Abstract: An air interface plane (AIP) of a radio frequency (RF) aperture includes: a circuit board having a first side and a second side opposite the first side; and a matrix of tapered elements arranged on the first side of the circuit board and secured to the circuit board, the matrix of tapered elements cooperating to at least one of receive or transmit an over-the-air RF signal. Suitably, each tapered element of the matrix has: a central hub extending along a longitudinal axis from a hub base which is proximate to the first side of the circuit board to an apex of the tapered element which is distal from the first side of the first circuit board; and a plurality of arms extending from the central hub at the apex of the tapered element, each of the plurality of arms including a first portion that projects the arm radially away from the longitudinal axis and a second portion that projects the arm longitudinally toward the first side of the circuit board.

Abstract: A method for testing body fluids is disclosed. The method includes providing a media-dispensing apparatus, placing at least the distal opening of the elongated tubular member adjacent body fluid (e.g., near a patient's abdomen) or adjacent a medical device such that a portion of the media strip contacts body fluid or the medical device, and advancing the media strip such that the portion of the media strip that contacted the body fluid or the medical device advances at least through the second lumen. Additionally, the step of cutting the media strip with a cutting instrument is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for testing body fluids is disclosed. The method includes providing a media-dispensing apparatus, placing at least the distal opening of the elongated tubular member adjacent body fluid (e.g., near a patient's abdomen) or adjacent a medical device such that a portion of the media strip contacts body fluid or the medical device, and advancing the media strip such that the portion of the media strip that contacted the body fluid or the medical device advances at least through the second lumen. Additionally, the step of cutting the media strip with a cutting instrument is also disclosed.

Abstract: A media-dispensing apparatus for testing body fluids and a method of using the same are disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing having a lower portion and an upper portion, and an elongated tubular member having a distal opening adjacent a distal end thereof. The elongated tubular member includes a first lumen within the elongated tubular member extending from the lower portion of the housing to the distal opening and includes a second lumen within the elongated tubular member extending from the upper portion of the housing to the distal opening. A media strip is dispensable from the lower portion of the housing, through the first lumen, out the distal opening of the elongated tubular member, through the second lumen and into the upper portion of the housing.

Abstract: A media-dispensing apparatus for testing body fluids and a method of using the same are disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing having a lower portion and an upper portion, and an elongated tubular member having a distal opening adjacent a distal end thereof. The elongated tubular member includes a first lumen within the elongated tubular member extending from the lower portion of the housing to the distal opening and includes a second lumen within the elongated tubular member extending from the upper portion of the housing to the distal opening. A media strip is dispensable from the lower portion of the housing, through the first lumen, out the distal opening of the elongated tubular member, through the second lumen and into the upper portion of the housing.