Abstract: Mechanisms are provided for automatically removing tips from a pipette nozzle and/or for detecting the type of tip mounted to the nozzle. For detipping, mechanical energy is stored when the tip is mounted to the nozzle and is released when the tip is to be removed to facilitate removal thereof. A mechanism is preferably provided which limits the force with which the tip is mounted to the nozzle and an overforce mechanism may be provided to facilitate removal of a stuck tip. For detecting tip type, each tip type has a different base configuration which results in a different relative displacement between the nozzle and a surrounding component as a result of the tip contacting both during tip mounting, the difference in relative displacement being detected to identify tip type.

Abstract: Mechanisms are provided for automatically removing tips from a pipette nozzle and/or for detecting the type of tip mounted to the nozzle. For detipping, mechanical energy is stored when the tip is mounted to the nozzle and is released when the tip is to be removed to facilitate removal thereof. A mechanism is preferably provided which limits the force with which the tip is mounted to the nozzle and an overforce mechanism may be provided to facilitate removal of a stuck tip. For detecting tip type, each tip type has a different base configuration which results in a different relative displacement between the nozzle and a surrounding component as a result of the tip contacting both during tip mounting, the difference in relative displacement being detected to identify tip type.

Abstract: A device and method for protection of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control circuits. The device includes a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) member which is a multi-use, non-bulky, element which will reset after tripping without requiring the user to access the device. The device also includes a pair of connective members to provide the external electrical interface for the device, such that the PTC member is disposed between and in electrical contact with the connective members. Each embodiment also includes a protective member covering portions of the PTC member and connective members chosen or formed sufficient to insulate a user from contact with electrical hazard and sufficient to protect the device from electrical and physical contact which would affect its performance or the performance of the HVAC control circuit to be protected.

Abstract: A voltage surge suppression system for the protection of electronic equipment from damage from voltage surges and voltage transients has at least one metal oxide varistor electrically connected to a primary power source; a transformer; at least one second metal oxide varistor electronically connected between said transmission interceptor and a power circuit board; and a circuit opener electronically connected between the a transformer and power circuit board; wherein the a transformer is connected between the primary power source and second metal oxide varistor. The circuit opener is a resettable breaker for protecting the transformer from surges greater than the rated value of the second metal oxide varistor by opening in order to close off current flow.

Abstract: In a method of preparing a treated clay product, clay is heated such that kalinite in the clay is converted to metakaolin, substantially no mullite being formed. The treated product may be combined with raw ball clay and/or china clay to provide compositions suitable for use in manufacturing china articles. The casting compositions enable the casting step to be accelerated and are particularly suitable for use in pressurized casting methods.