Abstract: A test strip for determining the concentration of an analyte in a body fluid includes a membrane in fluid communication with a porous layer. The membrane and the porous layer are divided into compressed portions, which restrict the capillary flow of the body fluid, and uncompressed portions. The uncompressed portions are adapted to absorb and retain body fluids in excess of the amount required for operation of the test strip. The test strip may be constructed with an internal relief chamber to accommodate the uncompressed portions. A method of making the test strip by pressure and/or heat sealing individual components on a shaping die is also provided.

Abstract: A test strip for determining the concentration of an analyte in a body fluid includes a membrane in fluid communication with a porous layer. The membrane and the porous layer are divided into compressed portions, which restrict the capillary flow of the body fluid, and uncompressed portions. The uncompressed portions are adapted to absorb and retain body fluids in excess of the amount required for operation of the test strip. The test strip may be constructed with an internal relief chamber to accommodate the uncompressed portions. A method of making the test strip by pressure and/or heat sealing individual components on a shaping die is also provided.

Abstract: A test strip for determining the concentration of an analyte in a body fluid includes a membrane in fluid communication with a porous layer. The membrane and the porous layer are divided into compressed portions, which restrict the capillary flow of the body fluid, and uncompressed portions. The uncompressed portions are adapted to absorb and retain body fluids in excess of the amount required for operation of the test strip. The test strip may be constructed with an internal relief chamber to accommodate the uncompressed portions. A method of making the test strip by pressure and/or heat sealing individual components on a shaping die is also provided.

Abstract: A test strip for determining the concentration of an analyte in a body fluid includes a membrane in fluid communication with a porous layer. The membrane and the porous layer are divided into compressed portions, which restrict the capillary flow of the body fluid, and uncompressed portions. The uncompressed portions are adapted to absorb and retain body fluids in excess of the amount required for operation of the test strip. The test strip may be constructed with an internal relief chamber to accommodate the uncompressed portions. A method of making the test strip by pressure and/or heat sealing individual components on a shaping die is also provided.

Abstract: A test strip for determining the concentration of an analyte in a body fluid includes a membrane in fluid communication with a porous layer. The membrane and the porous layer are divided into compressed portions, which restrict the capillary flow of the body fluid, and uncompressed portions. The uncompressed portions are adapted to absorb and retain body fluids in excess of the amount required for operation of the test strip. The test strip may be constructed with an internal relief chamber to accommodate the uncompressed portions. A method of making the test strip by pressure and/or heat sealing individual components on a shaping die is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) utilizing the present methods for fabricating dual textured food pieces is disclosed. Specifically, cavities (20) are formed in and defined by the inner surfaces (26) of first and second, circular plates (22,24). The cavities (20) are moved along a circuitous path by rotation of the plates (22,24). During the first portion of the circuitous path, the plates (22,24) abut and are pressed together by being sandwiched between a movable jaw (54) and a stationary jaw (52) and by rollers (38) rolling on the outer surfaces (28) of the plates (22,24). Two adjacent cavities (20) are simultaneously filled by a food injection manifold (42) with first and second food materials which are metered through pumps (72,74) each having two inlets (76,78) and two outlets (80,82). After being filled, the cavities (20) are cooled by an air manifold (44).

Abstract: A touch fastener component for flush-mounting a first planar surface to a second planar surface and comprising a piece of resiliently flexible material having one portion of touch fastener material attached to a surface thereof adjacent a center portion thereof and means for holding the piece of material in a foreshortened bi-stable state disposed over a hole in one of the surfaces and for allowing the piece of material to move between a first stable position arched over the hole and a second stable position depressed into the hole with the one portion of touch fastener material slightly below the one of the surface whereby it can grip the mating portion of touch fastener material disposed on the other of the surfaces to maintain the first and second planar surfaces flush with one another under a biasing force.

Abstract: Apparatus for attaching touch fastener material capable of self-bonding to a porous surface such as fabric and the like by the application of an electrical current therethrough. The material comprises a backing material with front and rear surfaces and having one portion of a touch fastening system on the front surface thereof. A layer of thermoplastic and thermosetting adhesive is bonded to the rear surface. Heat generating means are incorporated into the layer of adhesive for producing sufficient heat in the adhesive when a low voltage and high current electrical source is applied therethrough to cause the adhesive to adhere to a porous surface with which it is in contact. In one embodiment, the heat generating means comprises a strip of metal foil embedded within the layer of adhesive. In a second embodiment, the heat generating means comprising a plurality of electrically conductive/resistive particles embedded within the layer of adhesive.

Abstract: In a method for removing skin from fish and fowl, the fish and fowl are exposed to intense heat for a short duration. The heat is sufficiently intense to destroy the bond between the skin and underlying flesh without significantly affecting the underlying flesh. The high temperature is removed and the skin is refrozen. The fish or fowl is carried to a skinning station where a high velocity spray, which is directed at the skin, rapidly separates the skin from the underlying flesh without removing the flesh.

Abstract: Disclosed is a non-fused torque control catheter and a method for manufacturing such a catheter. This non-fused catheter has a stiff braid-reinforced body and a pliable non-braided tip.

Abstract: A closure band of water-vapor permeable, flexible, elastic plastic spans a cut in the flesh and holds the cut closed. Flesh-engaging penetrants such as hooks are partly embedded in or are part of the band and engage the flesh either side of the cut. Adhesive on the band also contacts the flesh and helps hold the penetrants embedded. A tear strip overlying openings through the band, when removed, allows inspection of the cut.

Abstract: A stationary member extends across a filter on a movable support. The stationary member has a flexible membrane in contact with the filter. Liquid under pressure is flowed through openings in the flexible membrane and through the filter to remove material from the filter.