Abstract: A system for the remote live auditing of biological samples contained in a cold storage vessel (10). The vessel (10) comprises one or more canisters (100(1), 100(2)), each of which comprises a connector (102(1), 102(2)) and is configured to hold at least one container (50), each of which contains one or more biological samples and has associated therewith an RFID tag identifying the container (50) in question. The system further comprises a docking assembly (200) mounted on the vessel (10) and comprising a plurality of connectors (202), each of which is configured to engage with the connector (102(1), 102(2)) of one of said canisters (100(1), 100(2)), thereby providing an electrical connection between the docking assembly (200) and the canister (50) in question.

Abstract: A sample capture and transport unit comprises a housing defining a substrate chamber for containing a sample-capture substrate. The housing comprises at least a first part and a second part which are movable relative to one another ? i) from a first closed configuration in which the substrate chamber is inaccessible; ? ii) to a first open configuration in which access to the substrate chamber is enabled to allow capturing of a skin-print on a sample-capture substrate contained within the substrate chamber; and subsequently ? iii) into a second closed configuration in which the substrate chamber is again inaccessible. The unit further comprises a retaining mechanism for retaining it in the second closed configuration. The retaining mechanism is disablable to permit movement of the unit out of the second closed configuration. A sample can be obtained at a first location, secured for transport and analysed at a second location.

Abstract: A system for the remote live auditing of biological samples contained in a cold storage vessel (10). The vessel (10) comprises one or more canisters (100(1), 100(2)), each of which comprises a connector (102(1), 102(2)) and is configured to hold at least one container (50), each of which contains one or more biological samples and has associated therewith an RFID tag identifying the container (50) in question. The system further comprises a docking assembly (200) mounted on the vessel (10) and comprising a plurality of connectors (202), each of which is configured to engage with the connector (102(1), 102(2)) of one of said canisters (100(1), 100(2)), thereby providing an electrical connection between the docking assembly (200) and the canister (50) in question.

Abstract: A method of analyzing a skin-print provided on a first surface of an optically transparent substrate. The method comprises the steps of exposing the skin-print on the first surface of the optically transparent substrate to one or more reagents selected to bind with one or more metabolites present in the skin-print; transmitting electromagnetic radiation onto the skin-print through the optically transparent substrate using a radiation source to thereby produce an optical signal of said one or more reagents and/or said one or more metabolites; and detecting an optical image of the optical signal through the optically transparent substrate using a sensor. Also a skin-print analysis apparatus and a reagent cartridge for use in carrying out the method.

Abstract: A method of analysing a skin-print provided on a first surface of an optically transparent substrate. The method comprises the steps of exposing the skin-print on the first surface of the optically transparent substrate to one or more reagents selected to bind with one or more metabolites present in the skin-print; transmitting electromagnetic radiation onto the skin-print through the optically transparent substrate using a radiation source to thereby produce an optical signal of said one or more reagents and/or said one or more metabolites; and detecting an optical image of the optical signal through the optically transparent substrate using a sensor. Also a skin-print analysis apparatus and a reagent cartridge for use in carrying out the method.

Abstract: A sample capture and transport unit comprises a housing defming a substrate chamber for containing a sample-capture substrate. The housing comprises at least a first part and a second part which are movable relative to one another • i) from a first closed configuration in which the substrate chamber is inaccessible; • ii) to a first open configuration in which access to the substrate chamber is enabled to allow capturing of a skin-print on a sample-capture substrate contained within the substrate chamber; and subsequently • iii) into a second closed configuration in which the substrate chamber is again inaccessible. The unit further comprises a retaining mechanism for retaining it in the second closed configuration. The retaining mechanism is disablable to permit movement of the unit out of the second closed configuration. A sample can be obtained at a first location, secured for transport and analysed at a second location.

Abstract: An inductive power transfer system comprises a primary unit 10, having a primary coil 12 and an electrical drive unit 14 which applies electrical drive signals to the primary coil so as to generate an electromagnetic field. The system also comprises at least one secondary device 30, separable from the primary unit and having a secondary coil 32 which couples with the field when the secondary device is in proximity to the primary unit. A control unit 16 causes a circuit including said primary coil to operate, during a measurement period, in an undriven resonating condition. In this condition the application of the drive signals to the primary coil by the electrical drive unit is suspended so that energy stored in the circuit decays over the course of the period. A decay measurement unit 18 takes one or more measures of such energy decay during the measurement period.

Abstract: An inductive power transfer system comprises a primary unit (10), having a primary coil (12) and an electrical drive unit (14) which applies electrical drive signals to the primary coil so as to generate an electromagnetic field. The system also comprises at least one secondary device (30), separable from the primary unit and having a secondary coil (32) which couples with the field when the secondary device is in proximity to the primary unit. A control unit (16) causes a circuit including said primary coil to operate, during a measurement period, in an undriven resonating condition. In this condition the application of the drive signals to the primary coil by the electrical drive unit is suspended so that energy stored in the circuit decays over the course of the period. A decay measurement unit (18) takes one or more measures of such energy decay during the measurement period.