Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for performing microanalytic and microsynthetic analyses and procedures. The invention provides a microsystem platform and a micromanipulation device for manipulating the platform that utilizes the centripetal force resulting from rotation of the platform to motivate fluid movement through microchannels. The invention specifically provides devices and methods for performing miniaturized in vitro amplification assays such as the polymerase chain reaction. Methods specific for the apparatus of the invention for performing PCR are provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for performing microanalytic and microsynthetic analyses and procedures. The invention provides a microsystem platform and a micromanipulation device for manipulating the platform that utilizes the centripetal force resulting from rotation of the platform to motivate fluid movement through microchannels. The invention specifically provides devices and methods for performing miniaturized in vitro amplification assays such as the polymerase chain reaction. Methods specific for the apparatus of the invention for performing PCR are provided.

Abstract: An illustrative characterization of the invention depicts the cone shaped bow enabling the bassist to bow one string of the electric bass guitar singularly, bow two strings simultaneously or bow three or four strings of the electric bass guitar simultaneously. The use of a cone shaped rotating bow allows the bassist to hold the bow in the right hand and play pizzicato with the fore-finger. Bowing the string(s) is actuated by depressing the foot-switch and pressing the cone shaped bow against the string(s) to be bowed on the electric bass guitar. The foot-switch activates the cone shaped rotary bow to rotate clockwise between 2000 and 2400 revolutions per minute. The quality of the sound produced by this invention depends on two factors. First, the cone shaped rotary bow consists of a plastic cone that is wrapped and glued with horsehair. The cone is pressed on a grommet thereby mounting the cone to a direct current DC 6-9 volt electric motor.