Abstract: The present invention provides devices, apparatuses and methods for automated processing of biological samples. This invention provides automated devices and automated methods of sequentially treating a biological sample with processing fluids in more than one washing basin. In some embodiments, the invention provides automated devices and automated methods of western blot processing. In some embodiments, the invention provides automated devices and automated methods of Southern blot processing. In some embodiments, the invention provides automated devices and automated methods of northern blot processing. In some embodiments, the invention provides automated devices and automated methods of staining biomolecules on solid supports. In some embodiments, the invention provides automated devices and automated methods of nucleic acid separation and isolation.

Abstract: An imaging device with micro-scale optical structures comprises a plurality of display units, where each display unit comprises a plurality of micro-scale optical structures, and each micro-scale optical structure comprises a convex part, a planar part, and base part. The convex part is positioned on the base part and has an arc surface, where the arc surface comprises a left side arc face and a right side arc face for reflecting oblique incident lights from the left or the right to form a reflected light toward the front. And different arrangements of micro-scale optical structures are used for reflecting left side and right side incident lights to display different characters or images.

Abstract: A method of producing magnesium alloy strip, suitable for use in the production of magnesium alloy sheet by rolling reduction and heat treatment, involves casting magnesium alloy as strip, using a twin roll casting installation. In the casting, the thickness and temperature of the strip exiting from between rolls of the installation are controlled whereby the strip has a microstructure characterised by a primary phase having a form selected from deformed dendritic, equiaxed dendritic and a mixture of deformed and equiaxed dendritic forms. The resultant strip is amenable to production of sheet material by application of a homogenizing heat treatment followed by rolling and annealing.

Abstract: A process for the production of magnesium alloy strip, by twin roll casting, includes the steps of passing molten alloy from a source of supply to a feeding device; feeding the alloy from the feeding device through an elongate outlet of a nozzle and a pair of substantially parallel rolls spaced to define a bite therebetween; rotating said rolls whereby alloy is drawn from the chamber through the bite; and flowing coolant fluid through each roll and thereby cool alloy received in the chamber by heat energy extraction by the rolls whereby substantially complete solidification of the alloy is achieved in the chamber prior to alloy passing through the bite as hot rolled alloy strip.