Abstract: A method for the storage of biological samples is disclosed. The method includes the steps of coupling a storage device to a biological sample collection apparatus capable of collecting a biological sample from a subject, introducing a biological sample from the biological sample collection apparatus to the storage device, and drying the biological sample on the storage device. In another embodiment, the storage device used by the method may include a collection medium having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a predetermined size and shape, the top surface comprising a position marker and at least one binding site operable to bind a biological sample; and a protective facing substantially impermeable to the biological sample, the protective facing coupled to the top surface of the collection medium and having a size and shape substantially similar to the predetermined size and shape of the collection medium.

Abstract: A manhole riser extension assembly including separate upper and lower spacer rings which are assembled utilizing tabs that extend downwardly from the upper spacer ring about the lower spacer ring, and locking elements in association with the lower ring that cooperatively engage and bear radially outwardly against the tabs, respectively, to urge and/or lock the tabs against an inner surface of the manhole frame bounding the manhole cover seat, or to penetrate the tabs and bear against the inner surface, to hold the assembly together and in place in the manhole frame, and such that a manhole cover is positionable in sitting relation on the lower spacer ring, bounded by the upper spacer ring for covering the manhole. Optional lift protections tabs can be provided at locations about the upper spacer ring, in position to be covered by paving material to supplement the holding of the assembly in place.

Abstract: A tube assembly, system and method for biological sample collection. In one embodiment, the tube assembly of the present disclosure includes a first tube, a second tube, a mechanism for securing the first and second tubes. The securing mechanism orients the first ends of the first and second tubes in a manner such that the first end of the second tube extends beyond the first end of the first tube to create an interstitial space between the outer diameter of the first tube and the inner diameter of the second tube.

Abstract: A method for the storage of biological samples is disclosed. The method includes the steps of coupling a storage device to a biological sample collection apparatus capable of collecting a biological sample from a subject, introducing a biological sample from the biological sample collection apparatus to the storage device, and drying the biological sample on the storage device. In another embodiment, the storage device used by the method may include a collection medium having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a predetermined size and shape, the top surface comprising a position marker and at least one binding site operable to bind a biological sample; and a protective facing substantially impermeable to the biological sample, the protective facing coupled to the top surface of the collection medium and having a size and shape substantially similar to the predetermined size and shape of the collection medium.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for the collection of biological samples. In at least one exemplary embodiment, a device comprises a collection medium having top and bottom surfaces and a predetermined size and shape, the top surface comprising a position marker and at least one binding site operable to bind a biological sample, a protective facing substantially impermeable to the biological sample, the protective facing coupled to the top surface of the collection medium and having a size and shape substantially similar to the predetermined size and shape of the collection medium. The protective facing being sized and shaped to define a first void positioned to allow for the transfer of the biological sample through the protective facing and onto the at least one binding site of the collection medium, and a second void positioned to expose the position marker for alignment of the collection medium.

Abstract: A manhole riser extension assembly including separate upper and lower spacer rings which are assembled utilizing tabs that extend downwardly from the upper spacer ring about the lower spacer ring, and locking elements in association with the lower ring that cooperatively engage and bear radially outwardly against the tabs, respectively, to urge and/or lock the tabs against an inner surface of the manhole frame bounding the manhole cover seat, or to penetrate the tabs and bear against the inner surface, to hold the assembly together and in place in the manhole frame, and such that a manhole cover is positionable in sitting relation on the lower spacer ring, bounded by the upper spacer ring for covering the manhole. Optional lift protections tabs can be provided at locations about the upper spacer ring, in position to be covered by paving material to supplement the holding of the assembly in place.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for the collection of biological samples. In at least one exemplary embodiment, a device comprises a collection medium having top and bottom surfaces and a predetermined size and shape, the top surface comprising a position marker and at least one binding site operable to bind a biological sample, a protective facing substantially impermeable to the biological sample, the protective facing coupled to the top surface of the collection medium and having a size and shape substantially similar to the predetermined size and shape of the collection medium. The protective facing being sized and shaped to define a first void positioned to allow for the transfer of the biological sample through the protective facing and onto the at least one binding site of the collection medium, and a second void positioned to expose the position marker for alignment of the collection medium.

Abstract: A tube assembly, system and method for biological sample collection. In one embodiment, the tube assembly of the present disclosure includes a first tube, a second tube, a mechanism for securing the first and second tubes.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension comprising a frame and a pair of levers carried by the frame on opposite sides thereof. Each lever is pivotally mounted on the frame for swinging movement on an axis intermediate opposite ends of the lever transverse to the frame. The suspension includes a pair of beams, one extending forward from one of the levers and the other extending forward from the other lever, each of the forwardly-extending beams having a pivotal connection with the respective lever forward of the lever axis and having a support for a forward axle. The suspension also includes a pair of beams, one extending rearward from one of the levers and the other extending rearward from the other lever, each of said rearwardly-extending beams having a pivotal connection with the respective lever rearward of the lever axis and having a support for a rearward axle.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension comprising a frame (3) and a pair of levers (11) carried by the frame on opposite sides thereof. Each lever is pivotally mounted on the frame for swinging movement on an axis intermediate opposite ends of the lever transverse to the frame. The suspension includes a pair of beams (17, 19), one extending forward from one of the levers and the other extending forward from the other lever, each of the forwardly-extending beams having a pivotal connection with the respective lever forward of the lever axis and having a support for a forward axle. The suspension also includes a pair of beams, one extending rearward from the other lever, each of said rearwardly-extending beams having a pivotal connection with the respective lever rearward of the lever axis and having a support for a rearward axle.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system comprising a frame and a pair of levers carried by the frame. Each lever is pivotally mounted for swinging movement on an axis extending transverse to the frame. A pair of forward-extending beams and rearward-extending beams have pivot connections with a respective lever and support a forward and rearward axle. Two forward springs and two rearward springs are each interposed between the beams and the frame. A pair of torque arms is carried by the frame forward of the forward-extending beams. Each torque arm has a first pivot connection with a respective beam and a second pivot connection with the frame forward of the first pivot connection with the beam. The torque arms function to restrict pivotal movement of the beams about their respective pivot connections with the levers thereby to reduce torsional forces applied to the forward axle.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension comprising a frame (3) and a pair of levers (11) carried by the frame on opposite sides thereof. Each lever is pivotally mounted on the frame for swinging movement on an axis intermediate opposite ends of the lever transverse to the frame. The suspension includes a pair of beams (17, 19), one extending forward from one of the levers and the other extending forward from the other lever, each of the forwardly-extending beams having a pivotal connection with the respective lever forward of the lever axis and having a support for a forward axle. The suspension also includes a pair of beams, one extending rearward from the other lever, each of said rearwardly-extending beams having a pivotal connection with the respective lever rearward of the lever axis and having a support for a rearward axle.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system comprising a frame and a pair of levers carried by the frame. Each lever is pivotally mounted for swinging movement on an axis extending transverse to the frame. A pair of forward-extending beams and rearward-extending beams have pivot connections with a respective lever and support a forward and rearward axle. Two forward springs and two rearward springs are each interposed between the beams and the frame. A pair of torque arms is carried by the frame forward of the forward-extending beams. Each torque arm has a first pivot connection with a respective beam and a second pivot connection with the frame forward of the first pivot connection with the beam. The torque arms function to restrict pivotal movement of the beams about their respective pivot connections with the levers thereby to reduce torsional forces applied to the forward axle.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for labeling three-dimensional objects. A sheet comprising at least one tag, each tag consisting of a thin piece of resilient, print-treated polyester, or other material, and a method of attaching the tag to a three-dimensional object, such as a glass or plastic vial, is described. The tag identifies each individual object, and permits transfer of the object throughout a series of analytical processes without losing object identity. The tag is marked by offset printing, laser engraving, or another marking process such that the marking does not become unreadable during handling and testing. Labeling of individual objects is accomplished by inserting an object through an aperture in the tag resulting in the tag being attached to the vial. Removal of the vial from the sheet causes the tag to be separated from the sheet and to remain attached to the vial. Alternatively, a sheet holder, such as a rack, could be used to hold the sheet of tags during the labeling process.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for labeling three-dimensional objects. A sheet comprising at least one tag, each tag consisting of a thin piece of resilient, print-treated polyester, or other material, and a method of attaching the tag to a three-dimensional object, such as a glass or plastic vial, is described. The tag identifies each individual object, and permits transfer of the object throughout a series of analytical processes without losing object identity. The tag is marked by offset printing, laser engraving, or another marking process such that the marking does not become unreadable during handling and testing. Labeling of individual objects is accomplished by inserting an object through an aperture in the tag resulting in the tag being attached to the vial. Removal of the vial from the sheet causes the tag to be separated from the sheet and to remain attached to the vial. Alternatively, a sheet holder, such as a rack, could be used to hold the sheet of tags during the labeling process.

Abstract: A movement-responsive system for conducting tests on freely-moving animals is disclosed. The invention includes a container for housing the animal, a mechanism for rotating the container in response to rotational movement of the animal, and one or more test leads connected to the animal for performance of biomedical tests such as infusion, in vivo ultrafiltration, laser-doppler monitoring of blood flow, electrical stimulation and in vivo microdialysis, and a method for automated micro sampling of body fluids in free-moving animals. Because the cage is rotated in response to the animal's rotational movement, no swivel connectors are needed. A rotational sensor assembly is provided to detect rotational movement of the animal within the container. A vertical sensor assembly is mounted to the counterbalanced arm for monitoring vertical movements of the animal. The outputs of the sensor assemblies are routed to a computer or other device for monitoring and/or analyzing the activity of the animal.