Abstract: In some aspects, automated rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing systems for performing a multi-assay testing sequence can include an automated incubation assembly having a nest assembly adapted to house at least one test panel having a plurality of wells for receiving a sample comprising microorganisms originating from a clinical sample, the incubation assembly facilitating incubation of one or more test panels in order to undergo the multi-assay testing sequence; a robotic handling assembly configured to accept one or more incoming test panels and move them to and from the incubation assembly for incubation between each assay of the multi-assay testing sequence; an automated liquid handling assembly configured to exchange one or more fluids in the plurality of wells of the test panels; and an optical assembly for interrogation and readout of each assay of the multi-assay testing sequence being performed in the plurality of wells.

Abstract: A novel bis-imide matrix resin composition comprising (i) 40 to 95 percent by weight of ethyleneically unsaturated bis-imides, preferably a low melting mixture of a major portion of maleimides of aromatic amines such as toluene diamine and methylene dianiline with a minor portion of maleimide of an aliphatic amine such as trimethyl hexamethylene diamine, (ii) 5 percent to 60 percent by weight of a heatactivatible cross-linking agent combination for gelling the bis-imides, said combination comprising (1) an arylene polyamine and (2) an alkenylphenol or alkenylphenol ether, and, as a polymerization catalyst therefor, (iii) an imidazole compound. The resin composition is useful as a matrix resin for high performance, fiber reinforced composites, having low shrinkage, good thermal stability and moisture resistance and excellent impact strength.

Abstract: Improved fiber resin matrix prepreg fabrics are disclosed which are comprised of a first layer of reinforcing fabric coated with an epoxy resin composition and a discrete second layer of an epoxy resin modified with an elastomeric polymer. The discrete second layer is provided with a support comprising a gauze-like, lightweight fibrous mat or carrier of lightweight fibers that preserves the second "interleaf" layer during cure. Cured composites having the continuous interleaf layer intact exhibit high impact strength and resistance to impact damage.