Abstract: The present invention provides a processing station for automatically processing a biological sample, a system for automated real-time inventory control of consumables within a biological sample handling or assay instrument, a high throughput random access automated instrument for processing biological samples, an automated instrument for processing or analysis of a sample, and processes for automated mucoid detection and elimination. Methods of using the disclosed instruments, mucoid detection processes, and systems to process and/or analyze samples are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a processing station for automatically processing a biological sample, a system for automated real-time inventory control of consumables within a biological sample handling or assay instrument, a high throughput random access automated instrument for processing biological samples, an automated instrument for processing or analysis of a sample, and processes for automated mucoid detection and elimination. Methods of using the disclosed instruments, mucoid detection processes, and systems to process and/or analyze samples are also disclosed.

Abstract: The methods and devices disclosed provides for the delivery of agents to an orifice cavity and subsequent aspiration of the agent and orifice contents from the orifice cavity and related areas. In one form, the delivery and aspiration system comprises an agent delivery sub-assembly, an aspiration sub-assembly and a device tip sub-assembly. The subassemblies operate to first deliver an agent contained within the device to an orifice cavity and after an optional time delay, subsequently aspirate the delivered agent and orifice contents from the orifice cavity and related areas. In another form, a removable reservoir is provided whereby the aspirated agent and orifice contents from the orifice are assayed either independent of or within the device itself.

Abstract: The methods and devices disclosed provides for the delivery of agents to an orifice cavity and subsequent aspiration of the agent and orifice contents from the orifice cavity and related areas. In one form, the delivery and aspiration system comprises an agent delivery sub-assembly, an aspiration sub-assembly and a device tip sub-assembly. The subassemblies operate to first deliver an agent contained within the device to an orifice cavity and after an optional time delay, subsequently aspirate the delivered agent and orifice contents from the orifice cavity and related areas. In another form, a removable reservoir is provided whereby the aspirated agent and orifice contents from the orifice are assayed either independent of or within the device itself.

Abstract: A system for achieving a controlled low emission rate of small volumes of liquid solutions for pest and insect management and other applications. The system has a sealed liquid solution reservoir having an outlet port, a self-powered fluid delivery micropump, and a collector for receiving a liquid solution from the sealed liquid solution reservoir. The liquid solution reservoir has a small volume capacity in the range of 1-100 mL. The micropump is a fluid transfer device capable of delivering 1-1000 microliters/hour of liquid solution. The collector has a low emission rate in the range of 0.1-2000 mg/day. The micropump and the sealed liquid solution reservoir may be contained in a single assembly. Also the entire structure of the system may be located in a single container that may be attached to a support structure.

Abstract: The thermal isolation apparatus for the protruding probe of a biomedical thermometer includes an insulative air gap and a heat sink disposed between the surface of the probe and the optical path through the probe. The heat sink surrounds the optical path, such as a waveguide, and acts to evenly distribute any heat along the entire length of the waveguide to avoid temperature variations. Additionally, the heat sink has sufficient mass for high heat capacity and may slow the progress of any heat from reaching or leaving the waveguide until after the measurement by the biomedical instrument has been completed. Disposed over the heat sink is a boot which forms the closed air space between the heat sink and the outer probe surface. The air gap combined with the heat sink provide relative thermal isolation of the optical path through the probe and provide relative thermal isolation of the target anatomy from the temperature of the probe.

Abstract: Apparatus and an associated method of operation are disclosed for removal of gaseous contaminants, particularly oxygen, from closed containers. The apparatus is economical, simple to install and operate, of convenient size, and highly effective. A gas extractor communicates with a container for a gas-sensitive product. A high gas concentration in the container causes operation of the extractor until the gas concentration is reduced to a desired low level, when the extractor operation stops. Separate sensors and controllers responsive to concentrations can be present, or the extractor can be self-actuated by use as a power source of a battery which operates on gas generated by operation of the extractor. The system preferably is used for oxygen extraction from containers holding oxygen-sensitive contents. The preferred extractor includes an electrochemical cell which has a ion-permeable membrane disposed between two electrodes.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell module has an outer shell of conductive material defining a cavity, an electrolytic membrane located in the cavity, first and second pervious electrodes located on opposite sides of the membrane, and a seal member located between the second electrode and the outer shell. Contacts for connecting a power source across the electrodes are provided on the second electrode and on the outer shell on the same side of the membrane as the second electrode, and the outer shell provides a current collector for the first electrode without requiring any external leads across the module.

Abstract: An infrared detector receives infrared energy from the target and provides a detector signal based primarily on the difference between the infrared detector temperature and the temperature of the reference temperature area of the detector. A contact temperature measurement device provides a reference signal which is a function of the temperature of the reference temperature area of the detector. A processor receives the detector and reference signals and combines the two signals in a non-linear manner to result in a signal which is representative of the temperature of the target. The method of non-linearly combining includes the use of gain and offset terms which may be altered to a limited extent by a technician in the field with a blackbody calibration source. As a result of the recalibration, accurate target temperature measurements are continually provided.

Abstract: A storage chamber large enough to store a predetermined number of probe covers is formed into a dispenser body. A spring biases the probe covers toward one end of the chamber at which is located a slide. The slide has an indentation used to retrieve a single probe cover from the chamber at a time when aligned with the chamber. Located in the indentation is an aperture tube for receiving a probe of the instrument to be covered. The probe is pressed into the probe cover and into the aperture thus causing the probe cover to stretch and cover the probe. A flange formed on the slide is pressed by a user to align the indentation of the slide with the chamber. The slide is spring loaded so that releasing the flange will result in the slide moving such that the identation is located outside the chamber and the retrieved probe cover can be applied to the instrument. A door in the dispenser is raised to allow access to the chamber for the insertion of a stack of probe covers.

Abstract: The protective apparatus for a biomedical thermometer having a protruding probe containing a waveguide includes mounting a transparent window at the patient end of the waveguide to seal the waveguide from contamination while permitting infrared energy to pass. A protective sleeve protects and mounts the transparent window to the waveguide and material is provided along the entire probe-length of the waveguide to protect it. An outer boot is mounted over the transparent window and waveguide protection material to provide further protection and to supply a mounting and retaining surface for a protective probe cover. A disposable protective probe cover having a generally thin, flat, frame member with an aperture therethrough, is sized to fit over and be retained over the base of the probe by a friction interference fit.