Abstract: A clamping device for an external fixation system includes a post component having a yaw axis, a first clamp secured to the post component and rotatable about the yaw axis, and a second clamp secured to the post component and rotatable about the yaw axis relative to the first clamp. The device includes a tightening component configured in a manner that an action of tightening the tightening component simultaneously locks both the first and second clamps in a gripping arrangement and substantially eliminates their relative rotation about the yaw axis. Interdigitating components can be spaced apart by high spring rate biasing elements that so as to allow for smooth adjustment of the clamping device components relative to each other until the appropriate position is achieved and until after a sufficiently high clamping load has been applied.

Abstract: A rack for an automated processing system. The rack includes a number of wells adapted to hold at least a first sample container having a first size, and a second sample container having a second size. The second size, which may be a diameter, a height, or both, is substantially different from the first size. A structure joins the wells. The rack is adapted to fit in an automated processing system that is adapted to remove both the first sample container and the second sample container from the rack.

Abstract: A fluid separation device (400) for separating water from a stream of compressed air, has a housing (402) defining a first volume (404) with two apertures (406, 408) therein in communication with the first volume, the first volume and the apertures being adapted to have a stream of air flowing there through, a first filter (414) contained within the first volume for separating liquid water from the air stream, and a plurality of desiccant beads contained within the first volume for separating water vapour from the air. An exhaust silencer for the fluid separation device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A closure having an operating member, a lower member having a near end connected to the operating member and a far end spaced along an axial direction from the proximal end. One or more sealing members extend from the lower member. A first bore extends along the axial direction through the operating member and into the lower member. Second bores extend along the axial direction into the operating member. The second bores are located around the first bore with dividers between adjacent bores. The dividers are arranged to increase the compression stiffness of the operating member.

Abstract: A rack for an automated processing system. The rack includes a number of wells adapted to hold at least a first sample container having a first size, and a second sample container having a second size. The second size, which may be a diameter, a height, or both, is substantially different from the first size. A structure joins the wells. The rack is adapted to fit in an automated processing system that is adapted to remove both the first sample container and the second sample container from the rack.

Abstract: An automated assay processing method including transferring a first number of samples from respective sample containers to a first intermediary vessel, determining the testing adequacy of a second number of samples in a second intermediary vessel, preparing a third number of samples in a third intermediary vessel for downstream testing; and transferring a fourth number of samples from a fourth intermediary vessel to an output sample tray. These steps are all performed essentially simultaneously within the duration of a single clock cycle and are repeated during one or more subsequent clock cycles. The clock cycle may be relative to each intermediary vessel. The clock cycle also may be universal to the first, second, third and fourth intermediary vessels.

Abstract: An automated sample processing system having a sample input adapted to simultaneously receive a number of sample containers, a reagent input adapted to receive one or more new reagent supplies, a consumable input adapted to receive one or more new consumable supplies, a solid waste output adapted to receive used consumable supplies, a liquid waste output adapted to receive one or more used reagent supplies, and a processing center. The processing center includes a decapper adapted to remove a lid from at least one sample container, an aspirator adapted to remove a specimen from the at least one sample container and transfer the specimen to an output vessel, and a capper adapted to replace the lid on the at least one sample container.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for screening of products, especially those with ingredients that may be toxic and/or otherwise harmful to people, animals and the environment in general.

Abstract: In order to provide designs of corner and junction assemblies for service provision ducting which are simple to construct and do not require a large number of components, there is provided an internal angle cover part 22, 28, 31, an external angle cover part 21 and a straight wall cover part 36. These can be combined together to form a flat bend (FIG. 4), a cross-over (FIG. 5) or a flat T (FIG. 6). Each cover part comprises a cover surface 22, 23, 28, 35 which extends up to, but no further than the centre line of the respective section of service provision ducting.

Abstract: An improved acetabular cup prosthesis has a cup body with inner convex and outer concave surfaces. The cup body has an apex and a base that defines a plane. The cup body outer convex surface has a curved annular portion between the base and the transition. In one embodiment, the outer convex surface is a curved annular surface extending in between the rim and a distance about two fifths to three fifths (2/5-3/5) of the distance between the rim and the apex. In another embodiment, a plurality of cup bodies are provided in a range of sizes between about 40 mm and 80 mm. Each cup body has a companion rotary reamer that is correspondingly shaped. The companion cup body is oversized between about 1 mm and 3 mm so that a generally constant change in volume is provided for all cup sizes between 40 mm and 80 mm.

Abstract: An improved acetabular cup prosthesis has a cup body with inner convex and outer concave surfaces. The cup body has an apex and a base that defines a plane. The cup body outer convex surface has a toroidally shaped portion between the base and the transition. In one embodiment, the outer convex surface is toroidally shaped between the rim and a distance about one third of the distance of the rim to the apex. In another embodiment, a plurality of cup bodies are provided in a range of sizes between about 40 mm and 80 mm. Each cup body has a companion rotary reamer that is correspondingly shaped. The companion cup body is oversized between about 1 mm and 3 mm so that a generally constant change in volume is provided for all cup sizes between 40 mm and 80 mm.

Abstract: An improved acetabular cup prosthesis has a cup body with correspondingly shaped outer convex and inner concave surfaces. The cup body has an apex and a base that defines a plane. The cup body outer convex surface has first and second curved, shaped portions positioned in between the base and the apex. In one embodiment, the outer convex surface has specially shaped portion in between the rim and a distance about one third of the distance of the rim to the apex. This specially shaded portion forms an interference fit with a patient's acetabular socket.