Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a masking device (20) for enhancing the fidelity of sample wells of a photopolymerized electrophoretic gel contained in a gel casting assembly (10) that comprises a comb (30) having a one or more teeth. The masking device (20) includes a light blocking agent fixedly located on the gel casting assembly (10) where the light blocking agent overlaps with the teeth of the comb to prevent photopolymerization of a portion of an electrophoretic gel contained between the comb and the inner surfaces of the gel casting assembly. Upon removal of the comb after electrophoretic gel photopolymerization the sample wells remain uniform.

Abstract: An acrylamide gel formulation for use in electrophoresis, and a system and method for electrophoretic gel casting. In some embodiments, the system comprises a UV-Vis curing light source, and an acrylamide formulation that allows a resolving gel and a stacking gel to be photopolymerized in a single step. In some embodiments, the resolving solution formulation comprises acrylamide and bis-acrylamide, Bis-Tris buffering agent, and lithium phenyl-2, 4, 6-trimethylbenzoyl-phosphinate (LAP) as a water-soluble photoinitiator, which allows the solution to be photopolymerized using UV radiation within a certain wavelength. In some embodiments, a dilution buffer formulation comprises acrylamide and bis-acrylamide, Bis-Tris buffering agent, and lithium phenyl-2, 4, 6-trimethyl-benzoyl-phosphinate (LAP). The dilution buffer may be added to the resolving solution in a selected amount in order to modify the concentration of the acrylamide to a desired concentration.

Abstract: Systems and methods for isolating and/or desiccating a portion of a drug delivery tract of a drug delivery apparatus to reduce water vapor content therein are provided. For example, there is provided a metered dose inhaler for delivering aerosolized medicament or other matter to a user. The aerosolized medicament or other matter may be discharged from a discharge passageway within the inhaler into an inhalation passageway for inhalation by a user, and the inhaler may comprise a seal member operative to selectively isolate the discharge passageway from the inhalation passageway and external environment during inactivity. The inhaler may further comprise a desiccant material arranged to withdraw moisture from the isolated discharge passageway. In other instances, desiccant material may be arranged to withdraw moisture from the discharge passageway of the inhaler without isolating the discharge passage during inactivity.

Abstract: Systems and methods for isolating and/or desiccating a portion of a drug delivery tract of a drug delivery apparatus to reduce water vapor content therein are provided. For example, there is provided a metered dose inhaler for delivering aerosolized medicament or other matter to a user. The aerosolized medicament or other matter may be discharged from a discharge passageway within the inhaler into an inhalation passageway for inhalation by a user, and the inhaler may comprise a seal member operative to selectively isolate the discharge passageway from the inhalation passageway and external environment during inactivity. The inhaler may further comprise a desiccant material arranged to withdraw moisture from the isolated discharge passageway. In other instances, desiccant material may be arranged to withdraw moisture from the discharge passageway of the inhaler without isolating the discharge passage during inactivity.

Abstract: A tip protector for a safety catheter includes an outer member releasably engaged with the interior cavity of the catheter hub. The outer member includes a generally fixed radially outwardly projecting portion to provide a holding force, and an inner member axially shiftably received within the outer member. A needle cannula received in the inner and outer members is operable to axially shift the inner member between a distal position wherein the distal tip extends distally of the tip protector, and a proximal position wherein the distal tip is within the outer member. The holding force of the outer member to the interior wall of the catheter hub remains substantially constant irrespective of the position of the inner member between the distal and proximal positions.

Abstract: A tip protector for a safety catheter includes an outer member releasably engaged with the interior cavity of the catheter hub. The outer member includes a generally fixed radially outwardly projecting portion to provide a holding force, and an inner member axially shiftably received within the outer member. A needle cannula received in the inner and outer members is operable to axially shift the inner member between a distal position wherein the distal tip extends distally of the tip protector, and a proximal position wherein the distal tip is within the outer member. The holding force of the outer member to the interior wall of the catheter hub remains substantially constant irrespective of the position of the inner member between the distal and proximal positions.

Abstract: A tip protector for a safety catheter includes an outer member releasably engaged with the interior cavity of the catheter hub. The outer member includes a generally fixed radially outwardly projecting portion to provide a holding force, and an inner member axially shiftably received within the outer member. A needle cannula received in the inner and outer members is operable to axially shift the inner member between a distal position wherein the distal tip extends distally of the tip protector, and a proximal position wherein the distal tip is within the outer member. The holding force of the outer member to the interior wall of the catheter hub remains substantially constant irrespective of the position of the inner member between the distal and proximal positions.

Abstract: A chamber assembly is disclosed for holding an animal securely with minimal stress during claw trimming while providing the user access to the portion of the claw that is to be trimmed. In preferred embodiments, the chamber is adjustable to accommodate different sized animals. In certain embodiments, the chamber can be collapsed for storage or transport.