The present disclosure is, in one aspect, directed to a locking assembly for securing a sample tube assembly to a sample manifold of a measurement system. The locking assembly includes a ramp block having one or more slots defined therein and configured to at least partially receive a portion of the sample tube assembly. The ramp block also includes a plurality of surface features defined therealong and configured to engage and move the sample tube assembly toward and into engagement with the sample manifold. The ramp block further is movable between a plurality of positions including an open position for allowing the sample tube assembly to be received through the one or more slots or openings, and a closed position substantially sealing the sample tube assembly against or within the sample manifold. Other aspects also are described.

Exemplary flow-cells used in biological imaging may include a coverslip. The flow-cells may include a gasket that is positionable atop the coverslip. The gasket may define an open interior. The flow-cells may include a top plate that is positionable above the gasket and the coverslip. The top plate may define a fluid inlet that is in fluid communication with a first end of the open interior and a fluid outlet that is in fluid communication with a second end of the open interior opposite the first end. The flow-cells may include a clamping mechanism that compresses the gasket between the coverslip and the top plate against the to form a fluid region between the top plate and the coverslip and within the open interior of the gasket.

A receptacle holder having a base body, a first perimeter wall which at least partially protrudes from the base body, and a plurality of resilient elements, which are distributed about a first axis of the receptacle holder and are detachably connected with the first perimeter wall, and wherein each resilient element comprises a first end portion and a second end portion, and wherein each second end portion rests hooked over an edge of a portion of the first perimeter wall, and wherein the receptacle holder is configured to allow sliding of each second end portion in a direction perpendicular to the first axis.

A gripping apparatus includes: a temperature adjusting device held in a substrate wherein the substrate defines an open region; a phase change material held within the open region and thermally coupled with the temperature adjusting device such that a temperature change in the temperature adjusting device causes a temperature change in the phase change material; and a controller connected to the temperature adjusting device and configured to send a signal to the temperature adjusting device to change its temperature and thereby change the temperature of the phase change material that is thermally coupled with the temperature adjusting device. The phase change material is either in a solid state and configured to grip a stick or in a liquid state and the phase change material and configured to loosen its grip on the stick such that the stick is capable of moving through the phase change material.

A gripping apparatus includes: a temperature adjusting device held in a substrate wherein the substrate defines an open region; a phase change material held within the open region and thermally coupled with the temperature adjusting device such that a temperature change in the temperature adjusting device causes a temperature change in the phase change material; and a controller connected to the temperature adjusting device and configured to send a signal to the temperature adjusting device to change its temperature and thereby change the temperature of the phase change material that is thermally coupled with the temperature adjusting device. The phase change material is either in a solid state and configured to grip a stick or in a liquid state and the phase change material and configured to loosen its grip on the stick such that the stick is capable of moving through the phase change material.

A sample rack includes a housing that has multiple spaces or compartments each for receiving and retaining sample containers of various sizes. The sample rack includes dual hooks on the ends for engaging a sample rack handling system. Chamfers formed in the housing of the sample rack assist in placing and removing the sample rack from a sample rack handling system. The sample tube rack also includes a handle that extends upward from one end and includes gripping features. A groove and bar, incorporated into each sample rack, are able to selectively interlock with adjacent racks to assist in lifting multiple sample racks together.

A tube holder assembly includes a base plate, an attachment plate, and an optional securing element. The base plate may include guides into which protrusions of the attachment plate slide to alter the positioning apparatus from an open position to a closed position. The base plate also includes receivers to receive tubular members, which have their movement restrained by the receivers and the securing elements in the closed position. The tube holder assembly may also include a latch to help maintain the closed position during operation.

A media sample holder includes a base and a plurality of retention assemblies including retaining tabs and opposing flexible release lever arms, configured to allow attachment of the base to an attachment adapter. The media sample holder can attach a media sample on or near a filter. The media sample holder held in the media sample holder can have a different removal efficiency curve than a removal efficiency curve of the filter. The media sample can be placed at or near the filter for a period of time, then tested to determine the status and/or life of the filter based on the relationship between the remaining life, exposure, or removal efficiency of the filter and the exposure or removal efficiency of the tested media sample.

A device for storage and transportation of an empty case of a firearm bullet cartridge for forensic investigation, wherein said case comprises a cylindrical shell which is substantially closed at one end, said device comprising a container having a bottom wall, a side wall and an opening, and comprising a cap for sealing the opening of said container, wherein said cap is provided with holding means arranged to be inserted in the empty case for restricting lateral movement of the empty case in said container.

A diffusion/permeation cell, commonly referred to as a Franz cell, is provided for topical or transdermal drug delivery research and development in the pharmaceutical industry. The cell comprises a receptor container, a donor chamber, a quick clamping apparatus, and/or an assembly tool. Systems and methods provide a cost-effective diffusion cell, especially for use with an automatic diffusion release testing system.