Abstract: A grommet is provided for protecting and securing a conveyance system component routed through an aperture in a structure. The grommet includes a strap having a first and second side and two or more pairs of ribs formed along at least a portion of the first side of the strap. The ribs cooperatively define a channel for receiving the edge of the aperture. The grommet further includes a plurality of spaced apart perforations formed along at least portion of the length of the strap.

Abstract: A multi-vial assembly for containing a plurality of samples in a cryostorage system includes a plurality of vials each defining a vial chamber to hold a respective sample and coupled together to form an integral vial assembly. The vials are independently removable from the integral vial assembly to permit selective access to the respective samples.

Abstract: A method for producing thick ceramic films of greater than 10 .mu.m on selected substrates is described. Conventional sol gel solutions are loaded with up to about 90% by weight of finely divided ceramic particles and mixed. The resulting slurry or paint can be either spun or dip coated or sprayed or painted onto a planar or other substrate, fired to remove the organic materials and to develop a microcrystalline structure. The fired film may then be heated. Composite films are also contemplated.

Abstract: A thromboplastin extract including an aqueous thromboplastin extract of a powdered thromboplastin source including a metal ion chelator. A thromboplastin reagent for use in blood coagulation tests, the thromboplastin reagent includes the extract and calcium ions, and may include one or more of a stabilizer and a preservative.A process for preparing a thromboplastin extract including extracting a powdered thromboplastin source in an aqueous solution having a metal ion chelator, and separating the powder in solution into sedimented powder and supernatant thromboplastin extract. The supernatant thromboplastin extract is mixed with calcium ions, and may be mixed with one or more of a stabilizer and a preservative, to prepare thromboplastin reagent.

Abstract: A bulk bag lifting apparatus includes a structural frame having beams that accept forklifting tines during lifting operations from below and lugs at the top of the frame which facilitate jerking lifts from above. The base has a peripheral side wall that is fixed and structurally connected to the base. A plurality of four moving side wall portions are provided which can collapse upon the base and below the upper edge of the peripheral side wall. In this fashion, a number of different units can be stacked when the units are in a collapsed position. The side walls collapse in pairs including opposed diagonally opposite side walls collapsing at the same time and a pair at a time. In this fashion, a first two of the side walls can collapse into a position upon the base wherein the first two side walls are generally side by side and occupying different half base portions of the base. The second two side walls are also diagonally opposed and are spaced ninety degrees (90.degree.

Abstract: A thromboplastin extract including an aqueous thromboplastin extract of a powdered thromboplastin source including a metal ion chelator. A thromboplastin reagent for use in blood coagulation tests, the thromboplastin reagent includes the extract and calcium ions, and may include one or more of a stabilizer and a preservative.A process for preparing a thromboplastin extract including extracting a powdered thromboplastin source in an aqueous solution having a metal ion chelator, and separating the powder in solution into sedimented powder and supernatant thromboplastin extract. The supernatant thromboplastin extract is mixed with calcium ions, and may be mixed with one or more of a stabilizer and a preservative, to prepare thromboplastin reagent.

Abstract: A method of mixing drilling fluids at a drill site includes the transportation of sealed silo assemblies that can contain dry products in bulk to the well drilling site. The dry products are maintained within the silo assemblies in a dry and pressurized condition. The dry product is discharged from the sealed silo assemblies and into a mixer at the well drilling site wherein the mixer is maintained in a sealed environment until mixing is completed. The mixer combines the dry product with a liquid at the well site. The dry product is maintained within the silo assemblies in a pressurized condition to discourage the entry of moisture or gasses having high moisture content.

Abstract: A process for preparing a thromboplastin extract including extracting a powdered thromboplastin source in an aqueous solution having a metal ion chelator, and separating the powder in solution into sedimented powder and supernatant thromboplastin extract is disclosed. The supernatant thromboplastin extract is mixed with calcium ions, and may be mixed with one or more of a stabilizer and a preservative, to prepare thromboplastin reagent.

Abstract: A method for producing thick ceramic films of greater than 10 .mu.m on selected substrates is described. Conventional sol gel solutions are loaded with up to about 90% by weight of finely divided ceramic particles and mixed. The resulting slurry or paint can be either spun or dip coated or sprayed or painted onto a planar or other substrate, fired to remove the organic materials and to develop a microcrystalline structure. The fired film may then be heated. Composite films are also contemplated.