Abstract: A specimen holder includes a body, a cavity that extends into the body through an opening, and at least one slot. The specimen holder further includes a wireless transponder insertable into the cavity by increasing a dimension of the cavity, by increasing a dimension of the at least one slot. A wireless transponder loading cartridge includes a cavity that extends from an opening in the cartridge, and a plurality of wireless transponders positioned within the cavity. Each of the plurality of wireless transponders includes an outer peripheral shape that corresponds to a cross-sectional shape of the cavity. A wireless transponder dispenser includes a housing with a first recess that receives the cartridge and a second recess that receives the specimen holder. The wireless transponder dispenser provides a passage for wireless transponders from the cavity of the cartridge to a loading zone aligned with the cavity of the specimen holder.

Abstract: A system and method facilitates transfers of specimen containers between a cryogenic freezer and a portable, bulk carrier. An interrogation station has a frame and a well that includes a bottom and at least one sidewall that extends upwardly from the bottom towards a top, wherein the bottom, the at least one sidewall, and the top collectively delineate an interior cavity of the well. The frame includes at least one opening that extends through the top so as to provide entry and access to the interior cavity of the well to receive buckets therein. The interrogation station further includes at least one array of antennas arranged within a plane and positioned beneath the bottom at a location in which the at least one array of antennas is aligned with the at least one opening along a vertical direction, which is perpendicular to the plane.

Abstract: Diaphragm joint and convolutions, bottom screen diffuser, air stem, cap, and diaphragm restrictor systems for a pressure vessel are disclosed. A convoluted diaphragm divides the vessel into a pair of sealed chambers. The convoluted geometry of the diaphragm minimizes stress on the diaphragm at maximum displacement conditions. An H-ring, with or without being over-molded by the convoluted diaphragm, may be configured to receive end portions of the tank liners. A bottom diffuser, coupled to an inlet of the vessel, diffuses and mixes water flowing into and out of the vessel and drains water out of the vessel. Fiberglass windings surround and lock the tank liners in tension. The cap system includes a valve cap that engages an air stem. An outer cap covers a recess of the vessel and includes a hollow cavity that receives the valve cap. A diaphragm restrictor limits upward movement of the diaphragm within the vessel.

Abstract: Diaphragm joint and convolutions, bottom screen diffuser, air stern, cap, and diaphragm restrictor systems for a pressure vessel are disclosed. A convoluted diaphragm divides the vessel into a pair of sealed chambers. The convoluted geometry of the diaphragm minimizes stress on the diaphragm at maximum displacement conditions. An H-ring, with or without being over-molded by the convoluted diaphragm, may be configured to receive end portions of the tank liners. A bottom diffuser, coupled to an inlet of the vessel, diffuses and mixes water flowing into and out of the vessel and drains water out of the vessel. Fiberglass windings surround and lock the tank liners in tension. The cap system includes a valve cap that engages an air stem. An outer cap covers a recess of the vessel and includes a hollow cavity that receives the valve cap. A diaphragm restrictor limits upward movement of the diaphragm within the vessel.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a shelter includes a base with an interior chamber defined by a bottom wall, a sidewall, and an open upper end. A closure is joined to the base to enclose the chamber. A passageway through the closure facilitates entry into the chamber and exit from the chamber. Rungs disposed in the chamber extend through the passageway to define a stairway. The shelter may also include a door coupled to the passageway. The door can be moved from a closed position covering the passageway to an open position away from the passageway.

Abstract: A barrier for reducing erosion along shorelines includes a barrier body formed as a unitary, molded plastic structure. In one embodiment, the barrier body has at least one elongate passage extending through it, between oppositely disposed first and second sides, and an interior reservoir. A port formed into the barrier body communicates with the interior reservoir to facilitate filling the reservoir with material to thereby add weight to the barrier. The barrier further includes at least one anchor formed into a side of the barrier body and associated with the passage to control shrinkage of the barrier body as it is being molded. In another embodiment, a method of making the barrier body includes placing plastic material in a mold, manipulating the mold to distribute the plastic material within the mold and thereby form the barrier body as a unitary piece, and reducing the shrinkage of the molded barrier body with the anchor.

Abstract: A barrier for reducing erosion along shorelines includes a barrier body formed as a unitary, molded plastic structure. In one embodiment, the barrier body has at least one elongate passage extending through it, between oppositely disposed first and second sides, and an interior reservoir. A port formed into the barrier body communicates with the interior reservoir to facilitate filling the reservoir with material to thereby add weight to the barrier. The barrier further includes at least one anchor formed into a side of the barrier body and associated with the passage to control shrinkage of the barrier body as it is being molded. In another embodiment, a method of making the barrier body includes placing plastic material in a mold, manipulating the mold to distribute the plastic material within the mold and thereby form the barrier body as a unitary piece, and reducing the shrinkage of the molded barrier body with the anchor.

Abstract: An automated store for the automated storage and retrieval of receptacles 7. The store includes at least one pair of substantially parallel, spaced apart rows of racking 6 for receiving receptacles, the rows defining an aisle 8 therebetween, and robotic apparatus 9 arranged to move in the aisle operative to introduce receptacles into and retrieve receptacles from the racking, wherein at least one row of racking is of greater width than the aisle. At least one row of racking may be of sufficient width to accommodate at least two receptacles one behind the other. The robotic apparatus may operate to slide receptacles in and out of the racking, and the receptacles may be engageable so that two engaged receptacles may be pulled out of the racking together. The receptacles may be trays for storing microtube racks.

Abstract: An actuator assembly hating a body 8, at least one movable member 9 movable relative to the body between a first position and a second position by application of fluid pressure and a releasable latch means 16 operable to retain the movable member in the first position. The latch means may be operative to coffer at least part of the surface of the moveable member to which fluid pressure may be applied to move the member when the movable member is latched in the first position thereby preventing fluid pressure being applied to the covered part of the surface. The latch means may be a magnet. The assembly is particularly intended for use with microtube handling apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling compound storage vessels such as microtubes having a least one cavity for receiving a compound storage vessel. Each cavity is associated with a respective detector operative to detect the presence of a storage vessel in the cavity. The detector may comprise a spring form extending in the cavity and arranged to be deformed by a storage vessel when introduced into the cavity, and further arranged so that on deformation it closes an electrical switch indicating the presence of the microtabe in the cavity. The presence of the spring form also increases friction between the storage vessel and the cavity retaining the storage vessel within the cavity.

Abstract: A method of handling a compound storage vessel (4) disposed in a cavity in a rack, the cavity having an upper and lower opening. The method includes introducing a lifting pin (15) into the cavity through the lower opening to urge the compound storage vessel upwards within the cavity. A lifting head (16) may be placed above the rack for receiving compound storage vessels.

Abstract: A bulk container is provided with a detachable discharge coupling mounted to the container at a discharge port in a sump of the container. The discharge port is large enough to allow an operator to reach into the container to grasp a flexible liner that has been inserted into the container. The liner is equipped with a discharge fitment, which attaches to the discharge coupling. The apparatus of the present invention allows an operator to insert a flexible liner into a bulk container, attach said liner to the discharge coupling, and attach the discharge coupling to the container, without entering the container. Since the discharge coupling is inserted into the discharge port of the container from outside the container, it fits easily into the confines of a sump in the container.

Abstract: A kit is provided for attaching to a road travelling mobile platform (e.g. a wheeled trailer or a self-propelled vehicle such as a pickup truck or a flatbed truck) suitable for transporting a first vehicle. The kit enables the mobile platform to transport a second vehicle, such as a boat trailer carrying a boat, thereon. The kit includes: a tiltable ramp suitable for supporting a boat and boat trailer thereon. a first support for supporting one portion of the tiltable ramp in an elevated position with respect to the mobile platform; a chain and drum located on the first support for securing the boat and boat trailer to the tiltable ramp; and a second support capable of supporting a long lever arm portion of the tiltable ramp in an elevated position or capable of retaining the long lever arm portion in a lowered position. The first and second supports include connectors for connecting the mobile platform to the respective supports.