Abstract: A test strip for allergy testing the skin includes a support lamina having at least one aperture extending therethrough and a lance device positioned on one surface of the support lamina so that the sharp lance of the device extends into the aperture. A removable strip is releasably sealed to the opposite surface of the support lamina and overlies the aperture to prevent entry of foreign material into the aperture. Upon removal of the strip an allergen can be applied through the aperture to the lance. A second strip overlies the lance device and is removably sealed to the support lamina. Upon removal of the second strip the lance device is also removed from the support lamina so that the second strip and the lance device can be applied to the skin.

Abstract: A method for allergy testing is carried out by: applying to the skin of a patient test strip formed of a thin, flexible strip of adhesive tape a portion of which carries on its adhesive side at least one skin-penetrating lance carrying an allergen; pressing the test strip against the skin to cause temporary adhesion of the strip to the skin and to cause the lance to penetrate the skin to a depth less than the subcutaneous tissue thereby carrying the allergen into the skin and maintaining contact between the allergen and the thus-traumatized skin cells; and leaving the strip in place for a period of time sufficient for the patient's skin, if allergic to the allergen, to produce a visible allergic reaction. The test strip may be transparent so that the skin reaction can be observed through the strip. The strip may include a plurality of closely-spaced lances or a single lance.

Abstract: A nut and bolt assembly includes a bolt having at least one external threaded portion and at least one adjacent unthreaded portion along its length and a nut having an internal threaded portion threadedly engageable with the threaded portion of the bolt, the unthreaded portion of the bolt having a diameter such that the nut can slide therealong in an axial direction without rotation and the axial length of the unthreaded portion being at least as great as the threaded portion of the nut, the arrangement being such that in a clamping position of the assembly the threaded portion of the nut wholly resides on the unthreaded bolt portion with one end of the nut threads abutting one end of the threads of the threaded bolt portion.

Abstract: A method for allergy testing is carried out by applying to the skin of a patient a thin, flexible strip of adhesive tape a portion of which carries on its adhesive side at least one group of closely spaced projecting lances carrying an allergen, so that the tape releasably adheres to the skin, pressing at least the lance-carrying portion against the skin to cause the lances to penetrate the skin to a depth less than the subcutaneous tissue thereby carrying the allergen into the skin, and maintaining contact between the allergen and the thus-traumatized skin cells, leaving the strip in place for a period of time sufficient for the patient's skin, if allergic to the allergen, to produce an allergic reaction; and removing the strip from the skin whereby the patient's allergy to the allergen may be determined by visual observation of the skin area penetrated by the lances.