Abstract: A device and method for separating heavier and lighter fractions of a fluid sample. The device includes a plurality of constituents comprising a container and a composite element in the container. The composite element is a separator comprising at least two components and more particularly, a bellows with a seal body, a low-density float and a high-density ballast. A fluid sample is delivered to the container and the device is subjected to centrifugation whereby the centrifugal load causes the seal body of the separator to deform so that the separator migrates through the fluid sample and then stabilizes between the heavier and lighter fractions of the fluid sample. The seal body of the separator will resiliently return to its initial configuration upon termination of the centrifugal load such that the seal body sealingly engages the container and the composite element separates the heavier and lighter fractions of the fluid sample.

Abstract: A device and method for separating heavier and lighter fractions of a fluid sample. The device includes a plurality of constituents comprising a container and a composite element in the container. The composite element is a separator comprising at least two components and more particularly, a bellows with a seal body, a low-density float and a high-density ballast. A fluid sample is delivered to the container and the device is subjected to centrifugation whereby the centrifugal load causes the seal body of the separator to deform so that the separator migrates through the fluid sample and then stabilizes between the heavier and lighter fractions of the fluid sample. The seal body of the separator will resiliently return to its initial configuration upon termination of the centrifugal load such that the seal body sealingly engages the container and the composite element separates the heavier and lighter fractions of the fluid sample.

Abstract: A blood collection tube is provided having a sealingly engaged elastomeric disk bonded over the open end of the tube. The disk has two opposing major surfaces and is bonded to the tube while deformed in a generally arcuate configuration. One of the major surface faces exteriorally from the tube and the other major surface faces interiorly into the tube. The exterior-facing major surface of the disk is placed in tension and the interior-facing major surface is placed in compression.

Abstract: A covered medical specimen container comprises a collection tube having an open upper end defined by a perimetrical rim. A cover is positioned over the open end and removably attached to the rim. A removable cap is positioned over the cover at a location spaced from the rim. Removal of the cover is achieved by exerting a removal force on the cap which the cap transforms into a localized peeling force that progresses around the entire rim.

Abstract: An assembly for the collection of a patient's blood specimen comprises an elongate needle holder, a blood collection tube, and a cap closing the blood collection tube. The needle holder supports a blood extracting needle through a closed end thereof. The blood collection tube is insertable into the interior of the needle holder so as to collect blood. The cap has a membrane which is puncturable by the needle upon insertion of the blood collection tube into the interior of the needle holder. The cap includes a deflectable member extending therefrom for engagement with the cylindrical wall of the needle holder so as to frictionally resist longitudinal movement of the tube within the tube holder.

Abstract: An assembly for collecting blood or other body fluids is provided. The assembly includes an elongate tube having an open end and a closed end. The open end includes threads. An internally threaded plastic cap is mounted to the open end of the tube. The cap includes an axial passage and a resealable member aligned with the axial passage. A gas-impermeable member is bonded to the resealable member and the open end of the tube. Both the resealable member and gas-impermeable member are pierceable by a needle. The cap is removable with the resealable member and the gas-impermeable member as a unit due to the fact that the bond between the gas-impermeable member and the tube is weaker than that between the gas-impermeable member and the resealable member. The cap includes a deflectable portion near its top end to engage the walls of a tube holder, and to function as a shock absorber if the tube is dropped.

Abstract: A stopper or closure is provided as a closure for containers in which the stopper profile is computer generated to take into consideration radial stress at the stopper/container interface, and to eliminate tensile stress therealong which tensile stress is an indication that a portion of the stopper wall is not engaging the opposed container surface. The stopper of the invention is particularly appropriate for use in evacuated blood sample collection tubes for eliminating "gray bands" or regions where the stopper and tube do not contact, and "red spots" formed in small cavities generated on the internal surface of the stopper at the withdrawal position of a blood collection needle having been inserted in the stopper.

Abstract: A stopper or closure is provided as a closure for containers in which the stopper profile is computer generated to take into consideration radial stress at the stopper/container interface, and to eliminate tensile stress therealong which tensile stress is an indication that a portion of the stopper wall is not engaging the opposed container surface. The stopper of the invention is particularly appropriate for use in evacuated blood sample collection tubes for eliminating "gray bands" or regions where the stopper and tube do not contact, and "red spots" formed in small cavities generated on the internal surface of the stopper at the withdrawal position of a blood collection needle having been inserted in the stopper.

Abstract: A device for separating essentially immiscible fluids such as oil from rough water which utilizes a drum-shaped mechanism having generally vertically disposed oleophilic discs rotatable about a horizontal oil receiving trough, the unit being mounted in a frame also providing a sump which allows rotation of the drum, the complete unit being able to follow wave motion substantially independently of a supporting vessel through use of slide and guide mechanisms providing fore and aft restraint while allowing freedom of movement in heave and roll independent of ship motions. A major portion of the interior area of the drum about which the oleophilic discs rotate is filled with buoyancy material.

Abstract: Weighing apparatus which utilizes the variation in the strain of a weighing platform adapted to be loaded by the force to be measured. The weighing apparatus has a low profile and, in the preferred embodiment, the platform is supported at its four corners by sensing arms in which the strain is measured by resistive or semi-conductive strain sensors which are connected in a Wheatstone type bridge circuit.

Abstract: A side bearing for railroad cars having a body portion of hard elastomeric material and a base for attachment to the truck bolster of a railroad car. The upper bearing surface when the bearing is unloaded is flat, outwardly convex, or outwardly concave, providing the bearing with strain distribution characteristics under load that minimize heat build-up and permanent deformation of the side bearing.