Abstract: A coupling device configured to form a sample access assembly is provided. The sample access assembly is configured to house a sample. The coupling device includes a heating component and a separating component. Further, the separating component is configured to separate portions of first and second containers that form first and second compartments of the sample access assembly. Moreover, the heating component is configured to heat at least a portion of the sample.

Abstract: A method for separating and collecting cell-free plasma by finger stick that minimizes contamination with genomic DNA from a donor. The method comprising placing a tourniquet on one of the digits of the donor's finger to apply pressure, lancing the digit to create an incision in the digit, and collecting blood from the incision from the incision site. The collected blood is placed on a separation membrane wherein the separation membrane is in contact with a collection membrane and both the separation and collection membrane are inserted into a substrate configured to provide overlap between the membranes. A kit and instructions for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: A substrate for positioning a separation membrane and a collection membrane for separating and collecting plasma is disclosed. The substrate includes an inner flexure disposed proximate to a first peripheral portion of the substrate and an outer flexure disposed surrounding at least a portion of the inner flexure. The inner flexure is formed from a plurality of first slots in the substrate and the outer flexure is formed from a plurality of second slots in the substrate.

Abstract: A device and method for assisting a user to articulate a limb. The device has an upper section, a lower section, and at least one joint between the upper and lower section. The device comprises an exoskeleton with a first cuff coupled to the lower section of the user's limb, a second cuff coupled to the upper section of the user's limb and a third cuff coupled to a portion of the user's body above the upper section of the limb. At least one cable is attached to the first cuff and at least one cable is attached to the second cuff. A series of drivers located remotely from the exoskeleton are attached to cables and are connected to a processor. The processor transmits signals to the drivers to vary the lengths of the cables to guide articulation of the user's limb.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure comprise a vision-based robotic manipulation system that identifies, singulates, and removes an individual surgical instrument from a cluttered environment. A computer-vision algorithm incorporated with the system is robust against optical challenges such as changing light conditions, specularities, and inter-reflections among various surgical instruments. The system estimates 2D pose (as opposed to a more challenging 3D pose) using a camera with normal room lighting to identify each object, including its specified data matrix barcode; and incorporates the use of a robotic arm with a compliant electromagnetic gripper to handle objects having large shape variance. The system can then relocate the objects as desired. The robot manipulator is utilized in hospital and research settings, manufacturing, and sterile environments.

Abstract: A sample storage and extraction device is provided. The sample storage and extraction device includes a substrate frame and a substrate cover. The substrate frame includes a substrate region configured to receive a sample substrate. The sample storage and extraction device further includes a compression assembly configured to provide an isolation zone in a portion of the sample substrate. Moreover, the sample storage and extraction device includes a fluidic channel configured to flow elution fluid to the isolation zone.

Abstract: A device and method for assisting a user to articulate a limb. The device has an upper section, a lower section, and at least one joint between the upper and lower section. The device comprises an exoskeleton with a first cuff coupled to the lower section of the user's limb, a second cuff coupled to the upper section of the user's limb and a third cuff coupled to a portion of the user's body above the upper section of the limb. At least one cable is attached to the first cuff and at least one cable is attached to the second cuff. A series of drivers located remotely from the exoskeleton are attached to cables and are connected to a processor. The processor transmits signals to the drivers to vary the lengths of the cables to guide articulation of the user's limb.

Abstract: A geocoding method including receiving input location information (212) for a particular location, decomposing (210) and purifying (220) the input information before decomposing (230) the information, and generating (240) multiple candidate locations based on components of the decomposed information, and then normalizing the candidate locations before comparing the candidate locations with information in a location information database.

Abstract: A geocoding method including receiving input location information (212) for a particular location, decomposing (210) and purifying (220) the input information before decomposing (230) the information, and generating (240) multiple candidate locations based on components of the decomposed information, and then normalizing the candidate locations before comparing the candidate locations with information in a location information database.