Abstract: The present invention relates to a calibration system for an electronically monitored mechanical pipette. The calibration system is used to calibrate an electronic volume monitoring system which includes a transducer assembly and an electronics assembly which monitors a volume delivery adjustment mechanism of the pipette. The calibration system includes either a calibration mapping technique for determining the proper fluid volume delivery setting, or alternatively, an algorithmic technique. The calibration method further includes the ability to calibrate the pipette at a specific fluid volume delivery setting without modifying any parameters of the calibration software.

Abstract: A fluidic connector with a leak proof connection site that includes a first larger diameter portion, a second smaller diameter portion and a deformable buckling region that forms a part of both the first and second diameter portions where the two portions join. The first larger diameter portion forms a separate inner surface for receiving a plug to securely seal off the connection site from fluid communication therethrough while the second smaller diameter portion is adapted to receive and securely seal different sizes of male adapters used for attaching a lumen. The deformable buckling region forms a structural buffer between the first and second diameter portions in order to maintain the diameter of the first larger diameter portion when the second smaller diameter portion is stretched out by prolonged insertion of a nonconforming male adaptor. In addition, an adapter is provided which permits flexibility in use and provides a redundant fluid seal, without exhibiting creep.

Abstract: A gastrointestinal-type tube insertion or removal device includes a body portion, a finger grip portion secured to an end of the body portion, and arm lifts secured to an end of the body portion opposite the finger grip portion. One or more optional stabilizing lifts may likewise be secured to the insertion or removal device in close proximity to the arm lifts. Also methods of using the gastrointestinal-type tube insertion or removal device are described for inserting or removing a skin level gastrointestinal-type tube.

Abstract: A sanitary protective cover or sheath for the ear canal probe of a tympanic thermometer. The speculum has a generally tubular body portion and an infrared transparent membrane attached to and sealing the forward end of the body portion. While the tubular body portion is being injection molded of plastic material such a polypropylene or polyethylene, a film of a similar plastic material is mated to the forward end of the membrane and is thus severed from the film and one side thereof thermally bonded to the tubular body portion. At the same time a bonding ring of roughly the same diameter as the forward end of the tubular body portion is injection molded. The ring is thermally bonded to the opposite side of the film in alignment with the forward end of the tubular body portion.

Abstract: A modular memory array configuration uses a combinatorial decoding device (decoder), instead of straight buffering, to effect optimal delivery of control and address signals. Each port accessing memory on the array drives a single copy of address and control signals, plus bank select signals, over a shared interface to the decoder. Bank select controls the decoder which drives the address and control to only the accessed bank. Address and control signals to all banks but the accessed bank, are pulled up (inactive) with resistors on the memory array. For N banks, log2 N bank select bits are needed. The decoder device does not need to be clocked and therefore avoids problems associated with selecting between and providing asynchronous or redundant clocks for a multi-ported shared memory with ports independent of and asynchronous to one another.

Abstract: A roll stand for holding rolls of material such as paper rolls which allows the rolls to be mounted and material fed out. The roll stand includes a roll supporting bar which is raised and lowered by a mechanical system such as an air piston. The roll supporting bar is lowered to allow a roll of material to be mounted, and then raised to allow the roll to turn freely. The roll stand includes a roll retainer, including a bar which swings down against the end of the roll, to keep the roll properly positioned on the roll supporting bar. The roll retainer swings up out of the way while a roll of material is mounted or removed. A rotating mechanism maintains the roll retainer in whatever position it is moved to. The roll stand may also be configured to support a plurality of rolls, each roll lifted into place on its own roll supporting bar. The roll supporting bars are positioned to hold all the rolls with a minimum of floor space.