Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, devices and systems for associating consumable data with an assay consumable used in a biological assay. Provided are assay systems and associated consumables, wherein the assay system adjusts one or more steps of an assay protocol based on consumable data specific for that consumable. Various types of consumable data are described, as well as methods of using such data in the conduct of an assay by an assay system. The present invention also relates to consumables (e.g., kits and reagent containers), software, data deployable bundles, computer-readable media, loading carts, instruments, systems, and methods, for performing automated biological assays.

Abstract: There is provided a measurement apparatus for obtaining conductivity measurements of a surface of a structure. The apparatus has a housing, and a pair of support legs depending from the housing. Each support leg has a first end, wherein the first ends define a support leg plane. The apparatus has a pair of conductive measurement probes slidably disposed between the support legs, and at least one force applying member coupled to the housing. The at least one force applying member applies a biasing force to cause the pair of conductive measurement probes to extend a predetermined distance beyond the support leg plane. A downward applied force applied to the housing, when the conductive measurement probes are in contact with the surface, causes a displacement of the conductive measurement probes, until the first ends of the support legs contact the surface. Conductivity measurements between the conductive measurement probes are consistently obtained.

Abstract: There is provided a measurement apparatus for obtaining conductivity measurements of a surface of a structure. The apparatus has a housing, and a pair of support legs depending from the housing. Each support leg has a first end, wherein the first ends define a support leg plane. The apparatus has a pair of conductive measurement probes slidably disposed between the support legs, and at least one force applying member coupled to the housing. The at least one force applying member applies a biasing force to cause the pair of conductive measurement probes to extend a predetermined distance beyond the support leg plane. A downward applied force applied to the housing, when the conductive measurement probes are in contact with the surface, causes a displacement of the conductive measurement probes, until the first ends of the support legs contact the surface. Conductivity measurements between the conductive measurement probes are consistently obtained.

Abstract: Portable apparatus for curing a part includes a wheeled frame having sliding part supports that move the part from a loading position to a curing position. A part clamping assembly is slidably mounted on the frame to apply clamping pressure to the part when the part is in the curing position in order to compact the part during a cure cycle. The clamping assembly includes a set of electrically heated shoes that heat the part to a cure temperature. A fan is provided to accelerate cool down the part after curing is complete. The heating and cooling operations are automatically performed by a programmed controller.

Abstract: Portable apparatus for curing a part includes a wheeled frame having sliding part supports that move the part from a loading position to a curing position. A part clamping assembly is slidably mounted on the frame to apply clamping pressure to the part when the part is in the curing position in order to compact the part during a cure cycle. The clamping assembly includes a set of electrically heated shoes that heat the part to a cure temperature. A fan is provided to accelerate cool down the part after curing is complete. The heating and cooling operations are automatically performed by a programmed controller.

Abstract: A blade handling apparatus includes a mount frame; a stinger boom carried by the mount frame; and a lift block assembly including a lift block carried by the stinger boom; a pair of rod housings carried by the lift block; a pair of push rods slidably carried by the pair of rod housings, respectively; and a pair of blade lock pins carried by the pair of rod housings, respectively, and engaged by the pair of push rods, respectively.

Abstract: A blade handling apparatus includes a mount frame; a stinger boom carried by the mount frame; and a lift block assembly including a lift block carried by the stinger boom; a pair of rod housings carried by the lift block; a pair of push rods slidably carried by the pair of rod housings, respectively; and a pair of blade lock pins carried by the pair of rod housings, respectively, and engaged by the pair of push rods, respectively.

Abstract: Portable apparatus for curing a part includes a wheeled frame having sliding part supports that move the part from a loading position to a curing position. A part clamping assembly is slidably mounted on the frame to apply clamping pressure to the part when the part is in the curing position in order to compact the part during a cure cycle. The clamping assembly includes a set of electrically heated shoes that heat the part to a cure temperature. A fan is provided to accelerate cool down the part after curing is complete. The heating and cooling operations are automatically performed by a programmed controller.

Abstract: A mobile storage and work cart is described that includes a reconfigurable frame, a plurality of casters extending from the reconfigurable frame and operable for moving the cart, and a work surface attached to the reconfigurable frame and forming a top of the cart. The reconfigurable frame is operable to adjust a height of the work surface.

Abstract: A mobile storage and work cart is described that includes a reconfigurable frame, a plurality of casters extending from the reconfigurable frame and operable for moving the cart, and a work surface attached to the reconfigurable frame and forming a top of the cart. The reconfigurable frame is operable to adjust a height of the work surface.

Abstract: An aircraft window assembly with a readily attachable window assembly for efficient and easy installation and maintenance of aircraft windows. The aircraft has a sidewall having an inner perimeter that defines an opening. An inner window frame is readily attachable to the sidewall adjacent to the inner perimeter. The inner window frame defines a first opening. An outer window frame is readily attachable to the inner window frame adjacent the first opening and the outer window frame defines a second opening. The outer window frame and the inner window frame are releasably coupled within the first opening of the inner window frame. The snap-in window assembly is readily detachable from the sidewall adjacent to the inner perimeter.

Abstract: A snap-on sidewall assembly is provided for attachment to an airframe of an aircraft. The snap-on sidewall assembly includes an outer rail member that has a mounting portion for attachment to the airframe. The outer rail member has at least one recess integrally formed therein and at least one outer support flange extending from the recess. Each recess is adapted for engaging at least one protrusion integrally formed within an inner rail member. The integral inner rail member further includes at least one inner support flange extending from the protrusion. Finally, the snap-on sidewall assembly includes at least one sidewall panel. Each sidewall panel has an end portion that is, intended to be sandwiched between one of the outer support flanges and one of the inner support flanges.

Abstract: A snap-on sidewall assembly is provided for attachment to an airframe of an aircraft. The snap-on sidewall assembly includes an outer rail member that has a mounting portion for attachment to the airframe. The outer rail member has at least one recess integrally formed therein and at least one outer support flange extending from the recess. Each recess is adapted for engaging at least one protrusion integrally formed within an inner rail member. The integral inner rail member further includes at least one inner support flange extending from the protrusion. Finally, the snap-on sidewall assembly includes at least one sidewall panel. Each sidewall panel has an end portion that is intended to be sandwiched between one of the outer support flanges and one of the inner support flanges.

Abstract: An aircraft window assembly with a readily attachable window assembly for efficient and easy installation and maintenance of aircraft windows is provided. The aircraft has a sidewall having an inner perimeter that defines an opening. An inner window frame is readily attachable to the sidewall adjacent to the inner perimeter. The inner window frame defines a first opening. An outer window frame is readily attachable to the inner window frame adjacent the first opening and the outer window frame defines a second opening. The outer window frame and the inner window frame are releasably coupled within the first opening of the inner window frame. The snap-in window assembly is readily detachable from the sidewall adjacent to the inner perimeter.

Abstract: A continuous web of perforated paper is withdrawn from a buffer zone and fed at a constant linear rate through an oscillating chute device unto a folded stack. The feeding and folding motions imparted to the web are synchronized through control over stepper motors respectively driving the paper feeding and folding devices. A pulse generator produces a common train of digital pulses that are fed to a pair of frequency dividers within which the pulses are divided into two trains of driving pulses at different pulse rates. The driving pulses are simultaneously fed to the stepper motors for operation at different rates during a paper stacking cycle initiated after the paper is detected at the bottom of the buffer zone by a sensor switch. The driving pulses are monitored to produce error signals whenever synchronization is lost or malfunction occurs.

Abstract: A shock absorbing cab mounting device for a vehicle is disclosed, comprised of a flange member fixed to the vehicle frame and an elastomeric vibration absorbing device, the flange member having a projection extending upwardly and inwardly with an axial bore centrally located in the top portion. The projection is bondingly surrounded by an elastomeric member which has embedded therein and interior of the projection a fastening nut, the fastening nut axially aligned with a bore in the elastomeric member and of greater outside diameter than the bore in the top portion of the projection. A fastening means disposed through a mounting hole in the cab and threadably engaging the fastening nut serves to affix the cab to the mounting device while pre-stressing by compression the elastomeric member to lessen shear forces imposed thereon by the transmission of vibrations from the vehicle frame thereby prolonging the life of the mounting device.