Abstract: A method and apparatus for dynamically controlling the crystallization of molecules including a crystallization chamber (14) or chambers for holding molecules in a precipitant solution, one or more precipitant solution reservoirs (16, 18), communication passages (17, 19) respectively coupling the crystallization chamber(s) with each of the precipitant solution reservoirs, and transfer mechanisms (20, 21, 22, 24, 26, 28) configured to respectively transfer precipitant solution between each of the precipitant solution reservoirs and the crystallization chamber(s). The transfer mechanisms are interlocked to maintain a constant volume of precipitant solution in the crystallization chamber(s). Precipitant solutions of different concentrations are transferred into and out of the crystallization chamber(s) to adjust the concentration of precipitant in the crystallization chamber(s) to achieve precise control of the crystallization process.

Abstract: A taut wire sensor includes an actuator that is movably coupled to a housing. The actuator includes a taut wire terminal. The actuator has two contacts that are maintained in a spaced apart orientation by the mating of parts, which are held in place by a spring element. The actuator deforms when force is applied to the taut wire terminal of the sensor. When the actuator deform, an electrical connection is made between the two contacts to produce an alarm indication by the sensor. The orientation of the actuator is maintained by the mating of parts which are also held by a spring element. One of the contacts in the actuator is a flexible contact pin that is adapted to bend when high force is applied to the taut wire terminal. The sensor housing also includes a movement limiter that overcomes a weakness in prior sensors which employ compensating flowable materials to adjust sensor position.

Abstract: A taut wire sensor includes an actuator that is movably coupled to a housing. The actuator includes a taut wire terminal. The actuator has two contacts that are maintained in a spaced apart orientation by the mating of parts, which are held in place by a spring element. The actuator deforms when force is applied to the taut wire terminal of the sensor. When the actuator deform, an electrical connection is made between the two contacts to produce an alarm indication by the sensor. The orientation of the actuator is maintained by the mating of parts which are also held by a spring element. One of the contacts in the actuator is a flexible contact pin that is adapted to bend when high force is applied to the taut wire terminal. The sensor housing also includes a movement limiter that overcomes a weakness in prior sensors which employ compensating flowable materials to adjust sensor position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dynamically controlling the crystallization of proteins including a crystallization chamber or chambers for holding a protein in a salt solution, one or more salt solution chambers, two communication passages respectively coupling the crystallization chamber with each of the salt solution chambers, and transfer mechanisms configured to respectively transfer salt solution between each of the salt solution chambers and the crystallization chamber. The transfer mechanisms are interlocked to maintain the volume of salt solution in the crystallization chamber substantially constant. Salt solution of different concentrations is transferred into and out of the crystallization chamber to adjust the salt concentration in the crystallization chamber to achieve precise control of the crystallization process.