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: A flat and detachable electrical connection system between a flat lighting module and a lampholder is described. The flat lighting module comprises a lighting panel, control circuitry for controlling the lighting panel, and electrical contact pads connected to the control circuitry, all supported at least in part by a mechanical support plate; the mechanical support plate being at least partially enclosed in a housing with a provision or opening so that light can be emitted from the lighting panel; and where the mechanical support plate includes a male mechanical support connector section that extends out from the mechanical support plate in the same plane as the thickness of the lighting module; and where the male mechanical support connector section includes means for non-permanent locking or latching of the lighting module to the lampholder.

Abstract: A grip assist device fittable to a hand-held object. The grip assist device is comprised of a hollow body having at least one opening for receiving the object. The hollow body is formed of an elastomeric material, and may include an antipathogenic material. The hollow body is comprised of an elastic mesh side wall including perforations interspersed with web sections. The antipathogenic material may be provided in a coating adhered to an external surface of the elastic mesh side wall of the elongated hollow body, and/or impregnated in the elastic mesh side wall of the elongated hollow body. The grip assist device may be provided in a configuration fittable to a walking cane, a door knob, a beverage cup, a handgun, or a bicycle.

Abstract: A flat and detachable electrical connection system between a flat lighting module and a lampholder is described. The flat lighting module comprises a lighting panel, control circuitry for controlling the lighting panel, and electrical contact pads connected to the control circuitry, all supported at least in part by a mechanical support plate; the mechanical support plate being at least partially enclosed in a housing with a provision or opening so that light can be emitted from the lighting panel; and where the mechanical support plate includes a male mechanical support connector section that extends out from the mechanical support plate in the same plane as the thickness of the lighting module; and where the male mechanical support connector section includes means for non-permanent locking or latching of the lighting module to the lampholder.

Abstract: A tree stand comprising a supporting base, a positioning sphere, and a compression collar. The supporting base is comprised of an annular cavity surrounding upwardly facing hemispherical socket. The annular cavity comprises an outer side wall including an upper threaded portion. The positioning sphere includes an outer spherical surface and a cavity for receiving a trunk of the tree. The compression collar comprised an outer threaded wall engageable with the upper threaded portion of the supporting base, and a first flange contactable with an upper portion of the outer spherical surface of the positioning sphere. When the positioning sphere is disposed in the hemispherical socket, and the compression collar is maximally threadably engaged with the supporting base, the flange of the compression collar is contacted with the outer spherical surface of the positioning sphere and immobilizes the sphere in the socket, thereby securing the tree in a desired upright position.

Abstract: A tree stand comprising a supporting base, a positioning sphere, and a compression collar. The supporting base is comprised of an annular cavity surrounding upwardly facing hemispherical socket. The annular cavity comprises an outer side wall including an upper threaded portion. The positioning sphere includes an outer spherical surface and a cavity for receiving a trunk of the tree. The compression collar comprised an outer threaded wall engageable with the upper threaded portion of the supporting base, and a first flange contactable with an upper portion of the outer spherical surface of the positioning sphere. When the positioning sphere is disposed in the hemispherical socket, and the compression collar is maximally threadably engaged with the supporting base, the flange of the compression collar is contacted with the outer spherical surface of the positioning sphere and immobilizes the sphere in the socket, thereby securing the tree in a desired upright position.

Abstract: A tree stand comprising a supporting base, a positioning sphere, and a compression collar. The supporting base is comprised of an annular cavity surrounding upwardly facing hemispherical socket. The annular cavity comprises an outer side wall including an upper threaded portion. The positioning sphere includes an outer spherical surface and a cavity for receiving a trunk of the tree. The compression collar comprised an outer threaded wall engageable with the upper threaded portion of the supporting base, and a first flange contactable with an upper portion of the outer spherical surface of the positioning sphere. When the positioning sphere is disposed in the hemispherical socket, and the compression collar is maximally threadably engaged with the supporting base, the flange of the compression collar is contacted with the outer spherical surface of the positioning sphere and immobilizes the sphere in the socket, thereby securing the tree in a desired upright position.

Abstract: A tree stand comprising a supporting base, a positioning sphere, and a compression collar. The supporting base is comprised of an annular cavity surrounding upwardly facing hemispherical socket. The annular cavity comprises an outer side wall including an upper threaded portion. The positioning sphere includes an outer spherical surface and a cavity for receiving a trunk of the tree. The compression collar comprised an outer threaded wall engageable with the upper threaded portion of the supporting base, and a first flange contactable with an upper portion of the outer spherical surface of the positioning sphere. When the positioning sphere is disposed in the hemispherical socket, and the compression collar is maximally threadably engaged with the supporting base, the flange of the compression collar is contacted with the outer spherical surface of the positioning sphere and immobilizes the sphere in the socket, thereby securing the tree in a desired upright position.