Abstract: An organic lubricant composition comprising a vegetable oil; an organic acid; and an organic alcohol, where the organic lubricant composition is substantially free of inorganic compounds.

Abstract: An organic lubricant composition comprising a vegetable oil; an organic acid; and an organic alcohol, where the organic lubricant composition is substantially free of inorganic compounds.

Abstract: A drilling fluid lubricant includes a crude tall oil product and a derivative of ricinoleic acid that is at least partially transesterified product. A modified drilling fluid includes a water-based drilling fluid in a range of from about 95 vol. % to about 99 vol. % and a drilling fluid lubricant in a range of from about 0.1 vol. % to about 5 vol. % of the fluid. The drilling fluid lubricant includes a crude tall oil product selected from the group consisting of crude tall oil, distilled tall oil, acid tall oil, fractionated tall oil, and combinations thereof. The drilling fluid lubricant also includes at least partially transesterified derivative of ricinoleic acid product. The product comprises at least partially transesterified derivatives of ricinoleic acid that combined are in a range of from about 88 mole % to about 99 mole % of the product.

Abstract: This invention is a composition that includes a transesterified fatty acid ester resulting from the reaction of a fatty acid ester, in the presence of an acid, with a hydroxyl-containing compound. The fatty acid esters of the invention are selected from those with a carbon number of eight to twenty. The hydroxyl-containing compound is an alcohol having a carbon number between one and eighteen. The resulting composition is useful as a lubricant, as a heat transfer agent, as a rheological modifier and as a corrosion/moisture inhibitor, among other uses.

Abstract: A sample block for use in the polymerase chain reaction, DNA sequencing, and other procedures that involve the performance of simultaneous reactions in multiple samples with temperature control by heating or cooling elements contacting the bottom surface of the block is improved by the inclusion of hollows in the block that are positioned to decrease the mass of the block in the immediate vicinity of the wells.

Abstract: A method is disclosed. The method includes determining an amount of energy needed to change a first sample temperature of a first sample to a target temperature when a temperature changing element that changes the sample temperature is at the target temperature. Data associated with the amount of energy needed to change the sample temperature of the sample to the target temperature is then stored. The stored data may thereafter be used to quickly change a second sample temperature of a second sample to the target temperature, without having the second sample temperature exceed the target temperature.

Abstract: This invention is a composition that includes a transesterified fatty acid ester resulting from the reaction of a fatty acid ester, in the presence of an acid, with a hydroxyl-containing compound. The fatty acid esters of the invention are selected from those with a carbon number of eight to twenty. The hydroxyl-containing compound is an alcohol having a carbon number between one and eighteen. The resulting composition is useful as a lubricant, as a heat transfer agent, as a rheological modifier and as a corrosion/moisture inhibitor, among other uses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus relating to a controller for controlling a light emitting array by setting a power level provided to each individual light emission source within the light emitting array is provided. The controller includes a processor for executing instructions and a memory device for storing data. The data from the memory device provides individual instruction for a power level required for each individual light emission source to achieve a normalized detection of light within the fluorometer. A method of manufacturing a controller for controlling the emission of light in a fluorometer includes analyzing the well values of illumination and storing power level values in a memory device corresponding to predetermined illumination levels of the illumination sources.

Abstract: A fluorescence detection apparatus for analyzing samples located in a plurality of wells in a thermal cycler and methods of use are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a support structure attachable to the thermal cycler and a detection module movably mountable on the support structure. The detection module includes one or more channels, each having an excitation light generator and an emission light detector both disposed within the detection module. When the support structure is attached to the thermal cycler and the detection module is mounted on the support structure, the detection module is movable so as to be positioned in optical communication with different ones of the plurality of wells. The detection module is removable from the support structure to allow easy replacement.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrophoresis cassette to cast electrophoresis gels and to separate and analyze molecular components by electrophoresis. The electrophoresis cassette comprises a top plate assembly, a spacer and a bottom plate. The top plate assembly is seated to the bottom plate with the spacer there between to define a thickness of the electrophoresis cassette and to seal an outer perimeter of the assembly. The top plate assembly includes a cathode reservoir connected to a first terminal end of a central plate, and an anode reservoir connected to a second terminal end of the central plate. When the electrophoresis cassette is assembled, the cathode and anode reservoirs are in alignment with the first and second terminal ends of the central plate to facilitate formation of leak-proof seals between the reservoirs and the assembly components.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for estimating the crossover point of a molecular separation system.

Abstract: A thin-well microplate and methods of manufacturing same are provided, wherein the thin-well microplate is conducive for use with automated equipment, such as robotic handling equipment, and in high temperature procedures, such as thermal cycling. The thin-well microplate is constructed of two components including a skirt and frame portion and a well and deck portion with a plurality of sample wells; both portions being joined to form a unitary microplate. Each of the skirt and frame and well and deck portions is constructed of a suitable material that imparts a specific combination of physical and material properties to the thin-well microplate. The skirt and frame portion and the well and deck portion are each constructed of the material that will allow each portion to withstand high temperature conditions and use of automated equipment, while retaining the physical characteristics each portion requires for optimal performance of the thin-well microplate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed to reduce evaporation of solutions, particularly aqueous solutions, using a polymeric material such as polysucrose, polyvinylpyrrolidone and polyethylene glycol. A microscope slide and cover glass assembly utilizing the polymeric material in solution and method of use are described.

Abstract: A sample cartridge block that includes a first plate, a second plate and a third plate. The third plate is thermally connected to the first plate and the second plate. In some embodiments, the block is capable of holding a relatively high density of sample cartridges. In certain embodiments, the block provides good sample temperature stability while the sample temperature is held constant or while the sample temperature is being changed. According to the invention, a sample block may include one material or more than one material. Preferably, a sample cartridge block has a relatively low thermal mass. In some embodiments, the first plate of a sample cartridge block may have a larger surface area than the surface area of the third plate. According to the present invention, the first plate of the sample cartridge block may be thermally connected to a temperature controller. In certain embodiments, a sample cartridge block may have a relatively large surface area in contact with a temperature controller.

Abstract: A sheet of material seals vessels for biochemical reactions which undergo thermal cycling, and comprises a multilayer composite sheet which is placed over the openings of one or more reaction vessels. The multilayer composite sheet material has at least two layers, one layer providing strength and integrity to the material and the second layer being relatively thick comprising a deformable substance with a tacky surface to contact and seal vessels for biochemical reactions.

Abstract: A gel electrophoresis apparatus for separating DNA molecules of high molecular weight having means for generating at least two electric fields oriented transversely to each other, and a gel box, shaped, and contoured to simultaneously form both the electric fields into uniform electric fields.