Abstract: The present invention provides a cartridge for analyzing a fluid sample. The cartridge provides for the efficient separation of cells or viruses in the sample from the remaining sample fluid, lysis of the cells or viruses to release the analyte (e.g., nucleic acid) therefrom, and optionally chemical reaction and/or detection of the analyte. The cartridge is useful in a variety of diagnostic, life science research, environmental, or forensic applications for determining the presence or absence of one or more analytes in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for performing an amplification reaction of nucleic acids with internal controls that test the integrity of all aspects of the amplification reaction.

Abstract: A method for separating a desired analyte from a fluid sample comprises the steps of introducing the sample into a cartridge having a sample flow path and a lysing chamber in the sample flow path. The lysing chamber contains at least one filter for separating cells or viruses from the sample. The sample is forced to flow through the sample flow path, thereby capturing the cells or viruses with the filter as the sample flows through the chamber. The ratio of the volume of sample forced to flow through the chamber to the volume capacity of the chamber is preferably at least 2:1, and the volume of sample forced to flow through the chamber is preferably at least 100 microliters. The captured cells or viruses are disrupted to release the analyte therefrom, and the analyte is eluted from the chamber.

Abstract: A reaction vessel for holding a sample for a heat-exchanging chemical process has two opposing major faces and a plurality of contiguous minor faces joining the major faces to each other. The major and minor faces form an enclosed chamber having a triangular-shaped bottom portion. The ratio of the thermal conductance of the major faces to that of the minor faces is at least 2:1, and the minor faces forming the triangular-shaped bottom portion of the chamber are optically transmissive. The vessel also has a port for introducing a sample into the chamber and a cap for sealing the chamber.

Abstract: A spring loaded fishing lure (10) includes a fishhook assembly comprised of a plurality of fishhooks (A) having resilient legs (13a) converging in a single juncture at ends opposite respective barbed ends. The juncture together with adjacent portions (13b) of the resilient legs forms a spring (B) urging the barbed ends radially outwardly apart from each other. The fishhook assembly resides in an elongated bore (11) of a fishing lure body (C) and is held therein by a retainer (D), such that a wall (14) of the elongated bore holds the fishhooks in compressed relation. When a fish strikes, the fishhook assembly slides toward the retainer, permitting the barbed ends to spread apart radially outwardly within the mouth of the fish. Additionally, since the resilient legs (13a) move easily responsive to the open-and-shut motion of the fish's mouth, the fish cannot disengage it from the barbs. Accordingly, enhanced fish-catching characteristics are provided.

Abstract: A device for collecting biological material is disclosed. The device comprises a shaft with a loop-like collection structure at one end. The collection structure provides a non-cutting, scraping edge to allow collection of the material without cutting. In a preferred embodiment, the collection means retains the material by diverting it into the interior portion of the collection means. The biological material is released from the device by rotation of the shaft or by elution in an appropriate solvent.

Abstract: A diagnostic product and method are provided for rapid, sensitive and reproducible screening of penicillin resistance in bacteriological species such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Haemophilus influenzae. The diagnostic product and method of the present invention are utilized with aqueous solutions of iodine. The product includes four components; a porous support; a starch; a substrate such as penicillin and, a nucleophilic reagent. Preferred embodiments include a particular nucleophilic reagent which provides assay results in about 10 to about 30 seconds. The best mode contemplated for the diagnostic product is an embodiment in the form of a kit.

Abstract: A glass ceramic body having a microcrystalline interior and a relatively amorphous outer surface layer, the composition of said layer comprising ions of at least two alkali metals the ratio of the concentrations of which ions increases from said layer to said interior.