Abstract: A biological specimen collection instrument configured for collecting a biological specimen to be analyzed includes: (a) a handle; (b) an elongate flexible or elastomeric stem extending from said handle, said stem having a distal portion terminating at a tip; and (c) a flexible or elastomeric lattice collection element connected to said stem distal portion, said lattice collection element having a body portion and a distal end portion, with at least said body portion, and optionally said distal end portion, having openings therein in a configuration that forms at least one biological specimen collection space.

Abstract: A modular head assembly or end effector for a fiber placement machine having a machine controller includes a back plate and a plurality of carbon fabric spool assemblies, each assembly including a servo motor combination and a dancer assembly for maintaining tension of the fabric as it is payed out. The spool assemblies include a linear displacement sensor for the dancer assembly and a sensor for determining the diameter of the carbon spool, the outputs of which are used to control the action of the servo motors. A programmable disconnecting assembly mates the modular head assembly with the fiber placement machine.

Abstract: A modular head assembly or end effector for a fiber placement machine having a machine controller includes a back plate and a plurality of carbon fabric spool assemblies, each assembly including a servo motor combination and a dancer assembly for maintaining tension of the fabric as it is payed out. The spool assemblies include a linear displacement sensor for the dancer assembly and a sensor for determining the diameter of the carbon spool, the outputs of which are used to control the action of the servo motors. A programmable disconnecting assembly mates the modular head assembly with the fiber placement machine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for preparing a fluidic cartridge for use in an analyzer device. In one non-limiting aspect, the present invention provides a method of preparing a fluidic cartridge for use in an analyzer device. The method may include controlling valves and a vacuum pump of a priming station to evacuate air from a fluidic cartridge loaded in the priming station. The method may include controlling the valves and the vacuum pump to draw priming fluid into sipper wells and channels of the loaded fluidic cartridge. In another non-limiting aspect, the present invention provides a priming station for preparing a fluidic cartridge for use in an analyzer device. The priming station may include a vacuum pump, a priming manifold assembly, and a controller. The priming manifold assembly may be configured to interface with a fluidic cartridge loaded in the priming station.

Abstract: A monobloc piston body for an internal combustion engine is provided. The piston body includes a first piece which includes a pair of skirt portions and a pair of pin bosses and a second piece which includes a crown portion with an upper combustion surface and an at least partially enclosed oil gallery. The first and second pieces are joined together at a joint that is located on a side of the oil gallery opposite of the upper combustion surface. The firs piece is made through casting or forging, and the second piece is made through an additive manufacturing process, such as direct metal laser sintering.