Abstract: A device where saliva from a pregnant woman in the first trimester of pregnancy (6-8 weeks of pregnancy) is mixed with a chaotropic agent that facilitates cell lysis and protein denaturization. The mixture is introduced into a microfluidic system where the mixture is passed across a solid-state structure that captures all DNA in the mixture including cfDNA. After removal of protein and other waste from the membrane, the captured DNA is eluted from the solid-state structure into nucleic acid amplification reaction chambers. The system contains individual chambers for a positive control chamber and the target, male-specific, Y chromosome nucleotide sequence. The presence of amplification products is then detected in such a manner that a lay user can accurately determine the presence or absence of the Y chromosome. The presence of a Y chromosome is indicative of a biologically male fetus.

Abstract: A device where saliva from a pregnant woman in the first trimester of pregnancy (6-8 weeks of pregnancy) is mixed with a chaotropic agent that facilitates cell lysis and protein denaturization. The mixture is introduced into a microfluidic system where the mixture is passed across a solid-state structure that captures all DNA in the mixture including cfDNA. After removal of protein and other waste from the membrane, the captured DNA is eluted from the solid-state structure into nucleic acid amplification reaction chambers. The system contains individual chambers for a positive control chamber and the target, male-specific, Y chromosome nucleotide sequence. The presence of amplification products is then detected in such a manner that a lay user can accurately determine the presence or absence of the Y chromosome. The presence of a Y chromosome is indicative of a biologically male fetus.

Abstract: A formulation for collecting a biological sample of saliva or nasal fluid and capturing nucleic acids in the collected sample has non-toxic chaotropic agents, ethanol, and coloring and/or flavoring agents. The formulation is receivable within an oral cavity or nasal cavity to collect the sample and the non-toxic chaotropic agent(s) lyse the sample cells. A device has a sample port for receiving the sample-containing formulation and a solid-state membrane in fluid communication with the sample port. A first pump causes the sample-containing formulation to flow across the solid-state membrane and into a waste chamber. The ethanol binds nucleic acids in the lysed cells of the sample to the solid-state membrane. A second pump causes the eluent to flow from an eluent chamber across the membrane, elute captured nucleic acids from the membrane, and flow with the captured nucleic acids into an eluent reservoir.

Abstract: Devices and methods for diagnosing and administering drug overdose countermeasure. In some embodiments, a device includes a analyzer with a decision support application electronically connected to a drug of abuse detection device and a non-invasive blood gas device that support specific identification of drugs of abuse within a patient's system. In some embodiments, a method includes inputting patient demographics into the analyzer, inputting a patient's saliva, blood, and/or urine sample into the drug of abuse detection device, operatively affixing a non-invasive blood gas device to a patient, and administering a proper countermeasure dosage analyzer to the patient experiencing drug overdose.

Abstract: An intermediate casing for use in a gas turbine engine comprises inner and outer casing walls 2, 4, a support plate 6, supporting an axial end of each of the casing walls 2, 4, a splitter 8, and an array of vanes 10. At least one of the casing walls 2, 4, the support plate 6, the splitter 8 and the array of vanes 10 is formed from at least one blank of sheet material, such as steel. The formation of one or more components of the assembly from a flat blank of material provides a significant reduction in manufacturing cost.

Abstract: An intermediate casing for use in a gas turbine engine comprises inner and outer casing walls 2, 4, a support plate 6, supporting an axial end of each of the casing walls 2, 4, a splitter 8, and an array of vanes 10. At least one of the casing walls 2, 4, the support plate 6, the splitter 8 and the array of vanes 10 is formed from at least one blank of sheet material, such as steel. The formation of one or more components of the assembly from a flat blank of material provides a significant reduction in manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A beer foam reducing apparatus disposed for placement into the beer delivery lines between a keg and a beer serving spout to prevent pressurized carbon dioxide from entering the delivery line between the apparatus and the serving spout when a keg empties of beer. The apparatus comprises a base with a shallow receptacle disposed to receive an inverted, clear plastic container for sealed, threaded engagement. The plastic container is easily removed for cleaning or replacement and easily sealed for operation. The apparatus also comprises an inlet and outlet in the base, a float disposed for releasably sealing the outlet of the base when a keg empties, and a flow control column secured in the base and extending upwards into the inverted container. Single handed manipulation of a handle leveraged against a mounting bracket regulates operation of the flow control column, and specifically the venting of pressurized carbon dioxide and releasing of the float to begin delivery of beer through the outlet.

Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing paper product supported on a roll comprising a pair of open-sided members which are hinged together along one longitudinal edge thereof. Each of the open-sided members comprises a curved base portion and has a pair of opposed end walls, and one or both of the open-sided members has an elongate slot for dispensing the paper product. Each open-sided member is provided with a flap area each of which carries one component of a mating interlocking mechanism so that when the open-sided members are pivoted about the hinge, the mechanisms releasably engage one another and the open-sided members substantially enclose a roll of paper product therein. An enlarged end portion is provided in each flap area, remote from the open-sided member, along with a pair of support holes.