Abstract: This invention relates to a method and to apparatus for chemical and biochemical analyses which employ an energy-transmissive core and may employ one or more sheaths which selectively absorb, react with, and/or filter an analyte or a product of an analyte. The core is transmissive to a chosen energy carrier and it has an inlet end and an outlet end. Between these ends it has an extended length. The passage of energy through the core is modified by reason of events which occur in one or more of the sheaths or in the case where no sheath is employed, by reason of events which occur in an ambient fluid. The resulting modification of the transmitted energy is a measure of such events which in turn are a measure of the analyte. The energy may be any of several types of energy which can be transmitted through the core from end to end and which is susceptible to modification by reactions in the sheath or sheaths or ambient fluid. The energy may be electromagnetic, electrical or sonic.

Abstract: Blood may be stored in vitro for a period of days at a reduced temperature in the container which also includes a sufficient quantity of an emulsion of anti-hemolytic agent to cause a reduction in the hemolysis of the stored blood, when compared with blood under similar storage conditions to the absence of the emulsion. Preferably, the emulsion may include a fatty ester containing at least two ester linkages each comprising a fatty hydrocarbon group, with the emulsion containing sufficient hemo-compatible surfactant to stabilize the emulsion.

Abstract: A barrier contraceptive device and a method for preventing conception utilizing the device. The device comprises a torus of biocompatible material sized to fit in a vagina, structure--such as overlapping flaps--being provided with the torus for providing a primary barrier preventing direct ejaculation into the cervix while allowing fluid drainage from the cervix. The material forming the torus contains a spermicide and is operative to allow release of the spermicide to maintain an effective level of spermicide in the area between the torus and the cervix to kill any sperm that passes the primary barrier. The torus is constructed so that the spermicide is more readily releasable through the inner peripheral surface thereof than the outer peripheral surface thereof.

Abstract: Blood may be stored in vitro for a period of days at a reduced temperature in the container which also includes a sufficient quantity of an emulsion of anti-hemolytic agent to cause a reduction in the hemolysis of the stored blood, when compared with blood under similar storage conditions to the absence of the emulsion. Preferably, the emulsion includes a fatty ester containing at least two ester linkages each comprising a fatty hydrocarbon group, emulsified with sufficient hemo-compatible surfactant to stabilize the emulsion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for chemical and biochemical analyses which employ an energy-transmissive core and may employ one or more sheaths which selectively absorb, react with, and/or filter an analyte or a product of an analyte. The core is transmissive to a chosen energy carrier and it has an inlet end and an outlet end. Between these ends it has an extended length. The passage of energy through the core is modified by reason of events which occur in one or more of the sheaths or in the case where no sheath is employed, by reason of events which occur in an ambient fluid. The resulting modification of the transmitted energy is a measure of such events which in turn are a measure of the analyte. The energy may be any of several types of energy which can be transmitted through the core from end to end and which is susceptible to modification by reactions in the sheath or sheaths or ambient fluid. The energy may be electromagnetic, electrical or sonic.

Abstract: An improvement in liquid dispensers, especially those used to infuse liquid drugs into patients, that dispense liquid under pressure from an expansible, elastomer bladder is disclosed. The improvement is that the bladder is made from synthetic vulcanized polyisoprene, especially polyisoprene that has 90% to 98% cis linkages and has been vulcanized with an organic peroxide, such as dicumyl peroxide, at a concentration of 5.5.times.10.sup.-3 to 7.5.times.10.sup.-3 moles of peroxide per 100 grams of polyisoprene.

Abstract: A removable cartridge that is used in combination with a liquid drug infusion apparatus that comprises a housing that defines an inlet and outlet and has a recess for receiving the cartridge, a confined flow passageway extending between the inlet and outlet, and a conduit extending from the outlet to the infusion site. The removable cartridge includes: a hollow shell that fits within the recess, is adapted to contain the liquid drug, and has an outlet that is adapted to communicate with the inlet of the housing and the drug contained within the shell; pressure means within the shell that maintains a constant, positive pressure on the drug; and lock means on the shell that engages the housing to reversibly lock the cartridge within the recess.

Abstract: An improvement in liquid dispensers, especially those used to infuse liquid drugs into patients from an expansible elastomeric bladder of specific geometry and elastomeric properties, is disclosed. The improvement is in making the bladder from an elastomeric composition whose stress relaxation does not exceed 10%, and whose low frequency hysteresis does not exceed 10%.