Abstract: A device for rapidly performing a sedimentation-rate test is described. A tube (17) containing a given amount of blood specimen is placed in a holder (13, 21, 22) which rotates (23) the tube (17) a predetermined number of revolutions at a given speed about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tube while rotating (24) the tube about its longitudinal axis, to then stop the tube for a given period of time about 60.degree. from the vertical, and to finally turn the tube (17) to the vertical position at a speed which is but a fraction of the first-mentioned speed also while turning the tube about the longitudinal axis. Means (26) are arranged to monitor the rotational movements of the tube, preferably by means of markings on a plug (18) closing the tube end.

Abstract: A method, a reagent composition and the use thereof for quantitative determination of total glucose in undiluted whole blood are described. A sample of undiluted whole blood is contacted with a reagent composition which is in dry form and comprises:glucose dehydrogenase (GDH);one or more substances from the group consisting of diaphorase, phenazine methosulphate, phenazine ethosulphate, phenazine phenosulphate and Meldola blue;one or more substances from the group consisting of NAD, NADP, thio-NAD, thio-NADP, nicotinamide-purine dinucleotide, nicotinamide-methylpurine dinucleotide, nicotinamide-2-chloro-methylpurine dinucleotide;one or more hemolysing substances from the group consisting of phospholipase, hemolysing saponins, and compounds of hydrophilic mono-, di- or tri-saccharides and aliphatic hydrocarbons having 10-16 carbon atoms;a redox indicator dye; andoptionally mutarotase.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing mixing in thin liquid layers containing a suspension of a multiplicity of movable particles of magnetic material. The apparatus includes at least two magnets or magnet systems, of which at least one is an electromagnet. the magnets or magnet systems are arranged in order to provide at least one slit for receiving at least one support containing the thin liquid layer, wherein the magnetic particles are present. When the liquid layer in the support is inserted in the slit, the thin layer will be subjected to the combined magnetic field orginating from the two magnets or magnet systems. The apparatus has a driving source for the electromagnet(s), including a timing device, and a current source.

Abstract: A device for self-administration of physiologically active substances without the occurrence of overdosing, includes a container accommodating at least one substance and propellant means for propelling the substances out of the container, nozzle means connected to the container for discharging a substance, a valve connected between the nozzle and the container such that a predetermined amount of the substance is propelled from the container each time the valve has been opened, and manually activated electronic control means for opening the valve in response to manual activation of the electronic control means and for preventing opening of the valve greater than a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time period.

Abstract: Novel tobacco compositions which when subjected to an elevated temperature below the combustion temperature the tobacco liberates essentially pure nicotine. The invention also includes a method for liberating nicotine from the compositions and a device for carrying out the method.

Abstract: Novel tobacco compositions which--when subjected to an elevated temperature below the combustion temperature the tobacco--liberates essentially pure nicotine.

Abstract: Novel tobacco compositions which, when subjected to an elevated temperature below the combustion temperature of the tobacco, liberates essentially pure nicotine. The invention also includes a method for liberating nicotine from the compositions and a device for carrying out the method.

Abstract: Disposable cuvette for essentially simultaneous sampling of a fluid and analyzing the sample. The new cuvette comprises a body member having at least one cavity defined by surrounding walls, into which cavity the sample is permitted to enter by capillary force through an inlet communicating said cavity with the exterior of the body member. According to the invention, the cuvette is characterized in that at least a portion of the walls facing the cavity consists of a semipermeable membrane, optionally with an integrated electrode and/or sensor system, and that at least one reagent or reagent system is incorporated in the cuvette.

Abstract: A cuvette for sampling with a cavity which is defined by two planar surfaces which are placed or can be placed at a predetermined distance from one another. A reagent is contained in the cavity in an amount which is exactly determined in relation to the volume of the cavity. The sample is drawn into the cavity preferably by capillary force and mixed with the reagent therein spontaneously or by vibration, whereupon optical analysis takes place directly through the two planar surfaces.