Abstract: A mixing vial is provided for an automated biological reaction apparatus typically used for staining tissue samples in Immuno-histological and in-situ hybridisation reactions. The mixing vial allows reagents placed on the apparatus to be mixed together to form additional or blended reagents. A reagent dispenser mounted on a robotic arm withdraws reagent from the reagent containers and deposits it into one of the mixing vials. Several reagents can be deposited into each vial. Mixing is undertaken by withdrawing the reagents in a vial and re-dispensing the reagent back into the vial. Mixing may take place between the operation of other tasks performed by the apparatus, and a scheduler is used to ensure blended reagent is provided before it is required in one of the processes undertaken on the apparatus. The apparatus is able to automatically identify which blended reagents are required and when they must be applied to provide an appropriate schedule that minimises time taken to stain samples.

Abstract: Systems and methods to monitor an asset in an operating process unit are disclosed. An example method includes monitoring one or more equipment parameters associated with an asset in an operating process unit, monitoring one or more process parameters associated with the asset, and determining an asset health value corresponding to the asset based on the one or more monitored equipment parameters, process parameters, and baseline data associated with the one or more equipment parameters.

Abstract: A mixing vial is provided for an automated biological reaction apparatus typically used for staining tissue samples in Immuno-histological and in-situ hybridisation reactions. The mixing vial allows reagents placed on the apparatus to be mixed together to form additional or blended reagents. A reagent dispenser mounted on a robotic arm withdraws reagent from the reagent containers and deposits it into one of the mixing vials. Several reagents can be deposited into each vial. Mixing is undertaken by withdrawing the reagents in a vial and re-dispensing the reagent back into the vial. Mixing may take place between the operation of other tasks performed by the apparatus, and a scheduler is used to ensure blended reagent is provided before it is required in one of the processes undertaken on the apparatus. The apparatus is able to automatically identify which blended reagents are required and when they must be applied to provide an appropriate schedule that minimises time taken to stain samples.

Abstract: Systems and methods to monitor an asset in an operating process unit are disclosed. An example method includes monitoring one or more equipment parameters associated with an asset in an operating process unit, monitoring one or more process parameters associated with the asset, and determining an asset health value corresponding to the asset based on the one or more monitored equipment parameters, process parameters, and baseline data associated with the one or more equipment parameters.

Abstract: A mixing vial is provided for an automated biological reaction apparatus typically used for staining tissue samples in Immuno-histological and in-situ hybridisation reactions. The mixing vial allows reagents placed on the apparatus to be mixed together to form additional or blended reagents. A reagent dispenser mounted on a robotic arm withdraws reagent from the reagent containers and deposits it into one of the mixing vials. Several reagents can be deposited into each vial. Mixing is undertaken by withdrawing the reagents in a vial and re-dispensing the reagent back into the vial. Mixing may take place between the operation of other tasks performed by the apparatus, and a scheduler is used to ensure blended reagent is provided before it is required in one of the processes undertaken on the apparatus. The apparatus is able to automatically identify which blended reagents are required and when they must be applied to provide an appropriate schedule that minimises time taken to stain samples.

Abstract: A unitary slipcover for covering a seating-type piece of furniture having a base, a back, arms, and a cushioned seat portion. The slipcover includes a seat cushion covering portion with a rear edge. A cinching element terminating in first and second ends is secured therebetween to at least a portion of the rear edge of the seat cushion covering portion for reducing the effective peripheral dimension of at least a portion of the rear edge of the seat cushion covering portion. A main body covering portion of the slipcover is folded in a longitudinal direction and each end is sewn to itself to define arm covering portions. One longitudinal side of the main body covering portion of the slipcover is secured to the seat cushion covering portion and the other longitudinal side is preferably secured to a main body skirt covering portion, which conceals at least a portion of the base of the piece of furniture.

Abstract: A slipcover combination for covering a movable item of furniture having an upright and a lounging position is described. The slipcover combination has a main body panel having a substantially rectangular shape with first and second adjacent corners being notched to form a pair of substantially V-cut slits defining a panel portion therebetween for covering the pivotable foot rest of the recliner. First and second skirts are also provided, one for covering the seat main body and the other for individually covering the movable foot rest portion. The skirt for the main body is preferably in the form of a longitudinal piece of material, while the other skirt is desirably formed as a ring which fits the foot rest in the manner of a sleeve. A plurality of stay puts and spiral fasteners may also be provided.

Abstract: A semi-fitted, unitary slipcover for covering items of furniture have a base, back, arms, and a cushioned seat portion is described. The slipcover has a seat cushion covering portion which is surrounded by a cinching element for reducing its effective peripheral dimension, and specifically, for individually covering the seat portion of an item of furniture and defining the juncture between a lower edge of the seat portion and the furniture base. A main body portion of the slipcover is attached to the seat cushion covering portion along a first lengthwise side and includes first and second arm covering portions. The main body portion has a second lengthwise side which forms an open pouch; the main body portion is also surrounded by a cinching element for reducing its effective peripheral dimension, preferably along the same plane as that of the seat cushion covering portion.

Abstract: A device for construction of removable dental dies fabricated from type IV dental die stone poured into non-rigid impression materials. The device eliminates the need for a two pour system necessitated when individual pins are used, provides large surface area for positive seating of the individual dies, and in general eliminates the complicated alignment problems associated with other systems in common use. The invention comprises a polymer sheet having projections on both sides for embedment in dental store of the date of the die and base.