Abstract: Various traveling wave grids and electrophoretic systems, and electrode assemblies using such grids, are disclosed. A configuration in which a voltage potential is used to load a biomolecule sample against a grid is disclosed. A unique strategy of using multiple, reconfigurable grids in such systems is also described. The strategy involves initially conducting a broad protein separation and then selectively tailoring one or more grids, and conducting one or more secondary processing operations. Related strategies and specific methods are additionally disclosed for separating samples of biomolecules and components thereof using the noted systems, assemblies, and grids.

Abstract: Various gel electrophoretic assemblies and techniques are disclosed for providing unique isoelectric focusing (IEF) strategies. Several particular systems, assemblies and methods are provided that significantly reduce processing time, enable the use of reduced operating voltages, and produce analytical results with improved resolution.

Abstract: A nanocalorimeter array for detecting chemical reactions includes at least one thermal isolation region residing on a substrate. Each thermal isolation region includes at least one thermal equilibration region, within which resides a thermal measurement device connected to detection electronics.

Abstract: A sample manipulator that utilizes electrostatic traveling waves to selectively displace one or more samples deposited on its face is disclosed. The sample manipulator enables an operator to perform a wide variety of processes upon the deposited samples. Also disclosed are strategies for separating two or more samples, focusing a sample, and passing a reagent through a sample, all conducted on the face of the sample manipulator.

Abstract: Provided is a priming mechanism for priming a biofluid drop ejection device having a drop ejection opening leading to an ejection reservoir. The priming mechanism includes a vacuum unit which generates a vacuum force, connected to a vacuum nozzle. The vacuum nozzle is located over the drop ejection opening. A disposable sleeve or tubing is attached to the vacuum nozzle and is placed in operational contact with the drop ejection opening. A fluid height detection sensor is positioned to sense a fluid height within at least one of the disposable tubing and the vacuum nozzle. Upon sensing a predetermined fluid height, by the fluid height detection sensor, the priming operation is completed, and the primer mechanism is removed from the operational contact with the drop ejection opening.

Abstract: Various traveling wave grids and electrophoretic systems, and electrode assemblies using such grids, are disclosed. A configuration in which a voltage potential is used to load a biomolecule sample against a grid is disclosed. A unique strategy of using multiple, reconfigurable grids in such systems is also described. The strategy involves initially conducting a broad protein separation and then selectively tailoring one or more grids, and conducting one or more secondary processing operations. Related strategies and specific methods are additionally disclosed for separating samples of biomolecules and components thereof using the noted systems, assemblies, and grids.

Abstract: An electrophoretic cell configuration and related method are disclosed that employ oppositely directed traveling electrical waves. The waves travel across the cell and samples undergoing separation. Various strategies are used to selectively direct the movement and arrangement of the samples and resulting sample patterns.

Abstract: Various gel electrophoretic assemblies and techniques are disclosed for providing unique isoelectric focusing (IEF) strategies. Several particular systems, assemblies and methods are provided that significantly reduce processing time, enable the use of reduced operating voltages, and produce analytical results with improved resolution.

Abstract: Provided is a method for obtaining a position of an object. A slide which carries at least one object and has reticle marks arranged at positions which form substantially a right angle, is positioned in a slide holder of a first imaging system. A first coordinate space of the imaging system is defined, and coordinates of the reticle marks in the first coordinate space are designated. A second coordinate space of a second imaging system is defined, and the coordinates of the reticle marks in the second coordinate space is designated. Using the designated coordinates of the reticle marks of the first coordinate space, the coordinate conversion parameters are computed. Thereafter, coordinates of at least one object in the first coordinate space are designated, and the first coordinate space coordinates of the object are converted into unique coordinates in a second coordinate space, using the coordinate conversion parameters.

Abstract: Methods for testing proper operation of drop ejection units in a multi-ejector system are provided to determine whether the drop ejectors have been properly filled and/or the ejectors are emitting fully formed droplets. The methods include testing the ejectors prior to drop ejection. In this method, a priming system is used wherein fluid received by the priming system is ejected onto a test substrate to allow a scanner to determine the existence of the fluids at selected locations. The selected locations are correlated to the drop ejection units to determine which ejection units do not have biofluid or sufficient biofluid. A further method allows for ejection prior to printing, on a test substrate wherein testing for both the fullness of the ejector units as well as proper emission of the ejectors of droplets may be tested. The ejectors after being primed, eject the biofluids which are then scanned and correlated to each individual ejector.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present application, an imager and method for detecting and locating rare cells in a sample is disclosed. An imager stage supports the sample. A fiber optic bundle has a proximate bundle end of first fiber ends arranged to define an input aperture viewing the sample on the translation stage. The fiber optic bundle further has a distal bundle end of second fiber ends arranged to define an output aperture shaped differently from the input aperture and disposed away from the imager stage. A scanning radiation source is arranged in fixed relative position to the input aperture. The scanning radiation source scans a radiation beam on the sample within a viewing area of the input aperture. The radiation beam interacts with the sample to produce a light signal that is reflected, scattered, transmitted, re-emitted, or otherwise collected and received by the input aperture and transmitted via the fiber optic bundle to the output aperture.

Abstract: A biofluid drop ejection unit for ejecting biofluid drops. A biofluid drop ejection mechanism of such a unit includes a transducer, which generates energy used to emit the biofluid drop. Further provided is a reagent cartridge or biofluid containment area which holds the biofluid. The reagent cartridge or biofluid containment area is configured to hold low volumes of biofluid and to avoid contamination of the biofluid. The reagent cartridge or biofluid containment area is in operational connection with the drop ejection mechanism such that upon operation of the drop ejection mechanism, biofluid drops are emitted. The biofluid drop ejection mechanism is a high efficiency device, and may be configured as two separate pieces or as a single disposable unit.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for performing drug lead profiling assays for drug discovery utilizing a nanocalorimeter. The method includes depositing not less than one drop containing a profile molecule solution to be screened and not less than one drop containing a drug library compound on a test substrate. After the drops are merged, a determination is made as to whether a reaction has occurred.

Abstract: A method is provided for multiple target screening for drug assays utilizing a nanocalorimeter. The method includes depositing a drop containing a plurality of drug targets and another drop containing a plurality of drug candidates upon a test substrate. The drops are merged and a determination is made as to whether a reaction has occurred between the drops. If such a reaction has occurred, the reacting drug targets and drug candidates are tested individually.

Abstract: A nanocalorimeter array for detecting chemical reactions includes at least one thermal isolation region residing on a substrate. Each thermal isolation region includes at least one thermal equilibration region, within which resides a thermal measurement device connected to detection electronics.

Abstract: A level control mechanism is provided for a biofluid drop ejection device which ejects biofluid drops in small volumes. The biofluid drop device includes a drop ejection mechanism having a transducer which generates energy used to emit the biofluid drops. A reagent cartridge or biofluid holding area holds a biofluid, isolated from the drop ejection mechanism to avoid contamination between the biofluid drop ejection mechanism and the reagent cartridge. The reagent cartridge is connected to the drop ejection mechanism such that upon operation of the mechanism, the biofluid is emitted in controlled biofluid drops. A level sensor is positioned to sense a height of the biofluid within the cartridge. Upon sensing the height of the biofluid below a certain level, an adjustment is made to the height by providing at least one of additional biofluid to the cartridge, and raising the level of the entire reagent cartridge.

Abstract: A method and mechanism for ensuring quality control in printed biological assays is provided. A multi-ejector system having a plurality of individual drop ejectors is loaded with a variety of biofluids. Biofluids include at least a carrier fluid, a biological material to be used in the testing, and markers, such as fluorescent dyes. Data regarding the biofluid loaded in each of the drop ejectors is stored along with an expected signature output of the biofluid. Particularly, the signature output represents signals from individual ones of the fluorescent markers included within the biofluid. Once a biological assay consisting of the biofluid drops has been printed, a scanner capable of detecting the markers scans the biological assay and obtains signature output signals for each of the drops of the biological assay.

Abstract: A multiple-ejector system for printing arrays of biofluids include a tooling plate having a plurality of sets of tooling pins extending outward from the surface of the tooling plate. A printed circuit board is provided having pairs of power connection pins and ground return pins extending from a surface of the circuit board. A plurality of biofluid drop ejection units are provided and include alignment grooves and at least a transducer. Each of the plurality of biofluid drop ejection units are connected to a corresponding one of a set of tooling pins by connection of the tooling pins and alignment grooves. The power connection pins of the pairs are in operational connection with respective transducers and the ground return connection pins of the pairs are in operational connection with a body portion of the drop ejection units. The different drop ejection units will contain different biofluids which are to be emitted onto a substrate.

Abstract: A method and mechanism for ensuring quality control in printed biological assays is provided. A multi-ejector system having a plurality of individual drop ejectors is loaded with a variety of biofluids. Biofluids include at least a carrier fluid, a biological material to be used in the testing, and markers, such as fluorescent dyes. Data regarding the biofluid loaded in each of the drop ejectors is stored along with an expected signature output of the biofluid. Particularly, the signature output represents signals from individual ones of the fluorescent markers included within the biofluid. Once a biological assay consisting of the biofluid drops has been printed, a scanner capable of detecting the markers scans the biological assay and obtains signature output signals for each of the drops of the biological assay.

Abstract: A display has sufficient resolution to present images as they would appear on other types of image output devices, such as types of printers or displays. In response to a user signal indicating a type of image output devices, data defining an image is used to automatically obtain version data defining a version of the image. The version can be presented on the display to show the image as it would appear when presented by an image output device of the indicated type. The user can indicate a type by selecting a menu item or a button or by providing a sequence of keystrokes. In response to a user signal indicating a parameter value, a version can be presented showing the image as it would appear when presented with the value. When a satisfactory image is displayed, the user can then request presentation of the image by a device of the indicated type.