Abstract: Integrated sampler apparatus and method are provided and include a sample liquid container support component which is operable to support both closed and open sample liquid containers thereon on a random basis. Sample liquids from the open sample liquid containers are presented directly to a sample liquid analysis system probe for access thereby; while sample liquids from the closed sample liquid containers, which take the form of sample liquid containers closed by sample needle-pierced stoppers, are transferred by virtue of a sampling needle assembly and connected sample liquid transfer conduits and transfer valve, to a sample liquid dispensing well for access by the same sample liquid analysis system probe.

Abstract: A tree planter stand adapted to stabilize, attractively support, and display a Christmas Tree. The stand includes a support stanchion insert disposed within the planter and a tree trunk riser extending upwardly thereof and operable to receive and support a tree trunk. The stanchion insert has a cover which includes a lower facing generally circular support rim sized to overlie and abut the planter support ridge. A central drain plug is provided in the bottom of the stanchion insert to drain any excess water.

Abstract: Integrated sampler apparatus and method are provided and include a sample liquid container support component which is operable to support both closed and open sample liquid containers thereon on a random basis. Sample liquids from the open sample liquid containers are presented directly to a sample liquid analysis system probe for access thereby; while sample liquids from the closed sample liquid containers, which take the form of sample liquid containers closed by sample needle-pierced stoppers, are transferred by virtue of a sampling needle assembly and connected sample liquid transfer conduits and transfer valve, to a sample liquid dispensing well for access by the same sample liquid analysis system probe.

Abstract: A back support belt comprising a primary support belt including fasteners for fastening the same generally at the frontal area of the waist of the wearer, and a secondary tensioning belt comprising fasteners for fastening the same around the primary support belt generally at the frontal area of the waist of the wearer is provided, and includes back support belt color tensioning indicators on the secondary tensioning belt which are visible only from the rear and side areas of the waist of the wearer, and thus not by the wearer, and which are operable to indicate both when the back support belt is properly tensioned around the waist of the wearer, and when the back support belt is not properly tensioned around the waist of the wearer. The back support belt color tensioning indicators are operable to indicate proper and improper tensioning of the support belt independently of the relationship between the size of the support belt and the waist size of the wearer to thus be virtually foolproof in operation.

Abstract: A pair of eyeglasses is provided and comprises attachment pieces formed on the temple pieces anterior of the eyeglasses ear pieces for the attachment of the non-rigid support ties of a non-rigid face mask thereto to support the face mask from the eyeglasses temple pieces rather than the ears of the wearer. The combination of the pair of eyeglasses and the thusly supported mask is also provided. The pair of eyeglasses may take the form of safety glasses, and the mask the form of a conventional surgical mask.

Abstract: Sample liquid analysis apparatus and method for the formation and supply to a conduit of a stream of successive sample liquid test packages, and the repeated bi-directional displacement of the sample liquids test package stream in the conduit, sample liquid analysis apparatus operatively associated with the conduit for repeated, time-spaced analyses in turn of the sample liquids in each of the sample liquid test packages. Each of the test packages comprises a first segment of a sample liquid and a first reagent liquid, and a second segment of a second reagent liquid spaced from the first segment by a different fluid in the test package.

Abstract: Integrated sampler apparatus and method are provided and include a sample liquid container support component which is operable to support both closed and open sample liquid containers thereon on a random basis. Sample liquids from the open sample liquid containers are presented directly to a sample liquid analysis system probe for access thereby; while sample liquids from the closed sample liquid containers, which take the form of sample liquid containers closed by sample needle-pierced stoppers, are transferred by virtue of a sampling needle assembly and connected sample liquid transfer conduits and transfer valve, to a sample liquid dispensing well for access by the same sample liquid analysis system probe.

Abstract: Minimum carryover container for the successive containment of discrete liquids as are successively introduced thereinto, and minimum carryover discrete liquid analysis system utilizing the container, are disclosed; and operate through use of container materials which are selectively wettable by an immiscible isolation liquid which is introduced to the container independently of the discrete liquids to form an independently flowing isolation liquid stream which covers the walls of the container from the container inlet to the container outlet thereby preventing contact by the discrete liquids with the container walls. The container can include wall portions enabling the transmission of light energy therethrough from the outside of the container.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for the substantial separation on a continuous flow basis of immiscible liquids flowing as a common stream, with one of the liquids substantially encapsulating another of the liquids, in a flow conduit. The conduit comprises an inner surface which is selectively "wettable" by one of the liquids to the substantial exclusion of another of the liquids; and the liquid separator apparatus are disposed in the conduit and operate to substantially separate the liquids, or at least a portion of one of the liquids, from the common liquids stream as that stream flows into contact with the separator apparatus in the conduit.Apparatus and method for the introduction of a liquid on a continuous flow basis into a flowing stream of another liquid which is immiscible therewith and is flowing in a flow conduit are also provided.

Abstract: The sample liquids analysis system includes a probe which is automatically operable to successively aspirate sample liquids and reagent and/or other sample liquids processing liquids and to dispense the same in turn into sample liquids analysis apparatus for automatic, successive sample liquids analyses. Isolation liquid supply apparatus are operatively associated with the sample liquids aspirating the dispensing probe and operate to introduce an isolation liquid which is immiscible with the sample liquids and which selectively wets the probe to the substantial exclusion of the sample liquids, to the probe to, in combination with operatively associated rinse liquid supply apparatus which operate to fill the probe with a rinse liquid between successive sample liquids aspirations, reduce sample liquids carryover to ultra low levels.

Abstract: The sample liquids analysis system includes a probe which is automatically operable to successively aspirate sample liquids and reagent and/or other sample liquids processing liquids and to dispense the same in turn into sample liquids analysis apparatus for automatic, successive sample liquids analyses. Isolation liquid supply apparatus are operatively associated with the sample liquids aspirating and dispensing probe and operate to introduce an isolation liquid which is immiscible with the sample liquids and which selectively wets the probe to the substantial exclusion of the sample liquids, to the probe to, in combination with operatively associated rinse liquid supply apparatus which operate to fill the probe with a rinse liquid between successive sample liquids aspirations, reduce sample liquids carryover to ultra low levels.

Abstract: Liquid dispensing method is provided, and comprises the steps of periodically rotating a liquid dispenser package to supply a liquid from a liquid supply chamber to a liquid reservoir by flowing the liquid under the influence of centrifugal force through a connecting liquid supply channel, and inhibiting foaming of the liquid while it flows through the liquid supply channel.

Abstract: The sample liquids analysis system includes a probe which is automatically operable to successively aspirate sample liquids and reagent and/or other sample liquids processing liquids and to dispense the same in turn into sample liquids analysis apparatus for automatic, successive sample liquids analyses. Isolation liquid supply apparatus are operatively associated with the sample liquids aspirating and dispensing probe and operate to introduce an isolation liquid which is immiscible with the sample liquids and which selectively wets the probe to the substantial exclusion of the sample liquids, to the probe to, in combination with operatively associated rinse liquid supply apparatus which operate to fill the probe with a rinse liquid between successive sample liquids aspirations, reduce sample liquids carryover to ultra low levels.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the separation of immiscible liquids are provided, and comprise the use of separator means having a surface which is preferentially "wettable" by one of the liquids to the substantial exclusion of another of the liquids. In use, the liquids are flowed from a common liquid source onto said surface with the one liquid being sorbed thereby to the substantial exclusion of the other liquid to thus substantially separate the liquids. The separator means surface may be maintained essentially level to retain the substantially separated liquid thereon, or may be inclined to result in the flow of the same therefrom under the influence of the force of gravity. Alternatively, the separator means may be made of a liquid-permeable material to permit the flow of the substantially separated liquid therethrough and therefrom under the influence of the force of gravity.

Abstract: Minimum carryover container for the successive containment of discrete liquids as are successively introduced thereinto, and minimum carryover discrete liquid analysis system utilizing the container, are disclosed and operate through use of container materials which are selectively wettable by an immiscible isolation liquid which is introduced to the container independently of the discrete liquids to form an independently flowing isolation liquid stream which covers the walls of the container from the container inlet to the container outlet thereby preventing contact by the discrete liquids with the container walls. The container can include wall portions enabling the transmission of light energy therethrough from the outside of the container.

Abstract: Sampler apparatus and method are provided and include both closed and open tube samplers, and selector valve operable to select therebetween for sample supply to automated sample analysis apparatus. A shear valve divides the samples into separate sample quantities for independent sample quantity analysis by multi-channel analysis apparatus. A pressure equilibration chamber prevents vacuum build-up in the closed tube sampler to insure the supply of consistent sample quantitites therefrom. A source of a pressurized rinse solution is provided; and is operatively connected to the sampler apparatus in such manner as to insure the particularly thorough rinsing and cleansing of all relevant sampler components to remove sample residue therefrom between sampling operations, thereby reducing sample carryover to levels below those of clinical significance.