Abstract: Described are exemplary embodiments of a syringe identification system for use with a positive displacement pipette, such as a handheld powered positive displacement pipette. An exemplary syringe identification system may include a sensor, such as a color sensor, that is located at or near a distal end of the pipette and arranged such that the sensor is operative to read an identifying marking(s) on a syringe that has been installed to the pipette. The sensor may be a color sensor having an illumination source and configured to read a color code on the syringe. The color code may be usable to identify the syringe to the pipette.

Abstract: A temporary protective barrier system and method thereof for floors and stairs during construction and demolition. The system includes temporary stair tread covers, constructed of fluted plastic material, temporary stair riser protectors with top and bottom flaps creating an overlap between the riser covers and the stair tread covers, and a stair anchors configured to directionally secure the stair tread cover. A method of installation and use of the system is also provided herein. Elements such as adhesives and grip tapes are included to prevent movement of the system from the surfaces on which it covers, and adhesive tapes seal the seams between these elements to thereby enclose the systems.

Abstract: A temporary protective barrier system and method thereof for floors and stairs during construction and demolition. The system includes temporary stair tread covers, constructed of fluted plastic material, temporary stair riser protectors with top and bottom flaps creating an overlap between the riser covers and the stair tread covers, and a stair anchors configured to directionally secure the stair tread cover. Enclosed temporary tunnel modules are also provided in combination with the floor and stair barrier system to enclose the space and protect other exposed surfaces, such as walls. A method of installation and use of the system is also provided herein. Elements such as adhesives and grip tapes are included to prevent movement of the system from the surfaces on which it covers, and adhesive tapes seal the seams between these elements to thereby enclose the systems.

Abstract: A cleaning device and methods for cleaning are provided. In one embodiment, the cleaning device includes a head assembly, a body assembly, and a handle assembly. The cleaning device also includes components that enable the cleaning device to operate in dry cleaning modes and wet cleaning modes. Dry cleaning modes can employ a vacuum assembly, including a motor, tubing, and a fluid recovery tank in order to draw in debris and waste into a fluid recovery tank. Wet cleaning modes can further employ a fluid supply tank, a pump, and tubing in order to supply fluid to a brushroll to aid in a cleaning process.

Abstract: A cleaning device and methods for cleaning are provided. In one embodiment, the cleaning device includes a head assembly, a body assembly, and a handle assembly. The cleaning device also includes components that enable the cleaning device to operate in dry cleaning modes and wet cleaning modes. Dry cleaning modes can employ a vacuum assembly, including a motor, tubing, and a fluid recovery tank in order to draw in debris and waste into a fluid recovery tank. Wet cleaning modes can further employ a fluid supply tank, a pump, and tubing in order to supply fluid to a brushroll to aid in a cleaning process.

Abstract: A robotic cleaner may include a body, an agitator chamber within the body, an agitator disposed within the agitator chamber, a dust cup removably coupled to the body, the dust cup including a debris inlet, the debris inlet fluidly coupling the dust cup to the agitator chamber, and a shutter configured to transition between a cleaning position and an evacuation position in response to rotational movement of the agitator.

Abstract: A robotic cleaner may include a body, an agitator chamber within the body, an agitator disposed within the agitator chamber, a dust cup removably coupled to the body, the dust cup including a debris inlet, the debris inlet fluidly coupling the dust cup to the agitator chamber, and a shutter configured to transition between a cleaning position and an evacuation position in response to rotational movement of the agitator.

Abstract: A method is provided for imaging vinyl flooring material. Images are formed on vinyl flooring material having enhanced thermomechanical properties using heat activated imaging methods. Minimum shrinkage of the flooring substrate and minimum image deformation are provided by the invention.

Abstract: A method is provided for imaging vinyl flooring material. Images are formed on vinyl flooring material having enhanced thermomechanical properties using heat activated imaging methods. Minimum shrinkage of the flooring substrate and minimum image deformation are provided by the invention.

Abstract: A fragrance disperser includes a first source (25) of fragrance associated with a first flowpath (21) and a second source of fragrance (26) associated with a second flowpath (23). A fan (17) provides a flow of air along the first flowpath (21) or the second flowpath (23) to release the associated fragrance. A flow controller (38, 52) is movable by an actuator (34) to open and close the flowpaths (21, 23) so that only one fragrance is released at a time or a proportionate mixture of the two fragrances is released.

Abstract: A counter mechanism useable with a dry powder inhaler is disclosed. The mechanism features first and second indicator members rotatable about a central axis. The indicator members have counting indicia visible to indicate inhaler doses remaining or dispensed. A coupling transmits rotary motion from the inhaler to the second indicator member when the inhaler is charged with a dose. A slave wheel, rotatable about an axis offset from the central axis, has a drive transfer wheel on one face and a gear on an opposite face. The gear engages the second indicator member, the drive transfer wheel intermittently engages and rotates the first indicator member in response to rotary motion of the second indicator member.

Abstract: An appliance having a driving mechanism is provided including two rotatable portions which are rotatable by the driving mechanism about an axis. The driving mechanism includes a gearbox having an input gear, two output gears and a locking mechanism movable between a first position and a second position. The arrangement is such that, when the locking mechanism is in the first position and the input gear is driven, both output gears rotate in the same direction and, when the locking mechanism is in the second position and the input gear is driven, the output gears rotate in opposite directions. The arrangement of the axis is horizontal or substantially horizontal. The invention is particularly suitable for use in a front-loading washing machine having a drum including two rotatable portions. The driving mechanism can be used to selectively cause rotation of the rotatable portions either in the same direction or in opposite directions.

Abstract: A system for acquiring IR-data including a microscope with a motor drive stage (48) and a video camera (40) for creating a video image of a sample on the stage. A computer (12) and an associated display (16) are used to create an image of the sample on the display. Graphical markers are superimposed on the image and facilitate the identification of subsequent acquisition of data from points at which data is to be obtained. The markers include representations of the required aperture size and the microscope including an automatically adjustable aperture (26) which can be set under computer control to a required size at each data acquisition point.

Abstract: An ATR crystal (40) for use in microscopy has a conical portion (65) for contacting a sample under investigation. The apex of the cone can be provided with a small flat surface which enables reliable and reproducible ATR analysis to be undertaken. An assembly is for mounting such a crystal.