Abstract: An atherectomy system includes a handle having a handle housing, with a drive member extending through the handle housing and operably coupled to an atherectomy burr. A drive mechanism is disposed within the handle housing and is adapted to rotatably engage the drive member. The drive mechanism may include an electric drive motor, a drive gear that is rotatably engaged with the electric drive motor and a driven gear that is coupled with the drive member and is engaged with the drive gear such that rotation of the driven gear causes rotation of the drive member. The drive mechanism may be configured to enable a rotation speed of the atherectomy burr of up to at least about 200,000 revolutions per minute (rpm).

Abstract: An atherectomy system includes a handle and a drive motor that is adapted to rotate a drive cable extending through the handle and operably coupled to an atherectomy burr. A control system is adapted to regulate operation of the drive motor, including providing the drive motor with a high frequency pulse width modulation (PWM) drive signal in order to operate the drive motor. The control system monitors a motor performance parameter such as motor speed or motor torque, and when the motor performance parameter approaches a limit of a performance range, the control system adds a low frequency PWM signal to the high frequency PWM drive signal, thereby causing the drive motor to produce a tactile signal that signals to the user that the motor performance parameter is approaching the limit of the performance range.

Abstract: A sample processing module includes a PCR assembly including at least one PCR reaction vial. A sample assembly is configured to hold a fluid sample therein, said sample assembly being attachable to said PCR assembly so as to form a closed system. A delivery channel is formed in said PCR assembly, said delivery channel being in fluidic communication with said PCR reaction vial and with said sample assembly. A pressurization device, said pressurization device being configured to increase a pressure of said fluid sample in said sample assembly and direct at least a portion said fluid sample through said delivery channel to said PCR reaction vial. A chemically inert magnetically responsive bead is disposed within the PCR reaction vial. A system is provided for oscillating for altering a position of the magnetically responsive bead within the PCR reaction vial.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the mixing of a solution and reagents for various reactions and/or testing having a closed cartridge reaction well, a magnetically responsive bead within the well having a chemically inert coating. A heat source then heats the contents to a target temperature while oscillating magnetic fields move the bead within the well in order to mix the contents and make the contents of the reaction well homogeneous.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the mixing of a solution and reagents for PCR reactions having a closed cartridge reaction well, a magnetically responsive bead within the well having an optically inert coating and a secondary chemically inert coating. A heat source then heats the contents to a target temperature while oscillating magnetic fields move the bead within the well in order to mix the contents and make the contents of the reaction well homogeneous.