Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and apparatus for automatic processing a biological sample on a carrier, perhaps robotically, by applying predetermined amounts of reagents in a predetermined sequence according to a processing protocol, the processing including pre-treatment steps, under the control of an adaptive processing control system using a sample process parameter input that may be independent and an independent process parameter memory that does not interrupt process operation when being used, such that samples may be added or removed without interrupting the processing of other samples. Also included is an image capture function for sample and reagent identification and process monitoring, as well as temperature regulation and environmental control functions.

Abstract: The inventions provides allelic ladder mixtures and individual alleles suitable for use in such mixtures. The allelic ladder mixtures give improved identification and distinguishing capabilities, particularly suitable in forensic investigations.

Abstract: Screening and diagnostic reagents, kits and methods for stomach or esophageal cancer are disclosed. Compounds, compositions and methods of treating patients with stomach or esophageal cancer and for imaging stomach or esophageal tumors in vivo are disclosed. Compositions and methods for delivering active compounds such as drugs, gene therapeutics and antisense compounds to stomach or esophageal cells are disclosed. Vaccines compositions and methods of for treating and preventing stomach or esophageal cancer are disclosed.

Abstract: A cigar enhancing humidor is airtight and nonporous and has a flavor additive chamber which is controllable to release moisture and flavoring into the humidor which are absorbed by the cigars to enhance their flavor.

Abstract: A cigar humidor has a liner and is for containing tobacco products. The liner is made of liner members of humidor wood and has an increased interior surface area for being exposed to an interior of the humidor.

Abstract: A fiber metering device adapted for feeding fiber to a fiber utilizing assembly. The device comprises a first fiber feeding unit and a spaced apart second fiber feeding unit. The fiber feeding units are spaced apart so that the second unit is downstream with respect to the first unit. The feeding units are independently driven at relatively variable fiber feeding speeds. Each feeding unit includes a weight transducer means sensitive to the weight of fiber being fed by that unit. The speed of each feeding unit is controlled in accordance with the weight of fiber sensed by its associated transducer means.

Abstract: A solenoid valve includes a flexible diaphragm and ball to control hydraulic or pneumatic fluid flow. The diaphragm provides an essential part of a complete seal which prevents contaminants from adversely affecting operation of the valve. The diaphragm and ball are formed into a single impervious integral structure. The valve additionally includes a series of radially arranged flutes which surround the armature to allow movement of entrapped fluids within the valve so as to enable more rapid actuation of the valve, and also a conical end structure within the armature for similar improvement.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an electromagnetically operated hydraulic valve device (10) providing an almost instantaneously responsive displacement of a ball valve (60) in order to effect fluid flow relative thereto. Hydraulic valve device (10) comprises a generally cylindrical housing (12) having one end (16) open and a bushing (19) extending from the other end (18), with a plurality of longitudinal openings (14) disposed about the perimeter of housing (12). A cylindrical bobbin (30) having an interior through opening (32) is disposed within housing (12) and supports an electrical winding (34), with a core member (20) enclosing the open end (16) of the housing and having a circular post (22) extending into the bobbin opening (32). A nonmagnetizable sleeve (38) is located within the interior of bushing (19) between the bushing and a cylindrically shaped armature (36).

Abstract: In improved mass spectrometers of the double focussing zero second-order aberration type with first-order spectrograph properties, parameters are related by specific equations as a result of which the five aberration coefficients B.sub.1, B.sub.2, B.sub.11, B.sub.12 and B.sub.22 can all be simultaneously zero.