Abstract: Disclosed is an expandable envelope that comprises a light directing film this both transmits and reflects light. In its inflated form and along with a light source, the envelope forms a light balloon that due to the light directing film provides directed light to an area surrounding the balloon.

Abstract: Methods and devices for thermal processing of multiple samples at the same time are disclosed. The sample processing devices provide process arrays that include conduits useful in distributing sample materials to a group of process chambers located in fluid communication with the main conduits. The sample processing devices may include one or more of the following features in various combinations: deformable seals, process chambers connected to the main conduit by feeder conduits exiting the main conduit at offset locations, U-shaped loading chambers, and a combination of melt bonded and adhesively bonded areas.

Abstract: Disclosed is an expandable envelope that comprises a light directing film this both transmits and reflects light. In its inflated form and along with a light source, the envelope forms a light balloon that due to the light directing film provides directed light to an area surrounding the balloon.

Abstract: Systems and adaptors for electrical connection of appliances are disclosed. An electrical connection includes an appliance adaptor having an appliance adaptor body, conducting members, and at least one magnet, and a wall adaptor having a wall adaptor body, conducting prongs, conducting rings, a spring member, and at least one magnet. The electrical connection system has an uncoupled state in which the at least one appliance adaptor magnet does not magnetically couple with the at least one wall adaptor magnet, the conducting members do not electrically contact the conducting rings, and the conducting rings do not electrically contact the conducting prongs. The electrical connection system also has a coupled state in which the at least one appliance adaptor magnet magnetically couples with the at least one wall adaptor magnet, the conducting members electrically contact the conducting rings, and the conducting rings electrically contact the conducting prongs.

Abstract: Systems and adaptors for electrical connection of appliances are disclosed. An electrical connection includes an appliance adaptor having an appliance adaptor body, conducting members, and at least one magnet, and a wall adaptor having a wall adaptor body, conducting prongs, conducting rings, a spring member, and at least one magnet. The electrical connection system has an uncoupled state in which the at least one appliance adaptor magnet does not magnetically couple with the at least one wall adaptor magnet, the conducting members do not electrically contact the conducting rings, and the conducting rings do not electrically contact the conducting prongs. The electrical connection system also has a coupled state in which the at least one appliance adaptor magnet magnetically couples with the at least one wall adaptor magnet, the conducting members electrically contact the conducting rings, and the conducting rings electrically contact the conducting prongs.

Abstract: Methods and devices for thermal processing of multiple samples at the same time are disclosed. The assemblies include carriers and sample processing devices with process arrays that include conduits useful in distributing sample materials to a group pf process chambers located in fluid communication with the main conduits. The sample processing devices may include one or more of the following features in various combinations: deformable seals, process chambers connected to the main conduit by feeder conduits exiting the main conduit at offset locations, U-shaped loading chambers, and a combination of melt bonded and adhesively bonded areas. The carriers may be used to apply selective compression to the sample processing devices.

Abstract: Methods and devices for thermal processing of multiple samples at the same time are disclosed. The assemblies include carriers and sample processing devices with process arrays that include conduits useful in distributing sample materials to a group pf process chambers located in fluid communication with the main conduits. The sample processing devices may include one or more of the following features in various combinations: deformable seals, process chambers connected to the main conduit by feeder conduits exiting the main conduit at offset locations, U-shaped loading chambers, and a combination of melt bonded and adhesively bonded areas. The carriers may be used to apply selective compression to the sample processing devices.

Abstract: Methods and devices for thermal processing of multiple samples at the same time are disclosed. The assemblies include carriers and sample processing devices with process arrays that include conduits useful in distributing sample materials to a group pf process chambers located in fluid communication with the main conduits. The sample processing devices may include one or more of the following features in various combinations: deformable seals, process chambers connected to the main conduit by feeder conduits exiting the main conduit at offset locations, U-shaped loading chambers, and a combination of melt bonded and adhesively bonded areas. The carriers may be used to apply selective compression to the sample processing devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for distributing sample material to a plurality of process chambers in a sample processing device by rotating the device about an axis of rotation. The process chambers are located along conduits extending from a loading chamber and, together, the loading chamber, conduits, and process chambers form process arrays that are aligned along a length of the sample processing devices. The process arrays are unvented, i.e., access to the interior volume of the process arrays is available only through the loading chamber. Also disclosed are methods of centrifugally loading sample material into the process chambers, as well as an assembly including a sample processing device and a carrier.

Abstract: A regenerable air cleaning device is disclosed which comprises a filter holder supporting a regenerable filter that includes activated carbon fibers (ACF) and a control system that is adapted to determine when to regenerate the regenerable filter. The device exhibits high performance and longevity over many regeneration cycles.

Abstract: Methods and devices for thermal processing of multiple samples at the same time are disclosed. The assemblies include carriers and sample processing devices with process arrays that include conduits useful in distributing sample materials to a group pf process chambers located in fluid communication with the main conduits. The sample processing devices may include one or more of the following features in various combinations: deformable seals, process chambers connected to the main conduit by feeder conduits exiting the main conduit at offset locations, U-shaped loading chambers, and a combination of melt bonded and adhesively bonded areas. The carriers may be used to apply selective compression to the sample processing devices.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the filter cartridge comprises a mesh structure forming a generally annular cylinder comprising a center opening, a plurality of compartments containing a filter medium, and spaces between the compartments. The spaces between the compartments comprise substantially unimpeded airflow passages that permit airflow even when the filter medium is fully loaded.

Abstract: A fixture and method for use in deposition of a material over a substrate make use of an apparatus for actively heating and cooling the substrate during the deposition process. The active heating and cooling structure enables careful control of the temperature of the substrate, and can provide rapid temperature adjustment in response to temperature variation. The fixture and method are thereby capable of accelerating the overall deposition process. The fixture and method also make use of structure for reducing warpage in the fixture during the deposition process due to thermal gradients. By reducing the susceptibility of the fixture to warpage and providing improved temperature control, the fixture and method enable fabrication of layers with more consistent characteristics.

Abstract: A container for pancakes of recording tape has an L-shaped base, mandrels extending horizontally from the base on which pancakes are placed, and a cover which encloses the pancakes. The circumference of each mandrel is expandable to secure the pancakes in position. Each mandrel includes a frame having a longitudinal slot, an expander cam disposed for rotation in the slot, a flexible cover, and an end cap. The cover includes recesses for receiving and supporting the free ends of the mandrels.