Abstract: This invention provides capacity altering devices that facilitate the processing of samples whose volume exceeds the capacity of external sample processing regions (e.g., sample tubes or wells). The invention also provides holders that can be used with such devices, e.g., to allow centrifugation of the devices and/or to minimize handling of the external processing regions. Methods of processing samples, particularly samples whose volume exceeds the capacity of the external processing regions, and methods of collecting compounds in external processing regions are another feature of the invention.

Abstract: This invention provides capacity altering devices that facilitate the processing of samples whose volume exceeds the capacity of external sample processing regions (e.g., sample tubes or wells). The invention also provides holders that can be used with such devices, e.g., to allow centrifugation of the devices and/or to minimize handling of the external processing regions. Methods of processing samples, particularly samples whose volume exceeds the capacity of the external processing regions, and methods of collecting compounds in external processing regions are another feature of the invention.

Abstract: This invention provides capacity altering devices that facilitate the processing of samples whose volume exceeds the capacity of external sample processing regions (e.g., sample tubes or wells). The invention also provides holders that can be used with such devices, e.g., to allow centrifugation of the devices and/or to minimize handling of the external processing regions. Methods of processing samples, particularly samples whose volume exceeds the capacity of the external processing regions, and methods of collecting compounds in external processing regions are another feature of the invention.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and method for washing a biological chip cartridge. A washing station comprises a cartridge holder that includes at least two cartridge mounting tubes that are structured to retain the biological chip cartridge on the washing station without doors. At least one fluid source communicates with one of the mounting tubes and a waste dump communicates with another mounting tube. A fluid controller controls delivery of a fluid from the fluid source to the mounting tube.

Abstract: An automated centrifuge comprising a rotor having a plurality of sample receiving elements located in the rotor is provided. Sample processing components are structured to be insertable into any one of the receiving elements and a controller is configured to insert the sample processing components into the sample receiving elements. The sample receiving elements located in the rotor are grouped in clusters, and the cavities of each cluster are substantially parallel. Also, an automated centrifuge system comprising a rotor including a plurality of clusters of receiving elements, each element including a longitudinal axis, with the longitudinal axes of each element in a cluster being substantially parallel is provided. A plurality of sample processing components are arranged in groups, with each group configured to be received into adjacent clusters. A rotor position member is structured to determine the position of each cluster.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are described that enable high-throughput processing (e.g., hybridizing, washing, and staining) of microarrays. This high-throughput processing is achieved in part by combining the capabilities for separate hybridization of multiple arrays in fluidically separated hybridization chambers with parallel processing of those arrays in a single fluidic chamber during certain processing stages. In some implementations, the apparatus includes a separating member constructed and arranged so that, when it is disposed in a first position the microarrays are fluidically separated from each other. When the separating member is removed, the microarrays are fluidically coupled with each other. Thus, separate microarray hybridization chambers may readily be converted to a single fluidic chamber by moving the separating member.

Abstract: This invention provides an object holder for precisely positioning an object such as a microtiter plate on a support fixture. The object holders can also include a retaining device on a support fixture for receiving an object. In use, the object is generally positioned on the fixture relative to alignment surfaces of the object. Pushers then precisely position the object in a desired location. The invention also provides integrated systems that coordinate the actions of different components of the object holders. For example, once an object is in a desired position, a controller can activate a retaining device to retain the object in the object holder in the desired orientation.

Abstract: A five-speed parallel-shaft clutch-to-clutch shifting automatic transmission has an hydraulically responsive clutch priority valve effective to exhaust fluid pressure from lower priority clutches upon undesirable simultaneous application two or more clutches. Two clutches associated with numerically nonadjacent gear ratios are supplied fluid pressure from a single solenoid controlled fluid valve vis-a-vis a two mutually exclusive state multiplex valve. The clutch priority valve is interposed between the solenoid controlled fluid valve and the multi-plex valve thereby rendering the two clutch states associated with the single solenoid valve indistinguishable by the clutch priority valve.

Abstract: Automotive internal combustion engine air/fuel ratio control accuracy improvement is provided through correction of engine cylinder volumetric efficiency to account for variation in engine intake air temperature away from volumetric efficiency calibration intake air temperature, and to account for heating of the intake air passing through engine intake air passages prior to entry to the engine cylinders. Change in air density and change in airflow dynamics occurring in engine intake air passages are accounted for in the volumetric efficiency correction so that engine control commands more accurately account for actual engine cylinder intake air mass.

Abstract: A lubrication system for multi-plate clutch assemblies is controlled to provide increased lube flow. During steady state operation, lube flow is increased periodically for a short time interval. At other times during steady state operation, the lube flow is maintained at a level requiring minimum fluid flow for the system.

Abstract: A control valve arrangement for a torque converter and clutch assembly is operable to control the torque converter outlet pressure at one pressure level during clutch engagement and at another pressure level during clutch disengagement.

Abstract: A mechanical clutch is provided to selectively interconnect a forward or reverse gear member to a transmission shaft. The clutch is operated by a servo piston and fork structure. The servo piston is slidably disposed in a housing and urged in the forward select position by a spring. The housing and servo piston cooperate to define two fluid chambers which are maintained in a separated condition when the forward select position is established. One chamber is in fluid communication with a fluid system that is controlled to provide fluid at two distinct pressure levels, depending upon various vehicle operating parameters. The other chamber is connected with a selectively engageable fluid operated friction clutch which is effective to assist in establishing at least the reverse drive ratio within the transmission. The lowest level of fluid pressure in the one chamber is not sufficient to cause the piston to overcome the spring force and thereby move the clutch to the reverse select position.

Abstract: A hydraulic transmission control uses a plurality of solenoid valves to control the engagement of friction devices during the shifting of a transmission between gear ratios. A clutch priority valve is provided to prevent the continuous simultaneous engagement of friction devices which will establish more than one ratio. Also provided is a manually controlled valve which permits the operator to determine the range in which the transmission will operate.If the clutch priority valve has been actuated, the transmission ratio can be controlled between a low ratio, for example, second gear, and a high ratio, for example, third or fourth gear, by use of the manual valve in combination with an actuator mode valve. The clutch priority valve, when actuated, is also operable to disengage a torque converter clutch.