Abstract: A plug for an osmometry sample cup or vial is provided that seals the sample cup or vial to prevent significant evaporation of a sample solution in the cup or vial prior to obtaining an osmolality measurement.

Abstract: A plug for an osmometry sample cup or vial is provided that seals the sample cup or vial to prevent significant evaporation of a sample solution in the cup or vial prior to obtaining an osmolality measurement.

Abstract: A temperature control device and method are provided for an analytical system for performing laboratory protocols. The device includes a well within a housing configured to receive a biological specimen according to a predetermined sample process. The specimen is suspended by a holding device in the well. A thermal element is provided in heat exchange communication with fluid in the well. A temperature sensor is located in the well at a location to be covered and uncovered by rocking motion of fluid in the well. A controller, in communication with the thermal element, the temperature sensor, and an agitation system, is operative to control the thermal element in correlation with temperature data, for example, peak temperature data, from the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A temperature control device and method are provided for an analytical system for performing laboratory protocols. The device includes a well within a housing configured to receive a biological specimen according to a predetermined sample process. The specimen is suspended by a holding device in the well. A thermal element is provided in heat exchange communication with fluid in the well. A temperature sensor is located in the well at a location to be covered and uncovered by rocking motion of fluid in the well. A controller, in communication with the thermal element, the temperature sensor, and an agitation system, is operative to control the thermal element in correlation with temperature data, for example, peak temperature data, from the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A centrifugal assembly is provided that can be used in common laboratory fixed angle or swinging bucket centrifuges for the separation of material, such as parasitic ova, based on particle density. The centrifugal assembly allows the fluid level to be gently adjusted to form a meniscus without disruption of the buoyant matter, such as ova. The centrifugal assembly also enables a user to easily and hygienically collect and transfer a measured amount of a sample, such as fecal material, and to break apart and mix the sample with a floatation fluid contained in a centrifuge tube.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for automating laboratory protocols utilizing cooperative efforts between differing components including fluidics, agitation and thermal control for processing a wide variety of disparate laboratory protocols are provided. In one aspect, a sample processing module is provided, including a housing configured to accommodate a pre-identified sample process, a temperature input capable of interfacing with a temperature controller, a fluid input capable of interfacing with an input fluid controller, a fluid output capable of interfacing with an output fluid controller, and a standardized agitation connector capable of interfacing with an agitator. A control system interfaces with the temperature input, fluid input, fluid output, and agitation connector to enable the system to perform laboratory protocols that require complex, sequential fluidic steps in association with the temperature and agitation control.

Abstract: A centrifugal assembly is provided that can be used in common laboratory fixed angle or swinging bucket centrifuges for the separation of material, such as parasitic ova, based on particle density. The centrifugal assembly allows the fluid level to be gently adjusted to form a meniscus without disruption of the buoyant matter, such as ova. The centrifugal assembly also enables a user to easily and hygienically collect and transfer a measured amount of a sample, such as fecal material, and to break apart and mix the sample with a floatation fluid contained in a centrifuge tube.

Abstract: A centrifugal device and method are provided for the separation of buoyant material such as parasitic ova from fecal matter. A rotor assembly, rotatable about its central axis in a centrifuge, includes a housing with a centrally located top opening leading to a centrally located mixing chamber. An annular sediment chamber is provided, also coaxial about the central axis, connected by a passage with the mixing chamber. A coring assembly is used to retrieve and insert a fecal sample into the mixing chamber for mixing with a flotation fluid. During centrifugation, heavier fecal components pass radially outwardly to the sediment chamber while the ova collect on the inward surface of the flotation fluid. After centrifugation, more flotation fluid is added, if needed, until a meniscus forms at the top opening. A coverslip is placed over the top opening and the ova float to the surface of the fluid and adhere to the coverslip. The coverslip is removed and the ova detected using standard microscopy procedures.

Abstract: An applicator for a device for electrokinetic delivery of medicament to a treatment site includes an applicator head having an active electrode, a matrix, and a medicament or a medicament and an electrically conductive carrier, carried by the matrix in electrical contact with the electrode. The cartridge includes a plurality of raised projections allowing the matrix and head to be ultrasonically welded one to the other. The electrode opens through a face of the head remote from the matrix for connection with an electrical connector carried by the device. A lid overlies the matrix and is releasably attached to a margin of the head. The lid includes layers of different materials with one of the layers formed of a metallic material having a discontinued interface with the lid and a tab carried by the lid.

Abstract: A device for electrokinetic delivery of medicament to a treatment site includes a cartridge having an active electrode and a membrane overlying the active electrode and a medicament or a medicament and an electrically conductive carrier therefor, carried by the membrane in electrical contact with the electrode. The electrode opens through a surface of the cartridge remote from the membrane for connection with an electrical connector carried by the device. An locking element releasably couples the cartridge to the housing.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward an X-ray treatment kit to be used in an X-ray treatment apparatus. The X-ray treatment kit includes at least one of an improved biocompatible sheath or an improved probe, wherein an airflow path is maintained between the sheath and probe to allow air present within a void region of the sheath to escape as the probe is inserted therein. In various embodiments, the sheath includes a securing assembly which removably secures the sheath to the probe and provides an airflow path, e.g. an internally disposed annular ring with air shunts. Such a sheath may be used with a typical smooth probe to form an X-ray treatment kit. In other embodiments, an improved probe includes an air channel formed substantially along its length. In such a case, the improved probe may be used with a typical sheath, i.e., a sheath having a solid annular ring at its open end, to form an X-ray treatment kit.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward an X-ray treatment kit to be used in an X-ray treatment apparatus. The X-ray treatment kit includes at least one of an improved biocompatible sheath or an improved probe, wherein an airflow path is maintained between the sheath and probe to allow air present within a void region of the sheath to escape as the probe is inserted therein. In various embodiments, the sheath includes a securing assembly which removably secures the sheath to the probe and provides an airflow path, e.g. an internally disposed annular ring with air shunts. Such a sheath may be used with a typical smooth probe to form an X-ray treatment kit. In other embodiments, an improved probe includes an air channel formed substantially along its length. In such a case, the improved probe may be used with a typical sheath, i.e., a sheath having a solid annular ring at its open end, to form an X-ray treatment kit.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward an X-ray treatment kit to be used in an X-ray treatment apparatus. The X-ray treatment kit includes at least one of an improved biocompatible sheath or an improved probe, wherein an airflow path is maintained between the sheath and probe to allow air present within a void region of the sheath to escape as the probe is inserted therein. In various embodiments, the sheath includes a securing assembly which removably secures the sheath to the probe and provides an airflow path, e.g. an internally disposed annular ring with air shunts. Such a sheath may be used with a typical smooth probe to form an X-ray treatment kit. In other embodiments, an improved probe includes an air channel formed substantially along its length. In such a case, the improved probe may be used with a typical sheath, i.e., a sheath having a solid annular ring at its open end, to form an X-ray treatment kit.