Abstract: An insertion apparatus for inserting an object into a body comprising a housing, a piercing structure with a lumen, wherein the piercing structure extends distally from the housing, a vacuum chamber that communicates with the lumen of the piercing structure, a plunger configured to fit within the vacuum chamber, and a guidewire, wherein the insertion apparatus is configured to be operated with a single hand.

Abstract: A method for determining gas turbine engine fleet performance deterioration includes receiving data indicative of deterioration parameter values for a plurality of gas turbine engines. The method also includes determining an average deterioration parameter value for each gas turbine engine at a plurality of intervals, and further determining an individual engine slope between the average deterioration parameter value at each adjacent interval for each gas turbine engine. The method also includes determining a fleet average slope between each adjacent interval based on the individual engine slopes between each adjacent interval, the determined fleet average slopes being usable to determine a performance deterioration of a gas turbine engine in the fleet.

Abstract: A method for determining gas turbine engine fleet performance deterioration includes receiving data indicative of deterioration parameter values for a plurality of gas turbine engines. The method also includes determining an average deterioration parameter value for each gas turbine engine at a plurality of intervals, and further determining an individual engine slope between the average deterioration parameter value at each adjacent interval for each gas turbine engine. The method also includes determining a fleet average slope between each adjacent interval based on the individual engine slopes between each adjacent interval, the determined fleet average slopes being usable to determine a performance deterioration of a gas turbine engine in the fleet.

Abstract: A lateral flow immunoassay system is provided that includes a housing having a base portion forming a first chamber therein and a body portion formed with three openings in fluid communication with the first chamber, a vial containing a buffer agent, and a sample collector for introducing a sample fluid into the first chamber via the second opening. The vial is mounted to the housing such that a dispensing side extends into the first opening for dispensing the buffer agent therefrom into the first chamber. The housing allows the buffer agent and sample fluid to be mixed within a reaction well formed within the first chamber to form a test sample mixture. The body portion is configured to receive a receiving end of an elongated holder in the third opening and allow a test strip secured in the holder to be brought into communication with the text sample mixture.

Abstract: An insertion apparatus for inserting an object into a body comprising a housing, a piercing structure with a lumen, wherein the piercing structure extends distally from the housing, a vacuum chamber that communicates with the lumen of the piercing structure, a plunger configured to fit within the vacuum chamber, and a guidewire, wherein the insertion apparatus is configured to be operated with a single hand.

Abstract: A lateral flow immunoassay system is provided that includes a housing having a base portion forming a first chamber therein and a body portion formed with three openings in fluid communication with the first chamber, a vial containing a buffer agent, and a sample collector for introducing a sample fluid into the first chamber via the second opening. The vial is mounted to the housing such that a dispensing side extends into the first opening for dispensing the buffer agent therefrom into the first chamber. The housing allows the buffer agent and sample fluid to be mixed within a reaction well formed within the first chamber to form a test sample mixture. The body portion is configured to receive a receiving end of an elongated holder in the third opening and allow a test strip secured in the holder to be brought into communication with the text sample mixture.