Abstract: Assay devices are disclosed comprising a base defining a cavity and an insert received in the cavity. The cavity has major surface and at least one sidewall, preferably surrounding the major surface. The insert comprises a first surface with a portion opposing the major surface of the cavity. A space is provided between the portion of the first surface and the major surface for the receipt of a fluid sample. The space has an entrance defined by the first surface of the insert and the major surface. The insert also comprises a second surface opposing the first surface and having an input portion for the application of a fluid sample. The input portion is in fluid communication with the entrance to the space, such that a fluid sample applied to the input portion passes to the entrance to the space and into the space. At least one or more passages is preferably defined through the insert, for passage of the fluid sample through the insert, to the entrance to the space.

Abstract: Assay devices are disclosed comprising a base defining a cavity and an insert received in the cavity. The cavity has major surface and at least one sidewall, preferably surrounding the major surface. The insert comprises a first surface with a portion opposing the major surface of the cavity. A space is provided between the portion of the first surface and the major surface for the receipt of a fluid sample. The space has an entrance defined by the first surface of the insert and the major surface. The insert also comprises a second surface opposing the first surface and having an input portion for the application of a fluid sample. The input portion is in fluid communication with the entrance to the space, such that a fluid sample applied to the input portion passes to the entrance to the space and into the space. At least one or more passages is preferably defined through the insert, for passage of the fluid sample through the insert, to the entrance to the space.

Abstract: Metals are removed from used, contaminated oils, such as crankcase oils from cars, by a low temperature, batch tank process. The oil is hydrated by adding enough water to prevent premature crystallization of a reagent salt from solution in a succeeding stage of the process. The batch is heated to a low, required reaction temperature. A quantity of a primary demetalizing agent, comprising an ammonium based salt, or its requisite acid and base to from the salt in-situ, is added in the range of stoichiometric to multiples of stoichiometric, in accordance with the analysed quantum of metals present in the oil batch. The mixture is stirred to react the metals present with the salt, and is then cooled, to precipitate the thus formed sludge, which is then physically separated.

Abstract: Compositions of matter useful as catalysts in heterogeneous reactions and comprising metal atom clusters supported on inorganic supports such as silica, alumina or zeolites are prepared by vaporizing the metal at low temperatures and pressures into an environment of ethylene and a gaseous inert solvent. A metal-ethylene complex, protected by solvent molecules is formed. The complex is melted to liquid phase and used to impregnate the support. Then the material is warmed to ambient temperature to remove the solvent, decompose the complex and form monatomic or clusters of metal on the support.