Abstract: The present invention provides an electrically-conductive resin composition for a porous fuel cell bipolar plate capable of forming a porous fuel cell bipolar plate having superior absorption of water produced (resulting in the reduction in a gas permeability) as well as limited elution of impurities (a high rate of electricity generating efficiency). An electrically-conductive resin composition for a porous fuel cell bipolar plate comprising an electrically-conductive material and a resin is provided, and the resin is a resin such as, a powdered resol-type phenolic resin having flow properties of from 5 to 100 mm at 125° C.

Abstract: An anisotropic conductive film (ACF) composition includes a thermoplastic resin having a weight average molecular weight of about 150,000 to about 600,000, a thermosetting curing agent having a weight average molecular weight of about 100 to about 10,000, the thermosetting curing agent including an acrylate functional group or a methacrylate functional group, an organic peroxide, a silane coupling agent, and conductive particles.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrically conducting paste comprising a silver powder, a glass frit, a resin binder and a sintering inhibitor. The paste is used in the manufacture of solar cell electrodes by applying the electrically conducting paste to a substrate and then firing of the coated substrate.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a high-energy, low-voltage ignition plug comprising a ceramic material between its electrodes: there is mixed, in a container containing a liquid, from 50 to 75% of a compound which is intended to form a conductive phase and from 25 to 50% of one or more materials which allow the formation of phases of yttrium garnet after thermal processing; operations are carried out for pulverizing, drying and sieving the admixture; the admixture is pressed or injected into a mould; sintering is carried out so as to obtain a ceramic material having porosity of between 0 and 30%; the ceramic material is used in order to constitute the material located between the electrodes of a high-energy, low-voltage ignition plug. Ignition plug manufactured in that manner.

Abstract: Disclosed is an epoxy resin composition which is solid at ordinary room temperature, cures with excellent light resistance and heat resistance and minimal shrinkage, and is useful for encapsulating LEDs. The epoxy resin composition is characterized by comprising as an essential component an epoxy resin having an epoxy equivalent of 300-1000 g/eq and a softening point of 65-110° C. obtained by reacting a nonaromatic polycarboxylic acid (A) having an acid value of 100-250 mgKOH/g with a nonaromatic epoxy resin (B) having an epoxy equivalent of 100-400 g/eq. The nonaromatic polycarboxylic acid (A) may be obtained by reacting 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxycyclohexyl)propane, or 3,9-bis(1,1-dimethyl-2-hydroxyethyl)-2,4,8,10-tetraoxaspiro[5,5]undecane with methylhexahydrophthalic acid or hexahydrophthalic acid.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a light duct includes making the light duct as a single piece by injection molding a thermoplastic material in a mold (1) presenting a cavity of shape identical to that of the duct, the injection taking place through a feed orifice disposed on one side of said cavity over a face that is substantially parallel to the plane defined by axes (A-A?, B-B?), the feed orifice presenting a height h lying in the range 0.2 Hmax and Hmax, and a length l lying in the range 0.2 Lmoy and 0.8 Lmoy, the thermoplastic material being injected at a rate lying in the range 400 mm3/s to 1500 mm3/s.

Abstract: A method for producing an optical recording medium, includes: filling a plurality of spaces with a liquid photosensitive material, wherein each of the plurality of spaces is surrounded by a surface of a sheet material and partition walls that are formed on the surface of the sheet material for separating a plurality of recording areas, and the surface of the sheet material has recessed parts at positions where the plurality of recording areas is to be formed, each of the recessed parts protruding and deformed to a back surface side of the sheet material so as to have a volume in relation to a volumetric shrinkage factor of the photosensitive material; and pressing a member having a substantially flat surface to a back surface of the sheet material to make the recessed parts substantially flat and heating and hardening the photosensitive material to form the plurality of recording areas.

Abstract: A method of molding a ceramic vessel includes compressing a water-soluble powder, suspending the compressed powder shape in a mold, injecting a ceramic molding mixture into the mold, and dissolving the compressed powder by flushing the vessel with water. A core for making an arc discharge vessel that has a discharge chamber and two capillaries includes a molded core of the water-soluble powder having a shape of the discharge chamber, and preferably two capillary-forming pins extending from the molded core. An apparatus for removing the molded core that includes a water reservoir that preferably flushes water through the vessel and dissolves molded core.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a snow shelter are disclosed. A slip form allows snow or ice crystals to be compacted in situ in large continuous blocks. Each block is built upon the previous as the slip form is rotated incrementally around a generally horizontal axis (175). The slip form is a convex shape. The convex shape, or profile, is tailored to the size and shape of the shelter desired. The resulting shape of the snow shelter is a surface of revolution of the profile of the slip form around a horizontal axis. Variations of the shelter's shape are explained herein. Various embodiments are described herein. Some of the advantages of the embodiments include: faster and more efficient construction, simple operation, and tailored size and shape of the finished shelter.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for production of a three-dimensional structured surface with haptically and/or optically detectable microstructures, in which the microstructures are fixed as a dataset, with the steps: a) preparation of at least a virtual or real elastic film; b) determination of the elongations and compressions produced in the elastic film in the shaping process of the structured surface; c) modification of the datasets so that the elongations and compressions are at least partially compensated; d) checking of an elastic film structured with the modified dataset for distortions in the microstructures; e) if necessary, repetition of steps b) to d), until a final dataset is obtained; and f) structuring of the elastic film, so that at least a structure-supporting surface is produced on the film.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented for quality control of a process to produce concrete goods products. The quality control is effected on the basis of measurements that are carried out on the concrete goods products in an intermediate step of the process after shaping and compacting in the fresh concrete phase. Measurement values are determined on a test fresh concrete product from the intermediate step of the process, which measurement values comprise a measure of the bulk density and the gas permeability of the test fresh concrete product. Subsequently, an estimated value for a quality measure of the hardened concrete product is determined on the basis of a predetermined predictive model. The predictive model relates the measurement values of fresh concrete products from the intermediate step of the process to the quality measure of the corresponding hardened concrete products.

Abstract: A hearing device including a foam, a foam insertable portion, a component, and a foam handle portion, and a method of forming the same. The component is nestable with and bondable with the foam such that the component is at least partially within the foam insertable portion and the foam handle portion. The hearing protective device includes earplugs attached to a flexible cord, under-the-chin element, or headband. A method of making a hearing protective device including disposing a component into a mold, introducing a foam or foamable mixture into the mold, causing the foam to rise such that the component is nested within and bonded with the foam.

Abstract: Membranes as well as a methods of treating membranes are disclosed. The method of treating a membrane includes contacting the membrane with a first solvent, contacting the membrane with an inert solvent, and contacting the membrane with an amine reactive compound. The first solvent includes a solvent having a Hansen solubility parameter in a range from about 10.0 to about 18. The membrane includes a polymer having an amine group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an engineered stone composite produced from a mineral aggregate, a synthetic resin and a binder using compression and vibration to obtain a high strength mineral composite with a high mineral content and a method for its preparation.

Abstract: A coating composition is based on a polyester mixed with an alkyl-etherified melamine formaldehyde. The coating composition is partially cured in a first stage to provide a thermoformable partially cured, tack-free, non-blocking, coating layer, followed by application to generally a contoured substrate and thermoforming to conform thereto. The contoured partially cured coating layer is then heat cured to form a cured coating. A hydroxyl-terminated polyoxetane containing repeat units derived from oxetane monomers having one or two pendent —CH2—O—(CH2)n—Rf groups, wherein Rf is partially or fully fluorinated, can be esterified with polyester-forming reactants to form a fluorinated polyoxetane-modified polyester.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of manufacturing golf balls composed of a core and one or more cover layer which encloses the core, at least one cover layer being a thin layer having a thickness of 1.0 mm or less. The thin layer is formed to a desired thickness on a surface of a core or spherical body by holding within a mold cavity the core or a spherical body composed of the core enclosed by a cover layer and injecting a synthetic resin material into a space defined by a surface of the core or spherical body and an inner face of the mold cavity so as to form a cover layer on the surface of the core or spherical body, then grinding the resulting cover layer to a thickness of at least 0.1 mm with a specific type of grinder. Golf balls obtained in this way can be provided with a good sphericity even when the cover is formed to a very small thickness.

Abstract: A primary dope is obtained by mixing a solvent and a polymer, and an additive is added to the primary dope, and thus a second dope for a main layer, a first dope for a contact layer and a third dope for an exposure layer are prepared. Only in the second dope is contained at least one of retardation controller, UV absorbing agent and deterioration inhibitor. The first-third dopes are cast from a casting die onto a casting belt to form a casting film of a three layer structure having the base, contact and exposure layers. Since the volatile compound is contained in the main layer, a precipitation of the volatile compounds on a surface of a produced film is prevented.

Abstract: A method for making a printing blanket having an outer lithographic layer and at the back, on the side opposite to the lithographic layer, a layer made of polymer material, entails providing polymer material that can be rectified, and then rectifying the polymer material to help control a thickness of the blanket. The invention is useful in the field of printing machines.

Abstract: A method of forming a fastener is provided, including (a) forming, from a thermoformable material, a preform product having a sheet-form base and an array of preform stems integrally molded with and extending from the base to corresponding terminal ends; (b) heating the terminal ends of the stems to a predetermined softening temperature, while maintaining the sheet-form base and a lower portion of each stem at a temperature lower than the softening temperature; and (c) contacting the terminal ends with a contact surface that is at a predetermined forming temperature, lower than the softening temperature, to deform the terminal ends to form heads therefrom that overhang the sheet-form base. Fasteners and other methods of forming them are also provided.

Abstract: A tubular tissue scaffold is described which comprises a tube having a wall, wherein the wall includes biopolymer fibrils that are aligned in a helical pattern around the longitudinal axis of the tube where the pitch of the helical pattern changes with the radial position in the tube wall. The scaffold is capable of directing the morphological pattern of attached and growing cells to form a helical pattern around the tube walls. Additionally, an apparatus for producing such a tubular tissue scaffold is disclosed, the apparatus comprising a biopolymer gel dispersion feed pump that is operably connected to a tube-forming device having an exit port, where the tube-forming device is capable of producing a tube from the gel dispersion while providing an angular shear force across the wall of the tube, and a liquid bath located to receive the tubular tissue scaffold from the tube-forming device. A method for producing the tubular tissue scaffolds is also disclosed.

Abstract: Medical device polymeric tubing segments suitable for forming catheter shafts or as balloon parisons are formed with discrete regions having different orientation relative to each other. Wall thickness may also be varied of the length of the segment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cold-water soluble starch and a process for preparing same. Generally, the process comprises providing a hydroxyalkyl starch and applying a shearing force to the starch in an extruder in the presence of moisture, the force and the moisture each being sufficient to gelatinize at least substantially all of the granules of the starch to thereby form a sheared starch. The starch is heated to its gelatinization temperature after the starch has passed partially through the barrel of the extruder, with the moisture being maintained at a level sufficiently high to allow gelatinization but sufficiency low to protect the starch from becoming too sticky to extrude. The extruded starch product thus formed may be used in connection with a number of film-forming, coating, and other applications.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a spinning nozzle, a fiber drawing device and a water spray device. The spinning nozzle has spinnerets and a spinning solution is filled therein. The spinning solution includes a solvent and a fiber material. The solvent includes N-Methylmorpholine N-Oxide, and the fiber material includes cellulose. The fiber drawing device is disposed under the spinning nozzle and has a gas flow generating device therein for generating a gas flow which is ejected from the top of the fiber drawing device and toward the bottom thereof. The fiber drawing device also has a slit on the top thereof, and the spinning solution from the spinning nozzle would enter the fiber drawing device through the slit. The water spray device is disposed at the slit of the fiber drawing device, and the spinning solution would pass through the water spray device before entering the fiber drawing device.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an optical film comprising the steps of: 1) casting a dope (a solution), prepared by dissolving thermoplastic resin film raw materials in a solvent, from a casting die onto an at least 1.8 m wide belt support, and 2) drying a cast web (a cast film) peeled from the belt support, wherein the belt support has a thickness (Te) at both right and left end portions, of 5-20% less than a thickness (T) of the remaining portion including the transverse center portion of the belt support, provided that the Te indicates a thickness at both right and left end portions, each having a width (We) of 2-25% of a total width (W) of the belt support when viewed from both right and left side edges thereof.

Abstract: A manufactured building system has a pair of pre-stressed multi-stemmed concrete floors. The pre-stressed multi-stemmed concrete floors are adapted to contact each other on one parallel side edge to form peripheral edges and a central joining edge. A part of a building is coupled to a pre-stressed multi-stemmed concrete floor. Also described is a Method of Transporting the pre-stressed multi-stemmed concrete floors with the partial building coupled there to, to a site. Also described is a Method of Manufacturing a pre-stressed multi-stemmed concrete floor.

Abstract: A method to produce a product includes the steps of: providing a mold including an upper mold (40) and a lower mold (30), the upper mold defining a plurality of through holes (43); providing a metal piece (10), a hot melt adhesive, and a nonmetal cover layer (50) between the upper and lower molds, the hot melt adhesive arranged between the hot melt adhesive and the cover layer; closing the mold; heating the mold to melt the hot melt adhesive; conducting high-pressure gas into the mold via the through holes to press the cover layer toward the metal piece; opening the mold to pick up an intermediary product having the metal piece and the cover layer attached thereto by means of the adhesive; and applying a sealing layer (60) which joins corresponding free edges of the metal piece and the cover layer to the intermediary product through injection molding technology.

Abstract: A fiber structure for forming the reinforcement of a part to be made is placed in a mold (22) having at least one wall formed by a flexible membrane, and then a resin composition is injected into the mold, the composition having a volatile material content of less than 25% by weight and being at a temperature of a value such that its viscosity lies in the range 0.1 Pa·s to 0.3 Pa·s. The resin is polymerized in the mold placed in an enclosure (20) with temperature being raised progressively and with polymerization including at least a final stage of polymerization under pressure in order to obtain a composite material part presenting residual porosity of less than 11% by volume.

Abstract: Production device and method for producing fiber-reinforced plastic components comprising a semi-finished prepreg product and a dry semi-finished textile product with an aeration and deaeration chamber and an exhaust line opening into the same for producing a vacuum and a semi-finished textile product chamber to receive a dry semi-finished textile product. Into the semi-finished textile product chamber an injection line for inserting resin opens, whereby a prepreg chamber for receiving a semi-finished prepreg product is provided. The prepreg chamber is located against the aeration and deaeration chamber in an air-permeable manner and the semi-finished textile product chamber is located against it at least in areas in an air-impermeable and resin-permeable manner. Due to the air-permeable membranes, a vacuum in the aeration and deaeration chamber generates a vacuum both in the prepreg chamber and in the semi-finished textile product chamber.

Abstract: A method includes providing a shape memory polymer in a permanent shape, where the permanent shape is at least part of a predetermined part shape, converting the shape memory polymer from the permanent shape into a temporary shape, where the temporary shape is more open than the permanent shape. The method further includes spraying a material onto at least one surface of the shape memory polymer in its temporary shape and reverting the shape memory polymer, having the material on the at least one surface, back to the permanent shape.

Abstract: A molded body treating apparatus includes a support, at least one flat plate and a first movement mechanism. The support is configured to support a honeycomb molded body which has a first end portion and a second end portion in a longitudinal direction of the honeycomb molded body and which includes a plurality of cells each extending along the longitudinal direction from a first end at the first end portion to a second end at the second end portion. Either the first end or the second end of each of the plurality of cells is sealed with a plug material paste. The first movement mechanism is configured to move the at least one flat plate along the longitudinal direction to press the either one of the first and second end portions.

Abstract: A process for continuous consolidation of at least one fold (22, 24), whereby the process includes unwinding a unit that consists of the at least one fold (22, 24) that is placed between two strips (26, 28) continuously along at least one curved path, the at least one fold (22, 24) being placed between guiding elements and a strip (26) to the right of the curved path to heat the at least one fold (22, 24) at least at the curved path and to exert tension on the strip (26) so that the latter compresses the at least one fold (22, 24) at least at the curved path, characterized in that it includes using strips (26, 28) whose width is greater than that of the at least one fold (22, 24) so as to be in contact on both sides of the at least one fold (22, 24).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a layer on a region of a substrate, the method including, inter alia, positioning a liquid on the substrate; and contacting the liquid with the mold, defining a gap between the mold and the substrate, with the gap enabling positioning of the liquid by capillary forces to generate the layer over the region.

Abstract: The invention proposes a device (10) for transferring items (3) from an items (3) loading station (13) to an items (3) unloading station (14), which comprises: a group (18) of modules (19a-d) mounted such that they can move in a longitudinally direction, able to adopt a contracted configuration in which the modules (19a-d) are separated by a first spacing (pl), and a deployed configuration in which the modules (19a-d) are separated by a second spacing (F), means (34) of linking one module (19a) to another (19b), comprising a lever (38) mounted such that it is articulated on a first module (19b) and connected to a second module (19a), this lever (3) furthermore cooperating with a groove (46) having an intermediate section (46c) forming an angle with the direction of movement of the group (18) of modules (19a-d), and means (35, 36) of controlling the movement of the group (18). Application to the transfer of blanks from a heating station to a station for molding receptacles from blanks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating the creation of holes in a blow molded container is disclosed generally comprising first and second mold portions mounted adjacent each other along a seam and a mechanism for creating holes at the seam. In some embodiments, first and second punches are used to create one hole underneath the container's handle. In some embodiments, a third mold portion is used to create a rose surface and create a plurality of holes therein.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite molded member, which includes the steps of: setting the main body inside an injection mold; closing the injection mold to fix the main body inside the injection mold; and forming the cushion members on the edges of the main body through heat and pressure of the injected elastic polymer material. The elastic polymer material is injected from an injection gate into one of the first and second edges at the back surface side of the main body of the molding cavities to flow the elastic polymer material into one of the molding cavities. The elastic polymer material flows into the other of the molding cavities through the connecting flow path, and fills the molding cavities with the elastic polymer material.

Abstract: A lacrosse head with improved weight and handling characteristics includes a frame element having a base portion, a scoop portion, and a pair of opposing sidewall portions extending between the base portion and the scoop portion. The frame element includes one or more cavities integrally formed within one or more of the sidewall portions, the base portion, and the scoop portion. In addition, the lacrosse head includes a no-skid surface integrated with a portion of the frame element. This surface is intended to create friction between the no-skid surface and a lacrosse ball, as well as to absorb kinetic energy of the lacrosse ball preventing the ball from inadvertently bouncing out of the lacrosse head or rattling therein.

Abstract: In a method of forming a chalcogenide compound target, a first powder including germanium carbide or germanium is prepared, and a second powder including antimony carbide or antimony is prepared. A third powder including tellurium carbide or tellurium is prepared. A powder mixture is formed by mixing the first to the third powders. After a shaped is formed body by molding the powder mixture. The chalcogenide compound target is obtained by sintering the powder mixture. The chalcogenide compound target may include a chalcogenide compound that contains carbon and metal, or carbon, metal and nitrogen considering contents of carbon, metal and nitrogen, so that a phase-change material layer formed using the chalcogenide compound target may stable phase transition, enhanced crystallized temperature and increased resistance. A phase-change memory device including the phase-change material layer may have reduced set resistance and driving current while improving durability and sensing margin.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of manufacturing a ceramic honeycomb structure, which is capable of controlling a length of slurry pressed into each cell of the honeycomb structure when predetermined cells are plugged at an end surface of the honeycomb structure. A film 4 is attached to an end surface of the honeycomb structure 1. Holes 3a, 3b through the film 4 are made at a position corresponding to openings of predetermined cells 2a, 2b. The end surface is immersed into slurry 6 stored in a container 5 and the end surface is pressed so that the slurry 6 is pressed into the openings of the predetermined cells 2a, 2b. When the holes are made, two or more types of holes 3a, 3b having different diameters are made.

Abstract: A plasma arc reactor and process for producing a powder from a solid feed material, for example aluminium, is provided. The reactor comprises: (a) a first electrode (5), (b) a second electrode (10) which is adapted to be spaced apart from the first electrode by a distance sufficient to achieve a plasma arc therebetween, (c) means for introducing a plasma gas into the space between the first and second electrodes, (d) means for generating a plasma arc in the space between the first and second electrodes, wherein the first electrode has a channel (7) running therethrough, an outlet of the channel exiting into the space between the first and second electrodes, and wherein means are provided for feeding solid material (20) through the channel to exit therefrom via the outlet into the space between the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A furnace filtration system for improving the speed and efficiency of a molten metal centrifugal impeller pump contained within a non-ferrous molten metal furnace. The system includes a filtration well located upstream of the pump well. The filtration well includes a filter having a plurality of through filter passages that are sized to prevent any solid contaminants that are larger than the pump's impeller openings from passing therethrough. By preventing any contaminants that cannot pass through the pump, the pump can be run at a higher speed. A furnaces efficiency increases with the centrifugal pump's efficiency increases with its centrifugal pump's speed along with the flow and pressure.

Abstract: An article made of a metallic material having its constituent elements is made by furnishing at least one nonmetallic precursor compound, wherein all of the nonmetallic precursor compounds collectively include the constituent elements of the metallic material in their respective constituent-element proportions. The precursor compounds are chemically reduced to produce particles comprising the metallic material, without melting the precursor compounds and without melting the metallic material. The particles may be consolidated into a rod, which may be used as a welding rod in a welding operation. Alternatively, the nonmetallic precursor compounds may be consolidated prior to the chemical reduction.

Abstract: A high strength steel pipe for an airbag system has a steel composition comprising C: 0.05-0.20%, Si: 0.1-1.0%, P: at most 0.025%, S: at most 0.010%, Cr: 0.05-1.0%, Al: at most 0.10%, at least one of Ti and Mn satisfying (1) Ti?0.02% and (2) 0.4%?Mn+40Ti?1.2%, and a remainder of Fe. The composition may further include one or more of (i) at least one of Mo: 0.05-0.50%, Ni: 0.05-1.5%, V: 0.01-0.2%, and B: 0.0003-0.005%, (ii) at least one of Cu: 0.05-0.5% and Nb: 0.003-0.1%, and (iii) at least one of Ca: 0.0003-0.01%, Mg: 0.0003-0.01%, and REM: 0.0003-0.01%. The steel pipe can be manufactured by forming a pipe from the above-described steel composition to obtain prescribed dimensions, heating to at least the Ac1 transformation point and quenching, and then tempering at the Ac1 transformation point or below.

Abstract: A process for operating a packaging transport system in which objects packed in packaging which is bacteria-impermeable but gas-permeable are sterilized, whereafter the packaging, possibly after removal of some packaging parts, is sterilized again on its outer side in a sterilization chamber which acts as a transfer lock, and then guided into a sterile clean room. The objects involved may, in particular, be syringes having injecting needles, which are filled and sealed in a filling device located in the clean room. Sterilization in the sterilization chamber is accomplished by abruptly applying a vapor mix consisting of water steam and hydrogen peroxide vapor as a condensate layer on the outer side of the transport containers, and immediately removing the condensate layer and the uncondensed vapor mix from the sterilization chamber before any significant amount of hydrogen peroxide is deposited inside the transport containers.

Abstract: A system and method for extracting active elemental iodine from the contact of water with stored crystal iodine and for introducing the extracted elemental iodine into a water supply line and/or otherwise making the extracted elemental iodine available for an intended use. The system operates by allowing a portion of the water entering from a water supply line to be redirected to a first housing where it makes contact with stored crystal iodine causing to extract active elemental iodine. The iodinized water leaves the first housing and enters a second housing where it makes contact additional stored crystal iodine to help stabilize the elemental iodine concentration. The system can be designed to provide the elemental iodine in more than one potency concentration through the use of a metering valve and different travel routes for the elemental iodine out of the second housing.

Abstract: The invention provides disintegratable film compositions for diagnostic test devices. The films are prepared with a combination of components that yield films of sufficient film strength and desired disintegration profiles. A disintegratable film according to the present invention contains a water soluble high molecular weight component, a water soluble low molecular weight component, and one or more reagents for use in a diagnostic device. Optionally, the films further contain a starch component, a glucose component, a plasticizer and/or a humectant, and/or a filler. The invention further provides a diagnostic testing device, which includes a film according to an embodiment of the invention, and methods of using such devices.

Abstract: A test strip having a small sample-receiving chamber on the order of less than 1 microliter. The inventive test strip includes a reagent layer that extends across the width of the test strip and also extends to the sample-receiving end, such that the edges of the reagent layer are aligned with the side and dose receiving edges of the test strip. The hydrophilic reagent extending to the dosing edge of the strip promotes wicking of the sample into the test strip. The end and side edges of the reagent layer are preferably formed as part of a cutting process that forms individual test strips from a larger web, which results in a smooth and thin reagent layer with a uniform thickness, substantially covering the entire floor of the sample-receiving chamber. The inventive mass production process helps improve the reproducibility of the quantity, location, thickness and other properties of the reagent layer, which in turn improves the accuracy of the test result.

Abstract: A system comprising a moisture containing cleansing article and a visual pH indicator changing color at a pH above 4.0. The system can comprise a buffer, having preferably a pKa above 5.5. The system can comprise a set of instructions for evaluating moisture containing cleansing articles. The pH buffer of the system can have a pKa value equal to or greater than the pH of the color change of the visual pH indicator. The pH of color change of the visual pH indicator can be equal to or greater than the pH of the lotion. The system can be used to evaluate the pH of moisture containing cleansing article lotions and to quantify the ability to neutralize alkalinity such as the alkalinity provided by residues of feces and urine over time on the skin of a baby.

Abstract: In an automatic analyzer, when a sample is newly added, all sample barcodes on a sample disk are read. Immediately before dispensing it, second time reading is performed, and the result thereof is checked against that of the first time reading. A sample hand-contact preventing plate is provided above the reading position and dispensing position in order to prevent the sample from being exchanged after the second time reading. This hand-contact preventing plate has a damage-preventing configuration to protect a hand and fingers of an operator against a sampling probe.

Abstract: Analyzers are described that includes a first conveyance device for transporting a container accommodating analyte; a first analyzer body for analyzing analyte accommodated in a container transported by the first conveyance device; a first transmission device for transmitting a first information through a first path from the first conveyance device to a predetermined computer; a second transmission device for transmitting a second information through a second path from the first analyzer body to the predetermined computer without passing through the first conveyance device; and setting device for setting whether or not to transmit the first information to the predetermined computer. Analyzing systems are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system using a large area flat panel imager which is specifically adapted for rare cell detection methods. The system generally includes an imager having a sample receiving surface which can provide a digital or electronic image of a sample deposited on the surface. The system also includes a selectively positionable microscope and/or camera which are used to obtain high resolution images of the deposited samples. An electronic controller can also be used in conjunction with the imager, microscope, and/or camera to selectively position at least one of those components to focus on desired regions of the deposited sample. The noted system is particularly adapted for use with chemiluminescence or other tagging technologies.