Abstract: A parallel gripper for handling multiwell plates in an automated analysis system, moves individual multiwell plates between a plate storage array unit (i.e., plate hotel) and an imaging station. More particularly, the gripper has two parallel plate-gripping arms that move in equal, but opposite linear directions and are controlled using a stepper motor. Each of the arms has a shelf that provides support for the corresponding side edge of a multiwell plate.

Abstract: The invention is a system for securing a hairpiece to a defined portion of a person's scalp. The system comprises:a) a plurality of first magnets adapted to be surgically implanted between the skin of the defined portion of the person's scalp and the person's skull, said first magnets being shaped like flat disks and coated with a hypoallergenic material; andb) a hairpiece adapted to cover the defined portion of the person's scalp, said hairpiece comprising:(i) a base fabric;(ii) a plurality of fibers secured to one side of the base fabric; and(iii) a plurality of second magnets, said second magnets being fastened to the other side of the base fabric. After the first magnets are implanted beneath the scalp, the hairpiece is secured to the scalp by magnetic attraction between the first and second magnets.

Abstract: The invention is a method of building structures from tapered logs which have been manufactured in an industrial setting. The logs are stacked crosswise by fitting a notch in a first log, where the notch has a standardized size and shape, over an end of a second log, where the end of the second log has a predetermined size and shape, allowing it to fit into the notch in the first log. Structures built using this method strongly handcrafted structures built from natural logs.

Abstract: The invention is a device for teaching children about good nutrition, comprising a board divided into a plurality of regions and a plurality of tokens adapted to stick to the board. The tokens comprise at least:a) a plurality of first tokens, each of the first tokens corresponding to a single portion of a food or beverage item selected from a first specific food group; andb) a plurality of second tokens, each of the second tokens corresponding to a single portion of a food or beverage item selected from a second specific food group. The regions on the board comprise at least:a) a first region, where the first region is labelled as corresponding to the first specific food group; andb) a second region, where the second region is (1) labelled as corresponding to the second specific food group.