Abstract: The embodiments of the invention are directed to a method and apparatus for improvement in the function of dampers used on mobile vehicles such as recreational vehicles. The main function of current dampers (sometimes called shock absorbers) is to extract energy from the suspension system of a moving vehicle by forcing liquid through a system of valves internal to the damper. This invention adds two more functions. One is to lock the suspension so it cannot move when the vehicle is stationary. The second additional function is to level the chassis of the vehicle with respect to the gravity field.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for automatically staining or treating multiple tissue samples mounted on slides are provided, in which the slides and reagent bottles are held in fixed position, and the reagent, wash and coverslipping solutions brought to the slides. Alternatively, the slides are held in fixed position, while the reagent, wash and coverslipping solutions brought to the slides.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of contacting a biological sample with a solution, comprising the steps of moving a curved surface wetted with the solution in proximity to the biological sample whereby the distance separating the wetted curved surface and the biological sample is sufficient to form a moving liquid meniscus layer between the two. The invention is also directed to an apparatus for contacting a biological sample suspected of containing a biomarker with a solution, comprising a platform for supporting a microscope slide having a biological sample thereon; a translating cap having a curved lower surface positioned above the platform, the curved lower surface being in proximity to a biological sample when in operation; means for moving the translating cap back and forth over the biological sample; and means for applying and removing liquid to and from the cap.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for automatically staining or treating multiple tissue samples mounted on slides are provided, in which the slides and reagent bottles are held in fixed position, and the reagent, wash and coverslipping solutions brought to the slides. Alternatively, the slides are held in fixed position, while the reagent, wash and coverslipping solutions brought to the slides.

Abstract: The present invention introduces a radically different way of accelerating biomolecule conjugates into tissue, and hence towards their targets for purposes of tissue staining. The invention provides for an order of magnitude improvement over the prior art diffusion process used to stain tissue. The invention comprises a method of tissue staining by applying an electric field to a tissue sample in the presence of an electrolyte and biomolecular conjugates of interest suspended in the electrolyte. Typical staining times are reduced to seconds as opposed to 30-120 minutes common in the prior art. The invention is also directed to devices for performing the method.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for automatically staining or treating multiple tissue samples mounted on slides are provided, in which the slides and reagent bottles are held in fixed position, and the reagent, wash and coverslipping solutions brought to the slides. Alternatively, the slides are held in fixed position, while the reagent, wash and coverslipping solutions brought to the slides.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser useful in methods and apparatuses for automated biological reaction systems including a barrel, a coupler, a piston associated with the barrel, and a sealing surface that seals the inner diameter against fluid flow at the lower extent of the piston.

Abstract: An automated slide processing apparatus includes a plurality of work stations arranged in a stack, and a transport/elevator for transporting slides between the various work stations.

Abstract: The present invention introduces a radically different way of accelerating biomolecule conjugates into tissue, and hence towards their targets for purposes of tissue staining. The invention provides for an order of magnitude improvement over the prior art diffusion process used to stain tissue. The invention comprises a method of tissue staining by applying an electric field to a tissue sample in the presence of an electrolyte and biomolecular conjugates of interest suspended in the electrolyte. Typical staining times are reduced to seconds as opposed to 30-120 minutes common in the prior art. The invention is also directed to devices for performing the method.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for automatically staining or treating multiple tissue samples mounted on slides are provided, in which the slides and reagent bottles are held in fixed position, and the reagent, wash and coverslipping solutions brought to the slides. Alternatively, the slides are held in fixed position, while the reagent, wash and coverslipping solutions brought to the slides.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for automatically staining or treating multiple tissue samples mounted on slides are provided, in which the slides and reagent bottles are held in fixed position, and the reagent and wash solutions brought to the slides.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of contacting a biological sample with a solution, comprising the steps of moving a curved surface wetted with the solution in proximity to the biological sample whereby the distance separating the wetted curved surface and the biological sample is sufficient to form a moving liquid meniscus layer between the two. The invention is also directed to an apparatus for contacting a biological sample suspected of containing a biomarker with a solution, comprising a platform for supporting a microscope slide having a biological sample thereon; a translating cap having a curved lower surface positioned above the platform, the curved lower surface being in proximity to a biological sample when in operation; means for moving the translating cap back and forth over the biological sample; and means for applying and removing liquid to and from the cap.

Abstract: An automated system is provided for performing slide processing operations on slides bearing biological samples. In one embodiment, the disclosed system includes a slide tray holding a plurality of slides in a substantially horizontal position and a workstation that receives the slide tray. In a particular embodiment, a workstation delivers a reagent to slide surfaces without substantial transfer of reagent (and reagent borne contaminants such as dislodged cells) from one slide to another. A method for automated processing of slides also is provided.

Abstract: An automated system is provided for performing slide processing operations on slides bearing biological samples. In one embodiment, the disclosed system includes a slide tray holding a plurality of slides in a substantially horizontal position and a workstation that receives the slide tray. In a particular embodiment, a workstation delivers a reagent to slide surfaces without substantial transfer of reagent (and reagent borne contaminants such as dislodged cells) from one slide to another. A method for automated processing of slides also is provided.

Abstract: An automated immunostaining apparatus having a reagent application zone and a reagent supply zone. The apparatus has a carousel slide support supporting a plurality of slide supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel slide support for consecutively positioning each of a plurality of slide supports in the reagent application zone. The apparatus also has a carousel reagent support having a plurality of reagent container supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel for rotating the carousel and positioning a preselected reagent container support in the reagent supply zone. The apparatus also has a reagent delivery actuator means positioned for engaging a reagent container positioned on a container support in the reagent delivery zone and initiating reagent delivery from the reagent container to a slide supported on a slide support in the reagent receiving zone.

Abstract: Liquid organic material is controllably delivered to a receptacle located in the center of a heated surface capable of horizontally rotating about its central axis. As the heated surface rotates, material deposited within the central receptacle is forced outwardly and across the rotating surface. As the material moves radially, it evaporates into a vapor which is then transported to one or more nozzles. From the nozzles, the vapor is applied to a substrate and condensed. Relative to existing devices and methods, the present invention enables the evaporation of a wider variety of organic liquids, greater reliability in continuous operation, a decrease in maintenance, and a larger and more constant material flow rate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an automated biological reaction system is provided. In the processing of a biological reaction system, there is a need for consistently placing an amount of fluid on a slide. In order to accomplish this, several methods are used including a consistency pulse and a volume adjust means. Moreover, in order to reliably operate an automated biological reaction system, the dispenser must be reliable, easy to assemble and accurate. Among other things, in order to accomplish this, the dispense chamber is substantially in line with the reservoir chamber, the reservoir chamber piston is removed, and the flow of fluid through the dispenser is simplified. Further, in order to operate the automated biological reaction system more reliably, the system is designed in modular pieces with higher functions performed by a host device and the execution of the staining operations performed by remote devices.

Abstract: The present invention introduces a radically different way of accelerating biomolecule conjugates into tissue, and hence towards their targets for purposes of tissue staining. The invention provides for an order of magnitude improvement over the prior art diffusion process used to stain tissue. The invention comprises a method of tissue staining by applying an electric field to a tissue sample in the presence of an electrolyte and biomolecular conjugates of interest suspended in the electrolyte. Typical staining times are reduced to seconds as opposed to 30-120 minutes common in the prior art. The invention is also directed to devices for performing the method.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser useful in methods and apparatuses for automated biological reaction systems including a barrel, a coupler, a piston associated with the barrel, and a sealing surface that seals the inner diameter against fluid flow at the lower extent of the piston

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for automatically staining or treating multiple tissue samples mounted on slides are provided, in which the slides and reagent bottles are held in fixed position, and the reagent, wash and coverslipping solutions brought to the slides. Alternatively, the slides are held in fixed position, while the reagent, wash and coverslipping solutions brought to the slides.