Abstract: Microcellular polyurethane flexible foams having densities no greater than 0.3 g/cc which are suitable for use as lightweight shoe sole components are produced with carbon dioxide in an amount such that the polyurethane-forming mixture has a free rise density of from about 0.03 to about 0.3 g/cc. At least a portion of that carbon dioxide is dissolved as a gas into one or both of the reaction components. The amount of dissolved carbon dioxide must be such that the froth density of the isocyanate and/or isocyanate-reactive component(s) in which the carbon dioxide is dissolved will be from about 0.1 to about 0.8 g/cc. Additional carbon dioxide may be formed by the reaction of water and isocyanate during the polyurethane-forming reaction but the total amount of CO2 present should be controlled to ensure that the polyurethane-forming mixture has a free rise density of from about 0.03 to 0.3 g/cc.

Abstract: Microcellular polyurethane flexible foams having densities no greater than 0.3 g/cc which are suitable for use as lightweight shoe sole components are produced with carbon dioxide in an amount such that the polyurethane-forming mixture has a free rise density of from about 0.03 to about 0.3 g/cc. At least a portion of that carbon dioxide is dissolved as a gas into one or both of the reaction components. The amount of dissolved carbon dioxide must be such that the froth density of the isocyanate and/or isocyanate-reactive component(s) in which the carbon dioxide is dissolved will be from about 0.1 to about 0.8 g/cc. Additional carbon dioxide may be formed by the reaction of water and isocyanate during the polyurethane-forming reaction but the total amount of CO2 present should be controlled to ensure that the polyurethane-forming mixture has a free rise density of from about 0.03 to 0.3 g/cc.

Abstract: Microcellular polyurethane flexible foams having densities no greater than 0.3 g/cc which are suitable for use as lightweight shoe sole components are produced with carbon dioxide in an amount such that the polyurethane-forming mixture has a free rise density of from about 0.03 to about 0.3 g/cc. At least a portion of that carbon dioxide is dissolved as a gas into one or both of the reaction components. The amount of dissolved carbon dioxide must be such that the froth density of the isocyanate and/or isocyanate-reactive component(s) in which the carbon dioxide is dissolved will be from about 0.1 to about 0.8 g/cc. Additional carbon dioxide may be formed by the reaction of water and isocyanate during the polyurethane-forming reaction but the total amount of CO2 present should be controlled to ensure that the polyurethane-forming mixture has a free rise density of from about 0.03 to 0.3 g/cc.

Abstract: A method and a kit for determining the presence or amount of analytes in samples over a broad potential concentration range for the analyte. The method and kit incorporate chemiluminescent and fluorescent labels conjugated to a specific binding partner for the analyte for sandwich assays, or to the analyte or an analog of the analyte for competitive assays. The conjugates are mixed with the sample and the labels are detected simultaneously or sequentially.

Abstract: A method for the determination of analytes in samples using a pre-precipitated antibody complex. The complex includes an anti-analyte antibody and a secondary binding molecule that results in the precipitation of the antibody. Labeled-analyte analog competes for binding sites on the complex with analyte in the sample. The presence or amount of the analyte in the sample can is determined by detecting the amount of the label associated with the complex. The pre-precipitated antibody complex may be preloaded with labeled-analyte analog.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detecting the presence of target microorganisms in a biological sample and of simultaneously determining the susceptibility of the microorganisms to antimicrobial agents. The target microbial organisms may be urinary pathogens. The methods include the steps of providing a multicompartment assay device with at least one compartment containing a medium capable of sustaining the growth of total viable microorganisms, at least one compartment containing a medium capable of sustaining the growth of target microorganisms, and at least one compartment containing an antimicrobial susceptibility interpretation medium. A biological sample is placed in each compartment and the presence and antimicrobial susceptibility of the target microorganisms which may be present is determined by analyzing which compartments exhibit microbial growth.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the calibration of detection and/or quantification assays for a wide variety of analytes in wet or dry chemistry assay systems. The invention involves the use of a reagent and calibrator, which provide a detectable signal after reacting with the analyte to be assayed for. In preferred embodiments the calibrator is provided in gross excess. A mathematical relationship is provided that relates a reaction measurement of the analyte sample with the reagent and a reaction measurement of the calibrator with the reagent as an equation that defines a three dimensional surface. This relationship may be used to calibrate the detection and/or quantification assay.

Abstract: A disposable, dry chemistry analytical system is disclosed which is broadly useful for the detection of a variety of analytes present in biological fluids such as whole blood, serum, plasma, urine and cerebral spinal fluid. The invention discloses the use of the reaction interface that forms between two liquids converging from opposite directions within a bibulous material. The discovery comprises a significant improvement over prior art disposable, analytical reagent systems in that the detectable reactant zone is visually distinct and separate from the unreacted reagents allowing for the use of reaction indicators exhibiting only minor changes as well as extremely high concentrations of reactants. In addition, staged, multiple reagents can be incorporated. Whole blood can be used as a sample without the need for separate cell separating materials.

Abstract: A disposable, dry chemistry analytical system is disclosed which is broadly useful for the detection of a variety of analytes present in biological fluids such as whole blood, serum, plasma, urine and cerebral spinal fluid. The invention discloses the use of the reaction interface that forms between two liquids converging from opposite directions within a bibulous material. The discovery comprises a significant improvement over prior art disposable, analytical reagent systems in that the detectable reactant zone is visually distinct and separate from the unreacted reagents allowing for the use of reaction indicators exhibiting only minor changes as well as extremely high concentrations of reactants. In addition, staged, multiple reagents can be incorporated. Whole blood can be used as a sample without the need for separate cell separating materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the calibration of detection and/or quantification assays for a wide variety of analytes in wet or dry chemistry assay systems. The invention involves the use of a reagent and calibrator, which provide a detectable signal after reacting with the analyte to be assayed for. A mathematical relationship is provided that relates a reaction measurement of the analyte sample with the reagent and a reaction measurement of the calibrator with the reagent as an equation that defines a three dimensional surface. This relationship may be used to calibrate the detection and/or quantification assay.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices, methods and kits for the detection and identification of crystals which may be present in a biological fluid, such as urine from a cat. The device may include a filter and an absorbent material. The fluid may be transferred onto the filter, and fluid passes through the filter and into the absorbent material, thereby isolating crystals on a surface of or within the structure of the filter or membrane. The crystals are then available for staining which will reveal a determining component of the crystals. The device may also include a member for inhibiting backflow from the absorbent material to the filter. The present invention also provides methods for detecting and identifying crystals which may be present in biological fluids. The methods include the steps of isolating the crystals on the surface of or within the structure of a filter or membrane, and contacting the crystals with an indicator which is specific for a determining component of the crystals type.

Abstract: A multicompartment assay device comprising at least one compartment comprising a viable organism control medium capable of sustaining growth of total microbial organisms; at least one compartment comprising a medium capable of selectively sustaining growth of target microbial organisms; and, at least one compartment comprising an antimicrobial susceptibility interpretation medium. Also, a method of detecting the presence of target microbial microorganisms in a biological sample and of simultaneously determining the susceptibility of such microorganisms to antimicrobial agents by use of such a device.

Abstract: An article adapted for holding a liquid sample for quantification of biological material in the liquid sample. The article includes a bag having an upper surface sheet and a lower surface sheet enclosing a volume therebetween. The bag has an upper opening through which the liquid sample can be poured into the volume in the bag. The bag also has a plurality of partitions configured to separate one or more portions of adequate sample in the bag. Also provided is a passage through which a liquid sample can be distributed throughout the volume in the bag. The bag is made of material which can be caused to form discreet non-permeable compartments for holding separate aliquots of the liquid sample.

Abstract: An article adapted for holding a liquid sample for quantification of biological material in the liquid sample. The article includes a bag having an upper surface sheet and a lower surface sheet enclosing a volume therebetween. The bag has an upper opening through which the liquid sample can be poured into the volume in the bag. The bag also has a plurality of partitions configured to separate one or more portions of adequate sample in the bag. Also provided is a passage through which a liquid sample can be distributed throughout the volume in the bag. The bag is made of material which can be caused to form discreet non-permeable compartments for holding separate aliquots of the liquid sample.

Abstract: An article adapted for holding a liquid sample for quantification of biological material in the liquid sample. The article includes a bag having an upper surface sheet and a lower surface sheet enclosing a volume therebetween. The bag has an upper opening through which the liquid sample can be poured into the volume in the bag. The bag also has a plurality of partitions configured to separate one or more portions of adequate sample in the bag. Also provided is a passage through which a liquid sample can be distributed throughout the volume in the bag. The bag is made of material which can be caused to form discreet non-permeable compartments for holding separate aliquots of the liquid sample.

Abstract: A method for inactivating enzymes, particularly enzymes found in human serum. The method comprises reacting the enzyme in a suitable medium, e.g. human serum, with an inactivating amount of peracetic acid. In the preferred embodiment the treated serum is subsequently neutralized and dialyzed. Preferably, the serums are used as standards for calibration or as a control in assay kits, e.g. RIA, and EIA or enzyme kits, for the determination of specific ligands and enzymes.

Abstract: An immunoassay process for the detection of an antigen in a sample, which comprises: (a) forming a mixture of the sample with (1) a preformed complex of a primary antibody and a secondary binding macromolecule therefor, wherein the primary antibody is present at low concentrations and has substantial specificity for the antigen, the secondary binding macromolecule has substantial affinity for the Fc portion of the primary antibody, and the second binding macromolecule is affinity purified; and with (2) a detectably labeled form of the antigen; (b) incubating the mixture formed in step (a) for a time sufficient to allow the antigen and the detectably labeled antigen to competitively bind to the primary antibody of the preformed complex; (c) detecting the separated complex or the separated suspension medium.

Abstract: A natural bovine serum-derived serum which has low lipid levels and may additionally have similar globulin and albumin profile as fetal calf serum, as well as controlled levels of hemoglobin, enveloped viruses, steroid hormones, mycoplasma, cholesterol, triglycerides and pesticides, is useful for the promotion of growth of animal and plant cells in tissue culture.

Abstract: A transportable boat lift including a framework having a base portion and a boat support portion mounted on the base portion for vertically directed movement between extended or boat supporting and non-supporting or retracted positions, and at least one flotation device coupled to the framework for effecting submersion/emersion thereof incident to such movements of the boat support portion relative to the base portion.