Abstract: A device is provided for separating the components of a liquid sample by centrifugation by dividing that portion of the sample having a higher specific gravity from that portion having a lower specific gravity, by utilizing a dual component assembly arranged to move in an evacuated container into the area adjacent the two portions of the sample under centrifugal force. The assembly includes a substantially rigid core component which nests within a cup-shaped elastomeric component, and which components interact with each other to provide alternating dual seals and open flow paths in response to different pressure differentials on each side thereof.

Abstract: A harvester is provided for mechanically removing cells from the internal surfaces of conventional, unmodified roller bottles. The device is a foldable, flexible arrangment which may be inserted into the neck openings of conventional roller bottles, without any, or only minor, modification thereof. Once inserted, the device of the invention mechanically expands to engage the internal surface of the bottle for the scraping thereof as the bottle revolves, thus effectively removing the cell growth rapidly and without the tedium of laborious hand scraping.

Abstract: A disposable electrosurgical knife handle and blade is provided with a built-in warning light positioned on the top of the handle in the surgeon's line of vision during surgical procedures in order to warn, instantly, of unwanted surges in the electrical system which could bring about tissue damage. Because of the arrangement, the surgeon may remove immediately the blade or other cutting instrument fitted into the handle from the surgical site.

Abstract: A test kit is provided for measuring the erythrocyte sedimentation rate automatically in the original blood collection tube which is of a size and is so modified to be used for the resulting testing that no further blood transfer is required. The blood collection tube is evacuated to the desired level to obtain the desired quantity of blood to be collected and contains the proper quantity of anticoagulant. The test kit of the invention includes one or more tube-like slots for maintaining the blood collection tubes stable and in a vertical orientation for the testing procedure. Each slot includes a tube sleeve vertically adjustable in each slot. Each sleeve includes an appropriate Westergren scale which is moved with the sleeve to accommodate the positioning of the initial top level of the red blood cells in the sample.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing flexible packages and particularly transdermal medication patches. The method includes the continuous and rapid production of a plurality of such packages while continuously treating one portion of the laminate forming the package by corona discharge in order to modify the surface adhesion properties thereof to provide, simultaneously, a proper seal of a transdermal membrane in the laminate forming the package, while maintaining the desired medication dispensing properties thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for preparing a catheter tube which has a longitudinal line of weakness extending axially there along as a place of preferential splitting. The method includes co-extruding two materials into the tubular cross-sectional shape, one of the materials forms a surface line along the other which extends radially to a level wherein the thickness of the tubing cross-section there at is less. When the co-extruded extra material is moved a groove is in the surface of the tube which groove permits easy tearing there along. The product formed by this method is also disclosed and includes the co-extruded polymers configured into a hollow tube of uniform radial cross-section and thickness before the co-extruded portion is removed.

Abstract: A urine specimen maintenance formulation is provided which, when the urine specimen is added, maintains the specimen in the desired unaltered form for subsequent testing, without the need for refrigeration or other preservation measures, while simultaneously preventing any additional bacterial growth in the specimen. The formula of the invention includes distilled water, mannitol, boric acid and sodium borate. Additionally, the formula may include a buffer, such as sodium acetate, glutamine or other amino acids, and a surface active or dispersing agent to facilitate concentration of cellular elements during subsequent centrifugation of the sample for microscopic examination, as well as to facilitate preservation of organisms.

Abstract: A biological specimen collection device comprises a specimen receptacle having a closed first end and an open second end. A removable conduit is provided for introducing a biological specimen into the receptacle and is connected to the second end of the receptacle. A base removably receives the first end of the receptacle and supports the receptacle in a substantially vertical position. A cap is removably connected to the base, this cap adapted to provide a liquid seal between the cap and the open second end of the receptacle. The cap is maintained in a protective environment during introduction of the biological specimen into the receptacle. Access is permitted to the cap after the specimen has been collected for subsequently capping the open end of the receptacle with its contents.

Abstract: A stopper or closure is provided as a closure for containers in which the stopper profile is computer generated to take into consideration radial stress at the stopper/container interface, and to eliminate tensile stress therealong which tensile stress is an indication that a portion of the stopper wall is not engaging the opposed container surface. The stopper of the invention is particularly appropriate for use in evacuated blood sample collection tubes for eliminating "gray bands" or regions where the stopper and tube do not contact, and "red spots" formed in small cavities generated on the internal surface of the stopper at the withdrawal position of a blood collection needle having been inserted in the stopper.

Abstract: A process for making a balloon for use on a multilumen catheter using as a form for the balloon a mandrel having at least one groove and at least one score line. The mandrel is rotated while metering into the groove a thermoplastic adhesive. The balloon stock is formed by coating the mandrel with a solid thermosetting polyurethane prepolymer. After cooling of the mandrel a film of thermoplastic adhesive is wrapped over the balloon at about the score line. Once the assembly is cured the balloon stock is removed to result in a balloon having an adhesive film on the internal wall at one end and an adhesive film on the external wall at the other end.

Abstract: A urine specimen maintenance formulation is provided which, when the urine specimen is added, maintains the specimen in the desired unaltered form for subsequent testing, without the need for refrigeration or other preservation measures, while simultaneously preventing any additional bacterial growth in the specimen. The formula of the invention includes distilled water, mannitol, boric acid and sodium borate. Additionally, the formula may include a buffer, such as sodium acetate, glutamine or other amino acids, and a surface active or dispersing agent to facilitate concentration of cellular elements during subsequent centrifugation of the sample for microscopic examination, as well as to facilitate preservation of organisms.

Abstract: A film-forming siloxane composition having excellent adherent and lubricating properties comprising a reactive component having a combination of three siloxane polymers chemically crosslinked, and a non-reactive component dispersed therein. Substrates are dipped or otherwise coated with the compositions, at which time they are cured quickly under heat to a durable, adherent lubricating surface which is dry to the touch. Of particular advantage is the use of these films on hypodermic needles, razor blades, catheters and the like.

Abstract: An antithrombogenic/antibiotic plastic material prepared using an organic solvent system containing a specific chlorofluorocarbon compound and petroleum ether.

Abstract: An integral polyurethane winged catheter assembly formed by RF heating individual catheter parts is disclosed.

Abstract: A stopper is provided, particularly for evacuated blood sample tubes, comprised of a combination of thermoplastic and rubber, which combination utilizes a plurality of circumferentially spaced joints containing an adhesive. The joints serve to mechanically hold the composite body of rubber and plastic together. The arrangement reduces the quantity of rubber used while retaining its desirable sealing properties, and reducing the quantity of relatively inexpensive thermoplastic and its desirable strength properties. The invention takes advantage of the relatively good joining properties of a rubber-adhesive combination, and avoids the relatively poor joining properties of a thermoplastic adhesive combination.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for inducing rapid flow of a blood sample into a collection assembly for the sample, with the arrangement including an elongated member of narrow width positioned in the flow path of the blood from the source therefore to the collection area therefore. The member of the invention may be, for example, an elongated flat strip, flexible or rigid, a solid rod, a solid strip square in cross section, or a tubular rod. The elongated device may be separate and positioned or adhered to a surface forming the blood flow path or it may be molded simultaneously with a collection assembly. The device may serve to provide a bridging transition from the surface of one part of an assembly to another. Finally, the device may be used to induce sample flow back and forth in a collection tube during mixing.

Abstract: A process of making a polyurethane condom which comprises providing an organic solvent solution of a polyurethane, dipping a condom form or mold into the polyurethane solution, raising the form from solution and allowing the resultant deposited film to cure at elevated temperatures, thereby forming the condom.

Abstract: A disposable lancet assembly is provided, including a housing serving as a lance-holder guide, a lance holder body reciprocable in the housing guide, and a flat-bladed lance mounted in one end of the lance holder body. Included in the invention are integral strategically positioned abutments which serve dual functions providing snap-action drive for the lancet, together with steps for lance movement control. Also included are integral resilient means on the lance holder body providing damping of the lance drive in the puncture direction with automatic withdrawal of the lance into the housing.

Abstract: An antithrombogenic thermoplastic polyurethane product and process for preparing the same which comprises a substrate and at least one layer of a polyurethane alloy complex comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane and completely dispersed therein a preformed complex of an antithrombogenic material ionically bonded with a quaternary ammonium compound.

Abstract: An antithrombogenic thermoplastic polyurethane product and process for preparing the same which comprises a substrate and at least one layer of a polyurethane alloy complex comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane and completely dispersed therein a preformed complex of an antithrombogenic material ionically bonded with a quaternary ammonium compound.