Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of cell sedimentation and retention of target cells, for example circulating tumour cells, CTC, from a fluid sample onto a solid support. The method comprises placing a fluid medium comprising the target cells in a fluid chamber, the fluid chamber having an open end sealed against a surface of the solid support. The method further comprises subjecting the fluid medium to centrifugation within the fluid chamber to induce sedimentation of the target cells and promote cell adhesion to the surface of the solid support. The method further comprises, post-centrifugation, positioning a fluid absorbing element in the fluid chamber to remove fluid from the fluid chamber. The method further comprises controlling a flow rate of the fluid being absorbed by the fluid absorbing element such that the sedimented cells are not detached from the surface of the solid support.

Abstract: A mechanical joint for transferring rotational motion between shafts at an angle and related assemblies. The assemblies can include both fixed and adjustable-angle joint housings for providing high torques in hard to reach areas. Other assemblies include improvements in inboard marine drives that correct the prop angle to generally align with the direction of travel of the boat and outboard marine drives with improved drive trains.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cell harvesting method for the efficient sedimentation and retention of cells from liquid samples onto a solid support with low cell losses and low impact on cell morphology.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cell harvesting method and device for the efficient sedimentation and retention of cells from liquid samples onto a solid support with low cell losses and low impact on cell morphology. The device has two configurations, one being for use in a centrifuge to centrifuge the sample, a second for controlled release of the liquid post centrifugation. The device includes a base to hold a solid support that receives cells on a top surface thereof that releasably holds a fluid chamber which has a first opening with a gasket surrounding the opening with that bears against a top surface of the support. An opening receives the liquid sample and the gasket defines an area into which the targeted cells deposit. A first cap closes the second opening during centrifugation.

Abstract: A locking buckle assembly for coupling and decoupling a web strap includes a strap plate and a base part. The base part includes a front plate and a rear cover. A locking mechanism including a release button and a locking peg is positioned between the front plate and the rear cover. The release button and the locking peg are biased by a spring through respective openings in the front plate. A lock plate is provided on a surface of the front plate. Respective longitudinal axes of the lock plate and the front plate are angularly offset from each other. The strap plate includes an opening sized to receive the lock plate and couples to the base part when the lock plate captures the strap plate and the longitudinal axes of the strap plate and the base part are aligned. In that orientation, the locking peg couples to the strap plate and the strap plate and the base part are only decoupled by pressing of the release button in opposition to the urging of the spring.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cell harvesting method and device for the efficient sedimentation and retention of cells from liquid samples onto a solid support with low cell losses and low impact on cell morphology. The device has two configurations, one being for use in a centrifuge to centrifuge the sample, a second for controlled release of the liquid post centrifugation. The device includes a base to hold a solid support that receives cells on a top surface thereof that releasably holds a fluid chamber which has a first opening with a gasket surrounding the opening with that bears against a top surface of the support. An opening receives the liquid sample and the gasket defines an area into which the targeted cells deposit. A first cap closes the second opening during centrifugation.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for providing different types of sharpeners for knives with a removable angle gauge to determine which knife sharpener to use for individual knives. The sharpener can include three angle sizes of honing ceramic dual wheel sharpeners, three angle sizes of edge shaving diamond coated dual wheel sharpeners, and three angle sizes of new edge blade tungsten rod sharpeners. One angle size can cover approximately 13 degrees to approximately 15 degrees, and include 14 degrees. An angle size can cover approximately 16 degrees to approximately 18 degrees and include 17 degrees. And a third angle size can cover approximately 19 degrees to approximately 21 degrees and include 20 degrees.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cartridge and method to move fluids within the cartridge that simplifies the design and removes the need for any internal valves or metering devices. The design is amenable to injection molded manufacturing lowering cost for large volume manufacturing. The design can be adapted to carry out both sample preparation and detection of biological substances including nucleic acids and proteins.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for providing different types of sharpeners for knives with a removable angle gauge to determine which knife sharpener to use for individual knives. The sharpener can include three angle sizes of honing ceramic dual wheel sharpeners, three angle sizes of edge shaving diamond coated dual wheel sharpeners, and three angle sizes of new edge blade tungsten rod sharpeners. One angle size can cover approximately 13 degrees to approximately 15 degrees, and include 14 degrees. An angle size can cover approximately 16 degrees to approximately 18 degrees and include 17 degrees. And a third angle size can cover approximately 19 degrees to approximately 21 degrees and include 20 degrees.

Abstract: A tool for assisting the process of marking or cutting structures in a predefined manner is disclosed. The tool comprises a rod member having a longitudinal axis and a plate member rotatably attached to the rod member. The tool comprises an arm removably attached to the rod member and to the plate member. The plate member is rotatably attached to the rod member by means of a structure comprising a joint and one or more magnetic or magnetizable structures configured to provide a magnetic force between the rod member and the plate member.

Abstract: A hitting extension for a body-positioning trainer is disclosed. The hitting extension has an elongate, generally flat body with first and second ends spaced from one another. The second end terminates in a rounded distal edge. A first opening formed in the body proximate to the first end allows the hitting extension to be connected to the body-positioning trainer. The body-positioning trainer restricts the movement of the arms in order to allow the user to focus on torso movement, and the hitting extension allows the user to hit a ball, or another such projectile, using the trainer. Methods for training a user in torso movement using the hitting extension are also disclosed.

Abstract: A universal joint configured to transfer rotational movement from a first shaft to a second shaft at an angle and method of manufacturing the same.

Abstract: A lintel cover is installable on a lintel to protect the lintel from exposure to the elements and moisture. The lintel cover has an upper surface, side surface, lower surface and lip. The lip is preferably shorter than the height of an upper portion of the lintel to increase the ease of installation.

Abstract: A method and kit for the capture and purification of specific nucleic acids from a sample with affinity capture probes on a solid support and for the replication of said nucleic acids with a strand displacing polymerase, whereby a second primer complementary to a sequence in each of the target nucleic acids distinct from that bound by capture probes is also bound to the nucleic acid targets, and extension of one of the primers on each target effects the separation of the copied nucleic acid strands from the solid support. Incorporation of universal nucleic acid sequences during their replication enables the simultaneous and highly specific amplification of multiple nucleic acid target sequences with minimal production of artifacts.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cartridge and method to move fluids within the cartridge that simplifies the design and removes the need for any internal valves or metering devices. The design is amenable to injection molded manufacturing lowering cost for large volume manufacturing. The design can be adapted to carry out both sample preparation and detection of biological substances including nucleic acids and proteins.

Abstract: A lintel cover is installable on a lintel to protect the lintel from exposure to the elements and moisture. The lintel cover has an upper surface, side surface, lower surface and lip. The lip is preferably shorter than the height of an upper portion of the lintel to increase the ease of installation.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an apparatus for segregating particles on the basis of their ability to flow through a stepped passageway. At least some of the particles are unable to pass through a narrower passageway bounded by a segregating step, resulting in segregation of the particles. The breadth of the leading edge of at least one step of the apparatus is significantly greater than the overall width of the passageway in which the step occurs, permitting high and rapid sample throughput. The apparatus and methods described herein can be used to segregate particles of a wide variety of types. By way of example, they can be used to segregate circulating tumor cells from a human blood sample.

Abstract: A kit for a batting tee includes a ball holder including a first prong and a second prong, the first prong at a first distal end of the ball holder and including a first recess, the second prong at the first distal end of the ball holder and including a second recess. The ball holder further includes a holder connector disposed at a second distal end of the ball holder, the second distal end of the ball holder opposing the first distal end of the ball holder, the first prong and the second prong extending from the holder connector in a planar fashion with each other. The kit includes a shaft including a first distal end to be attached to the holder connector, and a base including a top surface, the top surface including a mount to which a second distal end of the shaft is to be mounted.