Abstract: A trimmer having first and second cutting blades. The first cutting blade has a generally flat first surface residing in a first plane and a first cutting edge. The second cutting blade has a generally flat second surface residing in a second plane and a second cutting edge. The first and second cutting blades are mounted so that the first and second flat surfaces face and are substantially parallel to each other. A drive causes at least one of the first and second cutting blades to move relative to the other of the first and second cutting blades to thereby produce a repetitive cutting action between the first and second cutting edges. At least one fastening assembly has first and second facing shoulders between which the first and second cutting blades reside.

Abstract: An analysis system has a first region in which sample materials are stored at an appropriate storage temperature and an analysis region which is maintained at a controlled and stabilized temperature higher than the temperature of the first region. Transfer mechanism for transferring a quantity of sample material from the first region for loading into an analysis cuvette in the analysis region includes a liquid handling probe that is mounted on a probe transport carriage, and a drive for moving the transport carriage between the first and second regions. The transport carriage includes a storage chamber connected to the liquid handling probe, thermal energy supplying means in heat exchange relation with the storage chamber, and thermal sensor means carried by the transport carriage. Means responsive to the thermal sensor supplies thermal energy to the transport carriage to maintain the storage chamber at substantially the same temperature as the analysis region.

Abstract: An analysis system has a first region in which sample materials are stored at an appropriate storage temperature and an analysis region which is maintained at a controlled and stabilized temperature higher than the temperature of the first region. Transfer mechanism for transferring a quantity of sample material from the first region for loading into an analysis cuvette in the analysis region includes a liquid handling probe that is mounted on a probe transport carriage, and a drive for moving the transport carriage between the first and second regions. The transport carriage includes a storage chamber connected to the liquid handling probe, thermal energy supplying means in heat exchange relation with the storage chamber, and thermal sensor means carried by the transport carriage. Means responsive to the thermal sensor supplies thermal energy to the transport carriage to maintain the storage chamber at substantially the same temperature as the analysis region.