Abstract: A pump for use with a tube, having a rotor having an axis of rotation and a plurality of rollers configured to define an orbital path about the axis of rotation, the orbital path defined by a radius, and a roller bed having a surface adapted to support the tube for peristaltic compression by one or more rollers, wherein the surface has a predetermined profile comprising a circular arc segment and at least one side segment, the arc segment having a first curvature defined by the radius, and the at least one side segment having a second curvature lesser than the first curvature.

Abstract: A pump for use with a tube, having a rotor having an axis of rotation and a plurality of rollers configured to define an orbital path about the axis of rotation, the orbital path defined by a radius, and a roller bed having a surface adapted to support the tube for peristaltic compression by one or more rollers, wherein the surface has a predetermined profile comprising a circular arc segment and at least one side segment, the arc segment having a first curvature defined by the radius, and the at least one side segment having a second curvature lesser than the first curvature.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting, diluting and dispensing a predetermined volume of a patient fluid sample, such as blood, into the collection port of a point-of-care diagnostic test. The apparatus is constructed and arranged to collect a predefined volume of fluid sample by wicking, to mix the whole blood with a dilution reagent, and to dispense a predefined volume (within predefined tolerances) of diluted fluid sample into the collection port of the POC test kit. The apparatus has an elongate body with an internal cavity and a capillary tube in fluid connection with the internal cavity. A mixing valve separates the capillary tube and the internal cavity and selectively opens and closes the fluid connection between the capillary tube and the internal cavity. A plunger reciprocates within the valve body between a retracted limit position and a distal limit position for creating negative and positive pressure within the internal cavity.

Abstract: A pump for use with a tube, having a rotor having an axis of rotation and a plurality of rollers configured to define an orbital path about the axis of rotation, the orbital path defined by a radius, and a roller bed having a surface adapted to support the tube for peristaltic compression by one or more rollers, wherein the surface has a predetermined profile comprising a circular arc segment and at least one side segment, the arc segment having a first curvature defined by the radius, and the at least one side segment having a second curvature lesser than the first curvature.

Abstract: A pump for use with a tube, having a rotor having an axis of rotation and a plurality of rollers configured to define an orbital path about the axis of rotation, the orbital path defined by a radius, and a roller bed having a surface adapted to support the tube for peristaltic compression by one or more rollers, wherein the surface has a predetermined profile comprising a circular arc segment and at least one side segment, the arc segment having a first curvature defined by the radius, and the at least one side segment having a second curvature lesser than the first curvature.

Abstract: A pump for use with a tube, having a rotor having an axis of rotation and a plurality of rollers configured to define an orbital path about the axis of rotation, the orbital path defined by a radius, and a roller bed having a surface adapted to support the tube for peristaltic compression by one or more rollers, wherein the surface has a predetermined profile comprising a circular arc segment and at least one side segment, the arc segment having a first curvature defined by the radius, and the at least one side segment having a second curvature lesser than the first curvature.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for separating individual human reproductive material from a fertilization dish and storing the material in a cryotank for future fertilization and implantation. The apparatus includes an elongate cryostraw having a first open end and second heat-sealable open end, a channel extending between said ends, and an internal, calibrated volume VC. A displacement bulb is connected to the first end of the cryostraw for admitting and emitting the material into said cryostraw. The bulb has a total volume VB1, an internal cavity with a compressible end volume VB2, a first seal with the first end of said cryostraw; and, means for limiting the intake volume displacement produced in said cryostraw to an amount less than VC no matter how far the bulb is squeezed. The bulb produces less than a unit volume of displacement in the cryostraw when the bulb is squeezed and its volume VB1 is reduced by a unit volume.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for separating individual human reproductive material from a fertilization dish and storing the material in a cryotank for future fertilization and implantation. The apparatus includes an elongate cryostraw having a first open end and second heat-sealable open end, a channel extending between said ends, and an internal, calibrated volume VC. A displacement bulb is connected to the first end of the cryostraw for admitting and emitting the material into said cryostraw. The bulb has a total volume VB1, an internal cavity with a compressible end volume VB2, a first seal with the first end of said cryostraw; and, means for limiting the intake volume displacement produced in said cryostraw to an amount less than VC no matter how far the bulb is squeezed. The bulb produces less than a unit volume of displacement in the cryostraw when the bulb is squeezed and its volume VB1 is reduced by a unit volume.

Abstract: Method and structure for nitride-based laser diode arrays on a conducting substrate are disclosed. Air-bridge structures are used to make compact laser diode arrays suitable for printer applications. The use of a channel structure architecture allows the making of surface emitting laser diode arrays.

Abstract: A method and structure for nitride based laser diode arrays on an insulating substrate is described. Various contact layouts are used to reduce electrical and thermal crosstalk between laser diodes in the array. A channel structure is used to make a surface emitting laser diode while maintaining a simple contact structure. Buried layers are used to provide a compact and low crosstalk contact structure for the laser diode array.

Abstract: A technique based on etching a release layer, for separating the nearly lattice matched substrate from a base substrate is disclosed. A nearly lattice matched substrate for the epitaxial growth of Group-III nitride semiconductor devices and method of fabricating the nearly lattice matched substrate and devices is disclosed. Enhanced ELOG methods are used to create low defect density GaN films. The GaN films are used to grow Group-III nitride LEDs and laser diodes.

Abstract: A planar board having ease of retrieval and strike indicator includes a base, a first and second fishing line release extending outward from the base, a rotary flag pivotally attached to said base, and at least one line retainer. The second fishing line release preferably has a means for positively retaining a fishing line. The fishing line is inserted into the first fishing line release, behind the positive retaining means of the second fishing line release, looped around an upstanding projection disposed on the rotary flag, and preferably inserted into at least one line retainer. When a fish strike occurs, the flag will be pulled downward. To retrieve the planar board into the boat, the user jerks the fishing line such that the fishing line is pulled out of the first fishing line release. The planar board also has other preferable embodiments which add or remove a fishing line release or remove the rotary flag.

Abstract: A planar board having ease of retrieval includes a base, a first fishing line release extending outward from substantially a front of the base, a second fishing line release extending outward from substantially a middle of the base, and a line retainer. A fishing line is retained by inserting thereof under the first fishing line release, inserting the fishing line release into a second fishing line release with preferably a peg, the fishing line is then inserted into a line retainer disposed at substantially the end of the base. A planar board with ease of retrieval allows a user to retrieve a planar board without tangling it with other planar boards being fished adjacent it. A planar board with ease of retrieval and strike indicator allows a user to easily retrieve the planar board and have notice of a fish strike.

Abstract: A storage container with self-retaining lid includes a lid and a storage container. The structure for attaching the lid can be molded on to the bottom of the storage container, molded to the top of the lid, or molded to the lid and the bottom of the storage container. There are several preferred embodiments of the self-retaining lid. In a first preferred embodiment, the lid has a rim with a recessed cavity for receiving a lip of the storage container. In second and seventh preferred embodiments, a bottom of the storage container has a lip which is sized to be inserted into a sealing cavity of the lid. In a third preferred embodiment, a bottom of the storage container has a plurality of balls which are disposed to mate with a plurality of sockets. In a fourth preferred embodiment, a plurality of hooks are molded into at least two sides of the container and sized to receive the peripheral edge of the lid.

Abstract: A storage container with self-retaining lid includes a lid and a storage container. The structure for attaching the lid can be molded on to the bottom of the storage container, molded to the top of the lid, or molded to the lid and the bottom of the storage container. There are several preferred embodiments of the self-retaining lid. In a first preferred embodiment, the lid has a rim with a recessed cavity for firmly receiving a lip of the storage container. In a second preferred embodiment, a bottom of the storage container has a lip which is sized to be firmly inserted into a sealing cavity of the lid. In a third preferred embodiment, a bottom of the storage container has a plurality of balls which are disposed to mate with a plurality of sockets on the lid. In a fourth preferred embodiment, a plurality of hooks are molded into at least two sides of the container and sized to receive the peripheral edge of the lid.

Abstract: A planar board having ease of retrieval and strike indicator includes a base, a first and second fishing line release extending outward from the base, a rotary flag pivotally attached to said base, and at least one line retainer. The second fishing line release preferably has a means for positively retaining a fishing line. The fishing line is inserted into the first fishing line release, behind the positive retaining means of the second fishing line release, looped around an upstanding projection disposed on the rotary flag, and preferably inserted into at least one line retainer. When a fish strike occurs, the flag will be pulled downward. To retrieve the planar board into the boat, the user jerks the fishing line such that the fishing line is pulled out of the first fishing line release. The planar board also has other preferable embodiments which add or remove a fishing line release or remove the rotary flag.

Abstract: A process for etching III-V nitride and III-V nitride alloy materials first implants selected regions of the materials with ions and then selectively etches the implanted regions in an etching liquid, such as an aqueous base. The etch depth is controlled by the energy, mass and dose of the implanted ions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for overpressure protection of a catheter from an indwelling catheter. A method in one embodiment includes injecting an agent into the catheter and relieving overpressures in the catheter during the injecting step. The agent is typically a declotting agent and the obstruction is typically a clot (e.g., blood clot). In one embodiment of the apparatus, a catheter includes a cannula and a first hub and a second hub, each of which are coupled to the cannula. The first hub is for receiving an agent which is placed into the cannula to remove an obstruction, and the second hub includes an overpressure relief valve for relieving an overpressure condition in the cannula. Other embodiments of the invention are also described.