Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for rapid PCR testing. Example embodiments may include a PCR testing module that includes a housing having a PCR machine disposed therein; a sample input station on the housing, wherein the sample input station is configured to receive a sample collection device (SCD) comprising a biological specimen sample provided by the patient; an SCD processing mechanism configured to transfer a lysed microportion of the biological specimen sample into a PCR sample tube attached to the SCD; at least one mechanism configured to separate the PCR sample tube from the SCD and transfer the PCR sample tube to the PCR machine; and a controller configured to (i) use the PCR machine to conduct a PCR test on contents of the PCR sample tube, and (ii) generate results of the PCR test.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and collection devices are disclosed for rapid, local PCR testing. The PCR testing system may be configured for use with a disposable sample collection device that includes a swab configured for collecting a biological sample from a patient; and a sample container configured to receive the swab and separate a bulk quantity of the biological sample from the swab for containment in a bulk collection chamber, which is located with the sample container, wherein the sample container is configured to meter a selected volume of the biological sample into a PCR sample tube, which contains a lyophilized master mix, releasably attachable to the sample container.

Abstract: Display backlight structures may provide backlight illumination that passes through display layers in the display. Computer-controlled equipment such as robotic arms with gripper structures may be used in assembling backlight layers such as a reflector, light guide plate, diffusers, and prism films into a backlight unit. The grippers may include mechanical grippers and vacuum heads. A vacuum gripper head may have a plenum to which a perforated plate and porous layer are attached for distributing the vacuum. Computer-controlled air sources may be used to blow streams of deionized air between backlight layers to separate the backlight layers during assembly. Release liners may be removed using robotic arms and grippers. Translation stages may move a backlight layer storage frame between stations. A cleaning tool with a solvent dispenser and air jets may clean backlight layers. A camera system may be used during alignment and positioning operations.

Abstract: Display backlight structures may provide backlight illumination that passes through display layers in the display. Computer-controlled equipment such as robotic arms with gripper structures may be used in assembling backlight layers such as a reflector, light guide plate, diffusers, and prism films into a backlight unit. The grippers may include mechanical grippers and vacuum heads. A vacuum gripper head may have a plenum to which a perforated plate and porous layer are attached for distributing the vacuum. Computer-controlled air sources may be used to blow streams of deionized air between backlight layers to separate the backlight layers during assembly. Release liners may be removed using robotic arms and grippers. Translation stages may move a backlight layer storage frame between stations. A cleaning tool with a solvent dispenser and air jets may clean backlight layers. A camera system may be used during alignment and positioning operations.