Abstract: A filter assembly for separating and collecting a layer of particulate matter (e.g., cells) from a liquid containing the particulate matter (e.g., a biological fluid specimen). The filter assembly has a holder and contiguous inner and outer fluid pervious media. The outer fluid pervious medium is attached to the sidewall of the holder. The inner fluid pervious medium is of low fluidic impedance relative to the outer fluid pervious medium. The filter assembly is designed for use in a separation housing that defines two flow paths between inlet and outlet, one directly through the filter and the other around the periphery of the filter. The inlet portion of the housing has a central inlet in a radially sloped surface that faces the filter collection site. A movable suction head is adapted to cooperate with the housing and the filter assembly.

Abstract: A shaft assembly for a thermal printer system for applying loads in an adjustable manner along the length of a thermal print head of the thermal printer system. The shaft assembly includes a shaft, and a plurality of cam mechanisms rotatably mounted on the shaft and adapted to apply respective loads to the thermal print head at respective locations along the length of the thermal print head. Each cam mechanism is rotationally coupled with an adjacent cam mechanism, and is adapted to be rotated from a non-load-applying position to load-applying position and from the load-applying position to subsequent load applying positions. Each cam mechanism is adapted to apply a respective load to structure associated with the thermal print head when the cam mechanism is in any of its load-applying positions.

Abstract: A spring finger assembly (16) for a mechanism for transporting or tensioning thin membrane material that includes a shaft (14) and a roller (12) disposed about the shaft. The spring finger assembly (16) is mounted to the roller (12) for engaging a spool of thin membrane material. The spring finger assembly (16) comprises a plurality of interlocking spring fingers (30), each of which includes a leading portion (34) that extends free. The spring fingers (30) together define a generally cylindrical channel (32) for receiving the roller (12). Each spring finger (30) includes three hooks (40) and defines three apertures (42). The hooks (40) of each spring finger (30) are received by the apertures (42) of one of the other spring fingers (30) interlocking the one of the other spring fingers. The leading portion (34) of each spring finger (30) includes a leading edge (36) that is deflected for engaging the spool and includes two beveled ends (48) for facilitating the placement and removal of the spool.

Abstract: An auger for mixing particles comprises an elongated member and a first set of fins extending radially outwardly from the elongated member. The auger also comprises a second set of fins extending radially outwardly from the elongated member. The second set of fins defines a spiral so that the particles move radially and longitudinally relative to the elongated member.

Abstract: A developer dispensing assembly for dispensing developer to an electrostatographic development apparatus has a developer dispensing tube, a toner supply at a first end of the tube, a developer supply adjacent the toner supply, an auger to transport toner and developer from the first end of the tube to the opposite end of the tube, the developer dispensing tube having an array of developer dispensing apertures arranged in a geometric pattern having a spatial relationship with respect to each other to dispense toner enriched developer through the apertures to the development apparatus at a substantially uniform dispensing profile as said developer and toner are transported from the first end of the tube to the opposite end of the tube for varied feed rates of developer and toner to the dispensing tube.