Abstract: Highly efficient and rapid filtration-based concentration devices, systems and methods are disclosed with sample fluidic lines and a filter packaged in a disposable tip which concentrates biological particles that are suspended in liquid from a dilute feed suspension. A sample concentrate or retentate suspension is retained while eliminating the separated fluid in a separate flow stream. The concentrate is then dispensed from the disposable tip in a set volume of elution fluid. Suspended biological particles include such materials as proteins/toxins, viruses, DNA, and/or bacteria in the size range of approximately 0.001 micron to 20 microns diameter. Concentration of these particles is advantageous for detection of target particles in a dilute suspension, because concentrating them into a small volume makes them easier to detect and identify. A single-use pipette tip includes fluid ports for aspirating the sample and connecting to a concentrating unit.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed which relate to using wet foam elution for removal of particles from swabs and wipes. This allow users to capture particles from surfaces and recover them by elution into small sample volumes for subsequent detection for human clinical, veterinary, food safety, pharmaceutical, outbreak investigations, forensics, biodefense and bioterrorism response, environmental monitoring, and other applications where collection of samples from surfaces and humans or animals is required. More specifically, the swabs or wipes are used to collect samples in the standard ways that commercially available swabs and wipes are in use today; from, for instance, food preparation surfaces in food plants, from production equipment in pharmaceutical facilities, for collection of dry powders during bioterrorism event response, and for collection of clinical samples such as nasal, throat, nasopharyngeal, and wounds.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed which relate to using wet foam elution for removal of particles from swabs and wipes. This allow users to capture particles from surfaces and recover them by elution into small sample volumes for subsequent detection for human clinical, veterinary, food safety, pharmaceutical, outbreak investigations, forensics, biodefense and bioterrorism response, environmental monitoring, and other applications where collection of samples from surfaces and humans or animals is required. More specifically, the swabs or wipes are used to collect samples in the standard ways that commercially available swabs and wipes are in use today; from, for instance, food preparation surfaces in food plants, from production equipment in pharmaceutical facilities, for collection of dry powders during bioterrorism event response, and for collection of clinical samples such as nasal, throat, nasopharyngeal, and wounds.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed which relate to using wet foam elution for removal of particles from swabs and wipes. This allow users to capture particles from surfaces and recover them by elution into small sample volumes for subsequent detection for human clinical, veterinary, food safety, pharmaceutical, outbreak investigations, forensics, biodefense and bioterrorism response, environmental monitoring, and other applications where collection of samples from surfaces and humans or animals is required. More specifically, the swabs or wipes are used to collect samples in the standard ways that commercially available swabs and wipes are in use today; from, for instance, food preparation surfaces in food plants, from production equipment in pharmaceutical facilities, for collection of dry powders during bioterrorism event response, and for collection of clinical samples such as nasal, throat, nasopharyngeal, and wounds.

Abstract: A reel-to-reel aerosol collection and storage system for capturing and storing a plurality of separate samples of aerosol particles using electrostatic precipitation technology for collecting such particles onto a tape mechanism for analysis at a future time. The particles are collected onto a region of the collection tape for a defined period of time and then that portion of the collection tape is advanced out of the collection zone and manipulated so as to form sealed pouches or pockets which can be either severed from the collection tape for individual storage in a temperature controlled storage container, or which can be stored on a take-up reel in a temperature controlled environment. The collected aerosol particles are stored with a buffer fluid to preserve and maintain the viability of the collected particles for future extraction and analysis. Several embodiments for forming sealed pouches or pockets and methods of storing the collected particles are disclosed.

Abstract: A reel-to-reel aerosol collection and storage system for capturing and storing a plurality of separate samples of aerosol particles using electrostatic precipitation technology for collecting such particles onto a tape mechanism for analysis at a future time. The particles are collected onto a region of the collection tape for a defined period of time and then that portion of the collection tape is advanced out of the collection zone and manipulated so as to form sealed pouches or pockets which can be either severed from the collection tape for individual storage in a temperature controlled storage container, or which can be stored on a take-up reel in a temperature controlled environment. The collected aerosol particles are stored with a buffer fluid to preserve and maintain the viability of the collected particles for future extraction and analysis. Several embodiments for forming sealed pouches or pockets and methods of storing the collected particles are disclosed.

Abstract: Dissolved components of a liquid sample are recovered for analysis by delivering the sample to a concentrator comprising a cylindrical receptacle into which an uncontaminated gas, such as air, is introduced in a direction tangentially of the cylindrical wall. The gas is under sufficient pressure to effect swirling of the gas and liquid sample and atomization of the sample to rapidly evaporate the same and cause a residue containing the dissolved components to be deposited on the interior surface of the wall. A reconstituting solvent is then admitted to the receptacle to dissolve the residue and provide a reconstituted, concentrated sample for analysis. If desired, the sample may be concentrated to a given volume rather than to complete dryness. In nonlaboratory applications, a dilute liquid substance may be processed by rapid evaporation to provide a final product of desired concentration.

Abstract: A tire for a wheelchair wheel or the like in the form of a composite extrusion comprising a relatively soft, elastomeric casing extruded over a semirigid core. End faces of a length of extruded stock are joined by thermal fusion developed by a ferromagnetic element inserted in the tire and exposed to high frequency electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A closure for a hole in a panel, such as a body panel in an automotive vehicle, is provided. The closure includes a plate with dimensions which are complementary to the hole. A gasket member is secured to the top of the plate. The plate includes means to secure the plate to the body panel. The gasket has dimensions which are somewhat larger than the hole, so that the gasket overlies the panel defining the hole, as well as the plate. The gasket has a first or bottom side low melt layer and a second or top side copolymer layer. The total thickness of the gasket ranges from about 0.0030 inch to about 0.0065 inch. Upon exposure to elevated temperatures during baking, the gasket melts over the plate and adheres to the panel to cause a seal between the plate and the panel.

Abstract: A closure for a panel hole which includes a heat activatable gasket that permanently expands into positive fluidtight sealing engagement with opposed marginal surfaces of the panel and a rigid closure plate.