Abstract: Methods are disclosed for determining the monotonic functional relationship between (A) the integrated absorbance of spectral energy within a spectral region of interest of an analyte (i) that decomposes during the time experimental spectral data for determining the relationship are being obtained, or (ii) whose spectral data are pressure sensitive at pressures below a given pressure, or (iii) that decomposes during the time the spectral data are being obtained and whose spectral data are pressure sensitive and (B) the concentration of the analyte before decomposition commences. Methods are also disclosed for using the monotonic functional relationship to determine the concentration of the analyte in an unknown from the integrated absorbance of spectral energy within the spectral region of interest for the unknown.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for producing at high efficiency vaporization a precisely controllable, continuously adjustable gas-phase flow of a vaporizable liquid (e.g., hydrogen peroxide) in a carrier gas (e.g., air) are disclosed. The gas-phase product flow can be substantially continuous, low-temperature, unsaturated with respect to the vaporized vaporizable liquid, and of substantially constant vaporized vaporizable liquid concentration as a function of time. Fine particles of the vaporizable liquid are produced and introduced into the flow of carrier gas/vapor in a vaporization plenum with a sufficient flow of carrier gas/vapor to provide a curtain of carrier gas/vapor between substantially all of the fine particles of vaporizable liquid and the inner surface of the vaporization plenum.

Abstract: Immunoassays for malondialdehyde-modified low density lipprotein (MDA-modified LDL) and oxidized low density lipprotein (OxLDL), monoclonal antibodies (and the cell lines for them) for use in the assays, and a storage-stable standard (which may be used as a calibrator and/or control) are disclosed. MDA-modified LDL and OxLDL are implicated in atherosclerosis and its etiology.

Abstract: A method having clinically sufficient degree of diagnostic accuracy for detecting the presence of coronary artery disease in a human patient from the general population and for distinguishing between the stages of the disease in that patient is disclosed. The stages are, first, the non-acute stage, which is either asymptomatic coronary artery disease or stable angina, second, the acute stage known as unstable angina, and, third, the acute stage known as acute myocardial infarction. The diseased state (as opposed to the non-diseased state) is indicated by the clinically significant presence of a first marker in a sample from the patient. The presence of one of the two acute stages, unstable angina or acute myocardial infarction, is indicated by the clinically significant presence of a second marker in a sample from the patient. The presence of the more severe acute stage known as acute myocardial infarction is indicated by the clinically significant presence of a third marker in a sample from the patient.

Abstract: A can opener has a blade-carrying member pivotably connected to a housing and a hooked connection between the blade-carrying member and the housing that permits the blade-carrying member to be disconnected from the pivotal connection when an actuator of the can opener is moved to a release position. The can opener may be provided with a stop to prevent the disconnection and removal of the blade-carrying member unless the actuator is in the release position.

Abstract: A check valve having a removable seat portion with integral flapper (valving means) is disclosed. The seat portion can be removed through a port in the valve body without breaking any connection of the valve body to the associated fluid flow lines. The seat portion can comprise two sections that secure between them sealing means (e.g., an O-ring) for creating a fluid tight seal when the valving member of the check valve is closed against the seat portion. A fluid tight seal is created between the valve seat portion and valve body by tapers on the valve seat that cam against corresponding recesses of the valve body to force the valve seat portion against the valve body.

Abstract: An improved, self-centering surgical staple is disclosed. Engaging members are located on the base portion of the staple. During forming (bending) of the staple on the anvil, the engaging members engage the forming mechanisms (i.e., the shoulders of the anvil or the twin heads of the pusher) to center the staple on the anvil so that the legs will be embedded in the tissue at the same depth.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for erecting a polygonal carton from a collapsed envelope (blank) are disclosed. The carton is preferably a two-ply hexagonal carton having a bottom that forms automatically as the oppositely disposed sidewall-forming panels of the envelope are separated. An improved envelope for use with the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A ball joint having a gland liner free to rotate with respect to both the gland and the ball is disclosed.

Abstract: Anti-theft apparatus and method for displaying merchandise cards containing merchandise such as jewelry are disclosed. The apparatus in its locked position substantially hinders unauthorized removal of the cards, whereas in the unlocked position, the cards may be removed easily. Fresh cards may be added to the display unit whether the device is in its locked or unlocked position.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for temporarily converting a turbocharged engine into a compressor that can provide compressed air for various uses, such as for pneumatic unloading of cargo. In a preferred embodiment a compression release engine brake is used to load the engine. That increases the turbocharger speed, thereby increasing the pressure and flow of air to the inlet manifold of the engine. Surplus boost air may then be withdrawn from the manifold.