Abstract: The invention provides methods and devices for detecting, enumerating or identifying target nucleic acid molecules using immobilized capture probes and single molecule sequencing techniques.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for analyzing nucleic acid sequences based on real-time detection of DNA poly-merase-catalyzed incorporation of each of the four nucleotide bases, supplied individually and serially in a microfluidic system, to a reaction cell containing a template system comprising a DNA fragment of unknown sequence and an oligonucleotide primer. Incorporation of a nucleotide base into the template system can be detected by any of a variety of methods including but not limited to fluorescence and chemiluminescence detection. Alternatively, microcalorimetic detection of the heat generated by the incorporation of a nucleotide into the extending template system using thermopile, thermistor and refractive index measurements can be used to detect extension reactions.

Abstract: A financial portfolio management system operable in a network environment can be configured to gather financial information from a plurality of sources over an electronic network and intelligently aggregate the information into a financial portfolio viewable by a client. The client can determine which accounts should be included in the portfolio. The system uses web crawling, parsing, or spidering technology to update the portfolio information. The system provides one platform that conveys financial information from a variety of accounts held at several different financial institutions.

Abstract: Methods of the invention comprise methods and devices for nucleic acid sequence determination. Generally, the invention relates to preparing a substrate for sequencing a target nucleic acid.

Abstract: A microfluidic analysis system (1) performs polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis on a bio sample. In a centrifuge (6) the sample is separated into DNA and RNA constituents. The vortex is created by opposing flow of a silicon oil primary carrier fluid effecting circulation by viscous drag. The bio sample exits the centrifuge enveloped in the primary carrier fluid. This is pumped by a flow controller (7) to a thermal stage (9). The thermal stage (9) has a number of microfluidic devices (70) each having thermal zones (71, 72, 73) in which the bio sample is heated or cooled by heat conduction to/from a thermal carrier fluid and the primary carrier fluid. Thus, the carrier fluids envelope the sample, control its flowrate, and control its temperature without need for moving parts at the micro scale.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a distributed plasma at atmospheric pressure. A distributed plasma can be produced at atmospheric pressure by using an inexpensive high frequency power source in communication with a waveguide having a plurality particularly configured couplers disposed therein. The plurality of particularly arranged couplers can be configured in the waveguide to enhance the electromagnetic field strength therein. The plurality of couplers have internal portions disposed inside the waveguide and spaced apart by a distance of ½ wavelength of the high frequency power source and external portions disposed outside the waveguide and spaced apart by a predetermined distance which is calculated to cause the electromagnetic fields in the external portions of adjacent couplers to couple and thereby further enhance the strength of the electromagnetic field in the waveguide. Plasma can be formed in plasma areas defined by gaps between electrodes disposed on the external portions.

Abstract: A system and method provide an intensive aquaculture system for producing caviar or other goods. The system has a photosynthetic subsystem to consume waste from a production species, a food production subsystem to consume the photosynthetic species and be eaten by the production species. Optionally, the food production species may be pelletized or otherwise refined before being consumed by the production species. While each subsystem may have its own water chemistry, gas scrubbers may be used to control gas levels among the subsystems. In one implementation, an enclosure is used with a sensor to measure the gas above the water in the photosynthetic species. Water and species may be transferred among the subsystems as desired. Multiple aquaculture systems may be used in combination to provide age-specific systems operating in conjunction with one another and distribute risk of disease or failure across multiple systems.

Abstract: A system and method for extracting hydrocarbon products from oil shale using nuclear energy sources for energy to fracture the oil shale formations and provide sufficient heat and pressure to produce liquid and gaseous hydrocarbon products. Embodiments of the present invention also disclose steps for extracting the hydrocarbon products from the oil shale formations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for effecting low cost audible communication between a local machine at a local site and a remote modem, over a wide area network. A remote modem, e.g. in a modem pool is configured to include a converter added to a telephone interconnection of a modem in the modem pool. As the remote modem receives communication(s) from the local machine the signal generated by the modem onto a local phone line for communication with the remote computer, is split and the converter receives the signal (heading to or from a WAN) from the telephone side of the modem. The converter provides an audio output that is input to sound processing hardware on an interface PC that runs an audio streaming program which packetizes and puts the audio signal back onto the WAN for transmission to the local computer.

Abstract: A compression-type valve seating ring device for sealingly engaging the valve seat. The seating ring device includes a resilient cylindrical body having a central axis and having a side surface, a top surface and a bottom surface. A first inward bevel is defined circumferentially from the side surface toward the top surface, and a second contour is defined circumferentially between the first bevel and the top surface, wherein the first bevel provides a seating surface and the second contour enhances the seal and life of the valve. The valve element is configured symmetrically such that top and bottom sides are substantially identical.