Abstract: Automated biological testing systems may advantageously allow users to perform some maintenance or upkeep of the system, such as replacing or refilling reagent, or replacing gaskets, hoses, filters, and other components. A manifold seal and filtration system including a gasket, retaining ring, and filter is usable with a manifold of such a system to transport reagent from a bottle to the testing system. The gasket includes features to prevent leakage and erroneous installation, and may be replaced by a user during normal maintenance or to select a gasket material to accommodate a particular type of reagent. The retention ring and filter include features to prevent particulate from passing into the testing system when reagent bottles are changed, and to prevent accidental displacement during removal of the gasket, or flushing of the manifold to clean the filter.

Abstract: Automated biological testing systems may advantageously allow users to perform some maintenance or upkeep of the system, such as replacing or refilling reagent, or replacing gaskets, hoses, filters, and other components. A manifold seal and filtration system including a gasket, retaining ring, and filter is usable with a manifold of such a system to transport reagent from a bottle to the testing system. The gasket includes features to prevent leakage and erroneous installation, and may be replaced by a user during normal maintenance or to select a gasket material to accommodate a particular type of reagent. The retention ring and filter include features to prevent particulate from passing into the testing system when reagent bottles are changed, and to prevent accidental displacement during removal of the gasket, or flushing of the manifold to clean the filter.

Abstract: A communications bridge facilitates communication between an automatic meter reading (AMR) meter and a home area network (HAN) that uses the ZigBee smart energy (SE) protocol. The communications bridge includes a variety of components, including an AMR receiver, a microcontroller, and a ZigBee radio. The AMR receiver reads AMR data, which is not compatible with the ZigBee SE protocol, from the AMR meter. The microcontroller parses the received AMR data and translates it into corresponding ZigBee data. This ZigBee data is transmitted to other devices on the HAN via the ZigBee radio. The translated AMR meter data can then be presented to a consumer in real-time, enabling the consumer to better understand and manage his or her energy usage.

Abstract: A communications bridge facilitates communication between an automatic meter reading (AMR) meter and a home area network (HAN) that uses the ZigBee smart energy (SE) protocol. The communications bridge includes a variety of components, including an AMR receiver, a microcontroller, and a ZigBee radio. The AMR receiver reads AMR data, which is not compatible with the ZigBee SE protocol, from the AMR meter. The microcontroller parses the received AMR data and translates it into corresponding ZigBee data. This ZigBee data is transmitted to other devices on the HAN via the ZigBee radio. The translated AMR meter data can then be presented to a consumer in real-time, enabling the consumer to better understand and manage his or her energy usage.

Abstract: A microbiological analyzer for performing ID tests on samples using colorimetric techniques to generate a pixel-wise colored map of a test region of interest and also performing MIC tests on samples using nephelometric techniques to determine which antimicrobial agents are most effective against a particular microorganism.

Abstract: A microbiological analyzer for performing ID tests on samples using colorimetric techniques to generate a pixel-wise colored map of a test region of interest and also performing MIC tests on samples using nephelometric techniques to determine which antimicrobial agents are most effective against a particular microorganism.