Abstract: The present invention relates to a detection card made of a first planar element having a detection chip. The detection chip has two or more electrically separated conductors fabricated on a substrate and capture probes attached to the conductors, such that a gap exists between the capture probes on the conductors. A sample, potentially containing a target molecule, can be analyzed for the presence of the target molecule by determining whether the conductors are electrically connected. The detection card also has a second planar element parallel to and joined with the first planar element along a first planar interface. A fluid pathway is formed proximate to the first planar interface and includes a detection reservoir into which at least part of the detection chip is received. Also disclosed is a system and a method for detecting a target molecule, both of which utilize the detection card.

Abstract: A printer determines the characteristics of the ink of the replaceble ink cartridge by set of ink cartridges. Each ink cartridge is formed of a housing and includes marks on the exterior surface of the housing. The marks on the cartridge housing are arranged so that the marks on the several ink cartridges collectively form a pattern of marks. The printer electronically scans the pattern of marks, and automatically produces an indication in accordance with the pattern of marks to identify the brand and/or type of ink contained in the set of cartridges, the ink capacity of the cartridges, as well as to verify that an appropriate combination of cartridges has been installed. Printer performance characteristics, such as expected print yield, can be determined based on the indication produced by scanning the pattern of marks.