Abstract: The present invention is directed to terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) variants from a variety of species which have been engineered for increase compactness and enhanced efficiency in incorporating reversibly blocked nucleoside triphosphates into a polynucleotide, especially polynucleotides attached porous solid supports. The invention includes use of such TdTs for synthesizing polynucleotides of any predetermined sequence.

Abstract: Processing specimens in an automated histological staining system comprising robotically moving a slide carrier into a stainer of the system, the slide carrier carrying slides which respectively carry the specimens, and the specimens being at least partially embedded in paraffin. Liquids are automatically dispensed onto the slides according to a predetermined recipe for at least deparaffinizing, staining, and counterstaining the specimens. The slide carrier can be robotically moved out of the stainer after automatically dispensing the liquids. In some embodiments, a total of all liquid dispensed onto the slides after moving the slide carrier into the stainer and before moving the slide carrier out of the stainer has a greater volumetric concentration of polyol than of monohydric alcohol.

Abstract: Processing specimens in an automated histological staining system comprising robotically moving a slide carrier into a stainer of the system, the slide carrier carrying slides which respectively carry the specimens, and the specimens being at least partially embedded in paraffin. Liquids are automatically dispensed onto the slides according to a predetermined recipe for at least deparaffinizing, staining, and counterstaining the specimens. The slide carrier can be robotically moved out of the stainer after automatically dispensing the liquids. In some embodiments, a total of all liquid dispensed onto the slides after moving the slide carrier into the stainer and before moving the slide carrier out of the stainer has a greater volumetric concentration of polyol than of monohydric alcohol.

Abstract: Processing specimens in an automated histological staining system comprising robotically moving a slide carrier into a stainer of the system, the slide carrier carrying slides which respectively carry the specimens, and the specimens being at least partially embedded in paraffin. Liquids are automatically dispensed onto the slides according to a predetermined recipe for at least deparaffinizing, staining, and counterstaining the specimens. The slide carrier can be robotically moved out of the stainer after automatically dispensing the liquids. In some embodiments, a total of all liquid dispensed onto the slides after moving the slide carrier into the stainer and before moving the slide carrier out of the stainer has a greater volumetric concentration of polyol than of monohydric alcohol.

Abstract: A heat shield for a thrust bearing assembly of a pump. The heat shield includes a member having an inner surface and an outer surface. A raised flange is formed on a perimeter of the inner surface. The raised flange is configured to seal with a back surface of a thrust shoe holder, and form a cavity between the inner surface and the back surface of the thrust shoe holder. At least one weep hole is on the flange. The weep hole is configured to allow water to enter the cavity to form an insulating stagnant water layer.

Abstract: A heat shield for a thrust bearing assembly of a pump. The heat shield includes a member having an inner surface and an outer surface. A raised flange is formed on a perimeter of the inner surface. The raised flange is configured to seal with a back surface of a thrust shoe holder, and form a cavity between the inner surface and the back surface of the thrust shoe holder. At least one weep hole is on the flange. The weep hole is configured to allow water to enter the cavity to form an insulating stagnant water layer.

Abstract: Processing specimens in an automated histological staining system comprising robotically moving a slide carrier into a stainer of the system, the slide carrier carrying slides which respectively carry the specimens, and the specimens being at least partially embedded in paraffin. Liquids are automatically dispensed onto the slides according to a predetermined recipe for at least deparaffinizing, staining, and counterstaining the specimens. The slide carrier can be robotically moved out of the stainer after automatically dispensing the liquids. In some embodiments, a total of all liquid dispensed onto the slides after moving the slide carrier into the stainer and before moving the slide carrier out of the stainer has a greater volumetric concentration of polyol than of monohydric alcohol.

Abstract: A preload assembly for a thrust bearing. The preload assembly includes a carrier plate having a central annular protrusion, wherein the annular protrusion has an inner diameter and an outer diameter; an inner disc spring; an outer disc spring; and a housing having an annular channel for housing the carrier plate, the inner disc spring, and the outer disc spring.