Abstract: An animal interaction device with a base, a housing, and a feeding mechanism having a rotatable platform mounted on the top surface of the base to rotate about an axis of rotation. There is a low profile drive cavity between the platform and the base and a food tray disposed on a top surface of the platform. A drive mechanism is located within the drive cavity and includes a drive mechanism with a curved rack gear engaged with the rotatable platform. There is a horizontally disposed worm drive mounted in communication with the curved rack gear to enable rotation of the rotatable platform about the axis of rotation. As the platform is rotated, the food tray moves from a first position where the tray is concealed under the housing to a second position outside of the housing, thereby allowing access to the food tray by an animal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a respiratory secretion sample collection device that includes a collection reservoir for directly receiving a sample of a respiratory secretion, a displacement member for insertion into the collection reservoir and displacing the sample within the collection reservoir, a container of a diluent for fluid communication with the sample for mixing the diluent with the sample, and an outlet for discharging the mixture of the diluent and the sample to an assay device. In embodiments, the precise volumes of the sample and the diluent are effectively mixed to enable the conduct of assays for which the relative concentration of diluent and sample is critical.

Abstract: A device for sequentially dispensing individual objects includes a housing having a first housing portion which is conically-shaped. The first housing portion has a first end proximate a supply of objects and a second end proximate a location where the objects are to be dispensed. There is a spiral race, disposed on an interior surface of the first housing portion and extending from the first end to the second end of the first housing portion, along which the objects to be dispensed travel.

Abstract: A device for sequentially dispensing individual objects includes a housing having a first housing portion which is conically-shaped. The first housing portion has a first end proximate a supply of objects and a second end proximate a location where the objects are to be dispensed. There is a spiral race, disposed on an interior surface of the first housing portion and extending from the first end to the second end of the first housing portion, along which the objects to be dispensed travel.

Abstract: A device for sequentially dispensing individual objects includes a housing having a first housing portion which is conically-shaped. The first housing portion has a first end proximate a supply of objects and a second end proximate a location where the objects are to be dispensed. There is a spiral race, disposed on an interior surface of the first housing portion and extending from the first end to the second end of the first housing portion, along which the objects to be dispensed travel.

Abstract: An animal interaction device with a base, a housing, and a feeding mechanism having a rotatable platform mounted on the top surface of the base to rotate about an axis of rotation. There is a low profile drive cavity between the platform and the base and a food tray disposed on a top surface of the platform. A drive mechanism is located within the drive cavity and includes a drive mechanism with a curved rack gear engaged with the rotatable platform. There is a horizontally disposed worm drive mounted in communication with the curved rack gear to enable rotation of the rotatable platform about the axis of rotation. As the platform is rotated, the food tray moves from a first position where the tray is concealed under the housing to a second position outside of the housing, thereby allowing access to the food tray by an animal.

Abstract: A device for sequentially dispensing individual objects includes a housing having a first housing portion which is conically-shaped. The first housing portion has a first end proximate a supply of objects and a second end proximate a location where the objects are to be dispensed. There is a spiral race, disposed on an interior surface of the first housing portion and extending from the first end to the second end of the first housing portion, along which the objects to be dispensed travel.

Abstract: An animal interaction device with a base, a housing, and a feeding mechanism having a rotatable platform mounted on the top surface of the base to rotate about an axis of rotation. There is a low profile drive cavity between the platform and the base and a food tray disposed on a top surface of the platform. A drive mechanism is located within the drive cavity and includes a drive mechanism with a curved rack gear engaged with the rotatable platform. There is a horizontally disposed worm drive mounted in communication with the curved rack gear to enable rotation of the rotatable platform about the axis of rotation. As the platform is rotated, the food tray moves from a first position where the tray is concealed under the housing to a second position outside of the housing, thereby allowing access to the food tray by an animal.