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: A snap lock assembly that comprises a bolt or a cable which can be extended through hasps and which has a locking portion formed with a plurality of parallel spaced grooves that are receivable in a cylindrical member that has a plurality of snap rings spaced therein at distances which correspond to the distance between the grooves so that the seal can be locked in a number of positions as the bolt is moved into the cylindrical member, but the bolt cannot be removed from the cylindrical member due to the camming action of the cylindrical member on the plurality of snap rings in the grooves.

Abstract: A honing apparatus which has a multi-diameter honing tool in which a plurality of honing stones are mounted and which can be radially adjusted so as to hone the inside of a bore and wherein a range of adjustment of the tool is possible over a wide range by using one or more mounting spacers and one or more spacers for moving the stone so as to allow bores over a wide diameter range to be honed. Different numbers of honing stones may be mounted on the head as desired.