Abstract: A knuckle pin, coupling system, and method for producing a knuckle pin are provided, the knuckle pin having a cylindrical body with a longitudinal slot therein separating vertical edges of the cylindrical body, with one or more first retaining elements that span outward of the cylindrical body, and a second retainer that includes one or more of opposing apertures, and bendable legs. A method for producing the knuckle pin is provided, where a blank is stamped into a workpiece that corresponds to the pin to be produced, and the stamped workpiece is rolled to produce the pin with the slot.

Abstract: Deer and other nocturnal animals may be allowed to feed from a feeding device which also restricts feeding by squirrels, birds, and other diurnal feeders. The apparatus includes a walled enclosure having a sloped bottom for facilitating the gravity flow of animal feed toward an outlet from which the feed can then be accessed by the target animals. The opening is provided with a sliding cover which is controllably movable between a first position aligned over the opening to prevent dispensing of feed, and a second position removed from the opening to allow dispensing of feed. To prevent blockage of the cover by the feed when the cover is moved from the open to the closed position, an internal member is disposed within the enclosure which creates an accumulation chamber or dead space into which feed can be readily moved out of the path of the moving cover.

Abstract: A method for delivering hair coloring products, including the steps of filling a package with a granulated oxidizer and transporting the resulting filled package to a remote site (such as a hair salon) for mixing with a liquid, a hair colorant or a combination thereof. Also contemplated is an improved solid-state mixture adapted for point-of-use hair coloring product formation.

Abstract: Disclosed are cellular hemoglobin Alc (Hb Alc ) normal and abnormal (high) controls for use in detecting Hb Alc levels. The present invention also relates to methods for generating cellular Hb Alc controls using red blood cells and methods for using the cellular controls. The present invention encompasses several methods for the preparation of Hb Alc cellular controls including: (1) a boronate method where the glycation occurs non-specifically; (2) a stabilized diabetic blood method where the glycation occurs specifically on Hb Alc, and (3) the glycation of normal blood method that is achieved by controlling conditions such that glycation occurs predominantly on Hb Alc. These methods produce cellular Hb Alc controls with desirable stability and that can be detected on a variety of instruments.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a stable calibrator and/or control, kit and process for using in a glucose monitoring instrumentation. Principally, the instant invention teaches a glycolyzed red blood cell component which has been treated with a glycolysis stabilizing effective amount of at least one non-crosslinking aldehyde compound which may be added to fresh plasma along with an amount of glucose to form a simulated whole blood glucose control product, effective for maintaining a particular and essentially stable glucose concentration over a period of time sufficient for accurate measurement and calibration of a glucose measuring instrument.

Abstract: Improvements in blood collection and testing. In one aspect, an improved method of manufacturing a blood collection tube, particularly illustrated for use in sedimentation rate testing, including providing an elongated glass tube with an open first end for receiving a venipuncture blood sample of at least 1 ml, formed with a closed end opposite the first end; and applying to a substantial portion of the receptacle a containment barrier. The improvements also pertain to resulting blood collection tubes, additives for blood collection tubes that permit reliable sedimentation test data after 8 hours from the blood draw, and methods of administering health care using the aforenoted tubes, additives or both.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a stable calibrator and/or control, kit and process for using in a glucose monitoring instrumentation. Principally, the instant invention teaches a glycolyzed red blood cell component, which has been treated with a glycolysis stabilizing effective amount of at least one non-crosslinking aldehyde compound. The glycolyzed red blood cell component may be added to fresh plasma along with an amount of glucose to form a simulated whole blood glucose control product, effective for maintaining a particular and essentially stable glucose concentration over a period of time sufficient for accurate measurement and calibration of a glucose measuring instrument.

Abstract: A diver surfacing signal that can be conveniently carried underwater in a launching tube that is strapped to a diver's tanks and released by the diver prior to surfacing in order to alert marine vehicles to the diver's presence. Prior to surfacing, the diver releases the surfacing signal from the launching tube by the depression of a button, and the surfacing signal remains linked to the diver by a flexible line. The flexible line functions to keep the surfacing signal in the vicinity of the diver, and can be used to retrieve the surfacing signal after the diver has come to the water surface and has moved to a safe location.