Abstract: An expandable film includes a core layer and first and second non-expandable outer layers. The core layer includes expandable microspheres dispersed in a matrix having at least 40% of one or more matrix polymers selected from (i) ethylene/unsaturated ester copolymer having an unsaturated ester comonomer content of from 20% to 60%, (ii) ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer having a density of less than 0.915 g/cc, and (iii) combinations thereof. The melting point of the one or more matrix polymers is at least 15° C. below the activation temperature of the expandable microspheres. The first and second non-expandable outer layers each independently include one or more thermoplastic polymers having a melting point at least 15° C. below the activation temperature of the expandable microspheres.

Abstract: A sampling and analysis device comprises a housing, a sampling region and an analysis region being defined within the housing. The housing has at least one aperture to allow fluid ingress to and egress from the sampling region. A filter is disposed within the housing, and is movable inside the housing between a sampling position, located in the sampling region, and an analysis position, located in the analysis region.

Abstract: Diagnostic testing apparatus for evaluating entrainable substances (e.g. for determining allergen activity in house dust), comprising a housing for collection and testing of entrainable substances, the housing having: an inlet; an outlet; a filter disposed between the inlet and the outlet which is configured to capture substances entrained in air flowing from the inlet to the outlet; a reservoir for storing fluid for use in evaluating substances captured on the filter; and means for releasing stored fluid from the reservoir onto the filter.

Abstract: A sampling and analysis device comprises a housing, a sampling region and an analysis region being defined within the housing. The housing has at least one aperture to allow fluid ingress to and egress from the sampling region. A filter is disposed within the housing, and is movable inside the housing between a sampling position, located in the sampling region, and an analysis position, located in the analysis region.

Abstract: The invention provides a flexible package comprising a support member having a flexible film attached to the support member to thereby define a continuous sidewall of the package. The package is movable between a collapsed state for storage and an extended state for use. The support member may comprise an insulating material that substantially limits the amount of heat that may be dissipated through the support member and into the outer surface of the support member. As a result, the support member permits a person to handle the support member portion of the flexible package without burning or discomfort. In addition, the insulated support member may be used to help a heated item disposed in the interior of the flexible package retain its heat. The flexible package may also comprise a support member having fold lines that may extend upwardly from the support member to form a tray-like structure.

Abstract: Diagnostic testing apparatus (10) for evaluating entrainable substances (e.g. for determining allergen activity in house dust), comprising a housing (12) for collection and testing of entrainable substances, the housing (12) having: an inlet (14); an outlet (16); a filter (18) disposed between the inlet and the outlet which is configured to capture substances entrained in air flowing from the inlet (14) to the outlet (16); a reservoir (20) for storing fluid for use in evaluating substances captured on the filter (18); and means (21, 24) for releasing stored fluid from the reservoir (20) onto the filter (18).

Abstract: An assay device comprises a tube, a removable top part and a bottom part, wherein an elongate member with a swab at its distal end is mounted on the top part, the top part includes a compartment containing liquid and partly defined by a first frangible membrane that can be ruptured to release the liquid into the tube, and the bottom part contains a reagent and is partly defined by a second frangible membrane that can be ruptured on movement of the bottom part relative to the tube.Reaction occurring in the bottom part can be observed through a window. This reaction may be of the type involving amplification of say, ATP, e.g. by providing AMP, glucose-6-phosphate (G6P), adenylate kinase, glucokinase and reagents that convert glucose (G) to give a color, whereby the following reactions occurAMP+ATP.fwdarw.2ADPG6P+ADP.fwdarw.ATP+G.