Abstract: A module for managing communication among instrumentation and control devices associated with a system, and a method for using the module, enable interconnection of various devices across multiple network buses, and filtering of messages travelling between devices on disparate buses. Buses may be established wirelessly in addition to via wired connections. Additional devices may connect to a pluggable terminal interface integrated with the module. The terminal interface may connect to a configurable variety of interconnecting circuits appropriate for various types of terminal devices. An associated user interface may enable a user to configure various parameters pertaining to connected devices, including alerts to be issued when certain parameters exceed thresholds, and actions to be taken upon issuance of such alerts.

Abstract: A package for unitizing and shipping pipette tips is provided and includes a paperboard tray received on the side panels of an outer shipping enclosure, which panels support the tray over a cavity into which the pipette tips extend. The tray includes two spaced, substantially parallel panels, each having an array of holes; the arrays are aligned. One of the parallel panels is preferably joined to the tray along perforated, cut fold lines, whereby that panel easily may be broken away from the tray when the tray is placed on a pipette support block. The invention also encompasses flat blanks, one for the tray and one for the shipping enclosure, for forming into the package.