Abstract: A device includes: a first portion configured to be grasped by the hand of the user, and a second portion defining a reservoir containing a control material, wherein the control material contains a target analyte in a known or predetermined concentration. A method of verifying the accuracy of an analyte monitoring device includes receiving a fluid sample, identifying the fluid sample as a control solution, and analyzing the fluid sample.

Abstract: A uni-directional, plunger-type electrophysiology catheter handle is designed to reduce the input force a user must apply to deflect the distal end of the catheter. A force amplifier is operatively coupled to a deflection actuator of the handle. The force amplifier can be a pulley or a system of gears. The force amplifier can increase the output force of deflection actuator by the same factor as that by which the user input force is reduced. A variable-friction autolocking system can also be used to reduce the input force a user must apply during initial deflection as compared to later deflection of the catheter.

Abstract: A Light Floatable Structure is attached to the footprint of a Mobile Electronic Device when near an area where the device might be dropped accidentally into water or other similar liquid where the device might sink. The attached Light Floatable Structure provides the buoyancy needed to prevent the Mobile Electronic Device and attached Light Floatable Structure from sinking. The dimensions and shape of this This Light Floatable Structure are confined to the length and width of the footprint of the Mobile Electronic Device to preserve its feel and adheres to the Mobile Electronic Device with an interface that allows easy attachment and removal of the Light Floatable Structures from the Mobile Electronic Devices when desired.

Abstract: A uni-directional, plunger-type electrophysiology catheter handle is designed to reduce the input force a user must apply to deflect the distal end of the catheter. A force amplifier is operatively coupled to a deflection actuator of the handle. The force amplifier can be a pulley or a system of gears. The force amplifier can increase the output force of deflection actuator by the same factor as that by which the user input force is reduced. A variable-friction autolocking system can also be used to reduce the input force a user must apply during initial deflection as compared to later deflection of the catheter.

Abstract: A Light Floatable Structure is attached to the footprint of a Mobile Electronic Device when near an area where the device might be dropped accidentally into water or other similar liquid where the device might sink. The attached Light Floatable Structure provides the buoyancy needed to prevent the Mobile Electronic Device and attached Light Floatable Structure from sinking. The dimensions and shape of this This Light Floatable Structure are confined to the length and width of the footprint of the Mobile Electronic Device to preserve its feel and adheres to the Mobile Electronic Device with an interface that allows easy attachment and removal of the Light Floatable Structures from the Mobile Electronic Devices when desired.

Abstract: A containment vessel for a thermal energy storage system comprising a bottom wall joined to a surrounding containment side wall, and a liner comprising a liner bottom disposed upon the bottom wall of the vessel, the liner bottom having an outer perimeter and comprising an array of plates, each of the plates joined at a portion of its perimeter to a portion of the perimeter of an adjacent plate by a flexible joint; and a liner side wall joined to the outer perimeter of the liner bottom and disposed within the containment side wall. A thermal energy storage system comprising the containment vessel and an array of heat exchangers is also disclosed. The heat exchangers are disposed in the vessel, and are each supported by a support frame joined to one of the plates of the array of plates of the liner.

Abstract: A vessel for a thermal energy storage system comprising a bottom wall joined to a surrounding side wall, and an inner liner disposed within the bottom wall and side wall and comprising an inner liner bottom and an inner liner side wall. One aspect of the inner liner bottom and side wall is that they are configured to repeatedly expand and contract during the thermal cycling of the storage system. A thermal energy storage system comprising the containment vessel and an array of heat exchangers is also disclosed. The heat exchangers are disposed in the vessel, and arranged so as to enclose a volume within the vessel. Each of the heat exchangers is suspended by a suspension assembly. The assembly may be comprised of a central support hanger, a spring loaded upper hanger, and a lower hanger.

Abstract: A containment vessel for a thermal energy storage system comprising a bottom wall joined to a surrounding containment side wall, and a liner comprising a liner bottom disposed upon the bottom wall of the vessel, the liner bottom having an outer perimeter and comprising an array of plates, each of the plates joined at a portion of its perimeter to a portion of the perimeter of an adjacent plate by a flexible joint; and a liner side wall joined to the outer perimeter of the liner bottom and disposed within the containment side wall. A thermal energy storage system comprising the containment vessel and an array of heat exchangers is also disclosed. The heat exchangers are disposed in the vessel, and are each supported by a support frame joined to one of the plates of the array of plates of the liner.

Abstract: A flexible circuit for use in a head gimbal assembly having low stiffness and high robustness. The flexible interconnect circuit has interconnecting leads which connect the flexible interconnect circuit to a transduction head. To ensure the transducing head is able to follow the surface of the disc and properly read from and write to the disc, the interconnect leads are constructed with a varying width. The leads are widened at the points where breakage usually occurs and are narrowed at a middle portion to ensure the leads maintain the desired flexibility.

Abstract: A slider having slider level fly height or dynamic control. The slider level fly height control includes a flow gate on a slider body interposed in a flow path along an air bearing surface of the slider body. The flow gate is operable to regulate flow along the air bearing surface to provide dynamic or fly height control for the slider.

Abstract: A head suspension assembly for a slider tester is provided, which includes a socket that is coupled to a gimbal and load beam. The assembly also includes an electrical interconnect. The socket is adapted to releasably secure a slider and to electrically couple the electrical interconnect to the slider.

Abstract: The invention relates to the genetic manipulation of plants, particularly plants of the genus Brassica. Methods are provided for producing transgenic Brassica plants involving the introduction of a DNA construct by microprojectile bombardment. The methods find use in the development of improved agricultural varieties of Brassica plants through the incorporation of new agronomic traits.