Abstract: An improved method for pipetting multiple aliquots of liquid employs a preliminary back sip prior the first expression of an aliquot of the liquid; an adjustable back sip between each expression of aliquots of liquid; and a blow out volume of air, aspirated into the pipette prior to the initial aspiration of liquid, for blowing out residual liquid after the expression of the last aliquot of liquid. The improved method for pipetting liquid may be performed on an improve apparatus which includes a microprocessor having within its memory a schedule or correlation for the optimal back sip to execute after the expression of any given aliquot. The microprocessor may also include means for driving the apparatus so as to perform the preliminary back sip and the aspiration of the blow out volume.

Abstract: The periodontal pocket cleaner is a device for removing material from a periodontal sulcus or periodontal pocket and for ascertaining and monitoring bleeding and suppuration within the sulcus or pocket. The pocket cleaner is a disposable item composed of a soft hardwood or similarly appropriate wood. It has an elongated narrow shape with the grain of the wood parallel to the direction of elongation. The device tapers to a functional point at one end enabling this tapered end to be easily inserted into the sulcus or periodontal pocket. The tapered end of the pocket cleaner is softened by being moistened before being inserted into the sulcus or pocket. The tapered end of the pocket cleaner is used to scoop material from the sulcus or pocket, to scrape plaque from the tooth surfaces adjacent to the sulcus or pocket, and to absorb blood and other suspended components from the sulcus or pocket.

Abstract: A liposomal thermograph is employed to monitor the thermal history of goods in transit or storage. The liposomal thermograph becomes fluorescent if the temperature of the goods exceed an operating range. The liposomal thermograph is bi-directional, i.e. it becomes fluorescent if the temperature transgression either falls below a set value on the lower end of the operating range or if it rises toward the upper end of the operating range. The activation of the liposomal thermograph is abrupt at the lower end of operating range. However, at the upper end of the operating range, the liposomal thermograph displays a ramp effect, i.e. the onset of fluorescence is progressive and depends upon the duration of the transgression and the magnitude. The liposomal thermograph is made from a sachet which is filled with a suspension of liposomes which have been loaded with an amphphilic anionic fluorescent dye, preferably having a sodium counterion.

Abstract: A serum antibody assay for assaying a serum sample is described which has diagnostic value for determining the presence of a specific serum antibody which may be indicative of an infection by a specific microorganism. The serum antibody assay has an enhanced diagnostic value because it can eliminate interference by selected cross-reactive antibodies which are directed against one or more other microorganisms to which the assay is not directed and which may be present in the serum sample with a clinically significant frequency. The serum antibody assay uses an immunologically purified fraction of antigenic material derived from the specific microorganism to which assay is directed. The immunologically purified fraction of antigenic material includes immunologically distinguishable components of the antigenic material.

Abstract: A spin welding apparatus is employed for hermetically sealing seamless overpacks. The seamless overpacks are utilized, for example, for isolating corroding 55 gallon drums which contain hazardous materials. The overpacks include a receiver which contains the 55 gallon drum and a cover which is spin welded onto the receiver. The receiver and cover have circular welding surfaces which oppose one cover which is spin welded onto the receiver. The receiver and cover have circular welding surfaces which oppose one another across a horizontal plane. The welding surfaces have a composition of heat fusible plastic. During the spin welding process, the cover is rotationally driven by the spin welding apparatus while simultaneously being forced downward onto the receiver, which is held stationary. Frictional heat melts the opposing welding surfaces. After the rotational motion stops, the opposing welding surfaces cool and solidify to form a seamless weld joint.

Abstract: A protective device having medical applications is disclosed. The protective device includes an adhesive base and a protective covering. The adesive base adhesively attaches to the patient's skin and surrounds the area to be protected. The protective covering is coupled to the adhesive base and covers the area to be protected. The protective covering is coupled to the adhesive base by means of adhesive or Velcro (TM). The protective covering may be repeatedly decoupled and recoupled with the adhesive base without detaching the adhesive base from the patient's skin. The protective device thereby provides repeated access to the protected area without damaging the patient's skin.

Abstract: The performance of immunoassays for the analysis of serum analytes can be significantly improved by the pretreatment of the sample. Analyte in serum samples is often complexed with serum antibody. Such analyte-antibody complexes can mask the analyte and interfere with analyte specific binding steps of many immunoassays. The serum pretreatment method employs pH dependent chaotropes to dissociate the analyte-antibody complexes in the serum. At low pH, the complexes become dissociated and the antibody becomes denatured. After the dissociation and denaturation of the serum antibody, the serum sample and the chaotrope, contained therein, are then neutralized. Since the serum antibody has been denatured, it does not re-associate with the analyte upon neutralization. After the neutralization step, serum sample can then be analyzed by an immunoassay, without interference from serum antibody. A serum pretreatment kit is essential to the employment of the serum pretreatment method.

Abstract: The invention is a pipette controller for facilitating the handling of liquids by a pipette. The pipette attaches to the pipette controller. The pipette controller has a handle which is proximate to the attached pipette and substantially parallel to the pipette. The user operates the pipette controller by working a thumb wheel on the handle which is mechanically coupled to a bellows which controls the liquid level in the attached pipette. When operating the pipette controller, the user grasps the hand below the thumb wheel at a position which is approximately medial to the length of a typical pipette.

Abstract: The invention is an enlaceable serviette. An enlaceable serviette is a serviette which includes the means to enlace and secure a decorative pattern of folding. The basic enlaceable serviette includes only a napkin and a tie integrally attached to the napkin. The napkin is foldable into a decorative pattern suitable for presentation as a decorative piece at a table setting. The decorative pattern may be enlaced and secured by the tie which can be wrapped around the folded napkin and fastened. To use the serviette during a meal, the diner unfastens the tie and unfolds the serviette. The tie can also serve to secure the folding pattern of the napkin during storage and handling. The enlaceable serviette is particularly useful in institutional situations where large numbers of serviettes are used. The integral attachment of the tie to the serviette prevents its separation and possible loss during laundering, during handling and storage, and during the meal.

Abstract: The invention is a device and a method for preparing serum from blood. The invention is used in conjunction with the centrifugal separation of serum from blood for filtering fibrin and other particulates from the separated serum and for partitioning the serum filtrate from unfiltered blood. During the first phase of centrifugation, a detent holds the serum preparator in check within the centripedal end of a tube containing the blood while the components of blood separate by sedimentation and backflow. Once all cellular components have sedimented to the pellet, the second phase of centrifugation begins and the sedimentation of the serum preparator is initiated by a triggering centrifugal force. During sedimentation, the serum preparator forces displaced serum to pass across a filter spanning an aperture through the serum preparator. The sedimentation velocity of the device and the rate of filtration are controlled by a brake on the serum preparator.