Abstract: An automated apparatus can provide pre-analytical processing of samples, racking and forwarding to an adjacent analyzer for analysis. The apparatus may have a controller that implements an auto-learn process to teach robotic handlers the locations within the workspace(s) of the apparatus. A robotic sample handler may include a sensor configured to generate a detection signal when in a near vicinity of a fiducial beacon in the workspace of the apparatus for biological sample preparation, preprocessing and/or diagnostic assay performed by one or more analyzers of the automated apparatus. The controller may control the robotic sample handler to conduct a search pattern so that a location of the fiducial beacon may be detected and thereafter calculated to obtain a more accurate location of the beacon. The calculated positions may then serve as a basis for the controlled movement of samples by the robot to and from locations of the workspace.

Abstract: A method for penetrating a pierceable cap (11) on a vessel (21). The pierceable cap (11) prevents escape of sample specimens from the vessel (21) before transfer with a transfer device (43). The pierceable cap (11) may fit over a vessel (21). An access port in the shell of the pierceable cap (11) may allow passage of a transfer device (43) through the pierceable cap (11). At least one frangible layer (215, 216) may be configured with cross slits (506) in a particular cross slit geometry. The cross slits (506) may contain an openable portion (644) or be covered by a thin membrane (645). The shell (610) and frangible layer(s) (215, 216) may be integrated into a one piece cap (601), or be separate components (634). The membrane on which the cross slits 506 are placed can be flat or contoured to guide the transfer device (43) to the cross slits (506). The flat surfaces are supported by rib structures (620, 621) that extend radially inward and downward into the vessel (21).

Abstract: A heat transfer apparatus includes an outer shell, an internal core body, and a flexible diaphragm extending from the core body to an interior surface of the outer shell. The shell includes a first inlet that receives a first fluid, a second inlet that receives a second fluid, a first outlet through which the first fluid exits the shell, and a second outlet through which the second fluid exits the shell. The core body forms first interior passageways that fluidly couple the first inlet with the first outlet and second interior passageways that fluidly couple the second inlet with the second outlet. The flexible diaphragm forms a flexible transition between each of the first inlet and the second inlet of the shell and the core body, and forms a seal that prevents the first fluid in the first interior passageways from flowing into the second interior passageways.

Abstract: An automated apparatus can provide pre-analytical processing of samples, racking and forwarding to an adjacent analyzer for analysis. The apparatus may have a controller that implements an auto-learn process to teach robotic handlers the locations within the workspace(s) of the apparatus. A robotic sample handler may include a sensor configured to generate a detection signal when in a near vicinity of a fiducial beacon in the workspace of the apparatus for biological sample preparation, preprocessing and/or diagnostic assay performed by one or more analyzers of the automated apparatus. The controller may control the robotic sample handler to conduct a search pattern so that a location of the fiducial beacon may be detected and thereafter calculated to obtain a more accurate location of the beacon. The calculated positions may then serve as a basis for the controlled movement of samples by the robot to and from locations of the workspace.

Abstract: A heat transfer apparatus includes an outer shell, an internal core body, and a flexible diaphragm extending from the core body to an interior surface of the outer shell. The shell includes a first inlet that receives a first fluid, a second inlet that receives a second fluid, a first outlet through which the first fluid exits the shell, and a second outlet through which the second fluid exits the shell. The core body forms first interior passageways that fluidly couple the first inlet with the first outlet and second interior passageways that fluidly couple the second inlet with the second outlet. The flexible diaphragm forms a flexible transition between each of the first inlet and the second inlet of the shell and the core body, and forms a seal that prevents the first fluid in the first interior passageways from flowing into the second interior passageways.

Abstract: A method for penetrating a pierceable cap (11) on a vessel (21). The pierceable cap (11) prevents escape of sample specimens from the vessel (21) before transfer with a transfer device (43). The pierceable cap (11) may fit over a vessel (21). An access port in the shell of the pierceable cap (11) may allow passage of a transfer device (43) through the pierceable cap (11). At least one frangible layer (215, 216) may be configured with cross slits (506) in a particular cross slit geometry. The cross slits (506) may contain an openable portion (644) or be covered by a thin membrane (645). The shell (610) and frangible layer(s) (215, 216) may be integrated into a one piece cap (601), or be separate components (634). The membrane on which the cross slits 506 are placed can be flat or contoured to guide the transfer device (43) to the cross slits (506). The flat surfaces are supported by rib structures (620, 621) that extend radially inward and downward into the vessel (21).

Abstract: A core body includes a structure having a plurality of connected unit cells. At least one unit cell has one or more sidewalls that are curved and define a portion of an inner passageway within and through the unit cell. The one or more sidewalls define multiple orifices and include a cone disposed between at least some of the orifices. A dimple is defined along an outer surface of the unit cell at the cone. The outer surface at least partially defines an outer passageway that is sealed from the inner passageway by the one or more sidewalls. The one or more sidewalls are configured to transport one or more of thermal energy from a first fluid or a component of the first fluid flowing in the inner passageway to a second fluid flowing in the outer passageway without the first fluid mixing with the second fluid.

Abstract: An infant sleep device may include a platform for supporting an infant, a base upon which the platform is supported, and one or more weight sensors positioned to measure weight of an infant positioned on the platform.

Abstract: An automated pre-analytical processing method and an apparatus for pre-analytical processing of samples to be forwarded to an adjacent analyzer for analysis. Rack label information is read and communicated to a processor. From the rack label information, the processor determines where to route the rack. The pre-analytical system has a rack robot that conveys racks to discrete locations depending upon the routing information assigned to the rack by the processor. The pre-analytical system has an automated station that reads the labels of individual sample containers in the rack that are brought to the automated station on instructions from the processor. Depending on the type of sample container and the type of sample disposed therein, the samples are either prepared for analysis by the automated station or the sample containers are directly passed through the automated station. Prepared samples and passed through samples are passed individually to a batching rack.

Abstract: An automated apparatus can provide pre-analytical processing of samples, racking and forwarding to an adjacent analyzer for analysis. The apparatus may have a controller that implements an auto-learn process to teach robotic handlers the locations within the workspace(s) of the apparatus. A robotic sample handler may include a sensor configured to generate a detection signal when in a near vicinity of a fiducial beacon in the workspace of the apparatus for biological sample preparation, preprocessing and/or diagnostic assay performed by one or more analyzers of the automated apparatus. The controller may control the robotic sample handler to conduct a search pattern so that a location of the fiducial beacon may be detected and thereafter calculated to obtain a more accurate location of the beacon. The calculated positions may then serve as a basis for the controlled movement of samples by the robot to and from locations of the workspace.

Abstract: An automated pre-analytical processing method and an apparatus for pre-analytical processing of samples to be forwarded to an adjacent analyzer for analysis. Rack label information is read and communicated to a processor. From the rack label information, the processor determines where to route the rack. The pre-analytical system has a rack robot that conveys racks to discrete locations depending upon the routing information assigned to the rack by the processor. The pre-analytical system has an automated station that reads the labels of individual sample containers in the rack that are brought to the automated station on instructions from the processor. Depending on the type of sample container and the type of sample disposed therein, the samples are either prepared for analysis by the automated station or the sample containers are directly passed through the automated station. Prepared samples and passed through samples are passed individually to a batching rack.

Abstract: An automated apparatus can provide pre-analytical processing of samples, racking and forwarding to an adjacent analyzer for analysis. The apparatus may have a controller that implements an auto-learn process to teach robotic handlers the locations within the workspace(s) of the apparatus. A robotic sample handler may include a sensor configured to generate a detection signal when in a near vicinity of a fiducial beacon in the workspace of the apparatus for biological sample preparation, preprocessing and/or diagnostic assay performed by one or more analyzers of the automated apparatus. The controller may control the robotic sample handler to conduct a search pattern so that a location of the fiducial beacon may be detected and thereafter calculated to obtain a more accurate location of the beacon. The calculated positions may then serve as a basis for the controlled movement of samples by the robot to and from locations of the workspace.

Abstract: A rejuvenation and massage device is provided for treating mucosa tissue, such as vaginal tissue, affected by Vaginal Relaxation Syndrome (VRS) or other conditions, through vibration, thermal loading, and light emittance for a duration of time. In one embodiment, the device is an insertable device that includes Low-Level Laser Light (LLLT) therapy to treat the vaginal tissue. The light emittance by one or more light emitters is in a range sufficient to provide therapeutic effects through light radiation. To enhance the therapeutic effects of light radiation provided by the device, the device is configured to provide increased energy density into target tissue of vaginal muscles though a light configuration component (e.g., a focusing component, such as a concave lens assembly, a convex assembly, a pre-lensed light emitter or other focusing optical mechanism) associated with the light emitter that concentrates the light emitted from the light emitter.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated methods of use for a controlled combination of reagents is disclosed. The apparatus includes a vessel 400, a vessel insert 220, and a cap element 200. The vessel 400 has a body portion 410 for receiving a biological sample. The vessel insert 220 receives at least one reagent therein. Preferably, the vessel insert 220 is received in a portion 420 of the vessel 400. The cap element 200 is attached to the vessel 400 to secure the vessel insert 220 in the vessel 400. During use, the vessel insert 220 is adapted to release its contents when the biological sample is introduced into the body portion 410 of the vessel 400 upon application of an intermixing force to the vessel insert 220. A variety of intermixing forces may be applied, depending upon the embodiment of the present invention and its associated methods of use.

Abstract: A rejuvenation and massage device is provided for treating mucosa tissue, such as vaginal tissue, affected by Vaginal Relaxation Syndrome (VRS) or other conditions, through vibration, thermal loading, and light emittance for a duration of time. In one embodiment, the device is an insertable device that includes Low-Level Laser Light (LLLT) therapy to treat the vaginal tissue. The light emittance by one or more light emitters is in a range sufficient to provide therapeutic effects through light radiation. To enhance the therapeutic effects of light radiation provided by the device, the device is configured to provide increased energy density into target tissue of vaginal muscles though a light configuration component (e.g., a focusing component, such as a concave lens assembly, a convex assembly, a pre-lensed light emitter or other focusing optical mechanism) associated with the light emitter that concentrates the light emitted from the light emitter.

Abstract: An example sexual stimulation device includes a drive module, a stimulating element, a fulcrum, and a compliant member. The stimulating element has a first end coupled to the drive module in a manner such that the first end of the stimulating element moves along a first path when the drive module is operated. The stimulating element also has a second end opposite the first end. The fulcrum is disposed at a first point along an extension of the stimulating element such that the stimulating element pivots about the first point and the second end of the stimulating element translates according to a second path. The compliant member is coupled to the second end of the stimulating element.

Abstract: A core body includes a structure having a plurality of connected unit cells. At least one unit cell has one or more sidewalls that are curved and define a portion of an inner passageway within and through the unit cell. The one or more sidewalls define multiple orifices and include a cone disposed between at least some of the orifices. A dimple is defined along an outer surface of the unit cell at the cone. The outer surface at least partially defines an outer passageway that is sealed from the inner passageway by the one or more sidewalls. The one or more sidewalls are configured to transport one or more of thermal energy from a first fluid or a component of the first fluid flowing in the inner passageway to a second fluid flowing in the outer passageway without the first fluid mixing with the second fluid.

Abstract: An infant sleep device may include a platform for supporting an infant, a base upon which the platform is supported, and one or more weight sensors positioned to measure weight of an infant positioned on the platform.

Abstract: An alignment system includes an optical sensor device that may be inserted into a passage of a body that is located between a fuel injector and a combustion chamber of an engine cylinder. The body is shaped to transmit fuel ejected from a spray hole in a fuel injector into the combustion chamber of the engine cylinder. The system also includes a controller that may examine output of the optical sensor device and determine whether the passage of the body is aligned with the spray hole of the fuel injector based on the output from the optical sensor device. The controller may change a position of one or more of the body or the fuel injector responsive to determining that the passage of the body is not aligned with the spray hole of the fuel injector.