Abstract: A specimen transfer device adapted to receive a blood sample is disclosed. The specimen transfer device includes a housing and an actuation member. A deformable material is disposed within the housing and is deformable from an initial position in which the material is adapted to hold the sample to a deformed position in which at least a portion of the sample is released from the material. A viscoelastic member is disposed within the housing between the material and the housing and between the material and the actuation member. The viscoelastic member is engaged with the actuation member and the material such that movement of the actuation member from a first position to a second position deforms the material from the initial position to the deformed position.

Abstract: A dispensing and/or dosing system for use with an inverted liquid container such as a bottle or the like for dispensing and/or dosing liquid from the bottle. The system includes an improved valve which replaces the throat plug assembly of Applicant's earlier patents. The system is entirely recyclable and is durable in use.

Abstract: Embodiments provide systems, apparatus, and methods for an improved load port that includes a frame supporting a dock and a carrier opener; an elevator operable to raise and lower the carrier opener; an isolation compartment within which the elevator is operable to move, the isolation compartment including a volume isolated from a volume of an equipment front end module (EFEM); and a purge supply within the isolation compartment operable to purge the isolation compartment of reactive gas trapped within the isolation compartment. Numerous additional aspects are disclosed.

Abstract: A pumping system, method and device for pumping from and to any two or more vessels in a multiple vessel process where all permutations of the source and destination vessels are possible, but only specific combinations are required as part of the regular, repeat, controlled process system.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, methods and kits for culturing and applying fresh microbial inoculants in the field. The system, methods and kits are easy to use, reliable, sealed to prevent contamination, and can be stored on location, for use on demand by those unskilled in the microbiological arts. Particular embodiments described herein may be used to increase agricultural crop yields.

Abstract: A device for preparing radioactive solutions, in particular radiopharmaceutical solutions, including: a movable support block with at least two cells capable of accommodating a vial; and a shielded covering, including a side wall surrounding the periphery of the support block and an upper wall covering the upper face of the support block, an opening being provided in the upper wall of the covering. A means for driving the support block is configured to selectively displace the support block into positions, referred to as working positions, in which a given cell is aligned with the opening to allow access to the cell from the outside of the covering. The support block is configured such that it can be further brought to a position, referred to as closing position, in which the opening is sealed by a shielded element carried by the support block.

Abstract: Containers of the same or different size are filled with a non-viscous fluid at discrete stations, each container being filled independently of each other container. Multiple containers of the same or different size are positioned at multiple discrete stations, each container being at a different station. A non-viscous fluid is flowed into a container to a desired level. The level is sensed with a level sensor and the fluid flow stopped at the desired level. The fluid flow is reversed to prevent fluid dripping when a filled bottle is removed.

Abstract: In general, intelligent fuel dispensers are provided. In at least some implementations, an intelligent fuel dispenser can determine customer identities and/or other characteristics and provide customized fueling sessions based on the determined customer identities and/or other characteristics. In at least some implementations, the fuel dispenser includes a touchless interface allowing customers to complete fueling sessions with minimal physical contact with the fuel dispenser.

Abstract: A display device is disclosed, which includes: a substrate having a first edge, wherein the first edge is parallel to a first direction, and the substrate has a display region and a border region adjacent to the display region; a first insulating layer disposed on the substrate; a first electrode layer disposed on the first insulating layer; and a second insulting layer disposed on the first electrode layer, wherein the second insulating layer comprises plural protrusions, the protrusions are disposed in the border region, and the protrusions are arranged along the first direction.

Abstract: A device, method, and system for precision measurement, dispensing, and mixing of ingredients. The device includes an ingredient container and a base unit. The ingredient container includes a dispensing mechanism selectively driven to dispense the ingredients from a lower aperture thereof. The base unit includes at least one drive motor, a mixing mechanism, and a dispensing aperture extending through the base unit and configured to allow the quantity of ingredients dispensed from the ingredient container to pass through the base unit to a removable mixing bowl. The base unit may selectively operate in a dispensing mode that drives the dispensing mechanism and in a mixing mode that drives the mixing mechanism to rotate a mixing component removably coupled to the base unit and configured to extend into the removable mixing bowl for mixing the quantity of the ingredients dispensed from the ingredient container into the removable mixing bowl.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clothing processing apparatus comprising: a drum which provides a space for storing clothing therein; a driving part which rotates the drum; a storage part, which is fixed on at least one surface of the front surface of the drum and the rear surface of the drum and provides a space for storing liquid therein; a plurality of balancers which are fixed on the circumferential surface of the drum and provide a space for storing liquid therein; a plurality of flow paths which connect the storage part and each of the balancers; and a plurality of valves which open and close each of the flow paths.

Abstract: A delaminatable container having excellent restorability of the outer shell shape, transparency, and heat resistance is provided. According to an exemplary aspect, a delaminatable container is provided that includes an outer layer and an inner layer, the inner layer delaminating from the outer layer and being shrunk with a decrease in contents, wherein the outer layer includes a propylene copolymer layer containing a random copolymer of propylene and another monomer.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an algae cultivation system includes a photobioreactor adapted for immersion in growth media contained within the growth media reactor, the photobioreactor including a closed container including multiple panels that together define an interior space in which algae can be cultivated, at least one of the panels being transparent, a porous membrane filter incorporated into one of the panels that enables water, carbon dioxide, and nutrients contained within the growth media to pass into the interior space but prevents contaminants contained within the growth media from passing into the interior space, and a gas control valve incorporated into one of the panels that when open enables photosynthetic gas produced by algae growth within the container to escape but when closed prevents the photosynthetic gas from escaping so as to build pressure within the container that forces water out from the container and dewaters the algae.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid injection system for a vehicle, including: at least one or more consoles adapted to check a leakage on a vehicle moved along a production line and to supply liquids to the vehicle; and a circulation rail having a working section disposed in parallel with the production line and a pit section in which the consoles are repaired and the liquids are refilled to the consoles, so as to allow the consoles to be circulated along the working section and the pit section thereof. accordingly, the liquid injection system can circulate the consoles using the track type circulation rail, thereby minimizing the time loss generated in liquid injection processes to improve the productivity of the vehicle.

Abstract: Bulk material storage units that can be placed on flatbeds that can be hauled in various manners, including rail cars or trucks, to the destination and removed from the flatbed for temporary storage at the destination, freeing the transportation mode, e.g., rail cars or trucks, to be used elsewhere. Embodiments of the bulk material storage unit of the present invention replace rail hopper cars or truck trailers to hold the bulk material during transportation as well as provide temporary storage at the desired location, e.g., the origin or destination, without tying up transportation resources.

Abstract: A nail polish creator is provided. The nail polish creator may include a processor that can receive a selection of the nail polish color from a device communicatively linked with the nail polish creator, such as via a wireless communication. Once the selection is received, the processor may determine an amount of one or more nail polish colors that are needed to create a nail polish corresponding to the selection. The nail polish creator may further include an assembly that may receive a nail polish bottle so that the nail polish bottle is in a position to receive the nail polish that is created based on the amount of the nail polish colors needed to create the nail polish. Moreover, the nail polish creator may include a mixer assembly for mixing the nail polish in the nail polish bottle.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a manufacturing cell is provided. The system includes an articulated arm having a plurality of arm segments, each of the arm segments having a transducer. An end effector is coupled to an end of the articulated arm. An electronic circuit is configured in operation to determine a position and orientation of the end effector. A sensor measures in operation a position of an operator. A tool is removably coupled to the end effector. A three-dimensional (3D) scanner is configured in operation to determine three-dimensional coordinates of a surface of an object, the 3D scanner being removably coupled to the end effector. A controller determines when the operator is within a predetermined distance of the articulated arm and altering a speed or a movement of the articulated arm to avoid contact or reduce the impact of contact between the operator and the articulated arm.

Abstract: A delivery system comprising a covering having at least two compartments is provided. A first compartment contains a first therapeutic agent and the second compartment can be unfilled and is configured to receive a second therapeutic agent. The first compartment and the second compartment are separated by at least one removable separation member, for example a drawstring, that can be pulled to allow the first and second therapeutic agents to mix prior to delivery at a selected surgical site. Either the first or second compartment of the covering define an opening further comprising a pre-attached sealing member, which can be a flap sealable by heat, sutures, pressing or interference fittings. The opening of the empty compartment can be configured to receive a filling member, such as a funnel fitted with a spring loaded clip for temporary attachment to the covering. A method of treating a bone defect in a patient utilizing the delivery system is also provided.

Abstract: An agricultural system is disclosed comprising one or more radar sensors configured to acquire radar data representative of crop rows in an agricultural field. The system also comprises a controller configured to determine crop-property-data based on the radar data. The crop property data is representative of one or more properties of crop rows that are in a field.

Abstract: Methods and systems for filling a muffler body with a fibrous material prior to completing assembly of the muffler body are disclosed. The muffler body is composed of two half shells and the fibrous material is injected between the shells by a filling nozzle.

Abstract: An exemplary pharmaceutical compounding system and device for mixing materials from at least two distinct material sources can include a transfer set and junction structure that has a junction body, a first inlet port located at a first portion of the junction body, a second inlet port located at a second portion of the junction body, and an outlet port located at a third portion of the junction body. The junction structure can be configured to mix fluid received from both the first inlet port and second inlet port and to deliver the fluid to the outlet port. The junction structure can also include attachment structure located on the junction body and configured to attach the junction structure to the housing of the compounding device at a location downstream of a pump system.

Abstract: A reaction method includes a reaction step of reacting two or more substances with each other by using a pipette tip, attached to a pipette nozzle, for sucking or discharging a liquid to supply a liquid to a reaction field and remove the liquid from the reaction field a plurality of times. The reaction method further includes: a first process of, prior to the reaction step, detecting an end height of the pipette tip and setting a reference height of the pipette nozzle on the basis of the end height of the pipette tip; and a second process of correcting, in a course of the reaction step, the height of the pipette nozzle from the reference height so as to cancel out variation in the end height of the pipette tip due to a change in the temperature of the pipette tip.

Abstract: A sterilization system includes a sterilization chamber, a processor, and a sterilization module. The sterilization module includes a frame assembly, an extraction assembly, and a carriage assembly. The extraction assembly is configured to extract a sterilant fluid from a cartridge and transfer the sterilant fluid to the sterilization chamber. The carriage assembly includes a motor, a carriage body, and a translating flag. The carriage body is configured to receive the cartridge. The translating flag is configured to move from a first position to a second position relative to the carriage body in response to the carriage body receiving the cartridge. The sensor is configured to detect movement of the translating flag from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A central tire inflation system that is operably coupled to a vehicle wherein the system is operable to monitor and control the tire air pressure of the vehicle. The central tire inflation system includes a wheel assembly that includes a housing having an annular central portion with opposing arm members extending outward therefrom. The annular central portion includes an interior volume having a valve and a bearing/cap assembly. A controller is further provided wherein the controller includes a central processing unit. A valve is disposed within the controller and is operably coupled to three ports wherein a first port provides a fluid connection to the wheel assembly. The central tire inflation system further includes a control panel having a graphical display operable to provide a user interface for operation of the central tire inflation system. A plurality of operational modes are provide for selection by a user.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a working machine and a working machine monitoring system using the same which is capable of improving the accuracy in determining fuel property. The working machine is provided with an engine operation parameter acquisition module (1041) that acquires an engine operation parameter representing the operation state of an engine mounted on the working machine; a refueling time acquisition module (1011) that acquires a refueling time when the working machine is supplied with fuel; and a fuel property determination module (1014) that determines the property of the fuel based on a comparison result of the time when the engine operation parameter changes, with the refueling time.

Abstract: Parallel modules for in-line recharging of sorbent materials using alternate duty cycles for a sorbent cartridge. The sorbent cartridge can have two or more modules contained therein having connectors connecting each of the modules. One or more of the modules can be reusable and the sorbent materials therein can be recharged.

Abstract: Typical dispensers of liquids such as for beer often induce froth into the liquid as it is dispensed. This is not always desirable especially if too much froth is produced leading to waste. A liquid dispensing device (10) comprising a plurality of tubes (30) each tube having a diameter less than 2 mm is described to address the issue of over-frothing.

Abstract: A rapid inflation system is provided for the tires of a machine such as an agricultural machine which must periodically move between field conditions and road conditions. The system can relatively rapidly inflate the tires from a lower field ready state to a higher pressure road ready state by the use of a high pressure reservoir chamber defined within the tire.

Abstract: The invention concerns a laboratory product transport element for a laboratory transport system with an energy receiver and/or energy accumulator to provide drive power, at least one signal receiver to receive control signals, a control unit to generate drive signals as a function of at least one control signal obtained from the at least one signal receiver, movement devices for independent movement of the laboratory product transport element on a transfer path as a function of the drive signals of the control unit, in which the drive devices are driven by the drive power and at least one holder to hold a laboratory product being transported. The invention also concerns a laboratory transport system with at least one laboratory product transport element according to an embodiment of the invention and a transfer path arrangement. The invention also concerns methods for operation of laboratory transport systems according to an embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, the liquid crystal material processing device includes a syringe containing contents composed of a liquid crystal material and the like, having a distal end portion constituting a first discharge pipe, an agitation mechanism agitating the contents of the syringe, a vacuum chamber having a second discharge pipe penetrating the bottom to connect to the first discharge pipe of the syringe. The agitation mechanism agitates the liquid crystal material and the pure water in the syringe, and purifies the liquid crystal material by causing water-soluble impurities to transfer to the pure water. The agitation mechanism agitates the liquid crystal material remaining in the syringe after the water layer has been discharged. The evacuation mechanism evacuates the vacuum chamber and causes the liquid crystal material to be degassed while the remaining liquid crystal material is agitated.

Abstract: A system for monitoring tire pressure of at least one vehicle tire of a utility vehicle includes a pressure sensor for detecting an internal tire pressure of the at least one vehicle tire and an electrically controllable tire inflation system for varying the internal tire pressure. The system also includes a monitoring unit disposed in communication with the pressure sensor and the tire inflation system. The monitoring unit identifies a defect-induced loss of pressure in the at least one vehicle tire based on the detected internal tire pressure, determines a temporal progression of the detected defect-induced loss of pressure, calculates a volume flow necessary for continuous compensation of the pressure loss based on the temporal progression, and controls the volume flow into the at least one vehicle tire via the tire inflation system.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a sample processing apparatus includes an image capture unit which captures an image of a sample container, and a sorting unit which performs a sorting process for the sample container based on a type of the sample container detected from the image.

Abstract: A processor for controlling operation of a central tire inflation system (CTIS) to change a tire pressure of a tire of a vehicle is configured to control the CTIS to inflate or deflate the tire to a predetermined tire pressure which is above a target tire pressure for the tire. The processor then controls the CTIS to deflate the tire until the target tire pressure is reached. In this manner, a second tire inflation operation to achieve the target tire pressure in the tire can be avoided.

Abstract: The dynamic adjustment of ratios of beverages to be mixed and dispensed in creating mixed or blended beverages is provided. A selection of beverages may be received from a user interface menu displayed by a computing device. A representation of a mixed beverage comprising the beverage selections may then be displayed according to pre-assigned default ratios. An input may then be received to adjust an assigned ratio associated with one or more of the beverage selections. The computing device may then adjust an assigned ratio associated with the one or more beverage selections in response to receiving the input. The computing device may then automatically adjust assigned ratios associated with other beverage selections in the representation of the mixed beverage. The computing device may then display a representation of the mixed beverage with the adjusted ratios in the user interface.

Abstract: A and device method for handling containers, in particular cardboard boxes, for groups of objects, in particular packages, in which the objects are inserted one after another into the container and are deposited there in an ordered formation, and in which the containers are held ready in each case by a handling device, in particular a cardboard box robot, for the insertion of the objects, and in each case several containers are held ready at the same time by the handling device so that they can be filled with objects.

Abstract: A filling adapter for a container to be filled with media, in particular for the filling of containers on assembly lines for the production of motor vehicles where the filling adapter is equipped with a hose pack, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic lines. The filling adapter has a barrel and a ball piece and is operatively connected to two media lines in a hose pack, wherein the media are redistributed in the adapter head, in which a filling valve and a vacuum valve are arranged, which are each connected to the barrel, and wherein an aeration line branches off from a vacuum line in the hose pack by means of a check valve and is connected to the ball piece.

Abstract: A dry-powder inhaler comprising a housing comprising at least one air inlet to a first air passage and a second air passage extending from the first air passage and terminating in a mouthpiece; the housing thereby providing a continuous air passage through the at least one air inlet, the first and second air passages, and the mouth piece; a rigid, fixed, powdered-medicament reservoir comprising a base, the reservoir being associated with the first air passage, and together with the first air passage forming a powder chamber; wherein air passing through the powder chamber travels substantially parallel to an upper surface of the reservoir and powdered-medicament positioned on the base in the reservoir, the upper surface of the reservoir having a surface area, and the reservoir having a volume.

Abstract: A capillary system for a fluid indicator includes a fluid restrictor, and a capillary tube. The fluid restrictor has a small aperture formed therethrough. The capillary tube is adapted to receive a fluid. The fluid restrictor is sealingly affixed into at least one end of the capillary tube so that the small aperture communicates between the inside of the capillary tube and the outside of the capillary tube. The capillary tube is optionally treated so that an inner surface is oilophobic and hydrophobic. The system better controls the interface or meniscus 14 between the fluids contained in the capillary tube, preventing mixing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for deflating an air-pressurized tire used on heavy machinery or mining equipment. The apparatus can include a venturi tube having a feed tube with one end terminated in the constricted throat of the venturi tube and the other end operatively connected to an exit port of a valve extraction tool connected to a valve stem disposed on the tire's rim. A stream of air can be passed through the throat of the venturi tube to create a region of pressure lower than atmospheric pressure. When the extraction tool removes the valve core of the valve stem, pressurized air in the tire can flow to the low-pressure region in the venturi tube thereby resulting in decreased time to deflate the tire.

Abstract: A coffee dispensing apparatus includes a base and an at least one nozzle. Further, base and nozzle are arranged such that the dispensed coffee flows via inner upstanding wall of a standard sized coffee container.

Abstract: A self-contained popcorn popper has an open side provided with an air-flow curtain extending at least partially across the open side and directed inwardly. Effluent from popping flows upwardly into a “U”-shaped vent, through an effluent filter and flows into said air flow curtains to reduce particulate-bearing effluent emitted from the popper cabinet. Heated air is recirculated in a lower warming bin to maintain heat in popped corn dumped from a popping kettle and that air is recirculated in the bin, also to reduce emission of particulars into the environment surrounding the popper.

Abstract: A dispensing mechanism for an appliance includes an operable paddle having a lower portion and an upper portion pivotally attached to a dispenser wall between outward and inward positions. An actuator has a switch positioned proximate a pivot defined by a first end of an actuator lever. A second end of the actuator lever is positioned proximate the lower portion of the operable paddle, wherein operation of the operable paddle to the inward position engages the lower portion of the operable paddle with the bottom portion of the actuator lever and operates the actuator lever from an idle state to a use state. Movement of the bottom portion of the actuator lever operates the switch from a deactivated state to an activated state, wherein the activated state of the switch activates the at least one of the ice dispenser and the water dispenser.

Abstract: An automated system for identifying in a biological sample microorganisms and their antimicrobial susceptibility (AST). The system provided an automated platform for preparing, from a single biological sample, inoculates for both ID and AST. The system loads a plate for ID testing as samples are being prepared for AST testing. The system tracks the sample and the inoculates from the samples to link the test results to the sample and the patients from whom the sample was obtained.

Abstract: Embodiments provide systems, apparatus, and methods for an improved load port that includes a frame supporting a dock and a carrier opener; an elevator operable to raise and lower the carrier opener; an isolation compartment within which the elevator is operable to move, the isolation compartment including a volume isolated from a volume of an equipment front end module (EFEM); and a purge supply within the isolation compartment operable to purge the isolation compartment of reactive gas trapped within the isolation compartment. Numerous additional aspects are disclosed.

Abstract: A device for producing branched structures is provided which includes an enclosed cell enclosed by two sheets with a port in at least one of the sheets and an injection device connected to the port. The enclosed cell may also include a boundary joining the two sheets. A method is also provided for producing branched structures, wherein fluids of differing viscosities are injected into an enclosed cell and the fluid of lower viscosity branches into the fluid of higher viscosity. The branching of the fluid can be modified using contoured or textured surfaces of the enclosed cell, injecting or evacuating the fluids during branch formation, or impressing a stencil or stamp over a surface of the enclosed cell.

Abstract: A method of performing a measurement of an analyte in a sample using an automatic analyzer is provided. The automatic analyzer comprises: a cartridge for dispensing a fluid, a measurement unit for performing the measurement, a sample holder for receiving the sample, and a pump for pumping the fluid out of the cartridge and into the sample holder. The cartridge comprises: a rigid portion, a flexible bladder, and an outlet. The rigid portion comprises an opening, which is connected to an inner cavity. The flexible bladder seals the opening to form a fluid chamber from the inner cavity. The fluid chamber is at least partially filled with the fluid. The pump is connected to the outlet. The method comprises: placing the sample into the sample holder, controlling the pumping of the fluid from the cartridge into the sample holder, and performing the measurement of the analyte using the measurement unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dosator which comprises a tapered elongate cavity; a stationary plunger disposed within the cavity; a removable mesh screen disposed between the stationary plunger and the bottom of the dosator; a dosator chamber defined between the mesh screen and the bottom of the dosator for receiving powder from a powder source and holding the powder until it is expelled into the capsule; at least one vacuum pump operably linked to the dosator and capable of drawing dry powder into the dosator chamber from a powder source, compacting the powder into a slug of powder having a predetermined bulk density; and at least one source of positive pressure operably linked to the dosator and capable of providing positive pressure to expel the powder slug from the dosator and methods of filling capsules.

Abstract: A closed path vial fill system includes a bulk product vial, a peristaltic pump operated by a stepper motor, a dispensing manifold assembly to which may be coupled at least one final product vial, an optional quality check station, and an optional waste collection system. A concentration, activity, and volume (CAV) sensor may be incorporated into the system to receive a radiopharmaceutical product directly from a synthesizing unit. A control system may be integrated into the system to provide automated control of various aspects of the radiopharmaceutical dispensing process. The system is used to aseptically dispense finished radiopharmaceuticals into receiving vessels, such as a Quality Control vial, a sterility vial, and/or final product vials, while providing users an efficient means for removing and discarding contaminated disposable components.

Abstract: A single disposable cartridge for performing a process on a particle, such as particle sorting, encapsulates all fluid contact surfaces in the cartridge for use with microfluidic particle processing technology. The cartridge interfaces with an operating system for effecting particle processing. The encapsulation of the fluid contact surfaces insures, improves or promotes operator isolation and/or product isolation. The cartridge may employ any suitable technique for processing particles.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an organic light-emitting display device includes: preparing a substrate including pixel electrodes; forming a pixel defining layer on the substrate, the pixel defining layer exposing a central portion of each of the pixel electrodes and covering an edge portion of each of the pixel electrodes; forming partitioning walls in correspondence with at least a portion of an upper surface of the pixel defining layer, the partitioning walls including a first resin; removing a solvent in the partitioning walls by baking the partitioning walls; forming a first mask layer filling a space between the partitioning walls and exposing a first pixel electrode among the pixel electrodes, the first mask layer including a second resin; and forming a first intermediate layer on the first pixel electrode.