Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, devices and systems for associating consumable data with an assay consumable used in a biological assay. Provided are assay systems and associated consumables, wherein the assay system adjusts one or more steps of an assay protocol based on consumable data specific for that consumable. Various types of consumable data are described, as well as methods of using such data in the conduct of an assay by an assay system. The present invention also relates to consumables (e.g., kits and reagent containers), software, data deployable bundles, computer-readable media, loading carts, instruments, systems, and methods, for performing automated biological assays.

Abstract: A vehicle interior panel includes pieces held together by a snap joint formed when a protrusion of the outer piece is received by a receptacle of the inner piece. The receptacle is formed by a pair of walls extending from a back side of the inner piece, and the protrusion is received between the pair of walls. Oppositely facing bulges engage with oppositely facing grooves to form the joint. Sidewalls of the bulges also engage with angled sidewalls of the opposite piece to form a robust interlocking joint in which multiple pairs of opposing surfaces are engaged with each other to prevent relative movement of the inner and outer pieces in multiple directions. The features that form the snap joint can be molded as integral parts of the pieces being held together without the need for separate clips or fasteners.

Abstract: A vehicle interior panel includes pieces held together by a snap joint formed when a protrusion of the outer piece is received by a receptacle of the inner piece. The receptacle is formed by a pair of walls extending from a back side of the inner piece, and the protrusion is received between the pair of walls. Oppositely facing bulges engage with oppositely facing grooves to form the joint. Sidewalls of the bulges also engage with angled sidewalls of the opposite piece to form a robust interlocking joint in which multiple pairs of opposing surfaces are engaged with each other to prevent relative movement of the inner and outer pieces in multiple directions. The features that form the snap joint can be molded as integral parts of the pieces being held together without the need for separate clips or fasteners.

Abstract: A ferromagnetic thin-film based magnetic field sensor with first and second sensitive direction sensing structures each having a nonmagnetic intermediate layer with two major surfaces on opposite sides thereof having a magnetization reference layer on one and an anisotropic ferromagnetic material sensing layer on the other having a length in a selected length direction and a smaller width perpendicular thereto and parallel to the relatively fixed magnetization direction. The relatively fixed magnetization direction of said magnetization reference layer in each is oriented in substantially parallel to the substrate but substantially perpendicular to that of the other. An annealing process is used to form the desired magnetization directions.

Abstract: A ferromagnetic thin-film based magnetic field sensor with first and second sensitive direction sensing structures each having a nonmagnetic intermediate layer with two major surfaces on opposite sides thereof having a magnetization reference layer on one and an anisotropic ferromagnetic material sensing layer on the other having a length in a selected length direction and a smaller width perpendicular thereto and parallel to the relatively fixed magnetization direction. The relatively fixed magnetization direction of said magnetization reference layer in each is oriented in substantially parallel to the substrate but substantially perpendicular to that of the other. An annealing process is used to form the desired magnetization directions.

Abstract: A magnetic metallic glass alloy exhibits, in combination, high saturation induction and low magnetic anisotropy energy. The alloy has a composition described by the formula Fe.sub.a Co.sub.b B.sub.c Si.sub.d C.sub.e, where "a"-"e" are in atom percent, "a" ranges from about 72 to about 84, "b" ranges from about 2 to about 8, "c" ranges from about 11 to about 16, "d" ranges from about 1 to about 4, and "e" is zero or ranges from about 3 to about 4, with up to about 1 atom percent of Mn being optionally present in the alloy, with the provisos that (i) when "e" is zero and "a" is greater than or equal to 80, "b" cannot exceed 4, (ii) when "e" is zero and "a" is less than 80 by an amount x, "b" cannot exceed (4+4x) and, (iii) the sum ("a"+"b"+"c"+"d"+"e") equals 100. Such an alloy is especially suited for use in large magnetic cores associated with pulse power applications requiring high magnetization rates.

Abstract: A magnetic metallic glass alloy exhibits, in combination, high saturation induction and low magnetic anisotropy energy. The alloy has a composition described by the formula Fe.sub.a Co.sub.b B.sub.c Si.sub.d C.sub.e, where "a"-"e" are in atom percent, "a" ranges from about 72 to about 84, "b" ranges from about 2 to about 8, "c" ranges from about 11 to about 16, "d" ranges from about 1 to about 4, and "e" ranges from 0 to about 4, with up to about 1 atom percent of Mn being optionally present. Such an alloy is especially suited for use in large magnetic cores associated with pulse power applications requiring high magnetization rates. Examples of such applications include high power pulse sources for linear induction particle accelerators, induction modules for coupling energy from the pulse source to the beam of these accelerators, magnetic switches in power generators in inertial confinement fusion research, magnetic modulators for driving excimer lasers, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for rapidly field annealing ferromagnetic cores and the cores produced thereby. A current is applied across a magnetizing source associated with a magnetizing core which induces a flux/voltage in the ferromagnetic core which is disposed about a leg of the magnetizing core. The flux/voltage in the second core induces a current in the second core which in turn induces a field in, and transverse to the width direction of, the ferromagnetic core. A second field may e applied to the ferromagnetic core during cooling. The cores produced display low core loss and either sheared over or square loop properties which are suitable for current and distribution type transformers respectively.

Abstract: A magnetic core is fabricated from ferromagnetic metallic glass ribbon and mica paper insulation. The ribbon and insulation are co-wound, so that layers comprise alternate concentric rings. The wound core is then annealed in a vacuum or an inert atmosphere such as dry nitrogen or argon gas. Co-wound cores of this type exhibit excellent magnetic properties at high magnetization rates and high voltage hold off between adjacent laminations, and are particularly suited for pulse power applications.

Abstract: A magnetic metallic glass alloy exhibits, in combination, high saturation induction and low magnetic anisotropy energy. The alloy has a composition described by the formula Fe.sub.a Co.sub.b B.sub.c Si.sub.d C.sub.e, where "a"-"e" are in atom percent, "a" ranges from about 72 to about 84, "b" ranges from about 2 to about 8, "c" ranges from about 11 to about 16, "d" ranges from about 1 to about 4, and "e" ranges from 0 to about 4, with up to about 1 atom percent of Mn being optionally present. Such an alloy is especially suited for use in large magnetic cores associated with pulse power applications requiring high magnetization rates. Examples of such applications include high power pulse sources for linear induction particle accelerators, induction modules for coupling energy from the pulse source to the beam of these accelerators, magnetic switches in power generators in inertial confinement fusion research, magnetic modulators for driving excimer lasers, and the like.

Abstract: A solid state dual timer with adjustable "long" and "short" time intervals preferably providing a long normally operating period between consecutive test periods which are utilized for test purposes, wherein a "delay" interval is provided at the initiation of each test period to allow the test conditions being imposed a sufficient time to settle. A highly advantageous application resides in the field of automated lubrication systems in which periodic pressure tests to monitor system integrity are performed, for example, every hour, the tests requiring a relatively brief time interval, the "delay" interval being of a length sufficient to allow the system pressure to build up before the test instruments are activated. The normally operating interval and the test and "delay" periods are all adjustable.

Abstract: A solid state electronic dual timer which, in one preferred embodiment, is utilized for dispensing a measured quantity of lubricant at predetermined time intervals. A continuously operating pump is selectively connected to the devices requiring lubricant by a control valve means. A capacitor is charged through a first circuit path from one predetermined level until it reaches a second predetermined level during which time the control valve means for dispensing the lubricant is energized. As soon as a second predetermined level is achieved, the pump means is deenergized, at which time the capacitor is caused to discharge towards said first predetermined level at a slow rate.

Abstract: 1.

Abstract: A fluid pressure sensor is employed as a safety device for sensing lubricant pressure levels. A timer is activated to turn on a pump at regular intervals to provide lubrication at such intervals. Pump operation supplies lubricant to a dispensing network which, in turn, causes closure of a pressure switch for activating an oscillator. A comparator circuit compares the accumulated count of oscillator pulses against a predetermined threshold level to trigger an electronic switch which activates an alarm. The pressure switch closure sets a bistable circuit which, in turn, activates said oscillator circuit for incrementing a programmable binary counter circuit. The long-time interval before actuating logical gating circuitry, which interval is adjustable by programming of the binary and/or the R.C.

Abstract: Fluid pressure sensing means for sensing lubricant pressure levels. Means are activated to turn on a pump at regular intervals to provide lubrication at such intervals. It is desired to indicate failure of subsequent operation of the pump after a time interval greater in duration than the aforesaid periodic intervals. Pump operation causes closure of pressure switch which causes capacitance means to charge during the switch closure interval. As soon as the capacitance is charged beyond a predetermined threshold level, bistable means are set which in turn sets up a discharge path for the capacitor. The long-time constant of the discharge path, which is adjustable and which typically may be of the order of hours, continues until the voltage across the capacitor drops below a second predetermined threshold level resetting the bistable flip-flop. The reset operation triggers a switch means for illuminating a lamp which indicates that a prolonged period of time has occurred since the last pump operation.