Abstract: A chromatography assay device and method for use with whole blood samples utilizing a red blood cell separating agent to aggregate red blood cells and permit plasma or serum to flow by capillary action and a neutralizing agent to neutralize any effects the red blood cell separating agent may have on the device and method.

Abstract: A surge absorber utilizes a varistor electrically connected to a surge absorbing element. The varistor voltage and nonlinearity factor are chosen so that the varistor has a preselected voltage-current characteristic which prevents the varistor from breaking down and short circuiting and resulting in a thermal runaway.

Abstract: A first rocker arm is used to induce valve lift while a second one used to move the valve back to closed position. The rocker arms are arranged to engage the valve top or retainer surfaces at locations offset from the axis of the valve and to induce the valve to rotate during the lift and closing operations. Springs, hydraulic lifters or double adjust screw type arrangements are used to control clearances.

Abstract: A self-sustaining solenoid which is adapted so that when applying an operating current to a coil, a moving iron core disposed in the coil is attracted into contact with a fixed receiver. A magnetic yoke is provided to extend between the fixed receiver and the end portion of the moving iron core projecting out of the coil, and a permanent magnet is disposed on the magnetic yoke at least at one end in the direction of movement of the moving iron core. When the moving iron core is held in contact with the fixed receiver, magnetic fluxes emanating from the permanent magnet mostly pass through the moving iron core, the fixed receiver and the magnetic yoke, and even if the operating current is cut off, the moving iron core is retained in contact with the fixed receiver.