Abstract: A lens stage for use in a scanning system is provided. In certain embodiments, the lens stage comprises: a) a support comprising a first rail and a second rail, in which the first rail and the second rail are mounted to the support in parallel; and b) a linearly moveable lens assembly comprising: i) a voice coil comprising a moving coil that moves in a direction parallel to the rails; ii) a lens; iii) a bracket that is attached to: a) the moving coil and b) the lens, and moveably engaged with the rails via a set of bearing cars; and iv) means to reduce force exerted on the set of bearing cars due to thermal expansion of the moving coil.

Abstract: A lens stage for use in a scanning system is provided. In certain embodiments, the lens stage comprises: a) a support comprising a first rail and a second rail, in which the first rail and the second rail are mounted to the support in parallel; and b) a linearly moveable lens assembly comprising: i) a voice coil comprising a moving coil that moves in a direction parallel to the rails; ii) a lens; iii) a bracket that is attached to: a) the moving coil and b) the lens, and moveably engaged with the rails via a set of bearing cars; and iv) means to reduce force exerted on the set of bearing cars due to thermal expansion of the moving coil.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer readable media for identifying print errors caused by erroneous print pattern data received at the printhead of a printer. Methods, systems and computer readable media are also provided for preventing printing according to erroneous printing pattern data received at the printhead. Methods, systems and computer readable media are provided for enhancing the printing speed of a system adapted to identify or prevent printing errors. Further, methods and systems for providing delayed clocking are used for accurate clocking of a printing signal that is sent back from the printhead to the printhead controller for purposes of comparison with a locally stored set of printhead pattern data.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for containing and processing samples on the surface of supports. Biopolymer features are attached to the surfaces of the supports. A device in accordance with the invention comprises a housing and a support confined by the housing. The housing comprises a well having walls and at least one wall extending from the edge of the well. The height of the walls of the well is at least great enough, and the design of the at least one wall is such, that liquid contained in the well is not drawn out of the well to any substantial degree by surface tension or small movements or small mechanical vibrations. In one embodiment, the at least one wall is designed such that corners thereof are curved or are distant from the edge of the well to substantially eliminate wicking of liquid from the well. Also disclosed are methods for mixing materials on the surface of a support. A sample is incubated with the surface of the support of the aforementioned device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for processing samples on the surface of supports that are contained in support housings. Biopolymer features are attached to the surfaces of the supports. An apparatus comprises an input element, a holding device for holding a plurality of support housings, one or more fluid dispensing stations, and an output element. Each of the support housings contains a support having attached thereto a plurality of biopolymer features. The holding device is movably mounted with respect to other components of the apparatus. The holding device is adapted to receive a support housing from the input element. The output element is adapted to receive a support housing from the holding device. The apparatus is adapted to index each support housing for a predetermined operation. In use, each of the support housings is moved to one or more processing stations by means of the movable holding device. The location and identity of each of the support housings is indexed.

Abstract: A pulse jet head diagnostic system is provided for a pulse jet biopolymeric array fabrication device. The system and associated method enable electrically monitoring signals produced or output by a driver for effecting droplet ejection from an ejection head spaced from a substrate surface and during movement relative to the substrate surface onto the substrate surface. Real-time errors in performance may be reported, or results simply recorded for post-fabrication quality control. Quality control checking may be performed in-process during array fabrication or the systems described may be used as off-line diagnostic tools for ejection elements and/or fire pulse aspects of an array fabrication system. A computer program product that can execute the foregoing methodology and/or provide results of the same is also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for processing samples on the surface of supports that are contained in support housings. Biopolymer features are attached to the surfaces of the supports. An apparatus comprises an input element, a holding device for holding a plurality of support housings, one or more fluid dispensing stations, and an output element. Each of the support housings contains a support having attached thereto a plurality of biopolymer features. The holding device is movably mounted with respect to other components of the apparatus. The holding device is adapted to receive a support housing from the input element. The output element is adapted to receive a support housing from the holding device. The apparatus is adapted to index each support housing for a predetermined operation. In use, each of the support housings is moved to one or more processing stations by means of the movable holding device. The location and identity of each of the support housings is indexed.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for containing and processing samples on the surface of supports. Biopolymer features are attached to the surfaces of the supports. A device in accordance with the invention comprises a housing and a support confined by the housing. The housing comprises a well having walls and at least one wall extending from the edge of the well. The height of the walls of the well is at least great enough, and the design of the at least one wall is such, that liquid contained in the well is not drawn out of the well to any substantial degree by surface tension or small movements or small mechanical vibrations. In one embodiment, the at least one wall is designed such that corners thereof are curved or are distant from the edge of the well to substantially eliminate wicking of liquid from the well. Also disclosed are methods for mixing materials on the surface of a support. A sample is incubated with the surface of the support of the aforementioned device.