Abstract: A liquid sample processing method includes opening a closed container by removing a closure of the container from an opening of the container to access a liquid sample collector including a liquid sample collection member and an elongated handle. Before removing the closure, the container may be secured with a holder. After separating the liquid sample collection member, a plunger with a liquid pathway extending through it is pushed downward to compress the liquid sample collection member such that at least some of the liquid sample flows through the liquid pathway.

Abstract: Liquid sample collection devices, systems, and methods. In one example, the system includes a liquid collection device, a cap for the liquid collection device, and a sealed reagent liquid container installed in the cap, in which depressing the cap relative to the liquid collection device unseals the reagent liquid container. In another example, the system includes a liquid collector and a collection chamber in which the collection chamber holds a reagent in a sealed condition and the liquid collector is actuable to disrupt a sealing membrane associated with the collection chamber. In another example, the system includes a liquid collector and a collection chamber in which the liquid collector holds a reagent in a sealed condition and in which the liquid collector is actuable to drain the reagent from the liquid collector into the collection chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for controlling fluid flow and in particular fluid flow through a microfluidic multi-port control valve assembly of a High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) unit. The flow control apparatus has a localized data repository for storing cumulative wear indications of components of the apparatus. The stored information travels with the apparatus allowing for more reliable predictive failure of components of the apparatus.

Abstract: The pressure fluctuations in a fluid degassing system may be diminished by independently controlling the intake phase and the exhaust phase of an evacuation pump. The speed of the pump's drive element may be modulated at least during the intake phase to more closely align with a pressure set point in a degassing module.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling fluid flow, and in particular fluid flow through a microfluidic multi-port control valve assembly of a High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) unit includes a localized data repository for storing cumulative wear indications of components of the apparatus. The stored information may travel with the apparatus to enable predictive failure of components of the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for controlling fluid flow and in particular fluid flow through a microfluidic multi-port control valve assembly of a High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) unit. The flow control apparatus has a localized data repository for storing cumulative wear indications of components of the apparatus. The stored information travels with the apparatus allowing for more reliable predictive failure of components of the apparatus.

Abstract: The pressure fluctuations in a fluid degassing system may be diminished by independently controlling the intake phase and the exhaust phase of an evacuation pump. The speed of the pump's drive element may be modulated at least during the intake phase to more closely align with a pressure set point in a degassing module.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for attaching an electronic identification device to bits, such as drill bits and driver bits. A bit identification assembly is configured to attach to a bit. The bit identification assembly may include a core having a bit receptacle where a bit is retained. An electronic identification device may be attached to the core to facilitate identifying and tracking the bit to which the bit identification assembly is attached.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for attaching an electronic identification device to bits, such as drill bits and driver bits. A bit identification assembly is configured to attach to a bit. The bit identification assembly may include a core having a bit receptacle where a bit is retained. An electronic identification device may be attached to the core to facilitate identifying and tracking the bit to which the bit identification assembly is attached.

Abstract: A lancing device has a spring-loaded lancet holder slidably mounted within a housing for carrying a disposable lancet and needle. A slider mounted in a slot in the housing is moved back for cocking the device and, after the lancet is fired, is moved forward to eject the used lancet. A releasable connector reversibly immobilizes the holder while the lancet is being ejected. The releasable connector permits a shortened ejection stroke, which, in turn, permits a shorter slot in the housing.

Abstract: A lancing device has a spring-loaded lancet holder slidably mounted within a housing for carrying a disposable lancet and needle. A knob on the back of the device has forward-extending fingers that stop the lancet holder at an adjustable predetermined point after the device has been fired. The fingers not only control the penetration depth of the needle, but also absorb vibrations and reduce noise to cause less pain to the user.