Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for the analysis of ions generated by matrix-assisted laser desorption is disclosed. This apparatus and method enhances the mass spectral resolution compared to previous devices and methods by producing electrical modulation of the kinetic energy imparted to the generated ions in a matrix-assisted laser desorption mass spectrometer. This modulation causes parent ions of interest to be substantially reflected (and detected) or substantially not reflected (and not detected) within the spectrometer, while fragment ions produced from the parent ion of interest are substantially reflected (and detected) independent of said modulation. A difference signal is generated between electrical signals sensed when the parent ions are reflected and electrical signals sensed when the parent ions are not reflected thereby mitigating the effects on the mass spectrum of the undesired fragment ions.

Abstract: Novel carbamate compounds, novel silylcarbamate compounds and novel reversed phase materials comprising a silica substrate modified with a modified novel silylcarbamate compound are disclosed which may, for example, be used as stationary phases for liquid chromatography applications. Attached to the carbamate group are several reversed or normal phase producing groups such as cyanoalkyl, tertiary butyl, dibutyl, octyl, dodecyl, tetradecyl, octadecyl or benzyl. The new stationary phases may be endcapped with a short chain alkyl silane. One particular advantage of these stationary phases is decreased interaction with basic samples due to shielding of the unreacted silanol groups on the silica surface. The new phases are particularly useful in the chromatographic analysis of basic samples or more generally for samples having an undesirable interaction with the unmodified silanols.

Abstract: A dental post is provided comprising a top section and a stem with a slot which extends lengthwise through the stem to form a plurality of legs. The legs have wings attached thereto which fit into indentations in a wall of a tooth bore. Kits are provided comprising the dental post and burs for forming a tooth bore to accommodate the dental post and optionally a core for supporting a tooth crown, a template for forming holes in a tooth stub and a key for providing support for the core.

Abstract: A filtration system is disclosed which operates with a single supply pump to achieve backwashing in an expeditious manner. The system includes a fluid supply source for a feed fluid to be filtered, a feed pump in fluid communication with the source and a membrane filter module for separating the fluid into filtrate and retentate streams. A collection reservoir is also provided which has at least two isolated fluid compartments movably separated from one another, one compartment for accumulating filtrate, the other being in fluid communication with the supply pump. In a preferred embodiment the collection reservoir is in the form of a diaphragm unit. At appropriate times, valves are activated to divert the flow of feed material from the supply source to the other chamber of the diaphragm unit.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for concentrating a solute sample which can be subsequently released for analysis by capillary electrophoresis. The apparatus comprises a tube containing a short length of packed particles or gel adapted to retain sample solutes which particles are retained in the tube by tube constrictions or porous plugs. The tube includes an inlet for introducing a sample into the tube and an outlet for introducing the retained sample into a capillary electrophoresis tube.

Abstract: A dental post is provided comprising a bottom section and a stem with a slot which extends lengthwise through the stem to form a plurality of legs. The legs have wings attached thereto. The wings have cutting surfaces which are used to form indentations in a wall of a tooth bore. Kits are provided comprising the dental post and burs for forming a tooth bore to accomodate the dental post and optionally a core for supporting a tooth crown, a template for forming holes in a tooth and a key for providing support for the core.

Abstract: A device is provided comprising a piezoelectric material and at least one coating reactive with trace quantities of oxygen and/or water in reactive and inert gases. The piezoelectric material is bonded to a conductor for delivering an alternating electric current and to a conductor for transmitting resonant vibration frequency of the crystal. The reactive coating has an effective thickness which provides a serviceable life for the coating while not being so thick as to prevent vibration of the piezoelectric material.

Abstract: A macroreticulate polymer is provided for removing water vapor and oxidants from a gas having the formula: ##STR1## wherein Ar is a heteroaromatic moiety, M is bonded to the heteroaromatic moiety and is selected from the group consisting of lithium, sodium, potassium, alkyl magnesium, alkyl zinc, and dialkylaluminum, R is an organic moiety and R.sub.1 is a polymerized moiety forming the molecular backbone of said polymer.

Abstract: A sterility testing device includes a container made up of upper and lower plastic parts between which is welded a hydrophilic microporous membrane filter. The device also includes a removable plastic lid with vent holes. The lid is adapted to be secured to the container in two different positions such that, during in-situ incubation of a culture medium after the filtration of the sample and rinsing, the lid is deformed to allow a passageway for excess pressurized air to be removed from the interior of the container while at the same time preventing ambient air from entering the container. The device thus operates with a single membrane filter and is more economical to manufacture than prior art devices.

Abstract: A dental post is provided including a stem and a flange secured to an intermediate vertical position on said stem to delineate a top stem section and a bottom stem section. A support can be positioned to connect the flange with the top stem section. The flange can be provided with through holes or pins formed integrally therewith.

Abstract: A dialysis apparatus is provided including a multiwell plate, a separations membrane and a template having holes which mate with the wells. The membrane is sealed to one end of the wells by positioning the template about the outer peripheral surfaces of the wells with the membrane being frictionally held therebetween.

Abstract: A laminated plate structure including conduit and regent delivery means for a fluid delivery system is provided to deliver precise volumes of a plurality of fluids in sequence to a treatment reservoir. Fluid channels are formed in the plate structure to provide a means for delivering fluids from a plurality of fluid reservoirs attached to the plate structure to one or a plurality of treatment reservoirs attached to the plate structure. Each fluid is delivered by a system comprising a fluid reservoir, an inlet valve in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, a positive displacement pump in fluid communication with the inlet valve and an outlet valve in fluid communication with the positive displacement pump all of which are attached to the plate structure. The means for delivering fluid and the fluid reservoirs are positioned on opposing surfaces of the plate structure. The plate structure is provided with vent holes for venting vapors that may be produced during formation of the plate structure.

Abstract: Polyetherimide-metal laminates are formed by etching the surfaces of a polyetherimide web with a glycol-containing etchant followed by electroless nickel or cobalt deposition and then by copper deposition. The glycol-containing etchant can be utilized to form through holes through the web.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system is provided to deliver precise volumes of a plurality of fluid in sequence to one or more treatment reservoirs. Fluid channels are formed in a plate structure to provide a means for delivering fluids from a plurality of fluid reservoirs to one or a plurality of treatment reservoirs. Each fluid is delivered by a system comprising a pneumatically or electrically activated inlet valve in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir, a positive displacement pump in fluid communication with the inlet valve and a pneumatically or electrically activated outlet valve in fluid communication with the positive displacement pump.

Abstract: A dental post is provided comprising a bottom section with cutting projections and a stem section. The cutting projections cut paths into the root canal walls to provide retention and anti rotation. A disk may be included which has projections on the bottom which cut pathways into the top of the root for optimal post support and root fracture resistance.

Abstract: A system of elongated rails installed on the exterior hull surfaces of boats and projecting externally from the exterior hull surfaces of the boats, and having the functional attributes of: deflecting spray, reducing the tendencies of the bows to go under in choppy or turbulent seas, reducing heel and side-slipping while turning, contributing lift, acting as fenders to protect the hulls, providing accessible hand holds and foot steps, reducing the rocking motions of the boats and adding flotation to the boats. The rails are formed of a polymeric foam interior and a skin formed of a polymeric sheet or a fabric material.

Abstract: Apparatus for mapping a static magnetic field is provided. An NMR-suitable sample or array of samples is positioned in a magnetic field probe adapted to generate an alternating magnetic field and for measuring an induced signal from the sample as a result of being exposed to the alternating magnetic field. The induced signal from the sample is measured at discrete points along a helispherical or heliellipsoidal path located within the static magnetic field. Shim coils can be positioned within the static magnetic field and the current directed to the coils can be controlled as a result of the field mapping results in order to homogenize the static magnetic field. Ferromagnetic elements can be inserted in appropriate locations instead of, or in addition to, the shim coils. One such probe or any array of such probes are mounted on an actuator mechanism, which mechanism moves the probe or array of probes along a helispherical or heliellipsoidal path located within the static magnetic field.

Abstract: A dental implant is provided for insertion into the jawbone of a patient for the purpose of building a dental prosthesis thereon. The implant includes a central hole for accommodating a dental post having slots and/or a key structure. The dental post slots fit over wings or allow wings/key structures to pass through in order effect retention while avoiding rotation of the positioned post.

Abstract: Pump apparatus having a wear end and a pump end is provided with means for preventing liquid being pumped from entering the wear end. An internal pump is positioned between the wear end and the pump end of sealless pumps to direct small quantities of gas from the wear end to the pump end at a pressure which prevents liquid in the pump end to pass into the wear end.

Abstract: A sample collection and analysis apparatus is provided comprising a base and a sample collector having a handle and a well. The well contains a porous member having a ligand receptor bound thereto. The base contains an absorbent material for liquids and an opening to expose the absorbent material. The base is provided with means for rendering the sample collector integral with the base and for contacting the porous member with the absorbent material. The apparatus permits detecting or quantitating a target ligand in the sample.