Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrically monitored mechanical pipette which includes a microswitch in its volume delivery adjustment mechanism which operates to signal the electrical volume monitoring system of the pipette when a fluid volume delivery setting adjustment is being made. In this manner, the pipette operates in a low power mode during normal operation to display the present fluid volume delivery setting, but moves to a high power consumption mode when changes are being made to the fluid volume delivery setting. The microswitch allows the high power consumption elements in the electronic volume monitoring system, such as a Hall-effect transducer assembly, to be inactive and receive no power input until it is needed during adjustment of the fluid volume delivery setting.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved air-flow sensitive float valve interposed between the collection chamber and one arm of the water seal chamber for allowing the patient to draw as much vacuum pressure as is required during deep inspiration. The float valve also functions to provide for an automatic controlled release of excess negative pressure in the collection chamber during either continuous autotransfusion or when there is a low air flow rate condition present. By tailoring a specific amount of water to a given size chamber, the water column inside the water seal chamber is allowed to momentarily engage the floating mechanism before the water seal chamber is emptied of water and a column of air is subsequently forced through the water column towards the momentarily sealed valve. Once the air column reaches the valve, the water supporting the valve is displaced and the valve is released until the air column is replaced by another rising water column.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the production of an anticoagulant composition which allows for the accurate analysis of blood electrolyte concentrations. Also disclosed is the anticoagulant composition produced in accordance with the disclosed method and an apparatus containing said composition useful in the selection and sampling of blood.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for sensing heart activity and especially heart activity from a fetal epidermis during the birth of a child. A fetal electrode introducer includes a rigid guide tube with an intermediate universal joint which allows the guide tube to be bent at the best angle to accommodate each patient. The intermediate joint allows a smooth transmission of the rotary motion manually applied at a distal handle to drive the electrode into the fetal epidermis.A sliding sleeve covers the fetal electrode to provide a bearing for rotation, protects the electrode from contamination, and also serves as a resistance means to indicate to the user that the assembly has abutted against the fetal epidermis. Such resisting means includes either a detent or lockable system, or a breakable membrane.

Abstract: A non-phosphate cleaning composition, having enhanced rust removal properties at ambient temperatures, comprising oxalic acid and an activating amount of ferrous ion. This formulation removes rust better than formulations not containing the activating amount of ferrous ion.

Abstract: Solid shaped articles, particularly pharmaceutical dosage forms, are prepared by freezing in a mould a composition comprising a predetermined amount of chemical (e.g. pharmaceutical) and a solution of carrier material and then subliming solvent from the frozen composition. The side wall or walls of the mould make an angle with the vertical of at least 5.degree. at the surface of the composition. This enables shaped articles of constant thickness to be produced with minimum sublimation times.

Abstract: Solid shaped articles, particularly rapidly dissolving pharmaceutical dosage forms, carrying predetermined unit quantities of chemicals are prepared by a novel process involving the addition of the predetermined amount of chemical in a solvent to a placebo article which contains a network of carrier material. The placebo article is prepared by freezing a composition of carrier material in a solvent and subliming the solvent from the frozen composition.