Abstract: A method for introducing standard gas into a sample vessel is generally disclosed comprising providing a vessel containing a sample gas and a receptacle with a vessel port, such as sampling needle, pressurizing the vessel with a carrier gas, and introducing a volume of standard gas into the flow path of the carrier gas being used to pressurize the vessel when the vessel port of the receptacle is located within the vessel. In some embodiments, a rotary valve is loaded with the standard gas, and the valve is brought into fluid communication with the flow path of the carrier gas when the vessel port is within the vessel.

Abstract: A robotic arm arrangement including an arm having control cables extending from the base of the arm, and coupling members for coupling the cables to actuators for linear actuation of the cables. The coupling members extend radially outwardly around the arm to enable quick release and replacement of the arm.

Abstract: A system for promoting physical activity of a participant includes a plurality of stations. The stations are discrete from one another and each includes a display surface, a station processor, and an input sensor, the input sensor generating sensor signals indicative of interaction of the participant with the station. The station processor generates feedback signals based upon the sensor signals, at least some of the feedback signals being visual signals. Each of the stations also includes a display device displaying visual feedback to the participant, the visual feedback being based upon the visual signals, and being displayed on the display surface. The system also includes a central processor in communication with the station processors, the central processor controlling the stations and coordinating operation of the stations with one another such that the participant interacts with the system using multiple of the stations.

Abstract: A surgical drill guide for guiding a drill bit and limiting the depth of holes drilled by is disclosed. In some embodiments the surgical drill guide includes the following: a body including a drill bit entry side and a tissue contact side opposite the drill bit entry side, the drill bit entry side having first and second surfaces that are offset from one another, the tissue contact side including a tissue contact surface that is defined by one or more tissue contact points; drill bit guide holes extending from the drill bit entry side of the first and second surfaces to the tissue contact side of the body; and implant storage holes defined in one of the plurality of sides of the body for storing shape memory implants during shipment of the system, the implant storage holes being spaced a distance commensurate to dimensions of the shape memory implant.

Abstract: A system for ultrasonic sample preparation includes a sample container having a wall defining an outer surface and an inner volume for containing a sample material, a converter which converts AC electricity to mechanical vibrations in the ultrasonic range, and an ultrasonic probe in contact with the outer surface of the sample container. The ultrasonic probe is in communication with the converter and transmits the mechanical vibrations in the ultrasonic range to the wall of the sample container and thereby to the inner volume, thereby mixing the sample material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for preparing tissue discs, in particular cartilaginous discs. A device for preparing tissue discs that is of simple structure and ensures safe handling includes, in addition to a clamping device for securing a tissue block by clamping, at least one cutting device for treating the tissue block held in the clamping device.