Abstract: A blood testing system includes a cartridge loadable into a blood analyzer. One cartridge includes a convex top portion with a blood entry port therein. A dispenser transfers blood in a stoppered test tube to the cartridge. One dispenser includes a contoured, stabilizing base configured to mate with the cartridge convex top portion. The dispenser may further include a hub supported by the base, a cannula extending upward from the hub, and a dispensing tip in fluid communication with the cannula depending downward from the hub and inserted into the blood entry port of the cartridge when the dispenser base is mated with the cartridge convex top portion.

Abstract: A fluid segment sampling device and method wherein a housing includes an input port configured to receive a segment tube, an output port configured for a receptacle, a passageway between the input port and the output port, and a side port leading into the passageway. A blade unit is insertable in the side port to cut a segment tube inserted into the input port.

Abstract: A support device for a cytocentrifuge sample container includes a support body including spaced edge fingers and a clip hinged to the support body. The clip has a latch for each spaced edge finger of the support body and edge members each including lugs engaging slotted ledges in the sample container.

Abstract: A grinding system includes a mortar container having an open top portion and a bottom portion having a first interior grinding surface and a wall portion interconnecting the top and bottom portions for defining a hollow interior collection chamber, a modular pestle assembly including a universal pestle shaft having at its proximate end an actuator portion extending above the top portion and at its distal end a mounting portion for receiving one of a set of pairs of matching tips and pestle collars, the pestle tip having a second grinding surface for engaging the first grinding surface, and a closure device sealingly engageable with the pestle assembly and the open top portion for sealing the container and the collection chamber between the grinding surfaces and the top portion of the mortar container.

Abstract: A universal collection and transfer system which includes a collection container, a second container, and a transfer device mateable with both the collection container and the second container and including a hollow shaft which pierces the collection container to transfer a sample in the collection container into the second container.

Abstract: A collection and transfer device including a collection vessel having an opening on one end and a closure apparatus engageable therewith which has a collection device receivable within the collection vessel, and a passage therethrough for transferring a collected sample from within the collection vessel to a centrifuge or other type of vessel or microscope slide.

Abstract: A tissue grinding system includes a container having an open top portion, a bottom portion having a first grinding surface on an interior surface, and a wall portion interconnecting the top portion and bottom portion defining a hollow interior chamber; a grinder receivable in the top portion of the container and having a second grinding surface engageable with the first grinding surface and including an actuator portion extending beyond the top portion, and a closure device sealingly engaged with the grinder and with the open top portion of the container to seal the chamber.

Abstract: The invention includes a system for producing a monolithic injection molded pipette including a mold having an elongate cavity enclosing a prolate core, both cavity and core having tapered ends, paired retractable locking pins for stabilizing the core, solonoid drives for extending and retracting the pins, a resin source for for injecting resin into the cavity, and a controller for retracting the pins as injected resin flows along the core to the space proximate the pins. The invention includes a method for making a pipette including enclosing an elongate, tapered core in a mold having a prolate, tapered cavity to accept the core, extending paired locking pins to stabilize the core, injecting resin into the cavity and sequentially retracting the locking pins as the resin flows in the cavity proximate the pins. The pipette according to this invention is an injection molded monolithic structure comprising an elongate tube and a tapered tip formed integrally with the tube.

Abstract: A cap for a flask includes a top portion; an inner collar extending downwardly from the top portion for insertion into the mouth of the flask; an outer collar spaced from the inner collar and extending downwardly from the top portion for covering the lip of the flask; detent means on the inner surface of the outer collar extending inwardly to positively engage the lip of the flask and sealingly engage the cap with the mouth of the flask; and a permeable section in the top portion within said inner collar for enabling exchange of gases in the flask.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting biological fluid includes a container having an open end and a closed end; a funnel including a mouth at one end and a discharge portion at the other end, the discharge portion being removably attachable to the container to establish fluid communication between the funnel and the container; a cap for closing the container opening; a cover for the mouth of the funnel, which cover has a chamber for releasably holding the cap with the inside of the cap facing outward for engaging with the container opening; and a base having a top which includes a container recess for receiving the closed end of the container to support at least a portion of the container above the base.

Abstract: A filter device and apparatus for filtering liquid from a collection vessel into a receptacle vessel, including a conduit, a filter in the conduit, and a rim spaced from the filter and forming an interference fit with the interior surface of the collection vessel. The rim has a plurality of openings spaced about its periphery. The device and apparatus further include means for removably securing the conduit to the receptacle vessel and a plurality of gas return passages, arranged about the exterior of the conduit, which connect the receptacle vessel to the openings in the rim.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting sputum including: a sputum container having an open end and a closed end; and a funnel which includes a mouth at one end and a discharge portion at the other end. The discharge portion is removably attachable to the container to establish fluid communication between the funnel and the container. A cap is provided for removably covering the container opening. Further provided is a base having a top which includes a recess for receiving the closed end of the container to support at least a portion of the container above the base and a chamber with an opening at its lower end. The cap is releasably held within the chamber with the inside of the cap facing the opening.