Abstract: Apparatus for transmitting motion to a moveable body comprising: a first bar having ends; two articulated arms, each comprising first and second arms connected at a joint having an axis about which the first and second arms rotate, wherein the first arms are of equal length, the second arms are of equal length and the second arm of each articulated arm is connected to a different end of the bar at a joint having an axis about which second arm and bar rotate; a mount connected to the first arm of each articulated arm at a joint having an axis about which first arm rotates; a second bar coupled to each articulated arm at a joint having an axis about which the second bar rotates; and a piezoelectric motor coupled to the first bar controllable to apply a force selectively in either direction along the bar's length; wherein, the joints are configured so that all the axes are substantially parallel and the first arms are parallel and the second arms are parallel for all rotations about the axes.

Abstract: Apparatus for transmitting motion to a moveable body comprising: a first bar having ends; two articulated arms, each comprising first and second arms connected at a joint having an axis about which the first and second arms rotate, wherein the first arms are of equal length, the second arms are of equal length and the second arm of each articulated arm is connected to a different end of the bar at a joint having an axis about which second arm and bar rotate; a mount connected to the first arm of each articulated arm at a joint having an axis about which first arm rotates; a second bar coupled to each articulated arm at a joint having an axis about which the second bar rotates; and a piezoelectric motor coupled to the first bar controllable to apply a force selectively in either direction along the bar's length; wherein, the joints are configured so that all the axes are substantially parallel and the first arms are parallel and the second arms are parallel for all rotations about the axes.

Abstract: A device for carrying out a lateral flow assay on a sample comprising: (a) a sample containing unit comprising a sample container, said sample container being closed off at one end by a bottom wall, said bottom wall having a hole sealed by a plug; and (b) a housing located under said sample container and capable of holding a test strip, said sample containing unit and said housing being coupled so as to allow rotation one relative to the other, said housing comprising a cutting arrangement capable of cutting said plug; wherein rotation of said sample containing unit and said housing one relative to the other results in said cutting arrangement cutting said plug, thereby unplugging the hole in said bottom wall. Also disclosed is a method for determining the presence or absence of an analyte in a sample, using the device.

Abstract: A device for carrying out a lateral flow assay on a sample comprising: (a) a sample containing unit comprising a sample container, said sample container being closed off at one end by a bottom wall, said bottom wall having a hole sealed by a plug; and (b) a housing located under said sample container and capable of holding a test strip, said sample containing unit and said housing being coupled so as to allow rotation one relative to the other, said housing comprising a cutting arrangement capable of cutting said plug; wherein rotation of said sample containing unit and said housing one relative to the other results in said cutting arrangement cutting said plug, thereby unplugging the hole in said bottom wall. Also disclosed is a method for determining the presence or absence of an analyte in a sample, using the device.

Abstract: Blood sampling apparatus operative to selectively and removably interconnect a blood sample container with an extracorporeal blood conduit and including a blood interface assembly adapted to securely and removably puncture both said blood conduit and said blood sample container, the blood interface assembly comprising an elongate housing, a needle mount removably mounted in said elongate housing, a double pointed needle fixedly adhesively mounted in said needle mount so as to have portions extending outward of said needle mount in opposite directions and a puncturable resilient sheath formed over at least one portion of said needle and onto at least a portion of said needle mount.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing wide skin defects may be used with two long interdermal needles configured for insertion underneath skin close to margins of a skin defect. The skin closing apparatus may include two retaining members (70, 71) configured as a flange connecting two legs (20) and forming a U-shaped profile. Each of the legs may include either a sharp book (23) or a blunt skin insertion element at the end of the leg adapted for percing the skin and engaging one of the long interdermal needles. Alternatively, the retaining members may include topical engagement elements for engaging portions of the interdermal needles which are located above the skin surface. A contracting mechanism such as a screw (82) may connect the retaining members and approximate the interdermal needles, while bringing the skin margins together until final closure of the skin defect results.

Abstract: A mixing device for mixing first and second materials, including a container (2) for receiving the first material and having an inlet port (10) and an outlet port (12), a flexible tube (14) having one end connected to the inlet port (10), a cap (16) secured to the opposite end of the flexible tube (14) for attachment to a second container (4) receiving the second material, and a clamp carried by the flexible tube (14) and normally pinching the flexible tube closed, but being manually openable to permit, when the cap (16) has been attached to the second container (4), the addition of the second material in the first container to the first material in the second container and mixing of the two materials together in the first container (2).

Abstract: An intravenous cannula assembly having a cannula with a distal end insertable into a patient, a guide needle movable to an operative position with respect to the cannula and having as distal end for piercing the patient. The guide needle is movable to a retracted position via the proximal end of the cannula for removal therefrom and having a protective enclosure for enclosing the guide needle.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing wide skin defects may be used with two long interdermal needles configured for insertion underneath skin close to margins of a skin defect. The skin closing apparatus may include two U-shaped retaining members configured as a flange connecting two legs and forming a U-shaped profile. Each of the legs may include a sharp hook at the end of the leg adapted for piercing the skin and engaging one of the long interdermal needles. Each retaining member may include a pivoting platform that pivots up to 20.degree. from an initial position indicated by a detent mechanism. A contracting mechanism such as a screw may connect the retaining members and approximate the interdermal needles, while bringing the skin margins together until final closure of the skin defect results. The skin closing apparatus may also include a clutch mechanism configured to disengage the screw from a knob or handle, when a predetermined force is met or exceeded.

Abstract: A mounting hub for securing an abrasive grinding wheel to a grinding machine spindle, the hub being formed in a single, integral piece of polymer plastic material. Flanges on each wheel face grip the wheel faces, and a mounting projection provides a spindle bore for receiving the grinding machine spindle. The hub is molded directly on the wheel, resulting in the formation of an interpenetration zone at the hub/wheel interface, in which the abrasive material of the wheel and the polymer plastic material intermix and mesh, producing a strong, durable bond.