Abstract: A method for manufacturing a tissue factor-based prothrombin-time reagent includes combining predetermined quantities of tissue factor (TF), phospholipid and detergent-containing buffer to create a TF/phospholipid mixture. In this combining step, the quantity of TF is predetermined based upon its measured TF activity. Next, the detergent is removed from the TF/phospholipid mixture to produce an essentially detergent-free TF/phospholipid mixture that is useful as a tissue factor-based PT reagent. The method can include the use of hydrophobic resin that has been prescreened based on phospholipid recovery to accomplish the removal of the detergent.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a tissue factor-based prothrombin-time reagent includes combining predetermined quantities of tissue factor (TF), phospholipid and detergent-containing buffer to create a TF/phospholipid mixture. In this combining step, the quantity of TF is predetermined based upon its measured TF activity. Next, the detergent is removed from the TF/phospholipid mixture to produce an essentially detergent-free TF/phospholipid mixture that is useful as a tissue factor-based PT reagent. The method can include the use of hydrophobic resin that has been prescreened based on phospholipid recovery to accomplish the removal of the detergent.

Abstract: An extraction apparatus which is particularly suited to the processing and extraction of contents from cumbersome envelopes and mail pouches incorporates a planar transport path which is sufficiently wide and appropriately oriented to receive relatively large or otherwise awkward envelopes, irrespective of their characteristics and the weight of their contents, for unimpeded transport through the apparatus without subjecting the envelopes to bending or other such distortions.

Abstract: An envelope contents extraction system in which adjacent edges of an envelope are opened to make the contents of the envelope accessible from two edges. The stations at which the envelope edges are opened and the contents removed are located along a single straight-line path. The envelopes are delivered to these stations by a straight-line conveyor which receives the envelopes and moves in one direction to move the envelopes to a side edge cutter and then in the opposite direction to move the envelope to a top edge cutter and an envelope spreader.

Abstract: At the content extraction location radiant energy is transmitted through the spread-open envelope. Change in this transmitted energy due to content extraction is sensed and activates removal of the envelope from the extraction location.

Abstract: At the content extraction location radiant energy is transmitted through the spread-open envelope. Change in this transmitted energy due to content extraction is sensed and activates removal of the envelope from the extraction location.