Abstract: A test sample card is provided with a locking feature for achieving a positive, locking engagement with a transfer tube that conducts fluid into the interior of the test sample card. The locking feature consists of a tubular channel inwardly disposed from the fluid intake port that has an inner annular rim defining a restriction. The annular rim is of a reduced diameter relative to the diameter of the transfer tube. A recessed region is positioned inwardly from the restriction that has an opening in one of the surfaces of the card body. When the transfer tube is inserted into the tubular channel, the first end is forced past the restriction into the recessed region, with the annular rim compressing the transfer tube. The user is able to sense with their hands when the first end is inserted past the restriction. Visual observation of the first end of the transfer tube through the opening in the card surface confirms that the transfer tube has been properly inserted into the test sample card.

Abstract: A technique for joining an elongated wound element and a mating connector of a body implantable lead assembly comprises the steps of causing an end portion of the wound element to abut against a first end of a transition component having similar mass and heat transmission characteristics. The wound element is a coil of wire and the transition component is a ring member, both of which have similar inner and outer diameters. Further, the wire has a nominal diameter and the ring member has a similar transverse dimension. A laser beam is targeted generally at the location at which the end portion of the wound element abuts against the first end of the transition component such that the energy delivered thereto is substantially balanced between the wound element and the transition element, thereby thermally fusing the wound element and the transition component. The wound element and the transition component may be fabricated of the same alloy or of dissimilar alloys.

Abstract: A joint between a fluid connector body and a plastic tube is formed at least in part by spin welding, wherein the portion of the connector which is configured to receive the tube defines inner and outer surfaces which engage the inner and outer surfaces of the mating tube to create redundant circumferentially continuous seals between the fluid passageway and the outside environment. The use of multi-layer co-extruded plastic tubing having intermediate or bonding layers is particularly advantageous inasmuch as separate inner and outer seals are established between the connector housing and the inner and outer tubing layers, respectively, to ensure that neither system fluids nor foreign contaminants are exposed to the intermediate tube layers, thereby preventing capillary adsorption or delamination.