Abstract: A method for operating an analysis device for carrying out an analysis process, more particularly by using a polymerase chain reaction, includes providing a cartridge having a microfluidic channel-and-chamber structure. At least one film bag containing a process liquid is disposed in a stick-pack chamber of the cartridge. In an opening step the stick-pack chamber or stick-pack chambers are heated to a temperature of 80 to 130 degrees Celsius, and in the opening step the cartridge rotates at a rotational speed of 20 to 80 Hz. A cartridge and an analyzer are also provided.

Abstract: Filler frames for mounting on exterior or interior surfaces of metal building siding panels, and also configurable for mounting around cut-out openings in siding panels. Filler frames include one or more connected frame panels having a substantially flat top portion, and a bottom portion having a bottom surface that is shaped to nest on and mate with a correspondingly shaped portion of a repeating ridge pattern of the respective building side panel on which each of the frame panels is configured to be mounted upon, thus leaving no gaps between the filler frame and the building siding panels. Frame panels of filler frames may alternatively have one or more foam portions attached to a bottom surface providing for an effective seal. One or more gaps are formed in such foam portions to facilitate the use of fasteners for mounting of the filler frame to a building siding panel.

Abstract: A catheter device for transporting an implant to a target location in a body lumen and also for releasing the implant at the target location. The device includes an outer shaft configured to transport the implant to the target location, and an implant capsule configured to receive the implant. The implant capsule has a tubular capsule core, which surrounds the implant prior to the release. The capsule core, at a proximal end of the capsule core, has a plurality of tabs for fixing the capsule core to the outer shaft, which tabs protrude from a tubular portion of the capsule core along an axial direction of the capsule core.

Abstract: A fluidic module for switching liquid from a liquid retaining area into which liquid can be introduced into downstream fluidic structures includes at least two fluid paths fluidically connecting the liquid retaining area to the downstream fluidic structures. One of the two fluid paths includes a siphon channel. The downstream fluidic structures are not vented or only vented via a vent delay resistor, such that when the liquid is introduced into the liquid retaining area, an enclosed gas volume results in the downstream fluidic structures. By adjusting the ratio of a centrifugal pressure effected by a rotation of the fluidic module and a pneumatic pressure prevailing in the gas volume, the liquid can be retained in the liquid retaining area or can be transferred into the downstream fluidic structures via the siphon channel wherein venting takes place via the other one of the fluid paths.

Abstract: A fluid handling device has fluidic structures having inlet and outlet chambers and a connecting duct fluidically connecting the two. In a first state, the inlet chamber is completely or partly filled with at least a liquid and partly filled with a compressible medium, and the outlet chamber is at least partly filled with the compressible medium. One of the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber has such a venting duct that a flow resistance/volume product of venting of the chamber for the compressible medium amounts to at least 6700 N·s/m2, the other of the inlet chamber and of the outlet chamber being vented. An actuator for actuating the fluidic structures is to cause a pressure difference of at least 30 Pa between the compressible media within the inlet and outlet chambers, so as to thereby switch a valve device implemented into the connecting duct.

Abstract: A catheter device for transporting an implant to a target location in a body lumen and also for releasing the implant at the target location. The device includes an outer shaft configured to transport the implant to the target location, and an implant capsule configured to receive the implant. The implant capsule has a tubular capsule core, which surrounds the implant prior to the release. The capsule core, at a proximal end of the capsule core, has a plurality of tabs for fixing the capsule core to the outer shaft, which tabs protrude from a tubular portion of the capsule core along an axial direction of the capsule core.

Abstract: This invention is an envelope-structure interface, enabling the use of exterior insulation and pressure-equalized cladding with a post-frame structure. The present invention includes the following interface details: a continuous roof-to-wall water, vapor, and air impermeable weather barrier that is fully adhered to sheathing exterior of framing, girts, and purlins; continuous roof-to-wall insulation exterior of weather barrier that is mechanically fastened back to the post-frame structure; and removal of the requirement for an interior finish material in a conditioned post-frame building. The invention brings superior envelope performance to the structural and material efficiency, rapid rate of construction, and affordability of post-frame techniques.

Abstract: A delivery catheter includes an inner shaft having an atraumatic distal catheter tip. The inner shaft is configured to carry the implant thereon. The catheter tip includes a region that is fixed to the inner shaft and a region that is deformable and not fixed to the inner shaft. An outer shaft surrounds the inner shaft and is displaceable relative thereto. An implant capsule at a distal end of the outer shaft is configured to encase the implant and to release the implant at the target site via relative displacement of the inner and outer shafts. A plunger is axially displaceable with respect to the catheter tip in response to movement of the outer shaft to apply axial compressive force to the catheter tip and deform the region that is deformable and expand that region radially.

Abstract: A fluidic module for switching liquid from a liquid retaining area into which liquid can be introduced into downstream fluidic structures includes at least two fluid paths fluidically connecting the liquid retaining area to the downstream fluidic structures. One of the two fluid paths includes a siphon channel. The downstream fluidic structures are not vented or only vented via a vent delay resistor, such that when the liquid is introduced into the liquid retaining area, an enclosed gas volume results in the downstream fluidic structures. By adjusting the ratio of a centrifugal pressure effected by a rotation of the fluidic module and a pneumatic pressure prevailing in the gas volume, the liquid can be retained in the liquid retaining area or can be transferred into the downstream fluidic structures via the siphon channel wherein venting takes place via the other one of the fluid paths.

Abstract: Methods and microorganisms for systemically introducing a polypeptide in the bloodstream of a subject. The methods of the invention include administering into the gastrointestinal tract of a subject a bacterium configured to express and produce and release the polypeptide. The bacterium is administered in an amount effective to introduce the polypeptide in the bloodstream of the subject, preferably in a detectable amount. The microorganisms of the invention include lactic acid bacteria, such as Lactobacillus reuteri, that comprise a recombinant gene configured to express a polypeptide to be systemically introduced.

Abstract: Methods of processing an air-quenchable aluminum alloy component are provided. The method may include solution heat treating the component, air-quenching the component, and artificially aging the component to a yield strength of at least 200 MPa. The air-quenching may include cooling at a rate of 6° C./s to 25° C./s. The solution heat treatment may include heat treating the component at a temperature of 520° C. to 540° C. and the artificial aging step may include heat treating the component at 235° C. to 255° C. for 0.5 to 2 hours. The disclosed methods may produce a high strength (e.g., over 200 MPa) and high bendability (e.g., r/t ratio up to 0.3) component that does not significantly distort during the quenching process. The disclosed methods may be used to produce structural components having complex shapes, such as multiple, non-coplanar mating surface, while staying within predetermined tolerances.

Abstract: A delivery catheter for implanting a self-expanding implant such as a cardiovascular implant. An outer catheter shaft is formed as an implant capsule for encasing the implant during delivery. A flexible distal support element having a substantially truncated cone-shaped portion, which tapers in the proximal direction, is attached, directly proximally of the implant, in a fixed position to a first, inner catheter shaft, and/or a flexible proximal support element having a substantially truncated cone-shaped portion, which tapers in the proximal direction, is inserted at the proximal end of the implant capsule into the second, outer catheter shaft in a fixed position.

Abstract: Methods and microorganisms for systemically introducing a polypeptide in the bloodstream of a subject. The methods of the invention include administering into the gastrointestinal tract of a subject a bacterium configured to express and produce and release the polypeptide. The bacterium is administered in an amount effective to introduce the polypeptide in the bloodstream of the subject, preferably in a detectable amount. The microorganisms of the invention include lactic acid bacteria, such as Lactobacillus reuteri, that comprise a recombinant gene configured to express a polypeptide to be systemically introduced.

Abstract: An implant introduction device designed to position a medical implant at a destination in a human or animal body. A sleeve extends in an axial direction has at least a first section and a second section opposite the first section in the axial direction. The two sections are connected with one another through a connection area around the sleeve in the peripheral direction. The first section is made of a first material and the second section is made of a second material, the first material having higher bending rigidity than the second material. The connection area defines a meandering course in the peripheral direction.

Abstract: A vehicle canopy includes a vehicle body defining a roof opening. A roof is connected to the vehicle body across the roof opening. A headliner is supported by at least one of the vehicle body and the roof. A frame is supported by the vehicle body. A fabric partition is engaged with the frame and extends across the roof opening between the headliner and the roof. The fabric partition may assist in preventing occupant test dummies and/or other objects from moving through the roof opening.

Abstract: A delivery catheter includes an inner shaft having an atraumatic distal catheter tip. The inner shaft is configured to carry the implant thereon. The catheter tip includes a region that is fixed to the inner shaft and a region that is deformable and not fixed to the inner shaft. An outer shaft surrounds the inner shaft and is displaceable relative thereto. An implant capsule at a distal end of the outer shaft is configured to encase the implant and to release the implant at the target site via relative displacement of the inner and outer shafts. A plunger is axially displaceable with respect to the catheter tip in response to movement of the outer shaft to apply axial compressive force to the catheter tip and deform the region that is deformable and expand that region radially.

Abstract: A delivery catheter for implanting a self-expanding implant such as a cardiovascular implant. An outer catheter shaft is formed as an implant capsule for encasing the implant during delivery. A flexible distal support element having a substantially truncated cone-shaped portion, which tapers in the proximal direction, is attached, directly proximally of the implant, in a fixed position to a first, inner catheter shaft, and/or a flexible proximal support element having a substantially truncated cone-shaped portion, which tapers in the proximal direction, is inserted at the proximal end of the implant capsule into the second, outer catheter shaft in a fixed position.

Abstract: A vehicle canopy includes a vehicle body defining a roof opening. A roof is connected to the vehicle body across the roof opening. A headliner is supported by at least one of the vehicle body and the roof. A frame is supported by the vehicle body. A fabric partition is engaged with the frame and extends across the roof opening between the headliner and the roof. The fabric partition may assist in preventing occupant test dummies and/or other objects from moving through the roof opening.