Abstract: An automated analyzer that receives samples prepared for analysis in an automated pre-analytical module and a method of operation of such automated analyzer. The automated analyzer includes a shuttle transfer station that receives a shuttle carrier from the automated pre-analytical system. The shuttle transfer station has a clamping assembly for the shuttle. The clamping assembly has jaws that advance engagement members into contact with a bottom portion of sample containers disposed in the shuttle. The clamping assembly secures the sample containers in the shuttle when sample is aspirated from the sample containers. The automated analyzer also has a multichannel puncture tool that is adapted to be carried by a robotic gripper mechanism. The multichannel puncture tool has multiple puncture members that each defines a channel Each channel is in communication with a different trough in the consumable. A pipette can pass through the channel in the puncture tool.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions, kits and methods for sequencing double-stranded nucleic acids. The compositions, kits and methods comprise partially double-stranded identifier molecules and partially double-stranded adapter molecules. The compositions, kits and methods can be used to determine the abundance and/or identity of specific transcripts in a plurality of double-stranded nucleic acids, as well as identifying the frequency of mutations within certain transcripts in the plurality of double-stranded nucleic acids.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for template-free nucleic acid synthesis.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for template-free double stranded geometric enzymatic nucleic acid synthesis of arbitrarily programmed nucleic acid sequences.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for template-free nucleic acid synthesis using N-mers and/or anchor primers that comprise at least one XNA or a combination of RNA and DNA.

Abstract: Methods for processing denim are provided. An initial fabric is abraded by passing the initial fabric through an abrader at a first predetermined speed, thereby obtaining a pre-washed fabric with an abraded texture. The abrader comprises one or more sanding boards, where each respective sanding board has a respective diamond surface that contacts the initial fabric while spinning about a respective axis at the respective center of the respective sanding board during the abrading. The pre-washed fabric is then washed with an ozone composition, thereby obtaining an ozone washed fabric.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for template-free nucleic acid synthesis.

Abstract: A distribution panel contains a housing defining a hollow interior having a back panel with a plate configured to be mounted thereto, where the frame is either slidable relative to the back panel and has an open position and a closed position, or includes a portion of a wire-holding mechanism and is configured to be coupled to the back panel, which includes another portion of the wire-holding mechanism.

Abstract: A portable container for faeces having a body provided with a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is provided with a first closure which in a first position allows access to the first chamber and in a second position seals the first chamber. The second chamber is provided with an opening which allows access to the second chamber.

Abstract: A portable container for faeces having a body provided with a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is provided with a first closure which in a first position allows access to the first chamber and in a second position seals the first chamber. The second chamber is provided with an opening which allows access to the second chamber.

Abstract: A portable container for faeces having a body provided with a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is provided with a first closure which in a first position allows access to the first chamber and in a second position seals the first chamber. The second chamber is provided with an opening which allows access to the second chamber.

Abstract: A portable container for faeces having a body provided with a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is provided with a first closure which in a first position allows access to the first chamber and in a second position seals the first chamber. The second chamber is provided with an opening which allows access to the second chamber.

Abstract: A portable container for faeces having a body provided with a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is provided with a first closure which in a first position allows access to the first chamber and in a second position seals the first chamber. The second chamber is provided with an opening which allows access to the second chamber.

Abstract: Alkali metal energy conversion device comprising sealing components made of a metal or metal alloy substrate. A solid phase bonded coating of aluminum/silicon alloy is provided on an internal surface thereof. The aluminum/silicon alloy coating has the composition by weight of 0-0.5% Mg, 0-0.4% Cu, 0-1.0% Fe, 0.5-4.0% Si, up to 0.5% other trace elements, some oxygen present as an oxide and remainder Al.

Abstract: A sodium/sulphur cell includes a case and a closure member. Each of the case and the closure member is formed of a composite material consisting of a substrate and a deformable metal layer mechanically fixed to the substrate. The substrate is formed of a material which is harder than the deformable metal. An outwardly extending annular flange is formed at the open end of the case. The closure member is secured to the annular flange by a solid phase bond thereby to close the case.

Abstract: An article includes a ceramic member (5) and a composite member (9) bonded together. The composite member is formed of a substrate member and a deformable metal layer which is mechanically fixed to the substrate member. The substrate member is formed of a material which is harder than the deformable metal. The ceramic member and the deformable metal layer of the composite member are hermetically sealed together by a solid phase bond formed by ultrasonic welding.

Abstract: The cathode region of a sodium sulphur cell has hitherto sometimes been sealed by a thin metal member welded at its outer periphery to the metal casing and at its inner periphery to the alpha alumina lid of the electrolyte. The welding operation damages the essential protective coating of the thin metal member. This invention discloses sealing the cathode region with a thin metal member (5) secured to a concentric outer thicker metal member (4), the thin member being sealed to the lid (15) and the thicker member being sealed to the casing (1). The thickness of the outer member eliminates the need for a protective coating so that the combined seal has greater integrity than previous seals.

Abstract: Apparatus for constructing an alkali metal energy conversion device, for example a sodium sulphur cell. Such cells typically employ a solid electrolyte element separating cathodic and anodic reactants which are liquid at the cell operating temperature.

Abstract: A welding electrode arrangement comprising an inner electrode and a plurality of electrically interconnected outer electrodes defining a closed figure about the inner electrode, the outer electrodes being resilient in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the closed figure, the outer electrodes further being in the form of a plurality of inwardly directed fingers extending from and integral with an outer connecting rim.