Abstract: A catheter system includes a structure defining a fluid passage and a distal orifice, the structure having a first coupling configured to connect to a second coupling of a fluid line of a dialysis machine. The catheter system further includes a first spring supported by the structure and being configurable between an expanded configuration and a compressed configuration. When the first spring is in the expanded configuration, the first spring extends through the distal orifice so that (i) a proximal part of the first spring is positioned within the fluid passage, and (ii) a distal part of the first spring is positioned outside of the fluid passage. When the first spring is in the compressed configuration, the first spring is positioned entirely within the fluid passage of the structure.

Abstract: A catheter system includes a structure defining a proximal orifice, a distal orifice, and a fluid passage extending therebetween. The catheter system further includes an actuator movable in relation to the structure between a first location and a second location. In addition, the catheter system includes a member movable in relation to the structure between (i) a first position in which the member extends through the distal orifice so that a proximal part of the member is positioned within the fluid passage and a distal part of the member is positioned outside of the fluid passage, and (ii) a second position in which the member is entirely located within the fluid passage. The catheter system additionally includes a linkage connected between the actuator and the member. Movement of the actuator from the second location to the first location causes movement of the member from the second position to the first position.

Abstract: A disposable, single use test cell is provided for receiving fluid to be diagnostically tested by an instrument. The test cell includes a housing sized and shaped for engagement by the instrument when a diagnostic test is to be performed, the housing including at least one chamber, at least one pair of electrodes within the chamber and in electrical contact with circuitry within the instrument when the housing is engaged by the instrument and a specimen capsule containing the fluid to be tested.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for applying a label onto a substantially cylindrical article by using a bottom feed conveyor unit formed of two chain loops each formed from a plurality of interconnected chain links. Substantially parallel support rods extend between the chain loops and are supported by the chain links. The support rods are spaced a distance sufficient to allow an article to rest thereon. The label drum defines an article wrapping position at a lower portion of the label drum. A thin layer, heat activated adhesive backed label is fed onto the surface of the drum so that the adhesive back faces outward from the drum. The label drum is rotated to move the label retained thereon into the article wrapping position. As the label is moved, the adhesive is heated so that the adhesive obtains a sufficient temperature to melt.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for applying a label onto a substantially cylindrical article by using a bottom feed conveyor unit. The label drum defines an article wrapping position at a lower portion of the label drum. A thin layer, heat activated adhesive backed label is fed onto the surface of the drum so that the adhesive back faces outward from the drum. The label drum is rotated to move the label retained thereon into the article wrapping position. As the label is moved, the adhesive is heated so that the adhesive obtains a sufficient temperature to melt. A cylindrical article is conveyed substantially horizontally along a conveyor into the article wrapping position and into rotative engagement with the label retained on the label drum so as to transfer the label onto the cylindrical article by wrap-around labeling.