Abstract: A method for containment of a laboratory chemical or device during a procedure chosen from weighing, physical transfer, storage, incubation and sterilization. The method includes provision of a repeatedly foldable layered sheet which includes both an aluminum foil layer and a plastic layer, and selection of the plastic layer to be unreactive with caustic chemicals and organic solvents. The layered sheet can be folded and unfolded along a crease at least five times and steam autoclaved without structural failure. The sheet is oriented with its plastic layer toward the laboratory chemical or device and is folded and shaped to form a protector which covers the chemical or device.

Abstract: A method for forming an agarose electrophoretic gel by addition of gamma-irradiated clarified galactomannan (.gamma.CGM) to optically clarify the gel and improve the electrophoretic fractionation and resolution of oligonucleotides differing in molecular weight. The gel includes agarose, an electrophoretic buffer for nucleic acids, and a CGM vegetable gum subjected to between 0.1 and 4.0 megarads of ionizing gamma radiation.

Abstract: A microcentrifuge tube or other thermoplastic sample container having a round opening and a frictionally seated sealing lid, the lid having a size and shape to cover the perimeter of the tube opening and maintain the inside of the tube free of any contaminant. The lid viewed on an upright closed container has a downwardly extending annular portion shaped to sealing fit inside the opening, the lid further having an integral upwardly projecting lid extension configured and arranged on top of the lid to facilitate aseptic opening, grasping and identification-labeling of the container. The location, angle and size of the lid extension allow mechanical pressure to be used on top of the lid, rather than beneath the lid, to open the container. The improved apparatus and method for opening the container functions to prevent sample contamination which could otherwise occur when a fingernail or other container opening instrument is inserted beneath, and contacts some portion(s) of the underside of the lid.

Abstract: A capillary blotting sandwich for transferring soluble macromolecules in a liquid medium from a liquid-permeable matrix to a semi-permeable receiving membrane. The blotting sandwich includes: (i) a liquid-permeable matrix layer comprising soluble macromolecules, said matrix having at least one flat surface, (ii) a semi-permeable membrane sheet layer disposed on said flat surface; (iii) an interlocked hydrophilic absorbent fiber-containing material in the form of a non-woven absorbent felt sheet or pad layer disposed on said semi-permeable membrane, wherein said felt layer facilitates capillary transport of a solution through said membrane, whereby said soluble macromolecules in said matrix layer are caused to migrate to said membrane layer.

Abstract: A buffered and chelated phenol solution has been stablized by adjusting the pH within a critical range and maintaining the solution under inert gas atmosphere. The solution, which may be combined with chloroform, is useful to denature soluble proteins during the purification of nucleic acids. An opaque phenol-compatible package is described which preserves and safely delivers water-clear phenol.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring radon gas concentration in an environment containing radon. The device includes a radon gas-adsorbing surface, which preferably has a capacity to adsorb radon at 90% relative humidity at 23.degree. C. of at least 80% of its capacity to adsorb radon at a 0% relative humidity at 23.degree. C.; and a radioactive decay-sensitive surface which registers incident particles or such rays from radioactive decay of radon and its daughters. The decay-sensitive surface is placed either adjacent to, or spaced from, the radon-adsorbing surface by less than 5 cm.

Abstract: Device for replica plating of living cells. The device includes a rigid base having a side wall connecting a first upper surface and first lower surface, and a water absorbing fabric free from dye and preservatives having a second upper surface and a second lower surface. The second lower surface is fixedly bonded to the first upper surface in a manner which prevents any horizontal or vertical movement of the fabric which would cause inaccurate transfer of the cells by the device. The base further includes an adhesive tab positioned on the first lower surface. The tab is configured and arranged to fixedly secure the base to a flat surface and thereby fixedly secure the fabric in a positioned raised above the flat surface and accessible for replica plating of the cells. The device may also contain integral marking element and bumper guards.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for delivering one or more aliquots of a sterile solution into a sterile receptacle without contamination of the sterile solution, the method including the steps of: a) providing a packaged solution held within a gas-pressurized or pressure-activated container, the container having a valve with a first inner conduit, an actuator which cooperates with the valve to allow opening and closing of the valve, and a delivery conduit having a second inner channel, wherein the valve and actuator are positioned between the container and the delivery conduit, the actuator cooperating with the valve and conduit to connect the first and second inner channels, b) sterilizing the solution, and at least the inside part of the container and a portion of the outside of the container including the valve, the actuator, and the delivery conduit, c) positioning the delivery conduit in relationship to the receptacle to cause liquid from the second inner channel to enter the receptacle when the valve is opened, a

Abstract: Marking tape adapted for use in autography, comprising: a substrate having an upper surface, a phosphorescent coating applied to the upper surface, the coating including phosphor powder grains, the grains phosphorescing with light at a wavelength between 400 and 600 nm upon exposure to UV or visible light, the phosphorescing occurring for a period of at least 5 minutes after the exposure, the concentration of the grains being sufficient to emit sufficient photons and thereby cause X-ray film having a sensitivity of 2000 EI to darken to an optical density of between 0.2 and 3.0.

Abstract: An electric heating element which includes two sets of adjacent electrically conductive wires electrically insulated from each other. By adjacent is meant that the two sets of wires are placed as close to each other as is possible without electrically connecting the two wires; for example, the wires are preferably within 2 to 4 millimeters of each other. One set of wires is constructed and arranged to carry electric current in a first direction through the heating element. The other set of wires is constructed and arranged in a parallel circuit to the first set to carry electric current in the opposite direction through the heating elements. At least one of the sets of wires is further constructed to generate heat when the electric current passes through that set of wires. Each set of wires in the heating element has equal impedance such that any magnetic field generated by one set of wires is reduced or eliminated by an opposing magnetic field generated by the other set.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for measuring radon concentration in air involving the provision of a detector containing an adsorbent of radon and a desiccant. The desiccant can selectively retain an amount of water weighing from about 25% to about 50% of the weight of the adsorbent. The detector is exposed to a finite air space to be measured for a predetermined time period. The radon is liberated from the adsorbent so that the alpha particles and beta particles, which are the signature of radon radioactivity, are counted by liquid scintillation technique. The air may be pumped through the apparatus to hasten the radon adsorption process.

Abstract: A pipetter barrel extension tube, attachable at its proximal end to any one of a variety of pipetter barrels and at its distal end to standard disposable pipetter tips. The pipetter barrel extension tube serves to extend the length of the barrels and provide sterile access to deep containers while substantially isolating the permanent barrel of the micropipet from damage caused by chemical and radiochemical contamination. One novel design feature of the extension tube is an air channel designed to minimize dead air volume in the extension tube. A removable conical insert plug serves to reduce the air channel volume. Removal of the plug facilitites cleaning and reuse of the extension tube. The device also includes a distal end segment which, when intact, serves as a space-filler to reduce dead air volume in disposable tips for pipetting small volumes.

Abstract: A solution which increases the efficiency of radon extraction from either dry or moist charcoal samples is disclosed. The addition of low molecular weight organic solvents such as methanol or ethanol to liquid scintillation counting solution increases radon extraction from 20-500% over known counting solutions. The increased efficiency appears to occur from increased penetration of the charcoal by the low molecular weight solvent which dissolves the radon gas and the subsequent diffusion of the low molecular weight solvent out of the charcoal and into the liquid scintillation counting solution.

Abstract: A one step process providing timed exposure to a substantially constant concentration of hypochlorite disinfectant is described, said process being completed when the hypochlorite is destroyed in an autocatalytic reaction with thiosulfate. The hypochlorite lifetime is precisely controlled by adjusting the initial pH of an alkaline disinfection solution of thiosulfate and hypochlorite, said solution containing a molar ratio of between 0.25 and 0.75 moles of thiosulfate to 1.00 mole of hypochlorite. Subsequently, with gradual evolution of acid and decreasing pH, the acid-dependent autocatalytic oxidation of thiosulfate is accelerated. This consumes the hypochlorite in a brief time interval, terminating the disinfection process. Also included in said alkaline disinfection solution is an appropriate concentration of Na.sub.2 HPO.sub.

Abstract: A vortex adapter, and method of its use, suitable for holding a plurality of tubes to be vortexed, comprising: an elongated handle; a base fixed to the handle, the base comprising a plurality of holding means, wherein a tube can be positioned within each holding means; and a nipple fixed to the base, wherein the nipple can be inserted into a cup of a vortexing machine, and wherein when the nipple is inserted into the cup and the cup is caused to vibrate the tubes held within the holding means are subject to vortex forces from the cup.

Abstract: A method for removing liquid from a gel matrix including the steps of providing a hydrophobic water vapor-permeable membrane adapted to transmit water vapor and to resist passage of liquid water by capillary diffusion. The membrane and gel matrix are contacted together and subjected to a vacuum to remove water vapor from the gel matrix through the membrane. Liquid is removed from the gel matrix, and the gel matrix simultaneously adheres to the membrane.

Abstract: A graduated pipette having a known total delivery volume, suitable for accurately dispensing both known large and known small volumes of a fluid, wherein the small volume is less than one fourth of the delivery volume of the pipette, the pipette comprising: an upper and a lower elongated tube joined together to form a single continuous unit, the upper tube having a different internal diameter from the lower tube, the upper tube having coarse indicia suitable for accurately dispensing the large volume, wherein the coarse indicia are labelled from zero ml to the volume of the upper tube, the lower tube having fine indicia suitable for accurately dispensing the small volume, wherein the fine indicia are labelled from zero ml to the volume of the lower tube, wherein the upper tube comprises a mouthpiece suitable for allowing fluid to be sucked up into the unit, and the lower tube comprises a constricted region suitable to allow accurate control of fluid flow from the unit, wherein the fluid is accurately dispense

Abstract: A pipette canister formed from a thermoplastic material. The canister withstands dry heat above 160.degree. C. reduces breakage of glass pipettes stored within, and the material is free from metal oxide residues.

Abstract: A radiation shield suitable for preventing radiation and radioisotopes from reaching or contacting a person using a vessel containing a radioactive solution. The shield includes a radiopaque container having a top and a bottom opening, and a means for supporting the vessel within the container. The container reduces emission of radiation through the sides of the vessel.

Abstract: A hat for souvenir collectors or sports fans is disclosed. The hat has two hand extensions attached to the front brow. An elastic strip is attached to the front brow in a manner that pulls the hands together. A string which is looped under the chin is provided to pull the hands apart, rapid pulling and releasing of the string produces a clapping action. Attached to each hand is a noisemaking device. A flexible sheet is attached to the hands on which appears a printed slogan. The slogan can be read when the hands are pulled apart.