Abstract: Devices and methods for performing an array assay are provided. Embodiments of the subject array assay devices include (1) a base, (2) a cover, and (3) a clamping member for holding the cover to the base, wherein when the cover is operatively held to the base about a structure that includes an array assembly spaced-apart from a backing element, the array assembly and the backing element are deflected to substantially the same curvature. Embodiments of the subject methods include contacting a sample with a backing element and placing the backing element supported sample in contact with an array assembly to form a structure that includes the backing element and array assembly. The structure is then held together using a subject array assay device and the array substrate and the backing element are deflected to substantially the same curvature.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus having a frequency-swept heterodyne-type frequency converter equipped with a frequency-swept signal source and a multiplier includes means for detecting the timing of reference burst signals that have been subjected to frequency conversion by the frequency converter, with the frequency of the output signals of the frequency-swept signal source locked; means for generating periodic pulse signals; and means for adjusting the phase relationship between the pulse signals and the reference burst signals using the detected timing; and means for sweeping the frequency of the output signals of the frequency-swept signal source using pulse signals that have been subjected to a phase relationship adjustment.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining, between an initiating device and at least one responding device, a reference time for the execution of at least one task on one of the devices. The method includes the initiating device prompting at least one responding device to provide a respective desired reference time. The method further includes at least one responding device providing a respective desired reference time, in response to the prompting. An actual reference time is determined based on any desired reference times provided. In one embodiment, the actual reference time is the latest of all desired reference times. A system including the initiating device and a responding device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A portable distributed application framework that uses a definition file describing a structure of data and commands to be used by the framework to interface with an application. A proxy, responsive to a definition file, creates and receives messages based on the definition file. The created messages contain data and commands used to control the application while the received messages contain data from the application. A control, responsive to the definition file, relays messages between the proxy and the application. A housing, responsive to the definition file and the messages from the proxy, provides the application with configuration information and receives data from the application.

Abstract: A system for synchronizing clock signals in an analytical device includes a first module including a timing command generator configured to generate a command signal, the command signal related to a master clock signal, and a second module including a command interpreter configured to generate a timing reference signal related to the command signal and a local clock signal. The second module includes a clock generator configured to receive the timing reference signal and the local clock signal and is configured to adjust a timing output of the second module so that the timing of the second module is synchronized to the master clock signal.

Abstract: A system and method for superheterodyne detection in accordance with the invention. The system comprises a first conversion unit for performing a first heterodyne operation on an optical input signal to generate an electrical IF signal. A second conversion unit is electrically or optically coupled to the first conversion unit. The second conversion unit performs a second heterodyne operation to generate an electrical output signal suitable for signal processing.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing analyte ions for detection by a mass spectrometer is described. The apparatus includes an ion source in which the surface of a target substrate for holding an analyte sample includes structured carbon nanotube material. The structured carbon nanotube material is structured in terms of being situated on a selected portion of the target support surface an/or in terms of being aligned in a selected orientation.

Abstract: A method for characterizing a device under test includes propagating multiple optical signals through the device under test and combining the multiple optical signals with a reference optical signal. The multiple optical signals are mixed with the reference optical signal and a relative perturbation between the multiple optical signals from the mixing of the multiple optical signals with the reference optical signal is determined. In another embodiment a modulated optical signal is provided from a local oscillator and the modulated optical signal is combined with the input optical signal. The modulated optical signal is mixed with the input signal to provide a mixed signal and at least one polarization-resolved parameter of the input optical signal is extracted from the mixed signal.

Abstract: A sample loading device for loading and injecting a sample of a specimen is provided. The device comprises an injection channel having a sample injection spot, the injection channel adapted for feeding a fluid comprising a specimen. It further comprises an injector for injecting the specimen into the fluid along the injection channel and a separation device adapted for separating a sample from the specimen at the sample injection spot. Furthermore it comprises a control unit adapted for controlling the separation device in response to a detected physical parameter of the fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for setting time positions of measurement gates on a signal under test. Signal transition data is calculated by a processor for multiple signal transitions. Measurement gate start and end positions are set relative to the multiple signal transitions based on the received signal transition data.

Abstract: A wavelength tunable cavity includes a first reflecting unit adapted to at least partially reflect a beam of electromagnetic radiation towards a second reflecting unit, adapted to at least partially reflect a beam of electromagnetic radiation back towards said first reflecting unit, both reflecting units providing resonance modes of said electromagnetic radiation within said cavity, wherein an optical path of said beam within said cavity is defined in length by said first and second reflecting unit, a grating arranged within said optical path of said beam reflected by said first reflecting unit, said grating adapted for tuning the wavelength of said beam, wherein said at least one second reflecting unit is rotatable about an axis by at least 360 degrees along a circle path with respect to said grating, said circle path including at least a portion arranged to intersect with said beam, which is redirected by said grating.

Abstract: A liquid chromatography chip may include an analytical column. After an analyte has traveled through an analytical column defined by the chromatography chip, the analyte is routed, either directly or indirectly, to a port defined by the chromatogrpahy chip, instead of to a spray tip on-board the chromatography chip. The port may be in fluid communication with a tube or conduit that may, in turn, be coupled to another device. Such an arrangement provides for flexible interface of the chromatography chip to another device.

Abstract: A method of determining an empirical formula of an analyte ion from a measured mass spectrum including a main peak and one or more isotope peaks. The method comprises comparing a relative isotopic intensity of the measured isotope peak to a calculated relative isotopic intensity of an isotopic ion of a proposed empirical formula and comparing a relative mass defect of the measured isotope peak to a calculated relative mass defect of the isotopic ion of the proposed empirical formula. The proposed empirical formula is identified as a potential candidate for the analyte ion based on these comparisons.

Abstract: A system for detecting a predetermined wavelength of light emitted from an area on the surface of a chemical array is provided. Aspects of the system include: a beam splitter for splitting emitted light into two or more light beams and a detector for detecting photons in each of the two produced light beams. Methods of detecting light using the subject system, programming for performing the subject methods and an array reader containing the subject system are also provided.

Abstract: An RF assembly of a multiport switch is disclosed. The RF assembly includes an RF cavity housing and a cover. The RF cavity housing includes a common port defined by a cavity in a surface of the RF cavity housing and at least another port defined by a trough in the surface of the RF cavity housing. The trough is connected to the cavity. When covered by the cover, the trough defines a channel connected at one end to the cavity. The distance between opposing surfaces of the RF cavity housing and the cover at a proximal end of the channel is smaller than the corresponding distance of a portion of the channel immediately adjacent the proximal end. A multiport switch having the RF assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and computer program products to form arrays of polymers each having a pattern of features on a surface of a flexible elongated web, comprising. In a method polymers or their precursor units are applied at an application station to the surface. Multiple features are covered at a reagent station with a continuous volume of reagent which chemically reacts with precursors or the web. The flexible elongated web is driven in a lengthwise direction through the application station. This sequence may be repeated as needed to form the arrays along the web. Also provided is a method preparing a surface of a flexible elongated web to receive a biopolymer array.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus for detection of a malicious attack in a communications network comprises a pattern matching engine (406), a data store (408) and an alert generator (410, 412). The pattern matching engine (406) is arranged to receive a bit stream and identify a characteristic of a malicious attack from at least one datagram represented by at least part of the bit stream. The data store (408) is operably coupled to the pattern matching engine and the data store (408) is arranged to retain identification data to enable the pattern matching engine to identify the characteristic of the malicious attack. The alert generator (410, 412) is arranged to generate an alert in response to an identification of the characteristic of the malicious attack. The data store (408) is remotely updatable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing time of flight mass spectrometry wherein the number of sums of transients taken for generating a given spectra is determined as a function of a characteristic of the incoming data for that spectrum. For instance, the number of transient measurements taken for a given spectrum output can be determined as a function of the abundance of ions in the sample or the abundance of ions corresponding to a base peak or another selected peak. In yet another embodiment, the collection of transients is terminated when a threshold signal to noise ratio is attained.

Abstract: Events discovered by an automatic measurement subsystem in the trace of a DSO are visited using a set of event navigation controls. In a TIME Mode the controls operate to display the first of those events, display the next event after the one currently displayed, display the previous event before the one currently displayed, and, display the last event. In a SEVERITY Mode the controls operate to display the best of those events, display the next best event relative to the one currently displayed, display the next worst event before the one currently displayed, and, display the worst event. The sets of navigation controls may be a mode control menu accompanied by four stylized arrow shaped buttons within a GUI that are clicked on by an operator using a mouse. One set of arrow shaped button can serve both modes, or different sets of buttons can serve each respective mode.

Abstract: In one embodiment, there is disclosed apparatus having a printed circuit board (PCB); a heat sink device for disposition adjacent the bottom surface of the PCB; at least one wiffle tree component disposed adjacent the top surface of the PCB, having a base portion with a plurality of legs extending therefrom; and at least one mechanism to generate a clamping force between the at least one wiffle tree and the top surface of the PCB, and between the bottom surface of the PCB and the heat sink. There is disclosed a method of attaching a printed circuit board (PCB) to a heat sink. In an embodiment, the method includes providing at least one wiffle tree component; disposing one of the at least one wiffle tree component adjacent to the PCB; and securing the one of the at least one wiffle tree component with a fastener. Other embodiments are also disclosed.