Abstract: This invention is a wrinkle relaxing and reducing composition that mimics the dewrinkling effects of steam. Quality water is used as the primary fabric relaxant and wrinkle reducer. A surfactant or combination of surfactants super-wets the fabric allowing the water to work. An acid or several acids lower the pH to ensure that composition is color-safe. Optional hydrophillic fragrance(s) mask the alcohol odor and helps to identify the product. An alcohol or alcohols lower viscosity and hastens the drying process. The mechanical action of gently shaking or brushing fabric with free hand or forming fabric just after application of composition further enhances wrinkle elimination or reduction. Adding optional odor eliminating compounds and/or optional quaternary ammonium compounds keeps fabrics fresh longer, or refreshes malodorous garments by eliminating odorous compounds and/or reduces static cling, respectively, without significantly increasing residues.

Abstract: Removed cytology centrifuge apparatus includes single or multiple well cell concentrators for being rotated by a centrifugal spinner. A rotor is removably supported by the spinner for rotation and is adapted to receive two or four cell concentrators. The rotor supports the cell concentrators in an unrestrained manner, thereby enhancing the ease of use and flexibility of the apparatus. The cell concentrator is shaped to rest stably on a planar surface in a tilted manner so that a fluid specimen contained therein is prevented from contacting the slide prior to centrifugation. Each cell concentrator includes a chamber having at least one fluid receiving aperture and at least one fluid expulsion aperture. The chamber is secured to a backing plate by a fastening mechanism, with the slide sandwiched therebetween. In one embodiment, the chamber is hinged to the backing plate. Also described is a bibulous pad interposed between the chamber and the slide in order to absorb excess sample fluid.

Abstract: A compact slide spinner is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the compact slide spinner is used to prepare smears for microscopic evaluation. The spinner incorporates a disposable or reusable slide holder which encases a portion of a slide onto which the material to be smeared is placed. The holder containing the slide is then accelerated by spinning. Specimen fluid not adhering to the slide is contained within the slide holder which is discarded following preparation of the smear. Using this low-cost device, a uniform quality smear is quickly and easily prepared, while reducing the risk that laboratory personnel will be exposed to aerosol borne contagions.

Abstract: Improved cytology centrifuge apparatus includes single or multiple well cell concentrators for being rotated by a centrifugal spinner. A rotor is removably supported by the spinner for rotation and is adapted to receive two or four cell concentrators. The rotor supports the cell concentrators in an unrestrained manner, thereby enhancing the ease of use and flexibility of the apparatus. Each cell concentrator includes a chamber having a top surface in which at least one fluid receiving aperture is disposed and a front surface in which at least one fluid expulsion aperture is disposed. A backing plate is provided with protruding top and bottom edges to vertically align a microscope slide with the chamber so that the fluid expulsion aperture is adjacent to a central portion of the slide. Retention clips secure the chamber to the backing plate with the slide sandwiched therebetween in horizontal alignment.

Abstract: A compact slide spinner is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the compact slide spinner is used to prepare smears for microscopic evaluation. The spinner incorporates a disposable or reusable slide holder which encases a portion of a slide onto which the material to be smeared is placed. The holder containing the slide is then accelerated by spinning. Specimen fluid not adhering to the slide is contained within the slide holder which is discarded following preparation of the smear. Using this low-cost device, a uniform quality smear is quickly and easily prepared, while reducing the risk that laboratory personnel will be exposed to aerosol borne contagions.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring a blood specimen from a droplet source to a collection tube via a capillary tube. A glass anticoagulant-coated or an untreated capillary tube and a collection tube with a stopper having an X-slit membrane for admission of the capillary tube into the collection tube with the stopper on. A separating gel may be located in the collection tube to provide plasma and serum separation when the collection tube is centrifuged.

Abstract: A disk shaped cassette for centrifugal fluid separation, particularly blood separation, and a drive system for high speed rotation of the cassette. The cassette is driven at speeds which permit very rapid separation of the blood in times on the order of seven (7) to twenty (20) seconds by an automated control. The cassette is supported by a flexible support coupling and mounting system that permits the entire rotating mass to spin about the center of mass unique to the particular cassette as filled. The cassette typically includes a peripheral collection chamber which may be either annular, lobed or channel shaped. A cassette enabled to hold plural separation tubes is also shown. A gel can be placed in the cassette with a density between the fluid components to be separated and after centrifuging maintains the component separation that centrifuging creates.

Abstract: A plastic adhesive label for microsample collection tubes has opaque end portions for receipt of identifying markings, and a transparent middle portion to permit viewing of the contents of the collection tube. In use, the transparent portion of the label is wrapped around and adhered to a collection tube and the end portions of the label are brought together in adhesion, the end portions forming a flag which carries the identifying information. With the transparent portion of the label surrounding the collection tube, the contents of the tube are still visible to an observer for confirmation at the same time the identifying information is displayed on the label.

Abstract: A disk shaped cassette for centrifugal fluid separation, particularly blood separation, and a drive system for high speed rotation of the cassette. The cassette is driven at speeds which permit very rapid separation of the blood in times on the order of seven (7) to twenty (20) seconds by an automated control. The cassette is supported by a flexible support coupling and mounting system that permits the entire rotating mass to spin about the center of mass unique to the particular cassette as filled. The cassette typically includes a peripheral collection chamber which may be either annular, lobed or channel shaped. A cassette enabled to hold plural separation tubes is also shown. A gel can be placed in the cassette with a density between the fluid components to separated and after centrifuging maintains the component separation that centrifuging creates.

Abstract: A clinical analyzer system flows a small volume (less than 200 microliters) of liquid sample to be analyzed from an inlet port past a sensor array to a series of analysis chambers. The sensor array includes two optical sensor units that are spaced a fixed distance apart, and each sensor unit transmits a beam of infrared radiation through the flow tube for sensing by a detector. Each detector output has a low value when blood is in the flow tube, an intermediate value when air is in the flow tube, and a high value when a clear liquid is in the flow tube. Control logic senses changes in the outputs of the detectors and accurately indicates gas-liquid interface transitions. The noninvasive system accurately locates leading and trailing edges of samples of biological fluids to be analyzed, monitors the integrity of those samples, and distinguishes between types of sample liquids processed by the analyzer.

Abstract: A total carbon dioxide analyzer system has a reaction chamber that includes a tube and a piston mounted for sliding movement in the tube to change the volume of the chamber. A valve coupled to the chamber has a sample inlet port and a reagent inlet port, and is movable between a first state in which the sample inlet port is connected to the chamber, a second state in which the reagent inlet port is connected to the chamber, and a third state in which the reaction chamber is sealed. A system controller coordinately operates the valve and moves the piston to increase the volume of said chamber to draw sample into the chamber for mixing with an acid reagent in the chamber, and then seals the chamber and increases the volume of the chamber to facilitate the release of carbon dioxide. A transducer then senses the pressure of carbon dioxide in the reaction chamber.