Abstract: Methods for analyzing DNA-containing samples are provided. The methods can comprise isolating a single genomic equivalent of DNA from the DNA-containing sample to provide a single isolated DNA molecule. The single isolated DNA molecule can be subjected to amplification conditions in the presence of one or more sets of unique molecularly tagged primers to provide one or more amplicons. Any spurious allelic sequences generated during the amplification process are tagged with an identical molecular tag. The methods can also include a step of determining the sequence of the one or more amplicons, in which the majority sequence for each code is selected as the sequence of the single original encapsulated target. The DNA-containing sample can be a forensic sample (e.g., mixed contributor sample), a fetal genetic screening sample, or a biological cell.

Abstract: Mounted at every other intersection of the deflection planes of the ink droplets issued by a multi-nozzle printhead of a pagewidth continuous stream ink printer are two-dimensional differential optical sensors. These sensors are located near the printing plane and gutters of the printer and comprise first and second input optical fibers, each having one end coupled to a common light source and the other free ends directing light towards aligned confronting free ends of respective associated pairs of output optical fibers. One of the input fibers and its associated pair of output fibers are inclined with respect to the other, though both input fibers and their associated pair of output fibers are either coplanar or contiguous with the same plane.

Abstract: A ink jet printer having a reciprocating printhead with a single jet to print full pages of information on a recording medium by printing contiguous swaths of information. The recording medium is stepped a distance of one swath height after each swath is printed. A height control sensor is located on one side of the recording medium to receive periodically one or more sweeps of test droplets. The height control sensor has upper and lower pairs of photodetectors to detect droplets passing thereby and to produce differential sensing signals which identify the droplet having a trajectory closest to the desired trajectory. By determining the number of droplets between the identified droplets, the interdroplet spacing and drift of the droplet trajectories is monitored. In response to the height control sensor signals, the printer controller with associated circuitry adjusts the operating parameters of the printer to correct and to maintain the desired droplet trajectories and interdroplet spacings.