Abstract: A blood testing system includes a cartridge loadable into a blood analyzer. One cartridge includes a convex top portion with a blood entry port therein. A dispenser transfers blood in a stoppered test tube to the cartridge. One dispenser includes a contoured, stabilizing base configured to mate with the cartridge convex top portion. The dispenser may further include a hub supported by the base, a cannula extending upward from the hub, and a dispensing tip in fluid communication with the cannula depending downward from the hub and inserted into the blood entry port of the cartridge when the dispenser base is mated with the cartridge convex top portion.

Abstract: A fluid segment sampling device and method wherein a housing includes an input port configured to receive a segment tube, an output port configured for a receptacle, a passageway between the input port and the output port, and a side port leading into the passageway. A blade unit is insertable in the side port to cut a segment tube inserted into the input port.

Abstract: A fiber optic assembly includes first and second fiber optic ribbons and a splice protector. Each of the first and second fiber optic ribbons includes a plurality of optical fibers coupled in a substantially flat arrangement, where the optical fibers are aligned side-by-side with one another. The optical fibers of the first ribbon are fusion spliced with the optical fibers of the second ribbon such that the spliced ribbons at the splice have a common lengthwise axis, widthwise axis orthogonal to the lengthwise axis, and thickness axis orthogonal to the lengthwise and widthwise axes. The splice protector supports the optical fibers of the first and second fiber optic ribbons that are spliced to one another at the splice. The splice protector includes an ultra-violet light (UV-) curable adhesive that provides a flexible support for the splice, and is at least half as flexible when cured over the splice as the first and second ribbons in bending about the widthwise axis.

Abstract: A fiber optic assembly includes first and second fiber optic ribbons and a splice protector. Each of the first and second fiber optic ribbons includes a plurality of optical fibers coupled in a substantially flat arrangement, where the optical fibers are aligned side-by-side with one another. The optical fibers of the first ribbon are fusion spliced with the optical fibers of the second ribbon such that the spliced ribbons at the splice have a common lengthwise axis, widthwise axis orthogonal to the lengthwise axis, and thickness axis orthogonal to the lengthwise and widthwise axes. The splice protector supports the optical fibers of the first and second fiber optic ribbons that are spliced to one another at the splice. The splice protector includes an ultra-violet light (UV-) curable adhesive that provides a flexible support for the splice, and is at least half as flexible when cured over the splice as the first and second ribbons in bending about the widthwise axis.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a base with a stabilizing rim, a hub, and spokes attached to the rim. The spokes extend inwardly to the hub supporting it with respect to the rim. A cannula is supported by the hub.

Abstract: A sample vial cap typically including a top portion made of plastic material and including an aperture and a septum about the aperture. A wall depends downward from the top. A ferromagnetic substance is included in the plastic material of at least the top portion.

Abstract: A universal collection and transfer system which includes a collection container, a second container, and a transfer device mateable with both the collection container and the second container and including a hollow shaft which pierces the collection container to transfer a sample in the collection container into the second container.

Abstract: A universal collection and transfer system which includes a collection container, a second container, and a transfer device mateable with both the collection container and the second container and including a hollow shaft which pierces the collection container to transfer a sample in the collection container into the second container.

Abstract: The invention includes a system for producing a monolithic injection molded pipette including a mold having an elongate cavity enclosing a prolate core, both cavity and core having tapered ends, paired retractable locking pins for stabilizing the core, solonoid drives for extending and retracting the pins, a resin source for for injecting resin into the cavity, and a controller for retracting the pins as injected resin flows along the core to the space proximate the pins. The invention includes a method for making a pipette including enclosing an elongate, tapered core in a mold having a prolate, tapered cavity to accept the core, extending paired locking pins to stabilize the core, injecting resin into the cavity and sequentially retracting the locking pins as the resin flows in the cavity proximate the pins. The pipette according to this invention is an injection molded monolithic structure comprising an elongate tube and a tapered tip formed integrally with the tube.

Abstract: A cap for a flask includes a top portion; an inner collar extending downwardly from the top portion for insertion into the mouth of the flask; an outer collar spaced from the inner collar and extending downwardly from the top portion for covering the lip of the flask; detent means on the inner surface of the outer collar extending inwardly to positively engage the lip of the flask and sealingly engage the cap with the mouth of the flask; and a permeable section in the top portion within said inner collar for enabling exchange of gases in the flask.