Abstract: A fluid collection device comprising an elongate container having an opening at one end, and a swab that is insertable into the container through said opening, wherein: the swab comprises an absorbent collector, for acquiring a fluid sample in use; and the internal cross-sectional area of the container becomes smaller in a direction away from the opening, the internal cross-sectional area becoming sufficiently small so as to cause the absorbent collector to be radially compressed as the swab is inserted into the container in use, thereby causing the absorbent collector to release at least some of the fluid sample held therein. The swab may further comprise a shaft, the absorbent collector being at or near a distal end of the shaft, and a closure being at or near a proximal end of the shaft, the closure being adapted to engage with the container and to close the opening of the container with the absorbent collector inside the container.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for introducing microneedles into the skin of a subject; and a method for inserting microneedles into the skin of a subject comprising use of said device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a strip holder consisting of a housing with a front side and a back side, the housing comprising at least one strip receiving channel, at least one fluid receiving channel, at least one fluid reservoir, and optionally at least one ventilation channel. The invention also relates to a use of the strip holder, a method as well as to a kit comprising the strip holder.

Abstract: A fluid collection device comprising an elongate container having an opening at one end, and a swab that is insertable into the container through said opening, wherein: the swab comprises an absorbent collector, for acquiring a fluid sample in use; and the internal cross-sectional area of the container becomes smaller in a direction away from the opening, the internal cross-sectional area becoming sufficiently small so as to cause the absorbent collector to be radially compressed as the swab is inserted into the container in use, thereby causing the absorbent collector to release at least some of the fluid sample held therein. The swab may further comprise a shaft, the absorbent collector being at or near a distal end of the shaft, and a closure being at or near a proximal end of the shaft, the closure being adapted to engage with the container and to close the opening of the container with the absorbent collector inside the container.

Abstract: In order to provide a simple design of ventilation device which has a relatively open aperture of pleasing aesthetic appearance, there is provided a face 2 for facing into a room, the face including an aperture 3. Three closure parts 5 are provided for closing the aperture 3. The closure parts 5 are rotatably mounted adjacent to the aperture 3 about pivots 9 located around the periphery of the aperture. A drive means is provided for moving the closure parts between an open position and a closed position. A suitable fan 6 can be provided for drawing air through the aperture when the closure parts are in the open position. In a first aspect of the invention, the closure parts 5 each comprise closures surfaces having edges, the edges abutting one another in the closed position. In a second aspect of the invention, there is drive member 12 for contacting a drive part 11 of a closure part 5, the drive part 11 being located close to the pivot 9.

Abstract: In order to provide a simple design of ventilation device which has a relatively open aperture of pleasing aesthetic appearance, there is provided a face 2 for facing into a room, the face including an aperture 3. Three closure parts 5 are provided for closing the aperture 3. The closure parts 5 are rotatably mounted adjacent to the aperture 3 about pivots 9 located around the periphery of the aperture. A drive means is provided for moving the closure parts between an open position and a closed position. A suitable fan 6 can be provided for drawing air through the aperture when the closure parts are in the open position. In a first aspect of the invention, the closure parts 5 each comprise closures surfaces having edges, the edges abutting one another in the closed position. In a second aspect of the invention, there is drive member 12 for contacting a drive part 11 of a closure part 5, the drive part 11 being located close to the pivot 9.

Abstract: An improved infusion package serves both for the storage of an infusion bag prior to use and for the reception and secure retention of both the infusion bag and surplus infusion liquid after use. The infusion package is of the kind having an infusion bag housed within a container formed from folded panels of flat sheet material, the container including first and second panels joined at respective opposite parallel edges and held in an outwardly bowed convex or pillow shape by overlapping margins that are folded about concave lines extending between the parallel edges, one of said opposed panels having an opening and a third panel located relatively to the one panel by a hinge and closing the opening.

Abstract: An improved infusion package serves both for the storage of an infusion bag prior to use and for the reception and secure retention of both the infusion bag and surplus infusion liquid after use. The infusion package is of the kind having an infusion bag housed within a container formed from folded panels of flat sheet material, the container including first and second panels joined at respective opposite parallel edges and held in an outwardly bowed convex or pillow shape by overlapping margins that are folded about concave lines extending between the parallel edges, one of said opposed panels having an opening and a third panel located relatively to the one panel by a hinge and closing the opening.

Abstract: A building block (10) of the type which can be used to construct a structure made up of a number of identical such blocks disposed side to side. The blocks are usually square although triangular blocks may be used in conjunction therewith. The preferred form of the square block is provided with four flat sides including parallel first (14) and second (18) sides and parallel third (16) and fourth (12) sides. Two flanges (42, 40) extend along the respective first and third sides, projecting outwardly therefrom. Two recesses (60, 49) shaped complementarily to the flanges extend along the respective second and fourth sides, projecting inwardly therefrom. The first flange intersects the second flange adjacent the junction between the first side and the third side. At their opposite ends the flanges comprise triangular portions (54, 66) which span the respective recesses and are provided with indentations in their outer faces which are aligned with the recesses.