are prepared by a noval reaction of a protected N,N-bis(trimethylsilyl)-4-methoxy-2-butynylamine compound with a metallo-organic compound, with subsequent removal of the silyl protecting groups to provide the desired compound.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel (aryl or heteroaromatic methyl)-2,2'-1H-biimidazoles; to a process for their production comprising of reacting an appropriate alpha-brominated or alpha-chlorinated, substituted or non-substituted, methylated monoaromatic ring compound with 2,2'-bi-1H-imidazole in a solvent such as ethanol in the presence of a base such as sodium hydroxide under reflux conditions; and to pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating hypertension with such compounds.

Abstract: This invention relates to conformationally rigid sulfur containing tricyclic lactams, to the intermediates and processes useful for their preparation, and to their pharmacological effects in inhibiting angiotensin converting enzyme, in treating reperfusion injury and in treating heart-failure.

Abstract: Tricyclic oxazolones enhance myocardial contractile force and are useful as cardiotonics in the treatment of heart failure.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel .beta.-methylenethiophenethanamines which are mechanism-based inhibitors of dopamine beta-hydroxylase useful as antihypertensive agents.