Abstract: The present invention provides porous composite materials and methods of making and using the same. In one embodiment, a porous composite material comprises a porous substrate comprising a first polymeric material and at least one particle or fiber of a second polymeric material and a third polymeric material disposed on at least one surface of the porous substrate and having at least one point of attachment the to the at least one particle or fiber of the second polymeric material.

Abstract: A cushion made of resilient polymer is a push fit onto the edge or corner of a sheet of glass or other sheet material susceptible to chipping. The cushion is of modified U-section having a shock absorbing bed and upstanding legs which define a sheet receiving slot. The legs diverge when the sheet is inserted and exert a gripping force sufficient to retain the cushion when the sheet is carried.

Abstract: The present invention provides porous composite materials and methods of making and using the same. In one embodiment, a porous composite material comprises a porous substrate comprising a first polymeric material and at least one particle or fiber of a second polymeric material and a third polymeric material disposed on at least one surface of the porous substrate and having at least one point of attachment the to the at least one particle or fiber of the second polymeric material.

Abstract: A tissue processor is disclosed for processing biological tissue, for example, for mounting on microscope slides. The tissue processor has a valve arrangement in the bottom of a tissue processing chamber, whereby a selected one of a plurality of fluid ports formed in a base of the tissue processing chamber may be connected with the interior of the chamber for supply of processing fluid thereto or discharge of fluid from the chamber. In this way different processing fluids may be passed into and removed from the processing chamber in succession, for processing of tissue samples contained in baskets within the chamber. The valve arrangement comprises a rotary disc at the bottom of the chamber and in sealing engagement with a valve surface on the base of said chamber, the valve surface being provided with a plurality of ports connected with respective said fluid inlets.

Abstract: A tissue processor is disclosed for processing biological tissue, for example, for mounting on microscope slides. The tissue processor has a valve arrangement in the bottom of a tissue processing chamber, whereby a selected one of a plurality of fluid ports formed in a base of the tissue processing chamber may be connected with the interior of the chamber for supply of processing fluid thereto or discharge of fluid from the chamber. In this way different processing fluids may be passed into and removed from the processing chamber in succession, for processing of tissue samples contained in baskets within the chamber. The valve arrangement comprises a rotary disc at the bottom of the chamber and in sealing engagement with a valve surface on the base of said chamber, the valve surface being provided with a plurality of ports connected with respective said fluid inlets.

Abstract: A laboratory apparatus, such as a tissue processor, includes a container for containing material which may emit noxious fumes, the container having a closure moveable between an open position and a closed position in which it closes off or opens a mouth of the container. A fume collecting arrangement is provided including vents provided adjacent the mouth or opening of the container and apparatus operable to draw in air, with fumes escaping from the container, whilst the closure is in the open position, and to pass the air carrying the fumes for treatment or to a disposal outlet. The apparatus operable to draw in air may be electrically operated and may be controlled by a switch operated automatically by opening and closing said closure.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing tissue samples for histological examination comprises a cassette defining a chamber to receive a tissue specimen and having an opening to allow processing fluids to enter and leave the chamber and to allow, eventually, molten wax to enter the chamber for embedding the tissue sample. The apparatus incorporates a temperature-sensitive valve mechanism for closing said opening once the cassette, with the tissue specimen therein, has been immersed in a container of hot molten wax, so that the wax can be retained in the cassette, around the specimen, when the cassette is withdrawn from the molten wax container, until the wax around the specimen has solidified. The temperature sensitive valve mechanism may comprise a shape-memory element.