Abstract: A media control console is described which comprises a lectern type housing, one or more media electronics modules mounted within the lectern type housing, and an umbilical cable carrying electrical power to the media electronics modules and/or control signals to and/or from the media electronics modules. The umbilical cable is durably attachable or permanently attached to the media control console and a fixed electrical installation external to the console.

Abstract: A liquid transfer pin is disclosed for transferring controlled volumes of a liquid from a distal end thereof to a substrate. The liquid transfer pin may be a ceramic, capillary pin. The pin of this invention may be used in micro-array printing. The capillary has a diameter which is at a minimum at the tip of the pin, but may be of uniform diameter along the whole length of the pin. A distal portion of the capillary may be selectively open in at least one radial direction to overcome problems associated with blocking. A robotic device for automatically filling the capillary pin of a liquid transfer tool is also disclosed. The robotic device fills the pin by lowering it into a source of liquid. The robotic device may include means for detecting the depth to which the capillary pin is dipped into the source of liquid. The robotic device also may be programmed to determine the length of time which the tip of the pin is to be held in the source of liquid.