Abstract: A decapping device may be integrated with an automated biochemical analyzer or biological testing system to aid in sample testing. The exemplary decapper, includes a motor that is operable to lower a latch mechanism to engage with a cap of a sample tube and then raise the latch mechanism to remove the engaged cap. As the latch mechanism is lowered, a retractor portion also descends and causes a set of grippers to extend and grip the sample tube. As the latch mechanism is raised, the set of grippers apply a corresponding pressure to hold the sample tube in place while the cap is removed. Once removed, the cap rests within the latch mechanism and the set of grippers are retracted by the raising retractor. As the latch mechanism returns to its origin position, an ejector arm is operated causing the cap to be ejected from the latch mechanism.

Abstract: A decapping device may be integrated with an automated biochemical analyzer or biological testing system to aid in sample testing. The exemplary decapper, includes a motor that is operable to lower a latch mechanism to engage with a cap of a sample tube and then raise the latch mechanism to remove the engaged cap. As the latch mechanism is lowered, a retractor portion also descends and causes a set of grippers to extend and grip the sample tube. As the latch mechanism is raised, the set of grippers apply a corresponding pressure to hold the sample tube in place while the cap is removed. Once removed, the cap rests within the latch mechanism and the set of grippers are retracted by the raising retractor. As the latch mechanism returns to its origin position, an ejector arm is operated causing the cap to be ejected from the latch mechanism.

Abstract: The sintered electrical contact material described in this specification includes at least one salt dispersed within a silver matrix, and no more than 100 ppm of cadmium and cadmium compounds. The sintered electrical contact material exhibit contact resistances much lower than commercially available silver composites. The salts dispersed within the silver matrix represent a new class of additives for silver composites for high and low current applications.

Abstract: The sintered electrical contact material described in this specification includes at least one salt dispersed within a silver matrix, and no more than 100 ppm of cadmium and cadmium compounds. The sintered electrical contact material exhibit contact resistances much lower than than commercially available silver composites. The salts dispersed within the silver matrix represent a new class of additives for silver composites for high and low current applications.

Abstract: A fishing device provided is configurable as a teaser that can simulate a live fish. A hookless teaser provided is configurable in various shapes and sizes to effectively attract a desired fish. More particularly, a fishing device is provided including a first portion, a second portion, and a flexible portion. The flexible portion may be received by and operatively attached to the first and second portions. The flexible portion may facilitate reorienting the second portion with relation the first portion to simulate swimming. The first portion may be configured to simulate a head of a fish and the second portion may be configured to simulate a tail of the fish. A loop near the central second portion end may interact with water to reorient the second portion. A method is provided for using the fishing device.

Abstract: A fishing device provided is configurable as a teaser that can simulate a live fish. A hookless teaser provided is configurable in various shapes and sizes to effectively attract a desired fish. More particularly, a fishing device is provided including a first portion, a second portion, and a flexible portion. The flexible portion may be received by and operatively attached to the first and second portions. The flexible portion may facilitate reorienting the second portion with relation the first portion to simulate swimming. The first portion may be configured to simulate a head of a fish and the second portion may be configured to simulate a tail of the fish. A loop near the central second portion end may interact with water to reorient the second portion. A method is provided for using the fishing device.

Abstract: A method is provided for joining Be-Al alloy structural members to yield a high shear strength at the interface. Surface oxides are first removed from the Be-Al alloy members. Aluminum is then selectively etched from the bonding surfaces to allow the flow of braze alloy into high aspect ratio capillary sites. A discontinuous ceramic reinforcing material, such as Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 or SiC in particulate or whisker form, is added in small quantities to a braze foil, such as Al-Si, to create a composite at the bond interface. The braze foil and reinforcing material are sandwiched between the Be-Al alloy members, and the joint is heated to above the liquidus temperature of the braze alloy but below the melting point of aluminum. The resulting interface shear strength of the Be-Al alloy bond has been tested to an average of about 60% of the parent alloy shear strength.