Abstract: Methods are provided for anonymously administering at least one test for one or more test subjects. The methods can comprise registering one or more orderers by recording, in a first repository, the identity data thereof; forwarding to each of the orderers, without referencing the identity data of the one or more test subjects, a kit which comprises instructions on and materials for taking at least one sample for the test; receiving the sample from the test subject; obtaining, for each test subject, a result of the test on the sample; and recording, in a second repository, the result for each of the test subjects under a unique identification code, wherein the first repository and the second repository are insulated from each other. Also provided are systems for administering such tests, computer-readable media comprising a data structure that contains fields of data from such tests and/or computer-readable instructions for performing such tests, and test kits for performing such tests.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display (LCD) system, comprising a matrix of pixels, analyzes a video data stream for grayscale level jumps from extreme black to moderate gray levels. Transitions in grayscale levels are restricted between adjacent pixels so as to reduce image degradation due to fringe field effects. A memory, such as a plurality of shift registers, may be used to store grayscale levels of adjacent pixels which are compared and if a ratio between these grayscale levels exceeds a desire value then at least one of the grayscale levels is modified.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display (LCD) system, comprising a matrix of pixels, analyzes a video data stream for grayscale level jumps from extreme black to moderate gray levels. Transitions in grayscale levels are restricted between adjacent pixels so as to reduce image degradation due to fringe field effects. A memory, such as a shift register, may be used to store and then grayscale levels to be written to adjacent pixels are compared and if a difference between these grayscale levels exceed a certain value then at least one of the grayscale levels is modified.

Abstract: A LCD test system is provided for use in a high volume production environment. An automated test is performed that tests each LCD and provides a pass/fail indication. The automated test includes an image-sticking test that drives the test image based on a control voltage that corresponds to a maximum rate of change of brightness. The control voltage is determined by differentiating an electro-optic curve. The brightness difference between the test image and another test image is compared to predetermined threshold. The other test image may be a gray scale test. Alternatively, the image-sticking test may integrate brightness levels of odd and even frames, compare these results to predetermined thresholds. The test includes a color uniformity test in which average differences in peak reflectance and peak frequency within sections of the LCD are compared to predetermined thresholds for the pass/fall indication. The test includes a spatial distribution of defects test.

Abstract: For the removal of a small amount of fluid, in particular blood, from a sealed container, and the deposition of a drop of fluid on a slide by a dropper, and the subsequent spreading of the drop, the rear end of a dropper needle having a longitudinal channel which passes therethrough is pressed through a seal into a container. Once the needle is inserted into the container, a drop of fluid moves out of the container via the longitudinal channel to a slide. After depositing the drop of fluid on the slide, the dropper itself is used to spread and distribute the drop of fluid on the slide, so that spreading of the drop of fluid is facilitated and hazardous waste is reduced to a minimum. The dropper used for this purpose is made integral with a spreader.