Abstract: A trocar system comprising a rack apparatus and a trocar device are disclosed. The trocar device is adapted for insertion into a body cavity, such as the abdominal cavity, using the rack apparatus which eliminates the need for cavity insufflation. The rack apparatus comprises a movable member which attaches adhesively to the external skin surface of the body wall overlying the body cavity. Means are provided moving the member attached to the skin away from the body cavity in order to lift the abdominal region and create a separation between the body wall and the underlying internal organs. This separation permits the obdurator portion of a trocar device to be inserted with a minimum risk of cutting any internal organs. The trocar device comprises applicator and trocar components. The trocar components comprises a cylindrical trocar tube and detachable obdurator.

Abstract: A surgical method involving a trocar system comprising a rack apparatus and a trocar device is disclosed. The trocar device is adapted for insertion into a body cavity, such as the abdominal cavity, using the rack apparatus which eliminates the need for cavity insufflation. The rack apparatus comprises a movable member which attaches adhesively to the external skin surface of the body wall overlying the body cavity. Means are provided moving the member attached to the skin away from the body cavity in order to lift the abdominal region and create a separation between the body wall and the underlying internal organs. This separation permits the obdurator portion of a trocar device to be inserted with a minimum risk of cutting any internal organs. The trocar device comprises applicator and trocar components. The trocar components comprises a cylindrical trocar tube and detachable obdurator.

Abstract: Methods are provided for assaying electrophoretically separated components of sample in a gel. Following an initial separation phase of the sample components into distinct bands within separate zones of the gel, the separated components are held stationary on the gel in a hold mode. During the hold mode, reagent required for an intended assay is applied to the zone of the gel comprising the component to be assayed. The assay is conducted during the hold-mode. A wide range of assays can be conducted on the components in the gel, without the need for a blotting step. Following completion of the assay, the hold mode is removed and, if desired, the sample components are further separated in the gel.

Abstract: A trocar device is disclosed which is adapted for insertion into a body cavity, such as the abdominal cavity, without the need for cavity insufflation. The trocar device comprises applicator and trocar components. The trocar components comprises a cylindrical trocar tube and detachable obdurator. The applicator comprises a housing into which the trocar and obdurator are loaded prior to insertion, and means for applying a force, such as a spring or electric motor, to drive the obdurator and trocar through the body wall into the cavity. Various electrical and mechanical means are provided for limiting the penetration depth of the obdurator. In one embodiment, sonic transducer means are provided for detecting a phase change in reflected sonic waves at the internal body wall boundary to stop trocar penetration. Several alternative embodiments of the apparatus and method of use are disclosed.

Abstract: An electrophoretic system is provided which allows for carrying out electrophoresis while monitoring and regulating the temperature and the electrical field gradient in the gel. In addition, photometric monitoring is provided so as to monitor the progress of the electrophoretic separation and vary conditions to change the progress as desired. A computer is employed which receives the signals from the electrophoretic and photometric apparatuses and regulates temperature and voltage to either maintain conditions, or change the conditions to vary the progress of the electrophoresis. Gel molds are provided for forming the lanes in a gel plate, as well as a light module, for reading the bands present in the gel lanes with the photometer.

Abstract: Ultrasonic contrast media are provided comprising small particles with entrapped gas, where the compositions can be selected for rapid dissolution with production of microbubbles or maintaining the gas in microtubules, microchambers or microcracks, providing for echogenicity. The particles are readily formed by precipitation from a liquid, either solution or melt, of a monomeric material, followed by drying and mechanically reducing the size of the particles.

Abstract: Catheters are provided having a plurality of vanes external to a central core serving as channels for microbubbles. A track may be provided having grooves in which one of the vanes passes, which track provides additional microbubbles, so as to allow for following the movement of the catheter and track by ultrasonic imaging. The catheter provides for reduced abrasion, as well as ease of following the movement of the catheter through the patient's vessels.

Abstract: Novel biological pesticides are prepared by introducing into a microorganism the genetic capability to produce a heterologous pesticide, wherein the microorganism is capable of proliferating in the rhizosphere or phylloplane in competition with wild-type microorganisms. A gene capable of expressing a polypeptide is introduced into the microorganism under conditions which allow for stable maintenance and expression of the gene, without significantly diminishing the ability of the microorganism to compete in the environment. Preferred microorganisms provide for the maintenance and protection from degradation of the polypeptide pesticide.

Abstract: A sample applicator/retriever for gel electrophoresis is provided, which allows easy and reproducible application or retrieval of samples. The sample nozzle is designed to load samples uniformly through a gel. The applicator/retriever may be in several different forms, including a a multiwell device, individual wells and mounting bar, a single line well, or a concentrator applicator.

Abstract: An electrophoretic system is provided which allows for carrying out electrophoresis while monitoring and regulating the temperature and the electrical field gradient in the gel. In addition, photometric monitoring is provided so as to monitor the progress of the electrophoretic separation and vary conditions to change the progress as desired. A computer is employed which receives the signals from the electrophoretic and photometric apparatuses and regulates temperature and voltage to either maintain conditions, or change the conditions to vary the progress of the electrophoresis. Gel molds are provided for forming the lanes in a gel plate, as well as a light module, for reading the bands present in the gel lanes with the photometer.

Abstract: Syringe needle protective devices are provided, comprising a mounting, a protective collar, and flexible ribs joining the collar to the mounting. When the needle is injected, the collar retracts, with the flexible ribs extending outwardly. An outer collar may be provided to restore and lock the collar to its original position, when the needle is withdrawn from an injection.

Abstract: An in vivo imaging device is provided for producing real-time images of small, moving or stationary cavities and surrounding tissue structure. The imaging device includes a probe assembly of very small dimensions and preferably sufficiently small to fit within cavities having a diameter on the order of that of a human coronary artery. The probe assembly may be mounted to a positioning device such as a catheter, which allows for the use of, for example, conventional guiding catheters and guide wires.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel assay reagents, their composition, methods of preparation, and use in the detection and measurement of various biological systems and/or components, e.g. enzymes, antibodies, antigens, and periodate concentration. This invention in its basic form utilizes a class of compounds having, inter alia., a backbone chain, an indicator group, and vicinal oxidizable groups.