Abstract: Optical systems, and corresponding methods, for multiple reactions are provided. The optical systems are in a fixed position relative to a thermal assembly and include at least one array of excitation sources (e.g., light emitting diodes (LEDs)) configured to output excitation energy along an excitation optical path. In addition, a detector configured to receive emission energy along a detection optical path in the same plane as the excitation optical path is also provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for a structure, including: a first glass material layer; and a second material layer bonded to the first glass material layer via bonding material, where the bonding material is formed from one of glass frit material, ceramic frit material, glass ceramic frit material, and metal paste, which has been melted and cured.

Abstract: The present invention generally pertains to a system, method and kit for the detection and measurement of spectroscopic properties of light from a sample, or the scalable detection and measurement of spectroscopic properties of light from each sample present among multiple samples, simultaneously, wherein the system comprises: an optical train comprising a dispersing element; and an image sensor. The light detected and measured may comprise light scattered from a sample, emitted as chemiluminescence by a chemical process within a sample, selectively absorbed by a sample, or emitted as fluorescence from a sample following excitation.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector apparatus may include a ferrule having a hollow through its center. The hollow is sized and shaped to receive an optical fiber such that an end of each of the optical fiber is located at an endface of the ferrule. The endface of the ferrule is partitioned into a first section and a second section. The first section is perpendicular to an axis of the ferrule and the second section is angled with respect to the first section. When the connector is assembled, the ferrule can butt couple to a similarly configured second ferrule such that the perpendicular second portions of the endfaces of the ferrules are physically touching. The angle of the angled portions sets a distance between portions of the endfaces corresponding to endfaces of optical fibers received in the ferrules thereby setting a gap between the fiber endfaces.

Abstract: Optical systems, and corresponding methods, for multiple reactions are provided. The optical systems are in a fixed position relative to a thermal assembly and include at least one array of excitation sources (e.g., light emitting diodes (LEDs)) configured to output excitation energy along an excitation optical path. In addition, a detector configured to receive emission energy along a detection optical path in the same plane as the excitation optical path is also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides a systems and methods for regulating temperature and heat transfer in applications in which it is desirable to maintain temperature uniformity such as thermal cycling applications. A heat block is used to rapidly transfer heat to or from a set of one or more reaction vessels.

Abstract: The present invention provides several variations for converting biomass, and other carbon-containing feedstocks, into syngas. Some variations include pyrolyzing or torrefying biomass in a devolatilization unit to form a gas stream and char, and gasifying the char. Other variations include introducing biomass into a fluid-bed gasifier to generate a solid stream and a gas stream, followed by a partial-oxidation or reforming reactor to generate additional syngas from either, or both, of the solid or gas stream from the fluid-bed gasifier. Hot syngas is preferably subjected to heat recovery. The syngas produced by the disclosed methods may be used in any desired manner, such as conversion to liquid fuels (e.g., ethanol).

Abstract: A method of increasing the spatial uniformity of the detected intensity of a beam of light from a laser in a system including the laser and a light detector. In one embodiment the method includes the steps of generating a beam of light with the laser; and moving the beam of light and the light detector relative to each other, such that the detector averages the spatial intensity of the beam of light over time. In another embodiment the invention relates to a system for increasing the detected spatial uniformity of the intensity of a beam of light.

Abstract: An optical analysis unit especially suitable for performing grating coupled surface plasmon resonance (SPR) imaging features a pivoting light source capable of scanning through a range of angles of incident light projected onto a stationary target sensor, such as an SPR sensor. The reflected image from the illuminated sensor is detected, e.g., by a CCD camera and the image and angular scan data are processed, for example by a fitting algorithm, to provide real time analysis of reactions taking place on the surface of the sensor.

Abstract: In a spectroscopic process a sample for producing a test spectral line or spectrum of at least one component contained in the sample is stimulated and the transmitted and/or emitted electromagnetic rays are used to create the test spectral line or spectrum. In order to improve such a spectroscopic process to such an extent that variations of certain parameters, which alter the shape and/or occurrence of a spectral line, are compensated, a comparison spectral line or spectrum of a known comparison material is produced under substantially the same parameters as the sample. The comparison spectral line or spectrum is compared with an ideal comparison spectral line or spectrum in order to calculate a transfer function, and the transfer function is applied to the test spectral line or spectrum in order to calculate a corrected test spectral line or spectrum.

Abstract: An optical resonance analysis system comprising a sensor means (60) and an illumination means (400) for generating non-monochromatic illumination. The illumination means (400) further comprises a means for generating illumination at a plurality of angles, a lens system for projecting said illumination at said plurality of angles (390) and a dispersive device (380) for dispersing said illumination at each of said plurality of angles so that there is a correlation between said plurality of angles and the wavelengths of said illumination such that a resonance condition is generated on said sensor mean (60) for all wavelengths generated by said non-monochromatic source simultaneously. The analysis system also comprises a detection means (90) for detecting the reflected or transmitted illumination. Another embodiment comprises an anamorphic imaging means (120).

Abstract: Methods and systems for defining and distributing information alerts include presenting a user with a series of templates that allows the user to define security events, information alerts to be triggered by the events, and intended recipients for the alerts. Intended recipients for the alerts are presented with templates that allow the individuals to input contact and schedule information for receiving the information alerts. A knowledge switch uses the event definitions and the contact and schedule information to detect events and distribute the information alerts to the intended recipients when an event occurs. The information alerts include directives that instruct intended recipients regarding action to be taken in response to a security event.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing at least one item of value in cooperation with operation of a companion device delivering at least one first product to a user comprises: (a) a control means for controlling the providing; (b) a providing means for effecting the providing; the providing means being coupled with the control means; and (c) a link with the companion device for effecting the cooperation. The apparatus may further comprise (d) a communication means coupled with the control means for communicating operational information with the apparatus regarding operation of the apparatus; and (e) a memory means coupled with the communication means for storing the operational information.

Abstract: A light source for an atomizing device, specifically an atom absorption spectrometer comprising one, two, or more lamps, whose ray can be selected by means of at least one two-dimensionally moveable optical selection element, and which can be directed in the direction of atomizing device. Fine-tuning is thereby achieved quickly with little constructive expenditure and with low costs. A very high degree of accuracy is possible from the selector through a rotational and highly adjustable rotation spindle.

Abstract: An optical resonance analysis system comprising a sensor means (60) and an illumination means (400) for generating non-monochromatic illumination. The illumination means (400) further comprises a means for generating illumination at a plurality of angles, a lens system for projecting said illumination at said plurality of angles (390) and a dispersive device (380) for dispersing said illumination at each of said plurality of angles so that there is a correlation between said plurality of angles and the wavelengths of said illumination such that a resonance condition is generated on said sensor mean (60) for all wavelengths generated by said non-monochromatic source simultaneously. The analysis system also comprises a detection means (90) for detecting the reflected or transmitted illumination. Another embodiment comprises an anamorphic imaging means (120).

Abstract: A method and system for creating, using, and updating individual user voice portals in a multi-user environment is disclosed. Each user selects data sources, keywords and time intervals for searching the data sources, and grammar for accessing search results. Based on this information, an individual voice portal is created for the user. The requested information is extracted from the specified data sources and cached or stored in a database to increase extraction speed. The user accesses the individual voice portal using a unique identifier assigned to the user and the selected grammar. Because each user has a unique voice portal, the search space for software that interprets the grammar is decreased. As a result, the likelihood of misinterpretation and the time for extracting the requested information are decreased.

Abstract: A method and system for creating, using, and updating individual user voice portals in a multi-user environment is disclosed. Each user selects data sources, keywords and time intervals for searching the data sources, and grammar for accessing search results. Based on this information, an individual voice portal is created for the user. The requested information is extracted from the specified data sources and cached or stored in a database to increase extraction speed. The user accesses the individual voice portal using a unique identifier assigned to the user and the selected grammar. Because each user has a unique voice portal, the search space for software that interprets the grammar is decreased. As a result, the likelihood of misinterpretation and the time for extracting the requested information are decreased.

Abstract: Methods and systems for defining and distributing information alerts are disclosed. A user is presented with a series of templates that allows the user to define events, information alerts to be triggered by the events, and intended recipients for the alerts. Intended recipients for the alerts are presented with templates that allow the individuals to input contact and schedule information for receiving the information alerts. A knowledge switch uses the event definitions and the contact and schedule information to detect events and distribute the alerts to the intended recipients when an event occurs.

Abstract: A printing device having a print carriage assembly that reduces a carriage excursion along a carriage scan axis and/or reduces a width of a printing flat zone along a media feed axis, is disclosed. The print carriage assembly has a frame that traverses across a media along a carriage scan axis. The media travels along a media feed axis that is substantially perpendicular to the carriage scan axis. A first print cartridge subassembly includes a first base secured to the frame and a plurality of first print elements secured to the first base. Each of the first print elements includes a first nozzle array for ejecting an ink composition. The plurality of first print elements are spaced apart along the carriage scan axis and are offset along the media feed axis. A second print cartridge subassembly includes a second base secured to the frame and a plurality of second print elements secured to the second base. Each of the second print elements have a second nozzle array for ejecting an ink composition.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for performing a nucleic acid amplification reaction and preferably a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in a reaction mixture in at least one capillary tube. Several different embodiments are disclosed. One embodiment cycles a sample through a capillary tube loop passing through two thermostatted fluid baths. Another embodiment has the capillary tube routed alternatingly between two heat exchangers to that the sample makes only one pass through the tube. Other embodiments maintain the heat exchangers stationary and translate the samples between them. Still further embodiments maintain the samples stationary and either automatically translate or rotate the heat exchangers past the samples contained within the capillary tubes to perform the thermal cycles necessary for the amplification reaction.