Abstract: Individual temperature control in multiple reactions performed simultaneously in a spatial array such as a multi-well plate is achieved by thermoelectric modules with individual control, with each module supplying heat to or drawing heat from a single region within the array, the region containing either a single reaction vessel or a group of reaction vessels.

Abstract: An electrophoresis gel is prepared with indicia incorporated into the gel itself rather than on a label or backing that is adhered to the gel. According to one method, the indicia are applied by first coating a solid surface that will be used as one internal surface of a gel mold with a solution of a water-permeable polymer, allowing the coating to dry, imprinting indicia in ink on the dry coating, and then forming the gel over the coating. In a variation on this method, the indicia are applied to a sheet which is then placed against the mold surface, the sheet being either a liner that is separable from the gel yet coated with the polymer or a sheet of the polymer itself. Alternatively, the indicia are printed directly on the mold surface without first coating the surface. This is achieved by using as a printing composition a mixture of an ink and a solution of a water-permeable polymer, then forming the gel over the imprinted indicia.

Abstract: In pre-cast slab gel cassettes, the formation of pathways in which proteins can migrate between the gel and the walls of the cassette to form shadow bands is avoided by including a nonionic amphiphilic polymer in the monomer solution from which the gel is formed and casting the gel with the polymer included. The nonionic amphiphilic polymer also prevents the resulting gel from sticking to the walls when the gel is to be removed from the cassette after electrophoresis.

Abstract: A joystick is constructed to include a handle that is capable of both pivotal movement and axial movement, the pivotal movement serving the conventional function of a joystick and the axial movement serving to engage and disengage the joystick to the electronic components that translate the joystick position to the position of a moving part in an electronically controlled apparatus. Thus, in its normal fully extended position, the joystick is activated and functioning whereas the activation can be suspended and the joystick repositioned by simply pushing on the joystick handle along the axis of the joystick. This activating and deactivating capability is achieved with no external buttons on the joystick shaft.