Abstract: A thick-film sensing apparatus for nucleic acid determination and testing using potentiometric stripping analysis, including two methods for nucleic acid detection at the microfabricated strips, both methods being designed for use with the thick-film sensing apparatus. The present invention is applicable for broad use in nucleic acid analysis, particularly for measurement of nucleic acids (e.g., DNA and RNA), and their sequences and interactions, and for detection of DNA damage, at thick-film electrodes, based on stripping potentiometry.

Abstract: A method of preparing flourescent in situ hybridization slides, comprising: providing a slide with a raised ring thereon; providing to the slide a DNA probe; providing to the slide cells and target DNA; providing to the slide a formamide-free mixture of 10%.+-.2% by weight dextran sulfate and 15%-25% glycerol and 0.9% by weight salt or a solution of 10%.+-.2% by weight dextran sulfate, 10-30% by volume formamide and 0.9% by weight salt; placing a coverglass on the ring; denaturing and hybridizing the slide; and performing a post-hybridization wash of the slide.

Abstract: A material transfer apparatus and method, the apparatus having a material separating container, a filter unit, a vacuum unit and an exhaust unit, all mounted on a mobile conveyance. Air, carrying the materials to be transferred, is drawn through pneumatic tubing into the separating container where large and small materials are separated, and then into the filter where it is filtered for re-entry into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A microbiological assay for chemicals, which uses a cell and a reducing dye to quantitatively measure inhibition of electron transport in the cell membrane as a function of chemicals in the substance being tested, is disclosed. This assay and method is reliable, simple, fast, and inexpensive, requires a minimum amount of durable equipment, and avoids the need for the use of live animals as the indicator organisms. The assay is particularly useful for testing for toxicity in food products, environmental, medical and industrial processes, sewage treatment, effluent, agricultural wastes, and chemical dumps.

Abstract: An oil change device to facilitate the collection of the spent motor oil from an internal combustion engine's ferromagnetic crankcase and ferromagnetic oil filter, having a flexible tube connecting a sealing cover unit to an oil collection container. Permanent magnets, imbedded in the sealing cover unit provide a means to attach the sealing cover unit to the crankcase and oil filter. The distal end of a wrench shaft protrudes through an orifice in the base member and extends to the superior surface of the baffle member. A wrench socket that fits the crankcase drain plug head is connected to the distal end of the wrench shaft and a socket wrench, attached to the proximal end of the wrench shaft, is used to unscrew and remove the crankcase drain plug. An oil filter piercing tool is connected to the distal end of the wrench shaft and used to pierce the skin of the oil filter when a striking blow is delivered to the proximal end of the wrench shaft.

Abstract: An exercise and support bar apparatus mounted in brackets on a wheelchair and method for using same. The bar can be adjusted to be more or less proximate the occupant by removing the upstanding portions of the bar from the brackets, turning the apparatus end-for-end, and re-inserting the upstanding portions in the bracket. Angular and height adjustments are also provided by the apparatus.