Abstract: At least some aspects of the present disclosure feature a modular distribution system including a plurality of ducts connected in sequence and an attachment device configured to attach two adjacent ducts. At least one of the plurality of ducts includes a longitude axis, a plurality of coated panels, a plurality of rails disposed parallel to the longitude axis, each of the plurality of rails configured to receive the coated panels, and an end frame disposed generally perpendicular to the longitude axis and proximate one of the two ends of a coated panel.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a biological sample is provided. The apparatus comprises a body having a processing chamber, a first reservoir, a second reservoir, a filter, a first one-way valve, a second one-way valve, a first fluid pathway, and a second fluid pathway. The first fluid pathway and the second fluid pathway pass through the filter. A method of processing a sample using the apparatus is also provided. The method comprises placing a sample comprising a liquid into the processing chamber; urging at least a portion of the liquid through the filter; after urging the at least a portion of the liquid through the filter, urging a portion of a back-flush liquid through the filter into the process chamber to form a first processed sample; and analyzing at least a portion of the first processed sample to detect an indication of a microorganism.

Abstract: An apparatus and an assembly for processing a sample are provided. The apparatus comprises a plurality of spaced-apart reservoirs, a plurality of channels, and a plurality of outlets, each outlet comprising an effluent discharge opening. The apparatus forms a plurality of flow paths, each flow path comprising a reservoir, a channel, and an outlet. An analyte capture element can be slideably engaged in a channel in a position where it is in fluid communication with the flow path. The apparatus with the analyte capture element disposed in the flow path can be used to process a liquid sample. A method of detecting an analyte in the liquid sample is also provided.

Abstract: A first apparatus for processing a liquid sample is disclosed. The apparatus includes a sample-receiving, a filtrate-receiving component, and an analyte-capture element. The apparatus forms a liquid flow path through which the sample passes, thereby causing the analyte-capture element to capture an analyte, if present. A method is disclosed whereby a liquid sample is passed through the first apparatus and the analyte-capture element is easily separated from the apparatus for further processing and detection of the analyte. A structurally-related second apparatus for processing a plurality of liquid samples, and a corresponding method of use, also is disclosed.

Abstract: A roofing system and article for installation on a roof deck. The roofing article includes a body having an upper portion and an underside. A first channel is defined within the upper portion. The first channel includes an inlet. A second channel is defined intermediate the underside of the body and the roof deck. The second channel is operably connected to the first channel through an orifice, such that the outside air can enter the second channel through the orifice.

Abstract: A first apparatus (100) for processing a liquid sample is disclosed. The apparatus (100) includes a sample-receiving (120), a filtrate-receiving component (150), and an analyte-capture element (170). The apparatus (100) forms a liquid flow path through which the sample passes, thereby causing the analyte-capture element (170) to capture an analyte, if present. A method is disclosed whereby a liquid sample is passed through the first (100) apparatus and the analyte-capture element (170) is easily separated from the apparatus for further processing and detection of the analyte. A structurally-related second apparatus (200) for processing a plurality of liquid samples, and a corresponding method of use, also is disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an assembly for preparing a sample for analysis. The assembly comprises a hollow body comprising first opening, an outlet with a second opening, and a fluid pathway extending therebetween; a filter element operatively interposed in the fluid pathway; and a closure comprising a third opening and a chamber, the closure being slideably engaged with the outlet. The chamber and the outlet are dimensioned so that the outlet is sealingly engaged with the chamber. A method of using the assembly to detect a microorganism is also provided.

Abstract: A roofing system and article for installation on a roof deck. The roofing article includes a body having an upper portion and an underside. A first channel is defined within the upper portion. The first channel includes an inlet. A second channel is defined intermediate the underside of the body and the roof deck. The second channel is operably connected to the first channel through an orifice, such that the outside air can enter the second channel through the orifice.

Abstract: An assembly for processing a sample is provided. The assembly comprises a first body having a plurality of spaced-apart conduits and a second body having a plurality of chambers wherein each conduit is fluidically connected to a separate chamber. The assembly forms a plurality of liquid flow paths, each flow path comprising a conduit and a chamber. An analyte capture element is detachably attached to a conduit and is in fluidic communication with the liquid flow path of the conduit. Optionally, the assembly further may comprise a third body comprising a plurality of reservoirs. The assembly can be used to process a liquid sample for detecting an analyte.

Abstract: An apparatus and an assembly for processing a sample are provided. The apparatus comprises a plurality of spaced-apart reservoirs, a plurality of channels, and a plurality of outlets, each outlet comprising an effluent discharge opening. The apparatus forms a plurality of flow paths, each flow path comprising a reservoir, a channel, and an outlet. An analyte capture element can be slideably engaged in a channel in a position where it is in fluid communication with the flow path. The apparatus with the analyte capture element disposed in the flow path can be used to process a liquid sample. A method of detecting an analyte in the liquid sample is also provided.

Abstract: A roofing system and article for installation on a roof deck. The roofing article includes a body having an upper portion and an underside. A first channel is defined within the upper portion. The first channel includes an inlet. A second channel is defined intermediate the underside of the body and the roof deck. The second channel is operably connected to the first channel through an orifice, such that the outside air can enter the second channel through the orifice.

Abstract: An adjustable securing device includes a strap having opposed first and second major surfaces wherein at least one of the first and second major surfaces includes a fastener, and a buckle attached to the strap, wherein the buckle includes a body containing a slot for receiving the strap, and wherein the buckle includes a buckle fastener arranged for refastenable mating engagement with the strap fastener.

Abstract: A biomedical sensor system. The system can include a sensor adapted to create a signal based on a physiological characteristic from a subject, and a hub adapted to receive the signal from the sensor. The signal can include at least one of an electromagnetic signal, an electrical signal, an acoustic signal, a mechanical signal, a thermal signal, and a chemical signal. The system can further include a connector adapted to couple the sensor and the hub, the connector having a variable length, such that the sensor and the hub can be positioned a variable distance apart by changing the length of the connector. The connector can be adapted to provide a pathway between the sensor and the hub for the signal. A method of applying a biomedical sensor system to a subject can include changing the length of the variable-length connector to provide an appropriate distance between the sensor and the hub, and coupling the sensor to the subject.

Abstract: A first apparatus (100) for processing a liquid sample is disclosed. The apparatus (100) includes a sample-receiving (120), a filtrate-receiving component (150), and an analyte-capture element (170). The apparatus (100) forms a liquid flow path through which the sample passes, thereby causing the analyte-capture element (170) to capture an analyte, if present. A method is disclosed whereby a liquid sample is passed through the first (100) apparatus and the analyte-capture element (170) is easily separated from the apparatus for further processing and detection of the analyte. A structurally-related second apparatus (200) for processing a plurality of liquid samples, and a corresponding method of use, also is disclosed.

Abstract: A lightguide functioning as a luminaire. The luminaire includes at least one solid state light source, such as an LED, and a lightguide configured to receive light from the solid state light source. Light from the light source is coupled into the lightguide and transported within it by total internal reflection until the light exits the lightguide. A shape of the lightguide causes and directs extraction of the light. The shape can also be used to create a particular pattern of the extracted light.

Abstract: A modular automated system (10) for sample processing and/or detection of microorganisms is provided. The modular system includes modules (40a, 14, 40b, 50, 55) that perform at least one function in the process of detecting microorganisms in a culture device, such as collection of multiple samples, sample loading, sample preparation, sample incubation, and detection of microorganisms in samples. An exemplary embodiment of a modular sample processing and/or detection system can include an automated loading module, a liquid processing module, modular incubator, a second automated loading module, a reader module, and a collector.

Abstract: A biomedical sensor system. The system can include a sensor adapted to create a signal based on a physiological characteristic from a subject, and a hub adapted to receive the signal from the sensor. The signal can include at least one of an electromagnetic signal, an electrical signal, an acoustic signal, a mechanical signal, a thermal signal, and a chemical signal. The system can further include a connector adapted to couple the sensor and the hub, the connector having a variable length, such that the sensor and the hub can be positioned a variable distance apart by changing the length of the connector. The connector can be adapted to provide a pathway between the sensor and the hub for the signal. A method of applying a biomedical sensor system to a subject can include changing the length of the variable-length connector to provide an appropriate distance between the sensor and the hub, and coupling the sensor to the subject.

Abstract: A hand-held, manually-operated sanding tool includes a base body, a handle, and a coupling device. The base body defines an aperture extending from a first surface of the base body to a second surface of the base body. The handle includes a grip and a post. The coupling device is coupled with the post of the handle through the aperture. The handle and the coupling device are positioned near opposite surfaces of the base body to rotatably couple the handle to the base body such that the handle is rotatable about an axis defined by the post.