Abstract: A multilayered cell culture apparatus for the culturing of cells is disclosed. The cell culture apparatus is defined as an integral structure having a plurality of flexible cell culture compartments in combination with a spacer material maintaining air space(s). The expandable compartments of the cell culture apparatus have imparted therein gas permeable membranes in combination with air spaces that will allow the free flow of gases between the cell culture compartments and the external environment. Furthermore an interconnecting passageway is provided between each compartment and between the cell culturing vessel and the external environment. The expandable vessel promotes the growth of large numbers of adherent or suspension cells by providing the volumes of nutrient medium and gaseous exchange.

Abstract: Sample preparation device and method for desalting and concentrating samples prior to further analysis such as by MALDI TOF and/or electro-spray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry. The device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention contains a three dimensional structure preferably comprising a plurality of sorptive particles entrapped in a porous polymer matrix so as to form a device capable of carrying out solid phase extraction. The device is manufactured by introducing casting solution containing polymer and optionally particles into a housing, and subsequently exposing the device to a quench bath for a time sufficient to allow for solvent exchange and precipitation to form the composite structure in the housing. The present invention is also directed towards a method of sample preparation using the device of the present invention.

Abstract: Systems and methods for recovering from a fault in an array of data storage devices are provided. Fault recovery includes determining that a first data storage device of the array of data storage devices is more likely to fail that other storage devices of the array of data storage devices. A second data storage device in the array of data storage devices is selected to be used in recovering from a failure of the first data storage device. Data from the first data storage device is stored at the second storage device. In the event of a failure at the first data storage device, data storage operations are performed using the second storage device.

Abstract: A laboratory device design particularly for a multiplate format that includes a manifold wherein the position of the plate is not a function of gasket compression or vacuum rate applied. In one embodiment, the device has a modular design, wherein one or more removable inserts, preferably with different functionalities can be positioned between a base component and a collar component. The particular insert(s) chosen depend on the desired sample preparation or assay to be carried out. The insert(s) are stacked and are positioned between the base and collar as a unit, so that the stack within the manifold does not move during evacuation of the vacuum chamber. The consistent position of the insert(s) facilitates using vacuum sample processing with automated liquid handlers.

Abstract: A laboratory device design particularly for a multiplate format that includes a manifold wherein the position of the plate is not a function of gasket compression or vacuum rate applied. In one embodiment, the device has a modular design, wherein one or more removable inserts, preferably with different functionalities can be positioned between a base component and a collar component. The particular insert(s) chosen depend on the desired sample preparation or assay to be carried out. The insert(s) are stacked and are positioned between the base and collar as a unit, so that the stack within the manifold does not move during evacuation of the vacuum chamber. The consistent position of the insert(s) facilitates using vacuum sample processing with automated liquid handlers.

Abstract: Sample preparation device and method particularly useful for large volume capture and small volume elution. The device comprising a manifold, a sample holder or reservoir, and a filter unit containing chromatography media such that a filtration path is established between the sample holder, the filter unit and the manifold. Upon subjecting the sample in the sample holder to a driving force such as vacuum, the sample flows through the chromatography media in the filter unit. Molecules of interest bind to the media and any unwanted molecules can be washed under vacuum mode. Elution can then be carried out by removing the filter unit and subjecting the media to a driving force such as vacuum or centrifugation. In another embodiment, molecules of interest can be eluted into a low volume centrifugal spinner directly in the manifold.

Abstract: An integrated proteomics sample preparation device and method for in-gel digestion of proteins and for desalting and concentrating samples prior to further analysis such as by MALDI TOF and/or electro-spray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry. The device and method of the present invention allow for digestion, desalting and concentration of sample prior to analysis. More specifically, the device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of wells in fluid communication with a an outlet or drainage opening containing a three dimensional structure comprising a plurality of sorptive particles entrapped in a porous polymer matrix so as to form a device capable of carrying out solid phase extraction. In a preferred embodiment, the wells are configured so as to prevent a sample carrier present in the wells from clogging the outlet when subjected to a driving force such as vacuum.

Abstract: A wire crimping tool has two arms and an adjustable wire crimping device. The arms are pivotally connected to each other and each arm has a handle and a jaw. The adjustable wire crimping device is mounted on the jaws of the arms and has a duel crimping cavity and a threaded extension member. The duel crimping cavity is defined in a first one of the jaws and aligns with a second one of the jaws. The duel crimping cavity has an upper segment with a bottom and a lower segment. The lower segment is defined in the bottom of the upper segment and has a diameter smaller than that of the upper segment. The threaded extension member is adjustably mounted in the second jaw and has a crimping tip extending out of the second jaw and aligning with and extending into the duel crimping cavity.

Abstract: Sample preparation device and method for desalting and concentrating samples prior to further analysis such as by MALDI TOF and/or electro-spray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry. The device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention contains a three dimensional structure preferably comprising a plurality of sorptive particles entrapped in a porous polymer matrix so as to form a device capable of carrying out solid phase extraction. The device is manufactured by introducing casting solution containing polymer and optionally particles into a housing, and subsequently exposing the device to a quench bath for a time sufficient to allow for solvent exchange and precipitation to form the composite structure in the housing. The present invention is also directed towards a method of sample preparation using the device of the present invention.

Abstract: A rapid, efficient and convenient method to detect one or more biological entities on a blotting membrane is provided. The detection can relate to the position, nature or amount of the biological substance on one or more membranes. The invention method involves a pressure assisted regiment (such as vacuum or positive gas pressure) for the supply and removal of reagents and permits washing of the contaminants from substances embedded in the membrane to be detected using very low volumes of liquid. This method enables completion of the blocking, washing and antibody binding steps in about 30 minutes without comprising blot quality. In another aspect, the invention is directed to an apparatus useful in conducting the method of the invention.

Abstract: Sample preparation device and method particularly useful for large volume capture and small volume elution. The device comprising a manifold, a sample holder or reservoir, and a filter unit containing chromatography media such that a filtration path is established between the sample holder, the filter unit and the manifold. Upon subjecting the sample in the sample holder to a driving force such as vacuum, the sample flows through the chromatography media in the filter unit. Molecules of interest bind to the media and any unwanted molecules can be washed under vacuum mode. Elution can then be carried out by removing the filter unit and subjecting the media to a driving force such as vacuum or centrifugation. In another embodiment, molecules of interest can be eluted into a low volume centrifugal spinner directly in the manifold.

Abstract: Sample preparation device and method particularly useful for large volume capture and small volume elution. The device comprising a manifold, a sample holder or reservoir, and a filter unit containing chromatography media such that a filtration path is established between the sample holder, the filter unit and the manifold. Upon subjecting the sample in the sample holder to a driving force such as vacuum, the sample flows through the chromatography media in the filter unit. Molecules of interest bind to the media and any unwanted molecules can be washed under vacuum mode. Elution can then be carried out by removing the filter unit and subjecting the media to a driving force such as vacuum or centrifugation. In another embodiment, molecules of interest can be eluted into a low volume centrifugal spinner directly in the manifold.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus useful in conducting detection of compounds on blotting membranes. The device is comprised of several layers including a porous support layer below the blotting membrane(s), a flow distributor above the blotting membrane(s) and optionally a well on the flow distributor to contain the liquid to the desired area and to allow for lower starting volumes of such liquid. Preferably, the flow distributor is a non-binding or low binding hydrophilic porous membrane such as a 0.22 micron membrane and the support layer is a grid or sintered porous material. The distributor and support are held together to form an envelope around the membrane(s). The use of a hinge, clips and other such devices is preferred in doing so.

Abstract: An optical cross connect architecture is provided in which the density of spectral bands on optical signals through the cross connect may vary. The general functionality of such variable-density optical cross connect is to receive input optical signals that each have multiple spectral bands and to transmit output optical signals each having one or more of the spectral bands. A concentrator redistributes the spectral bands from the input optical signals among a smaller number of first intermediate optical signals. A core cross connect redistributes the spectral bands on the first intermediate optical signals among second intermediate optical signals. An expander redistributes the spectral bands on the second intermediate optical signals among a greater number of output optical signals.

Abstract: A single- or multi-well sample preparation apparatus and method for desalting, concentrating and depositing samples prior to further analysis such as by MALDI TOF mass spectrometry. The apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of wells each in fluid communication with a respective outlet or drainage opening, optionally containing a three dimensional membrane structure preferably comprising a plurality of sorptive particles entrapped in a porous polymer matrix so as to form a device capable of carrying out solid phase extraction. The apparatus is designed to allow for direct spotting onto a MALDI target, thereby eliminating a transfer step. Also disclosed is a method of sample preparation, deposition and analysis using the apparatus of the present invention.

Abstract: A device and method for removal of liquid from the downstream side of a membrane or a well, such as a well of a multiwell plate. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a wicking structure, which channels droplets of liquid away from a membrane in communication with a plurality of wells. In the preferred embodiment, the wicking structure is placed in a manifold.

Abstract: A device and method for removal of liquid from the downstream side of a membrane or a well, such as a well of a multiwell plate. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a wicking structure, which channels droplets of liquid away from a membrane in communication with a plurality of wells. In the preferred embodiment, the wicking structure is placed in a manifold.

Abstract: An integrated proteomics sample preparation device and method for in-gel digestion of proteins and for desalting and concentrating samples prior to further analysis such as by MALDI TOF and/or electro-spray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry. The device and method of the present invention allow for digestion, desalting and concentration of sample prior to analysis. More specifically, the device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of wells in fluid communication with a an outlet or drainage opening containing a three dimensional structure comprising a plurality of sorptive particles entrapped in a porous polymer matrix so as to form a device capable of carrying out solid phase extraction. In a preferred embodiment, the wells are configured so as to prevent a sample carrier present in the wells from clogging the outlet when subjected to a driving force such as vacuum.

Abstract: A device and method for removal of liquid from the downstream side of a membrane or a well, such as a well of a multiwell plate. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a wicking structure, which channels droplets of liquid away from a membrane in communication with a plurality of wells. In the preferred embodiment, the wicking structure is placed in a manifold.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device in a multiwell plate that allows for one to obtain substantially all of the liquid that has flowed through the filter thereby reducing hold up volume. This is accomplished by forming at least one hydrophobic area in the hydrophilic filter in each well. After the filtration has occurred, air is allowed to enter the underdrain of the plate through the hydrophobic area(s) which causes any residual fluid held by surface tension to be released and to flow out of the underdrain to the outside environment.