Abstract: Devices are provided with enhanced rates of sampling in applications such as monitoring of environmental chemical exposure levels. Preferred embodiments include a small motor and power supply, such as a battery, to move an intake surface with respect to the environment, which embodiments may be used as personal monitors. Chemical species collected through the intake surface diffuse to a collector and the collector may be analyzed for concentration of chemical species.

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive, and versatile device for measuring gaseous substances and a method for manufacture of such devices are described. The device comprises a reflectant backing upon which is disposed a layer which is composed of microparticles coated with a reagent and then with a diffusion layer which contains a diffusion moderator and binder, and optionally a plasticizer. A variety of useful configurations of this device are described.

Abstract: A diagnostic device is provided where the preferred embodiment is useful for sorting seric or plasmatic lipoproteins into four cholesterol fractions. The device comprises a plurality of gel matrixes, preferably agarose-based, defining a liquid pathway upon which a directioinal electrophoretic gradient can be imposed. The gel matrixes are in a serial relationship and preferably are of a successively decreasing pore size from a most upstream matrix to a most downstream matrix. In a preferred embodiment the three more downstream gel matrixes are in a noncontiguous relationship and are separated by interfaces containing buffer. These interfaces are adapted to receive a separate lipoprotein fraction upon reversal of the electrophoretic gradient direction.

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive, and versatile device for measuring gaseous substances and a method for manufacture of such devices are described. The device comprises a reflectant backing which is disposed a layer which is composed of microparticles coated with a reagent and then with a diffusion layer which contains a diffusion moderator and binder, and optionally a plasticizer. A variety of useful configurations of this device are described.

Abstract: A device for chemically quantifying ethylene oxide exposure is disclosed as are methods for its use. The device comprises an ethylene oxide-permeable layer exhibiting unusual non-Fickian EO transport and containing a controlled amount of compound which forms a colored species upon reaction with ethylene oxide. Optionally, the response layer is laminated or otherwise joined with a support layer. The device can be used to quantify in industry accepted units of time and concentration sterilization dosages of ethylene oxide.

Abstract: Ceramic tantalum carbide artifacts having high thermal shock and mechanical erosion resistance are provided by incorporating tungsten-rhenium and carbon particles in a tantalum carbide matrix. The mix is sintered by hot pressing to form the ceramic article which has a high fracture strength relative to its elastic modulus and thus has an improved thermal shock and mechanical erosion resistance. The tantalum carbide is preferable less than minus 100 mesh, the carbon particles are preferable less than minus 100 mesh, and the tungsten-rhenium particles are preferable elongate, having a length to thickness ratio of at least 2/1. Tungsten-rhenium wire pieces are suitable as well as graphite particles.