Abstract: The present invention describes a method for isolating extracellular vesicles (EVs) from different biological fluids, said nickel-based isolation method (NBI) is fast, scalable and allows for the purification of dimensionally heterogeneous EVs at physiological pH, preserving their integrity and stability in solution.

Abstract: A safety cabinet includes an operation stage on which an operation is performed, an operation space in which an operator performs the operation, a front panel disposed in front of the operation space, an operation opening connected to the operation space, exhausting means that suctions air from the operation opening and exhausts air in the operation space outside the safety cabinet through air purifying means, and visualizing means that visualizes an air flow in the operation space.

Abstract: A liquid injection attachment is provided that includes an attachment body having an insertion opening into which a liquid injecting implement is inserted and a liquid flow outlet; a gasket mounting portion formed on the periphery on the front end side of the attachment body; and a gasket mounted to the gasket mounting portion and brought into close contact with the peripheral portion of the liquid flow outlet, wherein the gasket mounting portion has an engaging recess and/or engaging protrusions, the gasket has an engaging protrusion 19 and/or engaging recesses, and the engagement direction thereof is in a direction toward a central axis of the attachment body.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are fluid handling devices that include integrated card and pipette tip devices, for use with multichannel liquid dispensing devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible bag, a perfusion filter and a fluid port. The fluid port comprises: —a first fluid connection (3; 3?); —a second fluid connection (5; 5?) being in fluid communication with the first fluid connection (3; 3?); —an intermediate fluid path (7: 7?) connecting the first fluid connection (3; 3?) with the second fluid connection (5; 5?); wherein said intermediate fluid path (7; 7?) at least a portion of which comprises a substantially right-angled bend (9; 9?); —a protection cap (11; 11?) protecting at least the bend (9; 9?) of the intermediate fluid part (7; 7?) from contact with other objects; and —a connection surface (13; 13?) configured for sealing to a film of an object to be supplied by said port, said connection surface will, when sealed to the film of the object, together with the film provide a fluid tight seal surrounding the first fluid connection (3; 3?).

Abstract: A microfluidic chip (100), an apparatus, a system, and a control and preparation method therefor. The method comprises: a substrate (101), and an electrode layer (102) and a functional layer (103) sequentially formed on the substrate (101), said electrode layer (102) comprising a plurality of electrode groups (1021) arranged in an array, the electrode groups (1021) being used for converting electrical signals into acoustic signals when an electrode group is activated, and transmitting the acoustic signals to the functional layer (103); and the functional layer (103) being used for carrying a sample to be tested, and for absorbing the acoustic wave signals emitted by the activated electrode group (1021) and converting same into thermal energy for heating the sample to be tested that is carried at the position corresponding to the activated electrode group (1021).

Abstract: An electroacoustic device includes at least one precursor wave transducer. The at least one precursor wave transducer includes a piezoelectric substrate, and first and second electrodes of inverse polarity arranged on the substrate and configured to generate in the substrate a precursor ultrasonic surface wave which is unfocused. When a fluid medium is acoustically coupled with the electroacoustic device, the precursor ultrasonic surface wave propagates as a volume acoustic wave into the bulk of the fluid medium and focuses therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a contact-less priming system for loading a solution in a microfluidic device comprising: at least one microfluidic device, a pressure chamber configured to enclose said at least one microfluidic device, a pressurization unit fluidly connected to the pressure chamber and at least one closing member. The present invention also relates to a contact-less priming method for loading a solution in a microfluidic device.

Abstract: A device for separating and concentrating target particles or molecules from a fibrinogen containing sample of liquid comprises a container (1) for collecting the sample and a closure (2). The container (1) comprises a first end and a second end and at least one interior wall defining a reservoir portion (5) for receiving the sample. The reservoir portion (5) comprises at least one anchor element (4) to locally catch a polymerized fibrin pellet formed upon the addition of the sample into the container. The separation and concentration process is operated by trapping the target particles or molecules into the so-formed polymerized fibrin pellet that are captured on the anchor element (4).

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods by which glass, polycarbonate, cyclic olefin polymers (and co-polymers) and other heat and chemical resistant materials (and combinations) are utilized as a multi-well solid support vessel for the processing and testing of intact, fixed, paraffin or plastic embedded (IFPE) biological materials including, but not limited to, tissues, cells, and/or enriched body fluids.

Abstract: A drive circuit and its drive method, and a panel and its drive method are provided. The drive circuit includes a step-up unit, a plurality of signal input terminals and a signal output terminal, which are electrically connected with each other. The step-up unit includes a first module, a second module, a third module and a first capacitor, which are electrically connected with each other. The first module is configured to transmit a signal of a third signal input terminal to a first electrode of the first capacitor. The second module is configured to transmit a signal of a fourth signal input terminal to a second electrode of the first capacitor. The third module is configured to transmit a signal of the third signal input terminal to the second electrode of the first capacitor, which further increases the signal of the first electrode of the first capacitor.

Abstract: A drive circuit and its drive method, and a panel and its drive method are provided. The drive circuit includes a step-up unit, a plurality of signal input terminals and a signal output terminal. The step-up unit includes a first module, a second module and a first capacitor. The first module is configured to transmit a signal of a third signal input terminal to a first electrode of the first capacitor. The second module is configured to transmit a signal of a fourth signal input terminal to a second electrode of the first capacitor at a first time period which generates a voltage difference between two electrodes of the first capacitor, and to transmit the signal of the fourth signal input terminal to the second electrode of the first capacitor at a second time period which further increases a signal of the first electrode of the first capacitor.

Abstract: A cassette may include a substrate, a die coupled to the substrate, and an electrical interconnection pad layout formed on a first side of the substrate. The electrical interconnection pad layout may include a first row of interconnect pads including at least one interconnect pad. Each interconnect pad of the first row of interconnect pads may be electrically coupled to one of a first set of vias. The electrical interconnection pad layout may also include a second row of interconnection pads including at least one interconnect pad. Each interconnect pad of the second row of interconnect pads being electrically coupled to one of a second set of vias. The second set of vias electrically coupled to the second row of interconnect pads are offset relative to an alignment of the interconnect pads of the first and second rows.

Abstract: Lateral loading methods of use in high-throughput methods for screening large populations of variant proteins are provided. The methods utilize a flow cell encompassing large-scale arrays of microcapillaries, where each microcapillary comprises a solution containing a variant protein, an immobilized target molecule, and a reporter element. Immobilized target molecules may include any molecule of interest, including proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and other biomolecules.

Abstract: A sensor cassette insertable into an analysis module for carrying out electrochemical measurement processes in sample fluids, including a sensor carrier which is essentially planar and carries electrochemical sensor elements for determining chemical and/or physical parameters of the sample fluids. The sensor elements are connected to conductor tracks formed on the sensor carrier. A cover part is arranged on the sensor carrier, in which at least one groove-shaped measuring channel that is intended for the flow of the sample fluid and opens towards the sensor carrier is formed, which measuring channel is connected to at least one electrochemical sensor element and is fluidly connected to at least one fluid connector arranged on the side facing away from the sensor carrier. The cover part is a two-component injection molded part having a hard component and a soft, component. The measuring channel is formed in the soft component over its entire length.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an arrangement (100?) in a capillary driven fluidic system for preventing wicking of a fluid along an edge (105) between a first substrate (110?) and a second substrate (120?), said arrangement comprising: a first substrate (110?) including a microfluidic channel (114) arranged to house the fluid, a second substrate (120?) arranged to cover a portion of the first substrate (110?), wherein the microfluidic channel (134) of the first substrate (110?) meets the second structure (120?) at a position (124) along an edge (105) defined between the first (110?) and second (120?) substrates, wherein the first and the second substrate collectively define a trench (130) for stopping wicking of the fluid along the edge (105), said trench (130) being arranged in at least one of the first substrate (110?) and the second substrate (120?), and located at a distance from said position (124) along the edge (105) and intersecting the edge (105).

Abstract: The present invention relates to encapsulated microfluidic packages and methods thereof. In particular embodiments, the package includes a device, a cradle configured to support the device, and a lid having a bonding surface configured to provide a fluidic seal between itself and the device and/or cradle. Other package configurations, as well as methods for making such fluidic seals, are described herein.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for harvesting target biological substances. The system includes a substrate and a first and second channel formed in the substrate. The channels longitudinally extending substantially parallel to each other. A series of gaps extend from the first channel to the second channel to create a fluid communication path passing between a series of columns with the columns being longitudinally separated by a predetermined separation distance. The system also includes a first source configured to selectively introduce into the first channel a first biological composition at a first channel flow rate and a second source configured to selectively introduce into the second channel a second biological composition at a second channel flow rate. The sources are configured to create a differential between the first and second channel flow rates to generate physiological shear rates along the second channel that are bounded within a predetermined range.

Abstract: The present invention relates to, inter alia, a microfluidic device for performing single cell genomic DNA isolation and amplification under flow. The microfluidic device comprises a solid substrate having one or more microfluidic channel system formed therein. Each microfluidic channel system of the microfluidic device comprises: (a) an intake region comprising a single microchannel; (b) a plurality of cell segregation microchannels; (c) a cell capture site located downstream of each cell segregation microchannel; and (d) a DNA capture array positioned downstream of the cell capture site and comprising a plurality of micropillars. Also disclosed is a whole genome amplification system that includes the microfluidic device of the present disclosure, as well as a method for conducting single cell DNA analysis via on-chip whole genome amplification while under flow, and a method for multiple displacement amplification (MDA) reactions of one or more nucleic acid sequence isolated single cells.

Abstract: Devices and methods for measuring analytes and target particles in a sample are disclosed. In some embodiments, the disclosure provides a cartridge device. In other embodiments, the disclosure provides a method of using a cartridge device as disclosed herein for analyzing analytes and target particles in a sample. In further embodiments, the disclosure provides an analyzer including a cartridge device and a control unit device. The control unit device is configured to receive, operate, and/or actuate the cartridge device. In some embodiments, the disclosure provides a method of using an analyzer as disclosed herein for analyzing analytes and target particles in a sample.

Abstract: A microfluidic device (1) comprises a substrate (10) having spatially defined and separated cell compartments (20) configured to accommodate cells. A respective first end (22) of the spatially defined and separated cell compartments (20) is in fluid connection with a flow input channel (30). The microfluidic device (1) comprises at least one identification surface (60, 61) comprising immobilized affinity molecules configured to capture cells of a species or serotype or of a group of species or serotypes.

Abstract: A microfluidic system can include a substrate comprising an elastic material and defining a microfluidic channel. The substrate can have a first set of dimensions defining a thickness of a wall of the microfluidic channel and a second set of dimensions defining a width of the microfluidic channel. A transducer can be mechanically coupled with the substrate. The transducer can be operated at a predetermined frequency different from a primary thickness resonant frequency of the transducer. A thickness and a width of the transducer can be selected based on the first set of dimensions defining the thickness of the wall of the microfluidic channel and the second set of dimensions defining the width of the microfluidic channel.

Abstract: Reservoir-based management of volumetric flow rates in fluidic systems is generally described. Inventive systems and methods for liquid-liquid separations and/or liquid-gas separations are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for microfluidic flow cytometry analysis of a particulate containing fluid An apparatus for microfluidic flow cytometry analysis of a particulate containing fluid comprises a hydrodynamic focussing apparatus for providing a focused stream of particulate containing fluid; and a microfluidic chip. The chip has a plurality of layers and comprises a microfluidic channel that extends through the chip substantially orthogonal to a plane of the layers of the chip, and is in fluid communication with the hydrodynamic focusing apparatus for receipt of a focused steam of particulate containing fluid. The chip also comprises a detection zone comprising at least one pair of electrodes in electrical communication with the microfluidic channel.

Abstract: A cartridge for delivering a payload to cells of a cell suspension is provided, wherein the cartridge comprises an input channel that delivers the cell suspension to a first plurality of branch channels, and wherein the first plurality of branch channels each deliver the cell suspension into a respective one or a plurality of microfluidic chips or filters. Cell suspension exiting a microfluidic chip or filter flows into a respective one of a second plurality of branch channels, and is then delivered to an output channel by which it exits the cartridge. The cartridge may comprise a plurality of removable covers that hold the chips or filters in place against a body of the cartridge in which the input channel, output channel, and branch channels are formed.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to microfluidics and particularly, but not exclusively, to devices, methods, and systems for detecting and/or quantifying analytes in samples using a microfluidic sensor device.

Abstract: High-throughput digital microfluidic (DMF) systems and methods (including devices, systems, cartridges, DMF apparatuses, etc.), are described herein. The systems, apparatuses and methods integrate liquid handling with the DMF apparatuses, providing flexible and efficient sample reactions and sample preparation. These systems, apparatuses and methods may be used with a variety of cartridge configurations and sizes.

Abstract: A receptacle for minimizing evaporation of a fluid includes a single-piece body, a fluid-tight seal, a penetrable septum, and a lid. The body includes a chamber having an opening. The fluid-tight seal is affixed to a surface of the body that defines the first opening. The fluid-tight seal covers the opening and is frangible. The septum covers the opening and the fluid-tight seal. The septum includes at least one slit forming slats. The lid has an opening axially aligned with the opening and is coupled to the body such that at least a portion of the septum is disposed between the lid and the fluid-tight seal.

Abstract: A placement holder 1 for an analysis according to the present invention includes a frame portion 10 for placing an analysis plate, and a coupling portion 11; wherein the analysis plate includes, respectively at opposite ends in a longitudinal direction thereof, protrusions protruding in the longitudinal direction; the frame portion 10 includes a pair of wall portions that are opposed to each other, and a space surrounded by the frame portion 10 has an area 12 in which the analysis plate is to be placed; the pair of wall portions have a pair of cavities 13 into which the protrusions of the analysis plate are to be inserted, and at least one of the pair of cavities 13 is a through hole; the wall portion having the through hole has, on an inner surface thereof, an inclined surface 14 formed such that an interval between inner surfaces of the pair of wall portions gradually decreases from an upper end side toward the through hole of the wall portion; and the coupling portion 11 is disposed below the pair of cavit

Abstract: A shredding device is provided comprising two shredding shafts arranged parallel to each other with shredding elements arranged thereon, wherein the shredding shafts are preferably rotatable mechanically synchronized to each other. A shaft-side coupling element is connected to a respective first end of the shredding shafts. The shredding device includes a housing with a housing-side coupling element is provided that can be coupled to the shaft-side coupling element. The shredding device includes a displacement device enabling displacement of the shredding shafts for decoupling and coupling the shaft-side coupling element from or to the housing-side coupling element.

Abstract: The paper shredder simultaneously shreds both manually inserted sheets of paper and sheets of paper that are placed in an auto-feeder input tray. Immediately above the shredding mechanism the input path is bifurcated. One branch extends essentially straight up from the blades and leads to a manual input slot. A second branch extends at an angle towards the rear of the shredder where an auto-feed roller lies at the bottom of an auto-feed slot. When a stack of paper is placed into the slot, the bottom of the stack rests against the auto-feed roller which grasps the top sheet and pulls it under the roller. The roller then pushes the sheet down the angled throat where a curved surface bends the sheet downwards and into the shredding mechanism.

Abstract: The waste shredding device according to the invention comprises: at least one shredding shaft; an internal combustion engine; a first and a second powertrain between the internal combustion engine and the shredding shaft; at least one energy converter coupled to the internal combustion engine in the first powertrain for converting mechanical energy of the internal combustion engine into storable energy; at least one auxiliary motor supplied with the storable energy in the first powertrain for introducing mechanical energy into the first powertrain; and an energy store for storing at least part of the storable energy and for at least partially supplying the at least one auxiliary motor with the storable energy, in particular for storing storable energy in the event of periods with low power demand and for delivering energy in the event of periods of high power demand.

Abstract: A high-voltage power supply system (1) for powering an electrostatic precipitator, ESP (10) is disclosed. The system has an AC supply circuit (2) configured to generate a first and a second AC supply voltage, and two supply circuits (5, 6) connected between the AC supply circuit and the ESP. One of the supply circuits is a DC supply circuit (5) configured to transform and convert the first AC supply voltage to a DC base voltage for the ESP, while the other is a pulse supply circuit having a pulse forming circuit (12) configured to generate and forward high-voltage pulses to the ESP. The AC supply circuit is configured such that each of the AC supply voltages are in the mid frequency range, i.e. in the range of 100 Hz to 5000 Hz. Hereby, a cost effective, low weight and compact high-voltage power supply system is presented.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a method of processing a mixture of minerals including the steps of: (a) providing a mixture of minerals which includes a metal containing mineral and one or more unwanted gangue minerals; (b) achieving a contact between the mixture of minerals and polymeric material that includes a mineral binding moiety which selectively binds to the metal containing mineral; and (c) separating the gangue minerals and the polymeric material which has the metal containing mineral bound thereto.

Abstract: Coal fines are processed by flotation separation to separate coal particles from ash-forming mineral content particles. Coal fines are mixed water under high shear mixing conditions to form an aqueous slurry of coal fines containing between 15 wt. % and 55 wt. % coal fines. The aqueous slurry is introduced into a coal flotation cell to separate coal particles from ash-forming mineral content particles by flotation separation, wherein the coal fines have a particle size less than 100 ?m, and more preferably less than 50 ?m. Bubbles are generated in the coal flotation cell having a bubble size and bubble quantity selected to float the coal particles and to form a coal-froth containing at least 15 wt. % solid particles. The solid particles include coal particles and ash-forming mineral content particles. The coal-froth is collected for further processing.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a small rotor for a centrifuge, the rotor being configured such that numerous sample containers can be mounted simultaneously and it is easy to take out the sample containers. In an inner peripheral surface 20A of an outer wall part 20, recessed areas 20B locally carved outward are provided in areas between sample container insertion holes 11 that are adjacent to each other in a circumferential direction. In the locations of the recessed areas 20B, the spaces between adjacent sample containers 51 are wider, and the sample containers 51 can easily be taken out.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are disclosed relating to certain aspects of blood processing, collecting or storing, including method and system for automated authentication, processing device with scanner, blood container with two dimensional barcode, blood collection containers, blood container label and related tracking method, integrated container system, and processing device with sterile connection device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid-liquid-solid three-phase separator for waste oil, including an oil-bath heating tank, a plurality of cyclone units and solid removal units. The cyclone units are provided and fixed in the oil-bath heating tank. Each of the solid removal units is connected to an underflow pipe of each of the cyclone units and is configured to separate solid particles. A solid removal outer pipe is arranged at a tail end of the underflow pipe via the first connector; the second connector is arranged at a tail end of the solid removal outer pipe; the solid removal inner pipe is arranged at an underflow outlet of the underflow pipe via the second connector to form a solid removal gap. The invention provides the demulsification and dehydration treatment of waste oil emulsion and the separation of solid particles.

Abstract: One illustrative cyclone separator disclosed herein includes an outer body, an inner body positioned at least partially within the outer body, an internal flow path within the inner body, the internal flow path having a fluid entrance and a fluid outlet, a first fluid flow channel between the inner body and the outer body, and a re-entrant fluid opening that extends through the outer body and is in fluid communication with the fluid flow channel, wherein the re-entrant fluid opening is positioned at a location upstream of the fluid entrance of the internal flow path in the inner body.

Abstract: A foamer mechanism (20) of a foam dispensing container has a gas-liquid contact chamber (21), a liquid agent flow passage (22) through which a liquid agent supplied from a liquid agent supply portion (28) to the gas-liquid contact chamber (21) passes, and a gas flow passage (23) through which a gas supplied from a gas supply portion (29) to the gas-liquid contact chamber (21) passes. The gas flow passage (23) has a gas opening (23a) that is open to the gas-liquid contact chamber (21). The liquid agent flow passage (22) branches into plural branch flow passages (for example, branches into a first branch flow passage (221) and plural second branch flow passages (222)). Each of the plural branch flow passages has a liquid agent opening (22a, 22b) that is open to the gas-liquid contact chamber (21).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fountain device including: a fountain core and a floating portion. The fountain core includes a hydraulic portion and a power supply for providing power to the hydraulic portion and is configured to pump water from a water inlet at a lower portion by means of the hydraulic portion and spraying water via a water spout at an upper portion to form a fountain. The floating portion is configured to cause the fountain device to float in the water and forms a core mounting hole for holding the fountain core when inflated with a low density fluid, so that the fountain core can form a fountain by the hydraulic portion in a state that the fountain device floats in the water.

Abstract: There is provided a fuel distribution pipe 10 that distributes and supplies fuel supplied from a fuel pipe 2 to a plurality of fuel injection devices 3. The fuel distribution pipe 10 includes a pipe part 11 that stores the fuel in a high-pressure state, and a plurality of housings 12 that are joined to the pipe part 11 and supply the fuel to the fuel injection devices 3. A first housing 12A from among the plurality of housings 12 includes a first connection opening 17 that is connected to the fuel pipe 2 and communicates with the pipe part 11.

Abstract: An electrostatic coating device is provided with a housing, which has a cascade housing section that houses a cascade, and a motor housing section that houses an air motor. A clearance between the cascade and the inner wall of a first housing hole forms a first air flow passage. Furthermore, an annular clearance between the air motor (specifically, an air turbine) and the inner wall of a motor chamber forms a second air flow passage. The first air flow passage and the second air flow passage are communicated with each other via, for instance, a third air flow passage that includes a first communication passage, a circular recessed section, a second communication passage, and a third communication passage.

Abstract: Electrospray devices are described. The devices may comprise a substrate and a plurality of emitters. The emitters may comprise a plurality of channels therein, wherein the channels may be configured to convey immiscible liquids to the distal end of the emitters. The channels may be arranged such that, at the distal end, one liquid enclosed another liquid. The device may comprise a plurality of reservoirs, each reservoir being configured to contain liquid therein and to convey the liquid to a respective channel. Core-shell droplets may be formed by forming Taylor cones through the application of an electric field. The core-shell droplets may include a core liquid enclosed within a shell liquid, wherein the two liquids may be immiscible.

Abstract: A remote trigger head for dispensing a liquid includes a rewindable tube (2) having a predefined length and a winder unit (70) for the automatic spring rewinding of the tube (2).

Abstract: A timber marking system includes a portable back pack mounted user, the pack carrying a paint storage tank and a pressurized gas tank. The storage tank is pressurized and coupled with a manually operated trigger to allow filed operated timber marking. A method to mark timber includes preparing the tank system with pressurized gas, selectively marking a preidentified tree at the trunk and stump.

Abstract: A connection system between a head and a bottle of a trigger dispensing device includes a main skirt having a first flexible tab and a neck having a first sloping plane and a first pocket. The first flexible tab extends circumferentially from a first end to a second end, and the first end is joined to an annular wall by a closing wall. The system also provides for an auxiliary window obtained through the annular wall of the main skirt, and a rigid auxiliary tooth of the neck, suitable to snap into the auxiliary window.

Abstract: A dispenser device having a dispenser head; an air expeller (20) for generating a flow of air with a piston (21) that slides in an air chamber (22); and a reservoir (30) containing a dose of composition, the reservoir (30) including an air inlet (31) connected to the air expeller (20), and a composition outlet (32) connected to the dispenser outlet (10), the air inlet (31) including a composition retainer member (40), and the composition outlet (32) closed by a closure element (50). The device has an opening system (61, 62) and an indicator (100; 50) that before actuation is in a first state and after actuation passes into a second state. The device includes a pusher element (25) secured to the piston (21). The dispenser head (1) includes a skirt (5) arranged around the air chamber (22), the bottom axial edge of the skirt (5) including a cutout (6).

Abstract: The invention is intended for the organization of an automated process for spraying of liquid means of chemical treatment from unmanned vehicles, for example, in precise farming systems. The use of a replaceable, marked and hermetically sealed liquid subsystem in the spray device of the invention, along with an integrated self-diagnosis system, using compressed gas energy and a pressure regulator instead of standard pumps, reduces the weight of the spraying device, improves spraying accuracy, ensures personnel safety and accounting of the accumulated life resource of the main units of spraying devices. All this in combination enables to create fully automated spraying systems.

Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing a foamable product. The dispensing device comprises a dispensing channel (110; 210; 410). The dispensing channel has: an inlet (111; 211; 411) for communicating with a valve-element (120) of a container (130) containing the foamable product; and an outlet (112; 212; 412) for dispensing the foamable product. The dispensing channel (110; 210; 410) further comprises a variable-volume cavity (140; 240; 440) at the outlet. The variable-volume cavity (140; 240; 440) is defined at least partly by a first component (142; 242; 442) and a second component (144; 244; 444) that is separate from and rigidly movably with respect to the first component to vary the volume of the variable-volume cavity (140; 240; 440) between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the variable-volume cavity (140; 240; 440) has a first volume and the outlet (112; 212; 412) is closed.