Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a removable cap with a top hole and a seal with a heat induction closure for sealing an opening of a container. Advantageously, the cap and the seal do not need to be removed for a probe to access contents of the container, when used in a diagnostic analyzer, thereby eliminating operator steps of cap removal and seal peeling/perforation. Automated opening of the cap and seal combination is provided by puncturing the seal. The seal retains its opened shape required for unobstructed, non-contact probe access to contents of the container. The seal is comprised of three layers: a first polymer sealing layer capable of being heat-sealed to a container; an aluminum foil layer on top of the first polymer sealing layer, configured to heat seal the first layer by inductive heating; and a second polymer layer on top of the aluminum foil layer for protection.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to transferring and opening reagent containers for use in a clinical analyzer in an in vitro diagnostics (IVD) environment. Contents of a reagent container may be automatically recorded, and the container is positioned and opened, making available its contents to a transfer probe. A set of mechanical fingers open and close relative to one another, to release and grip the reagent container on opposite sides thereof for transferring the container. Once the container is positioned, the mechanical fingers raise and are positioned above a seal concealing the contents of the reagent container. The fingers are configured to close together and travel in a downward trajectory to pierce the seal. The reagent container is originally presented as an un-opened package to prevent spillage and to control reagent life expectancy. According to an embodiment, a method of performing a cycle unload, transfer, and load, without operator intervention, is provided.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a removable cap with a conduction seal closure for sealing an opening of a container. The cap has a side wall and a top wall with an open access hole there-through. A flat upper portion surrounds the open access hole, which is sealed by the conduction seal. The conduction seal comprises a first polymer sealing layer, an aluminum foil layer on top of the first layer to heat seal the first layer to the cap, and a second polymer layer arranged on top of the aluminum foil layer for protection. The aluminum foil provides a formable shaping strength such that upon seal piercing, a permanent memory spread of the first and third layers is achieved. Removal of the cap does not damage the seal. Access to the container contents is achieved without probe contact to the as-pierced seal.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to transferring and opening reagent containers for use in a clinical analyzer in an in vitro diagnostics (WD) environment. Contents of a reagent container may be automatically recorded, and the container is positioned and opened, making available its contents to a transfer probe. A set of mechanical fingers open and close relative to one another, to release and grip the reagent container on opposite sides thereof for transferring the container. Once the container is positioned, the mechanical fingers raise and are positioned above a seal concealing the contents of the reagent container. The fingers are configured to close together and travel in a downward trajectory to piece the seal. The reagent container is originally presented as an un-opened package to prevent spillage and to control reagent life expectancy. According to an embodiment, a method of performing a cycle unload, transfer, and load, without operator intervention, is provided.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a removable cap with a conduction seal closure for sealing an opening of a container. The cap has a side wall and a top wall with an open access hole there-through. A flat upper portion surrounds the open access hole, which is sealed by the conduction seal. The conduction seal comprises a first polymer sealing layer, an aluminum foil layer on top of the first layer to heat seal the first layer to the cap, and a second polymer layer arranged on top of the aluminum foil layer for protection. The aluminum foil provides a formable shaping strength such that upon seal piercing, a permanent memory spread of the first and third layers is achieved. Removal of the cap does not damage the seal. Access to the container contents is achieved without probe contact to the as-pierced seal.

Abstract: Biosolids and fly ash are mixed together in stated proportions, spread on soil, and tilled to provide a soil amendment that ameliorates off-gassing of noxious odors.

Abstract: The present invention is a programmable antenna that includes a plane and a plurality of programmable arrays on the plane, where the plurality of programmable arrays are connected together in cross-point fashion for programming a user-definable antenna shape therein. The programmable arrays may be programmed before or after being placed on the plane. If the programmable arrays are to be programmed while on the plane then a controller is connected to the programmable arrays to program them. A plurality of planes may be used to realize a three-dimensional programmable antenna.

Abstract: A multi-cylinder gas engine featuring a unique method of gas fuel intake and cylinder exhaust gas scavenging and recharging. It is a three cylinder opposed piston two-stroke cycle engine combined with a three cylinder opposed piston, sequentially ported, valveless pump to produce a three-stroke cycle engine effect. The engine has a positive compression, power, and recharge strokes, but no actual exhaust stroke. Exhaust is accomplished by pressure "blowdown" and by displacement scavenging of the cylinders during the recharge stroke. Operation may be based on the Otto cycle (gasoline or fuel, glow plug or spark ignition) or the diesel cycle and may utilize one or more carburetors or fuel injection. The firing order is sequential, in the same direction as crankshaft rotation, equally spaced (120 degrees), and results in three power strokes of approximately 120 degrees duration per revolution. A pump is also described.