Abstract: A filament comprising a biocompatible material and a bioactive agent, adapted for implantation within the tissue of a patient wherein the bioactive agent is released over a period of time, is provided. An array of a plurality of the filaments implanted within the tissue of a patient, an array assembler, and a matrix comprising a plurality of filaments and a base adapted for implantation within the tissue of a patient, are further provided. A method for treatment of a malcondition in a patient comprises implantation of a filament, an array of filaments, or a matrix. The bioactive agent can be a chemotherapeutic agent or a radiotherapeutic agent. A radiotherapeutic agent is 123I- or 125I-IUDR, for example in treatment of an advanced stage localized brain tumor such as glioblastoma multiforme.

Abstract: A method of estimating the precision of an apparatus that generates a continuous stream of information. The method comprises repeated resampling of the dataset defined by the data stream for a selected time interval, or repeated sampling of a theoretical distribution fitted to a dataset defined by the data stream for a selected interval, calculating the sample estimate of the population mean for each resample, calculating the index of precision from the series of the population means thus obtained for evaluation against a benchmark such as a standard value, a specification or a contract requirement. Calculations can be done by a microprocessor and microprocessor instructions internal to the instrument or by a microprocessor and microprocessor instructions external to the instruments.

Abstract: A method of estimating the precision of an apparatus that generates a continuous stream of information. The method comprises repeated resampling of the dataset defined by the data stream for a selected time interval, or repeated sampling of a theoretical distribution fitted to a dataset defined by the data stream for a selected interval, calculating the sample estimate of the population mean for each resample, calculating the index of precision from the series of the population means thus obtained for evaluation against a benchmark such as a standard value, a specification or a contract requirement. Calculations can be done by a microprocessor and microprocessor instructions internal to the instrument or by a microprocessor and microprocessor instructions external to the instruments.

Abstract: A method of estimating the precision of an apparatus that generates a continuous stream of information. The method comprises dividing the information in successive or overlapping pairs and calculating an index of precision therefrom for evaluation against a benchmark such as a standard value, a specification, or a contract requirement. Calculations can be done by a microprocessor and microprocessor instructions internal to the instrument or by a microprocessor and microprocessor instruction external to the instrument. The microprocessor instructions comprise any of various standard mathematical algorithms which return an estimated index of precision.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method and an apparatus for auditing the means used for extracting an aliquot of a bulk material from its mass for measurement of one or more characteristics of said bulk material, especially during handling or processing, and involves concurrently measuring one or more variables which affect the accuracy or the reliability of said means used for making the extraction to produce an aliquot with the same characteristics as the mass from which the extraction was made.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method and an apparatus for auditing the means used for extracting an aliquot of a bulk material from its mass for measurement of one or more characteristics of said bulk material, especially during handling or processing, and involves concurrently measuring one or more variables which affect the accuracy or the reliablity of said means used for making the extraction to produce an aliquot with the same characteristics as the mass from which the extraction was made.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method and an apparatus for auditing the devices used for measuring one or more characteristics of a bulk material, especially during handling or processing, and involves measuring one or more characteristics of the bulk material and concurrently measuring one or more variables which affect the accuracy or the reliability of the results obtained by the devices used to measure the particular characteristics of the bulk material.

Abstract: A device for periodically obtaining samples of particulate material from a moving belt comprising a sample cutter provided with an opening at one end, and means for moving said sample cutter across the moving belt and minimizing the effects resulting from disturbance of said material on the belt and maximizing the effective opening of the sample cutter by minimizing the amount of particulate material accumulating in front of the sample cutter as it moves across the moving belt, and means for minimizing the accumulation of particulate material on the side of the sample cutter positioned upstream of the movement of the particulate material on said moving belt.

Abstract: A sampling device comprising a tubular member containing an auger and terminating in a cutting tool is disclosed. The tube is stationary and the auger is rotated by a motor positioned at the upper end of the tube. The cutting tool is located at the bottom end of the tube and is attached to the auger and rotates with it. Provision is made for collecting and holding a sample removed by the auger for ultimate analysis and testing. The entire assembly may be moved vertically for insertion into and removal from the material to be sampled. Because the cutting tool is located on the circumference of the bottom of the tubular member, the cutting tool will cut through and remove a cylindrical core of the material being sampled in such a way tha large loose pieces of material will not be pushed to one side of or fall into the tubular member but will be cut cleanly and a true representative sample of the material being sampled will be obtained.