Abstract: An automated slide staining apparatus includes a controller, a slide staining assembly, and at least one fluid dispensing robot. The slide staining assembly is configured to receive one or more of slides. The at least fluid dispensing robot is configured by the controller to dispense a plurality of reagents to the slides. The at least one fluid dispensing robot is configured by the controller to dispense the one or more reagents in a predetermined sequence corresponding to a slide staining protocol for the slides independently. The at least one fluid dispensing robot being further configured by the controller to dispense one or more bleaching agents in a predetermined sequence corresponding to a bleaching protocol for the slides independently. The at least one fluid dispensing robot being further configured by the controller to perform the bleaching protocol between one or more steps of the staining protocol.

Abstract: An apparatus to aid in applying a screen protector to the display of a mobile electronic device such as a smartphone. The apparatus in some embodiments is a wedge or ramp that is placed between the display and the screen protector to support a portion of the screen protector above the display. The user may withdraw or move the wedge or ramp and tip the screen protector onto the display. The wedge or ramp may have a plurality of profiles or surfaces on which the screen protector rides as the wedge is moved, the profiles or slope of the surface aiding in controlling the rate at which the screen protector descends onto the display. The apparatus may also include a frame to go about the perimeter of the mobile device to aid in positioning the screen protector. The frame may include alignment aids and absorbent material about the perimeter of the mobile device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multi-layer case for a portable electronic device such as a smartphone, the case including an impact cushioning layer between the well for receiving the portable electronic device and an outer layer, the impact absorbing layer including a plurality of spaced apart pillars that compress or deflect to absorb impact. The pillars may be of any convenient cross-section, and the cross-section may be tailored to flex or compress in a particular way.