Abstract: A sonicator assembly, including: a microplate defining a plurality of wells; a manifold for containing a transducer fluid that is thermally coupled to the plurality of wells of the microplate; an ultrasonic generator operable for applying an ultrasonic excitation to the wells of the microplate; one or more of a heating module thermally coupled to and operable for selectively heating the transducer fluid and a cooling module thermally coupled to and operable for selectively cooling the transducer fluid; and a controller operable for controlling operation of the ultrasonic generator and the one or more of the heating module and the cooling module. The controller is further operable for monitoring a temperature and a pressure within the manifold. A temperature of the plurality of wells is controllable over a temperature range from 4° C. to 95° C. Optionally, the plurality of wells include a plurality of heat-resistant round-bottom hydrophilic wells.

Abstract: A plate handling device includes a base having a first and second base member configured to hold a plate. The base is adapted to expand and contract to secure the plate to the plate handling device. The plate handling device includes a handle having an upper end and a lower end, and the handle is adapted to actuate the expanding and contracting of the base to secure and hold the plate. An outer handle member is fixedly attached to the first base member. A user interface member is fixedly attached to the second base member, is pivotably attached to the lower end of the handle, and is pivotably receivable in portions of the outer handle member.

Abstract: Structures for treating tissue with high-frequency energy, methods of making a structure for treating tissue with high-frequency energy, and methods of treating tissue with high-frequency energy. A structure for use in treating tissue may include multiple microblades composed of an electrical conductor. Each of the microblades may include a shaft and a tip arranged adjacent to an end of the shaft. The tip includes multiple surfaces that surround a solid core of the tip and at least two of the surfaces may taper toward the end of the shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for delivering coolant to an energy delivery device used to treat tissue with electromagnetic energy. A cooling system includes a pump that is configured to pump a coolant to the energy delivery device.

Abstract: Structures for treating tissue with high-frequency energy, methods of making a structure for treating tissue with high-frequency energy, and methods of treating tissue with high-frequency energy. A structure for use in treating tissue may include multiple microblades composed of an electrical conductor. Each of the microblades may include a shaft and a tip arranged adjacent to an end of the shaft. The tip includes multiple surfaces that surround a solid core of the tip and at least two of the surfaces may taper toward the end of the shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for delivering electromagnetic energy to a patient's tissue and reducing pain experienced by the patient during treatment of the patient's tissue with the delivered electromagnetic energy. The tissue treatment apparatus includes a delivery device configured to transfer the electromagnetic energy through the skin surface to a region of tissue, and also includes a vibration device that is mechanically coupled with the delivery device. The vibration device is configured to transfer mechanical vibrations along an axis substantially normal to the skin surface to the region of tissue being treated.

Abstract: A sonicator assembly, including: a microplate defining a plurality of wells; a manifold for containing a transducer fluid that is thermally coupled to the plurality of wells of the microplate; an ultrasonic generator operable for applying an ultrasonic excitation to the wells of the microplate; one or more of a heating module thermally coupled to and operable for selectively heating the transducer fluid and a cooling module thermally coupled to and operable for selectively cooling the transducer fluid; and a controller operable for controlling operation of the ultrasonic generator and the one or more of the heating module and the cooling module. The controller is further operable for monitoring a temperature and a pressure within the manifold. A temperature of the plurality of wells is controllable over a temperature range from 4° C. to 95° C. Optionally, the plurality of wells include a plurality of heat-resistant round-bottom hydrophilic wells.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for delivering coolant to an energy delivery device used to treat tissue with electromagnetic energy. A cooling system includes a pump that is configured to pump a coolant to the energy delivery device.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include illustrative devices for hand-indirect handling of analytical and culture vessels and illustrative methods for hand-indirect handling of analytical and culture vessels. A plate handling device includes a base having a first and second base member configured to hold a plate, wherein the base is adapted to expand and contract to secure the plate to the plate handling device. A handle having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the handle is adapted to actuate the expanding and contracting of the base to secure and hold the plate. An outer handle member fixedly attached to the first base member. A user interface member fixedly attached to the second base member, wherein the user interface member is pivotably attached to the lower end of the handle and pivotably receivable in portions of the outer handle member.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for delivering coolant to an energy delivery device used to treat tissue with electromagnetic energy. A cooling system includes a pump that is configured to pump a coolant to the energy delivery device.

Abstract: Structures for treating tissue with high-frequency energy, methods of making a structure for treating tissue with high-frequency energy, and methods of treating tissue with high-frequency energy. A structure for use in treating tissue may include multiple microblades composed of an electrical conductor. Each of the microblades may include a shaft and a tip arranged adjacent to an end of the shaft. The tip includes multiple surfaces that surround a solid core of the tip and at least two of the surfaces may taper toward the end of the shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for delivering electromagnetic energy to a patient's tissue and reducing pain experienced by the patient during treatment of the patient's tissue with the delivered electromagnetic energy. The tissue treatment apparatus includes a delivery device configured to transfer the electromagnetic energy through the skin surface to a region of tissue, and also includes a vibration device that is mechanically coupled with the delivery device. The vibration device is configured to transfer mechanical vibrations along an axis substantially normal to the skin surface to the region of tissue being treated.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for delivering coolant to an energy delivery device used to treat tissue with electromagnetic energy. A cooling system includes a pump that is configured to pump a coolant to the energy delivery device.

Abstract: Medical ultrasound systems. A base unit is included having system electronics, a user interface and ultrasound control electronics. An ultrasound therapy head is in electronic communication with the base unit. The therapy head includes a replaceable, sealed transducer cartridge with a coupling fluid therein. A cooling system is provided for cooling the coupling fluid. A plurality of guide indicators are positioned around the therapy head to align with crossed lines on a patient so as to properly align the therapy head prior to use. The therapy head can provide variable treatments to an area while the therapy head is in contact with a patient.

Abstract: A medical ultrasound system. A base unit is included having system electronics, a user interface and ultrasound control electronics. An ultrasound therapy head is in electronic communication with the base unit. The therapy head includes a replaceable, sealed transducer cartridge with a coupling fluid therein. A cooling system is provided for cooling the coupling fluid. A plurality of guide indicators are positioned around the therapy head to align with crossed lines on a patient so as to properly align the therapy head prior to use. The therapy head can provide variable treatments to an area while the therapy head is in contact with a patient.

Abstract: A modified atmosphere package for extending the shelf life of a replaceable transducer cartridge having a sealed volume and containing a fluid. The fluid may be fluid or a gas. If a fluid, such as water, then the modified atmosphere package may be configured to prevent the loss of fluid or the entry of gas into the transducer cartridge.

Abstract: A medical ultrasound system. A base unit is included having system electronics, a user interface and ultrasound control electronics. An ultrasound therapy head is in electronic communication with the base unit. The therapy head includes a replaceable, sealed transducer cartridge with a coupling fluid therein. A cooling system is provided for cooling the coupling fluid. A plurality of guide indicators are positioned around the therapy head to align with crossed lines on a patient so as to properly align the therapy head prior to use. The therapy head can provide variable treatments to an area while the therapy head is in contact with a patient.

Abstract: A medical ultrasound system. A base unit is included having system electronics, a user interface and ultrasound control electronics. An ultrasound therapy head is in electronic communication with the base unit. The therapy head includes a replaceable, sealed transducer cartridge with a coupling fluid therein. A cooling system is provided for cooling the coupling fluid. A plurality of guide indicators are positioned around the therapy head to align with crossed lines on a patient so as to properly align the therapy head prior to use. The therapy head can provide variable treatments to an area while the therapy head is in contact with a patient.

Abstract: A modified atmosphere package for extending the shelf life of a replaceable transducer cartridge having a sealed volume and containing a fluid. The fluid may be fluid or a gas. If a fluid, such as water, then the modified atmosphere package may be configured to prevent the loss of fluid or the entry of gas into the transducer cartridge.

Abstract: A medical ultrasound system. A base unit is included having system electronics, a user interface and ultrasound control electronics. An ultrasound therapy head is in electronic communication with the base unit. The therapy head includes a replaceable, sealed transducer cartridge with a coupling fluid therein. A cooling system is provided for cooling the coupling fluid. A plurality of guide indicators are positioned around the therapy head to align with crossed lines on a patient so as to properly align the therapy head prior to use. The therapy head can provide variable treatments to an area while the therapy head is in contact with a patient.