Abstract: A system is provided for receiving, maintaining and processing blood samples for the subsequent separation and testing thereof. A pre-packaged blood sample receiving vessel is provided containing appropriate additives and a quantity of beads or other physical bodies for subsequent lysis, centrifugation, and separation of the sample. An additional pre-packaged arrangement is provided at the lab for the handling and removal of the lysed, centrifuged and separated sample in order to obtain the desired portion of the sample for appropriate laboratory testing procedures.

Abstract: A lubricating film for preventing time-temperature dependent increase in adhesion in a catheter assembly including an interference-fitted thermoplastic catheter wherein a film of polydimethylsiloxane is deposited on the tip of the cannula, preferably from a solution of a volatile solvent.

Abstract: A balloon sleeve is provided for a balloon catheter, and the balloon catheter itself with the balloon sleeve provided wherein a substantially smaller front end cross-section is presented for insertion into a patient. The balloon sleeve has a thermoplastic film positioned adjacent each end thereof. However, one is on the internal surface and one on the outer surface enabling mounting the sleeve in a reverse lap fashion wherein the entire balloon body is so reverse lapped when mounted. The mounting eliminates separate objects for securing the balloon sleeve. Nevertheless, the manner of mounting causes the inflated balloon to flow over and protect a patient from the catheter end.

Abstract: A cap is provided for a blood microcollection container which cap incorporates a partially open tubular and tapered scoop arrangement for engaging a puncture wound, and rapidly receiving blood from the wound. Longitudinally extending ribs serve to define and maintain a blood flow and an air venting passage in the collector, while preventing blood "hang-up" caused by capillary action in the blood flow passage of the collector. With this invention, the time of transfer is reduced substantially because less precise positioning is required of the scoop, and blood "hang-up" in the transfer passage is avoided.

Abstract: An antithrombogenic polyurethane polymer being bound to a support substrate wherein the antithrombogenic agent is reacted through an aldehyde group with an amine functionality of a polyurethane-urea to form the covalently bonded antithrombogenic material.

Abstract: A device in the form of a sealed transparent tube comprised of glass, for example, is provided for separating the fraction containing cells and cell free fraction of a liquid, such as blood, automatically upon introduction into the device, and without the need for any separate driving force. The device separates whole non-anticoagulated blood, for example, very rapidly upon introduction into the device. The device utilizes a cross-flow filtration area together with a vacuum force applied to the device during manufacture to cause immediate and rapid separation.

Abstract: A disposable lancet assembly is provided, including a housing serving as a lancet-holder guide, a lancet holder body reciprocable in the housing guide, and a flat-bladed lancet mounted in one end of the lancet 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 lancet movement control. The simple coil spring provides damping of the lancet drive in the puncture direction with automatic withdrawal of the lancet into the housing.

Abstract: A blood microcollection container and associated collection assembly is provided for engaging a puncture wound and rapidly receiving blood from the wound. The assembly incorporates a scoop arrangement for engaging the blood source, and for directing in a rapid and efficient manner the blood to a collection chamber. A two-position cap is provided for sealing the scoop collector of the assembly prior to use, and for permanently locking to the collector after use to prevent exposure to the blood sample by the person handling the blood sample, or contamination of the blood sample from outside sources.

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: Elastomer compositions are provided for use in preparing objects such as stoppers and pistons for use, for example, in such items as evacuated tubes or syringes for a variety of medical applications. The compositions of the invention are particularly appropriate for producing objects capable of withstanding, simultaneously, the effects of autoclaving temperatures and creep, related to the stress placed on the objects related to the positioning of the objects in use.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for the continuous and rapid production of a plurality of flexible packages containing a non-solid substance such as an ointment, by continuously forming and vacuum sealing the packages from two webs of material in the nip of cooperating roller surfaces. The packages each contain a precise quantity of medication which may be, for example, the kind of medication which is self-administered by the user by transdermal application. The method and apparatus herein joins together two specially prepared webs of material continuously drawn from supply rolls while at the same time incorporating and vacuum sealing a desired quantity of the medication therebetween.

Abstract: A structure is provided, such as a capacitive transducer, utilizing two or more layers of semiconductor material wherein a highly insulating low capacitance bond is achieved by the invention herein between two adjacent layers by forming an inlay of glass in one layer and anodically bonding the other layer to the polished surface of the previously formed inlay.

Abstract: A blood microcollection container and associated lancet-collection assembly is provided for making a puncture wound, engaging the wound and rapidly receiving blood from the wound. The assembly incorporates a lancet together with a scoop arrangement for engaging the blood source, and for directing in a rapid and efficient manner the blood to a collection chamber. A two-position cap is provided for sealing the scoop collector of the assembly prior to use, and for permanently locking to the collector after use to prevent exposure of the lancet and collector to the person handling the blood sample, or contamination of the blood sample from outside sources.

Abstract: An electromechanical transducer is provided, and the process for making it, which utilizes a piezoresistive element or gage which is crystallinally the same as the base or substrate upon which it is supported. The gage of the invention is a force gage, and is derived from its substrate by etching in a series of steps which, ultimately, provide a gage with substantially reduced strain energy requirements, because the volume of the gage may be as small as 3.times.10.sup.10 cubic centimeters of stressed material. In its most preferred form, the element or gage is etched free of its substrate to provide, in effect, a "floating gage." This is achieved by defining the gage in its substrate or in material rigidly bonded to its substrate, etching away immediately adjacent material, and leaving the gage free in space, while supported at each end on the substrate.

Abstract: An improved clot activator system for reducing the clotting time for blood samples in serum separation tubes, and the like, as well as increasing the degree of clotting, while at the same time, reducing the cost of production. This is achieved by the addition of glass pieces to the tube which pieces are formed in a particular way by a sol-gel process. The particles are pieces of glass, and are a porous substantially rigid amorphous inorganic sponge with substantial reactive surfaces. When a blood sample is introduced into a serum separation tube containing such pieces, the blood enters the interstices of the pieces causing fragmentation thereof, which fragmentation causes sound and shock waves which, in turn, enhance the clotting of the blood.

Abstract: A capacitive transducer is provided having a plate mounted therein to move in a piston-like manner in a sealed cavity toward and away from a fixed cooperating plate forming the other side of the capacitive circuit. The movable plate is etched in a unique fashion from a single crystal silicon wafer in a batch process forming a plurality of capacitive sensors simultaneously. The movable plate is etched in unique fashion with a plurality of spaced passages, allowing passage of fluid such as air contained in the cavity therethrough, thus damping plate movement by such fluids. The surfaces of the plate are further etched with special grooves to direct fluid flow to the passages. Moreover, a plurality of spaced stops are included in the plate surface during the etching process to overcome both electrostatic latch-up, wherein electrical attraction exceeds membrane restoring force, and pneumatic latch-up, wherein membrane restoring force is inadequate to draw gas between plates in close proximity.

Abstract: An improved slip and/or skid resistant surface is provided for work gloves, work shoes, floor coverings in work areas and the like. The surface of the invention provides a porous gripping surface particularly useful in greasy and oily environments where it is necessary for a workman to be able to grip mechanical devices or loose objects having a coating of oil or grease. The surface of the invention is a foam surface laminated to a substrate. The foam, prior to lamination, may be foamed with varying amounts of air depending upon the degree of abrasion resistance required. The foaming may be by mechanical or chemical means.

Abstract: An improved slip and/or skid resistant surface is provided for work gloves, work shoes, floor coverings in work areas and the like. The surface of the invention provides a porous gripping surface particularly useful in greasy and oily environments where it is necessary for a workman to be able to grip mechanical devices or loose objects having a coating of oil or grease. The surface of the invention is a foam surface laminated to a substrate. The foam, prior to lamination, may be foamed with varying amounts of air depending upon the degree of abrasion resistance required. The foaming may be by mechanical or chemical means.

Abstract: An improved abrasion and cut resistant surface is provided for work gloves, work shoes and like wearing apparel. The surface of the invention provides a porous surface particularly useful in work environments where it is necessary for a workman to use gloves, but which gloves are breathable and have moisture absorbing properties. The surface of the invention is a foam surface laminated to a substrate. The foam, prior to lamination, may be foamed with varying amounts of air depending upon the degree of abrasion resistance required. The foaming may be by mechanical or chemical means.