Abstract: The present teachings provide apparatuses and methods for automated handling of samples, e.g., biological or chemical samples. The apparatuses and the methods of the present teachings allow automated performance of various sample manipulation steps without manual intervention. In a preferred embodiment, the present teachings provide apparatuses and methods for automated enrichment of templated beads produced by PCR.

Abstract: The present teachings provide apparatuses and methods for automated handling of samples, e.g., biological or chemical samples. The apparatuses and the methods of the present teachings allow automated performance of various sample manipulation steps without manual intervention. In a preferred embodiment, the present teachings provide apparatuses and methods for automated enrichment of templated beads produced by PCR.

Abstract: The present teachings provide apparatuses and methods for automated handling of samples, e.g., biological or chemical samples. The apparatuses and the methods of the present teachings allow automated performance of various sample manipulation steps without manual intervention. In a preferred embodiment, the present teachings provide apparatuses and methods for automated enrichment of templated beads produced by PCR.

Abstract: The present teachings provide apparatuses and methods for automated handling of samples, e.g., biological or chemical samples. The apparatuses and the methods of the present teachings allow automated performance of various sample manipulation steps without manual intervention. In a preferred embodiment, the present teachings provide apparatuses and methods for automated enrichment of templated beads produced by PCR.

Abstract: The present teachings provide apparatuses and methods for automated handling of samples, e.g., biological or chemical samples. The apparatuses and the methods of the present teachings allow automated performance of various sample manipulation steps without manual intervention. In a preferred embodiment, the present teachings provide apparatuses and methods for automated enrichment of templated beads produced by PCR.

Abstract: The present teachings provide apparatuses and methods for automated handling of samples, e.g., biological or chemical samples. The apparatuses and the methods of the present teachings allow automated performance of various sample manipulation steps without manual intervention. In a preferred embodiment, the present teachings provide apparatuses and methods for automated enrichment of templated beads produced by PCR.

Abstract: The present teachings provide apparatuses and methods for automated handling of samples, e.g., biological or chemical samples. The apparatuses and the methods of the present teachings allow automated performance of various sample manipulation steps without manual intervention. In a preferred embodiment, the present teachings provide apparatuses and methods for automated enrichment of templated beads produced by PCR.

Abstract: The present teachings provide apparatuses and methods for automated handling of samples, e.g., biological or chemical samples. The apparatuses and the methods of the present teachings allow automated performance of various sample manipulation steps without manual intervention. In a preferred embodiment, the present teachings provide apparatuses and methods for automated enrichment of templated beads produced by PCR.

Abstract: An automatic valve operator provides manual override for selective manual and powered displacement of a valve. The valve operator includes a drive motor, a transmission assembly, and an axially shiftable coupling shaft for selective engagement or disengagement from the transmission assembly. Shifting the coupling shaft displaces electrical switches which substantially simultaneous de-energizing of the valve operator drive motor. The coupling shaft is maintained operatively in connection to the valve, during the axial shifting thereby permitting manual displacement of the valve independent of the transmission and motor. Adjustable limit switch actuating collars and a reversible electrical connector assembly also are disclosed.

Abstract: A diverter valve for a swimming pool/spa system is disclosed which has a lubricated seal assembly for the diverter portion of the valve. Valve lubrication is accomplished without valve disassembly. A method for minimizing the diameter of a valve body for a valve having a selected one of three, five, six or seven ports while still permitting the valve to be used with standard plumbing fittings is also disclosed.

Abstract: A controller and method for controlling the operation of electrically powered pool related apparatus in recreational pool system, and more particularly for controlling the flow of pool water through the pool system and water-conditioning apparatus, is disclosed. The controller includes a logic circuit formed with a plurality of logic gates coupled to pool-water-sensing apparatus and programmable input apparatus in accordance with a predetermined logic sequence. The pool system includes a swimming pool and spa, and the pool-water-conditioning apparatus includes a solar water heater and a non-solar water heater. The controller is capable of preferential solar heating and of temperature-switched operation, time-switched operation and a combination thereof, as well as manual switching.

Abstract: The three port two-way diverter valve includes a generally T-shaped valve body having one input and two output ports connecting to its hollow cylindrical interior. A cylindrical diverter valve member is rotatably disposed within the cylindrical interior of the valve body. The cylindrical valve member is closed at one end and open at the other with the open end disposed in fluid communication with the input port at the base leg of the T-shaped body. The diverter valve member includes a side port of generally semi-cylindrical shape such that when the side port of the valve member is rotated into alignment with one or the other of the two other output ports, the flow entering at the base leg input port is directed through the respective output port disposed in alignment with the side port in the cylindrical valve member. In this manner, the flow entering the base leg may be diverted to either of the output ports, as desired.

Abstract: An electrical shock free submersible, remote control switch assembly for controlling the operation of electrically powered apparatus used with swimming pools, spas and the like is disclosed. The switch assembly includes a permanent magnet actuated reed switch mounted in a battery powered, low voltage electrical circuit. The low voltage circuit, in turn, is optically coupled by an opto-isolator to a relay circuit, which is used to open and close the high voltage circuit powering the electrical pumps, lights, blowers, etc. at the pool or spa.

Abstract: The three port two-way diverter valve includes a generally T-shaped valve body having one input and two output ports connecting to its hollow cylindrical interior. A cylindrical diverter valve member is rotatably disposed within the cylindrical interior of the valve body. The cylindrical valve member is closed at one end and open at the other with the open end disposed in fluid communication with the input port at the base leg of the T-shaped body. The diverter valve member includes a side port of generally semi-cylindrical shape such that when the side port of the valve member is rotated into alignment with one or the other of the two other output ports, the flow entering at the base leg input port is directed through the respective output port disposed in alignment with the side port in the cylindrical valve member. In this manner, the flow entering the base leg may be diverted to either of the output ports, as desired.