Abstract: The present invention comprises a removable capillary tip insert which provides for replacement of an individual capillary in the dispensing head of an automated liquid handling apparatus. In some embodiments, the insert has been designed to accept variable capillary lengths while maintaining a constant length protruding from the insert. In a preferred embodiment, the removable capillary insert of the invention comprises a head adapted to accept an insertion tool and tapered to seat in the dispense head; a shaft with external threads which form a threaded collar that permits the insert to be screwed into the dispense head; a lumen running internally from the proximal to the distal ends of the head and shaft which forms a hollow interior in the insert in which a capillary resides; and a capillary tube of user-selected liquid capacity. One embodiment, without limitation, comprises a molded plastic part with an integral capillary tube.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a removable capillary tip insert which provides for replacement of an individual capillary in the dispensing head of an automated liquid handling apparatus. In some embodiments, the insert has been designed to accept variable capillary lengths while maintaining a constant length protruding from the insert. In a preferred embodiment, the removable capillary insert of the invention comprises a head adapted to accept an insertion tool and tapered to seat in the dispense head; a shaft with external threads which form a threaded collar that permits the insert to be screwed into the dispense head; a lumen running internally from the proximal to the distal ends of the head and shaft which forms a hollow interior in the insert in which a capillary resides; and a capillary tube of user-selected liquid capacity. One embodiment, without limitation, comprises a molded plastic part with an integral capillary tube.

Abstract: The invention comprises compositions and systems to identify and compare expressed genes in a given in vivo or in vitro RNA sample, as well as the relative difference in mRNA expression between two or more samples, where desired. Furthermore, the invention comprises compositions and systems to identify novel genes. The invention comprises, without limitation, one or more mRNA specific identimers for use in reverse transcription that themselves comprise an oligo-T nucleotide sequence (at the 5′ end) linked to a nucleotide sequence VNx (at the 3′ end) where the V nucleotide immediately adjacent to the oligo-T segment is not a T.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically hybridizing nucleic acid samples is disclosed. The apparatus includes a fluid control module and a temperature control module for precisely controlling fluid contacting and temperature of a plurality of DNA samples. The DNA samples are typically arrayed on solid substrates (glass microscope slides), and the disclosed apparatus can process up to twelve slides at one time on a master unit; satellite units can be added to increase the number of slides. All slides can be processed in parallel, or may be addressed individually to undergo different hybridization protocols. Thermal control is typically by slide pairs, such that each slide pair undergoes the same temperature profile. Processes are carried out under software control by an embedded PC (personal computer). User input is by touchscreen or floppy disk drive.

Abstract: An automated CCD-based imaging system is disclosed which may be used for the automated acquisition, compilation, and analysis of images of fluorescently labeled samples of different types, including fluorescently-labeled gene chip arrays.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically hybridizing nucleic acid samples is disclosed. The apparatus includes a fluid control module and a temperature control module for precisely controlling fluid contacting and temperature of a plurality of DNA samples. The DNA samples are typically arrayed on solid substrates (glass microscope slides), and the disclosed apparatus can process up to twelve slides at one time on a master unit; satellite units can be added to increase the number of slides. All slides can be processed in parallel, or may be addressed individually to undergo different hybridization protocols. Thermal control is typically by slide pairs, such that each slide pair undergoes the same temperature profile. Processes are carried out under software control by an embedded PC (personal computer). User input is by touchscreen, floppy disk drive, or external network control.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically hybridizing nucleic acid samples is disclosed. The apparatus includes a fluid control module and a temperature control module for precisely controlling fluid contacting and temperature of a plurality of DNA samples. The DNA samples are typically arrayed on solid substrates (glass microscope slides), and the disclosed apparatus can process up to twelve slides at one time on a master unit; satellite units can be added to increase the number of slides. All slides can be processed in parallel, or may be addressed individually to undergo different hybridization protocols. Thermal control is typically by slide pairs, such that each slide pair undergoes the same temperature profile. Processes are carried out under software control by an embedded PC (personal computer). User input is by touchscreen or floppy disk drive.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for chemical processing of multiple mixtures is disclosed. The apparatus provides selective purging of a liquid-phase of the mixtures. The apparatus can be used for processing many different types of mixtures under a wide variety of processing conditions, including but not limited to protein digestions, and is particularly well suited for processes requiring solid-liquid contacting. The apparatus includes an array of vessels or wells for containing the mixtures. The wells have openings that generally define a surface. A perforated plate and a film are disposed above the openings of the wells. The film is sandwiched between the perforated plate and the surface defined by the openings of the vessels, covering and sealing the vessels. A probe is used to perforate the film and to pressurize the vessels, which drives liquid out of the wells via through-holes formed in their bottoms.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically hybridizing nucleic acid samples is disclosed. The apparatus includes a fluid control module and a temperature control module for precisely controlling fluid contacting and temperature of a plurality of DNA samples. The DNA samples are typically arrayed on solid substrates (glass microscope slides), and the disclosed apparatus can process up to twelve slides at one time on a master unit; satellite units can be added to increase the number of slides. All slides can be processed in parallel, or may be addressed individually to undergo different hybridization protocols. Thermal control is typically by slide pairs, such that each slide pair undergoes the same temperature profile. Processes are carried out under software control by an embedded PC (personal computer). User input is by touchscreen, floppy disk drive, or external network control.