Abstract: This invention is directed to a cassette chemical immobilization and treatment system and method for enabling the performance of various complex chemistries with minimal human intervention, near-zero dead volume, and flow-through protocols pursuant to a predetermined instruction set encoded on a multiple-address chemical treatment cassette assembly. The cassette assembly comprises a plurality of analyte sample columns ("mini-columns"), reagent wells containing pre-packaged reagents including powdered, micoencapsulated, liquid or lyophillized reagents, analyte loading funnels, alignment means for the analyte sample columns, and a machine readable instruction code set for identifying a chemical treatment protocol. The mini-columns are improved columns having high pressure interface capability to permit direct insertion of the mini-column into a high-pressure solvent line for use as a support column for HPLC analysis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measurement signal compensation comprises providing an analog-to-digital converter that includes a dual slope integrator. A microprocessor controls the reference voltage applied to the integrator. An amplifier having a switchable gain, controls the amplification of the input signal to the integrator during the various phases of integration. An off-set compensation value is stored in a memory device for providing off-set compensation by charging a capacitor connected to the integrator. A full-scale rough adjust value is also stored on the memory device and is used as a specific reference to produce a reference voltage that is, in turn, used in the integrator during the negative slope phase. During the positive slope phase, the integration time is controlled by means of full-scale fine adjust values. The temperature dependent full-scale fine adjust values are produced from the preprogrammed values in memory by using interpolation techniques.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning control and management of racing sailboat positions and velocities includes the strategic placement of global positioning receivers and transmitters at a buoy and committee boat marking the sail race start line, as well as radio and global positioning receivers on the sailboat. Global positioning system (GPS) and radio transmitter units are mounted on a race start buoy and committee boat and another GPS and radio transceiver unit receives GPS signals from positioning satellites and radio signals from the race start buoy and committee boat. The information received by the racing sailboat is processed to determine relative and absolute positions and velocities, and estimated time of arrival (ETA) at the intercept between current sailboat course and the race start line for display in user-friendly race management.