Abstract: A system may include a flow cell to support analytes of interest; a selector valve coupled to the flow cell to select a flow path through the flow cell from a plurality of flow paths; a pump coupled to the flow cell to displace fluids through the selected flow path during an analysis operation; and control circuitry coupled to the selector valve to command the selector valve to select the selected flow path.

Abstract: Detection apparatus includes a microfluorometer having an objective, an excitation radiation source, and a detector. The detection apparatus also includes a fluidic system for delivering reagents from a reagent cartridge to a flow cell. The fluidic system includes a manifold body having a plurality of fluidic channels configured for fluid communication between the reagent cartridge and the flow cell. The fluidic system also includes a plurality of reagent sippers. The fluidic system also includes a valve configured to mediate fluid between reagent reservoirs and the flow cell. The detection apparatus also includes a flow cell latch clamp module having a clamp cover for holding the flow cell. The objective is configured to direct excitation radiation from the radiation source to the flow cell and to direct emission from the flow cell to the detector. The microfluorometer is movable to acquire wide-field images of different areas of the flow cell.

Abstract: A mounting alignment apparatus may include a rail assembly including a first pair of alignment surfaces. The mounting alignment apparatus may also include a slide assembly including a second pair of alignment surfaces. The first and second pairs of alignment surfaces may define an interacting capturing geometry therebetween, permitting sliding movement of the slide assembly relative to the rail assembly along a first axis, and restricting movement of the slide assembly relative to the rail assembly about an axis other than the first axis. The mounting alignment apparatus may also include a tension adjustment assembly coupled between the rail assembly and the slide assembly for positioning the slide assembly relative to the rail assembly along the first axis.

Abstract: A microfluid ejection system includes a fluid path having proximate and distal ends, the proximate end having an inlet to receive fluid from a fluid supply, a vacuum chamber for suctioning of air from both the proximate and distal ends of the fluid path, and a pre-ejection chamber disposed in the fluid path between a proximate end and a distal end. The pre-ejection chamber includes a ceiling inclined upward toward each of the proximate and distal ends from a low point to direct air toward either the proximate or distal end for suctioning from the pre-ejection chamber. The microfluid system further includes a first and second air chambers disposed respectively at the proximate and distal ends of the fluid path to receive and direct air to the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A method for producing a coated optical fiber may include drawing an optical fiber from a draw furnace along a first vertical pathway. The optical fiber may then be routed through at least one fluid bearing thereby redirecting the optical fiber along a second vertical pathway. Thereafter, a thermoplastic coating may be applied to the optical fiber with a thermoplastic coating system. The optical fiber may then be wound onto a fiber storage spool with a fiber take-up system. The fiber take-up system may be space apart from the thermoplastic coating system such that the thermoplastic coating may be cooled before the optical fiber is wound onto the fiber storage spool.

Abstract: A microfluid ejection system includes a fluid path having proximate and distal ends, the proximate end having an inlet to receive fluid from a fluid supply, a vacuum chamber for suctioning of air from both the proximate and distal ends of the fluid path, and a pre-ejection chamber disposed in the fluid path between a proximate end and a distal end. The pre-ejection chamber includes a ceiling inclined upward toward each of the proximate and distal ends from a low point to direct air toward either the proximate or distal end for suctioning from the pre-ejection chamber. The microfluid system further includes a first and second air chambers disposed respectively at the proximate and distal ends of the fluid path to receive and direct air to the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: Methods for producing a coated optical fiber may include drawing an optical fiber from a draw furnace along a first pathway and redirecting the optical fiber along a second, different pathway which is non-parallel with the first pathway. The optical fiber may be coated as it travels along the second pathway.

Abstract: A method for producing an optical fiber that includes a method for producing an optical fiber, said method comprising: (i) drawing a bare optical fiber from a preform along a first pathway at a rate of at least 10 m/sec; (ii) contacting said bare optical fiber with a region of fluid in a fluid bearing and redirecting said bare optical fiber along a second pathway as said bare optical fiber is drawn across said region of fluid cushion; (iii) coating the bare optical fiber; and (iv) irradiating said coated fiber in at least one irradiation zone to at least partially cure said coating, while subjecting the optical fiber to UV light.

Abstract: A method for producing a coated optical fiber may include drawing an optical fiber from a draw furnace along a first vertical pathway. The optical fiber may then be routed through at least one fluid bearing thereby redirecting the optical fiber along a second vertical pathway. Thereafter, a thermoplastic coating may be applied to the optical fiber with a thermoplastic coating system. The optical fiber may then be wound onto a fiber storage spool with a fiber take-up system. The fiber take-up system may be space apart from the thermoplastic coating system such that the thermoplastic coating may be cooled before the optical fiber is wound onto the fiber storage spool.

Abstract: Methods for producing a coated optical fiber may include drawing an optical fiber from a draw furnace along a first pathway and redirecting the optical fiber along a second, different pathway which is non-parallel with the first pathway. The optical fiber may be coated as it travels along the second pathway.

Abstract: A method for producing an optical fiber that includes a method for producing an optical fiber, said method comprising: (i) drawing a bare optical fiber from a preform along a first pathway at a rate of at least 10 m/sec; (ii) contacting said bare optical fiber with a region of fluid in a fluid bearing and redirecting said bare optical fiber along a second pathway as said bare optical fiber is drawn across said region of fluid cushion; (iii) coating the bare optical fiber; and (iv) irradiating said coated fiber in at least one irradiation zone to at least partially cure said coating, while subjecting the optical fiber to UV light.

Abstract: The present invention provides an access control system for controlling access to equipment, the system comprises a storage location for storing a plurality of electronic access devices, each being associated with a particular piece of equipment. A control means is arranged to identify the user and to allow a selection from one or more access devices based on the user's identity. If the device selected requires a test for the physical state of the user, then the control means is configured to allow the device to be withdrawn only if the user satisfies certain predetermined conditions.

Abstract: Use for the preparation of paints for substrata coatings of aqueous dispersions of VDF-based polymers having an average particle size between 0.260 and 0.3 micrometers comprising a bifunctional surfactant of formula: A-Rf-B ??(I) wherein A=-O—CFX—COOM; B=—CFX—COOM with X=F, CF3; M=NH4, alkaline metal, H; Rf is a linear or branched perfluoroalkyl chain, or a (per)fluoropolyether chain such that the number average molecular weight of (I) is in the range 600-800.

Abstract: A process for making pigmented PVDF-based powder coatings by coagulation and powder based coatings made by the process. The process involves blending a PVDF latex and a water reducible acrylic polymer and pigment dispersion, adding coagulant to precipitate solid PVDF and pigment associated by ionic interaction with acrylic polymer binder, separating solids and drying the precipitate. Also, methods for coating substrates with the powder coating and coated substrates.

Abstract: A process for making pigmented PVDF-based powder coatings by coagulation and powder based coatings made by the process. The process involves blending a PVDF latex and a water reducible acrylic polymer and pigment dispersion, adding coagulant to precipitate solid PVDF and pigment associated by ionic interaction with acrylic polymer binder, separating solids and drying the precipitate. Also, methods for coating substrates with the powder coating and coated substrates.

Abstract: Light adjustment apparatuses and methods for adjusting light assemblies are disclosed herein. One embodiment can include a light holder having a housing, a mounting bracket coupled to the housing, a support member rotatably attached to the mounting bracket, and a lock to restrict the mounting bracket from rotating relative to the support member about an axis of rotation. In another embodiment, a method is provided for adjusting a light assembly. The method includes removing a lock from a first lock receiver in a mounting bracket and a second lock receiver in a support member; rotating the mounting bracket and a light assembly attached to the mounting bracket as a unit so that the light is aimed at a selected orientation; aligning a third lock receiver in the mounting bracket with the second lock receiver in the support member; and placing the lock in the third lock receiver of the mounting bracket and the second lock receiver of the support member.

Abstract: A system for controlling and monitoring usage of equipment comprises an electronic key for controlling operation of the equipment and a central storage location for a plurality of keys. Access to the keys is controlled so that only authorised personnel can obtain a key and may be directed to select a particular key. In any event, the key is associated with a particular authorised person. At the equipment, the key is inserted and data contained in the key is read and the equipment enabled under microprocessor control. Data relating to the activity of the equipment can be written to circuitry in the key for transfer back to the central storage location when a the key is returned.

Abstract: Light adjustment apparatuses and methods for adjusting light assemblies are disclosed herein. One embodiment can include a light holder having a housing, a mounting bracket coupled to the housing, a support member rotatably attached to the mounting bracket, and a lock to restrict the mounting bracket from rotating relative to the support member about an axis of rotation. In another embodiment, a method is provided for adjusting a light assembly. The method includes removing a lock from a first lock receiver in a mounting bracket and a second lock receiver in a support member; rotating the mounting bracket and a light assembly attached to the mounting bracket as a unit so that the light is aimed at a selected orientation; aligning a third lock receiver in the mounting bracket with the second lock receiver in the support member; and placing the lock in the third lock receiver of the mounting bracket and the second lock receiver of the support member.

Abstract: A process for making pigmented PVDF-based powder coatings by coagulation and powder based coatings made by the process. The process involves blending a PVDF latex and a water reducible acrylic polymer and pigment dispersion, adding coagulant to precipitate solid PVDF and pigment associated by ionic interaction with acrylic polymer binder, separating solids and drying the precipitate. Also, methods for coating substrates with the powder coating and coated substrates.