Abstract: The present invention relates to an adapter containing a filter that can be used with pipetting devices, particularly robotic pipetting devices, to efficiently connect the pipetting device to pipette tips with minimal distortion of the pipette tip. The present invention also relates to a process and a system of using an adapter containing a filter that can be used with pipetting devices, particularly robotic pipetting devices, to assemble the adapter together with an unfiltered pipette tip on the site of application. The adapter and pipette tip are each stackable for saving space at the work station.

Abstract: Caps having porous elements that act as a vent to facilitate cooling of hot fluids stored in containers. Certain embodiments comprise a cap that may be affixed to a container filled with a hot fluid. The cap may include a porous element that allows air to enter the container during the cooling process, but also prevents the introduction of microbes and bacteria into the container. The cap may include a through hole, chamber, or recessed area to receive and secure the porous element. In certain embodiments the porous element may comprise a sintered composite material with thermoplastic particles and either metal particles and/or metal powder. In other embodiments, the porous element may comprise a layered structure. The layers may include a combination of the sintered composite material, a metallic layer, or various porous layers.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods addressing the problems and disadvantages associated with orienting articles prior to disposition in a housing. Compositions and methods of the present invention, in some embodiments, can provide articles with the proper orientation for disposition in a housing without the encumbrances associated with hand assembly, such as increased production time and increased potential for contamination. As a result, manufacturers and users of products comprising polymeric articles disposed in housings are no longer restricted to the use of articles having isotropic shapes and homogeneous properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides inexpensive pipettes and related structures offering high precision while minimizing the effects of operator error and chances of cross-contamination. In one embodiment, a pipette comprises a suction apparatus and a hollow body comprising a sample collection chamber, the sample collection chamber open at a first end and closed by a porous barrier material intermediate to or at a second end opposite the first end, wherein the suction apparatus is coupled to the hollow body.

Abstract: A container composed of semiflexible body and two semiflexible end caps wherein the body and the end portions fit together in a rigid manner to provide a rigid container. Although a firm latching between the body and the end caps is afforded, they can be disassembled if desired. In a preferred manner, the end caps are composed of a semiflexible plastic material, and the semiflexible body is composed of fiberboard. The container is durable so that several of the units can be stacked upon each other. It also offers versatility in that the fiberboard body can be divided with different panel portions so as to afford a display type container.

Abstract: A detachable two-part lid for a container wherein oppositely positioned wire members hold the two parts of the lid together when separated from the container and also provide a captured hinging of the lid parts when they are positioned on the container. In a preferred manner, a slot is provided in a guide and a gooseneck portion is provided in the wire members, so as to afford a wire rentention feature when the gooseneck portion is moved outwardly from the slot.

Abstract: A traverse rod having a reversible torque responsive motor-drive assembly for operating the traverse rod. The motor-drive assembly includes a stationary casing fixed to the rod and a movable casing mounted in the stationary casing for angular movement relative thereto about a turn axis. A reversible DC motor in the movable casing is connected through a planetary gear speed reducer to a traverse cord drive wheel for applying driving torque thereto. The movable casing is arranged to turn about the turn axis in opposition to the torque applied to the drive wheel and is yieldable urged angularly about the turn axis toward a preselected neutral position relative to the stationary casing. The motor-drive assembly has a torque responsive motor control including stationary brush contacts fixed on the stationary casing and adapted for connection to a power supply and movable electrically conductive segments fixed on the movable casing and electrically connected to the motor.

Abstract: A printed circuit board holder assembly which is readily adaptable to being used in tote boxes for automatic handling of the circuit boards. The holder assembly is infinitely adjustable with respect to the circuit boards so as to permit precise position holding for robotic handling. The holder assembly includes an end cap slide member which is held in a restrained manner with respect to a slotted face plate and a movable cap body to which is attached a divider plate for holding the printed circuit board. In one embodiment, a threaded shaft is carried by the cap body engages threads on the cap slide member to effect incremental adjustment of the divider plate with respect to the circuit board. In another embodiment, a ratchet arrangement is provided between the cap slide member and the movable cap body to effect the incremental adjustment.

Abstract: A vertical venetian blind of the type in which carriages having rotatable slat carriers are mounted for movement along a horizontal support channel and in which the slat carriers on the several carriages are simultaneously rotated by means of a shaft extending longitudinally of the channel. The shaft drive mechanism includes a planetary type gear mechanism mounted in the channel in-line with the operating shaft to drivingly interconnect a drive sprocket at the end of the housing to the shaft with a relatively high speed reduction.

Abstract: A venetian blind mechanism having a lead and a plurality of auxiliary carriers supported for traversing movement along a header and vane supports mounted on the auxiliary carriers for turning about an upright axis for light control. An operating chain is connected intermediate its ends to the lead carrier and has chain portions extending lengthwise of the header in meshing engagement with sprockets on the auxiliary carriers to control spacing between the auxiliary carriers and to effect rotation of the vane supports. The header has telescoping sections to enable adjustment of the length of the header. The trackway is located at the rear side of the header.

Abstract: A modular terminal for fast and secure installation of a wire pair insuring electrical isolation of each wire in utility interface equipment requiring a large number of such installing operations is supported by a boss of insulating material. A pair of continuous contact pins are each formed with two-pronged wire clamps having a wire-receiving slot between the prongs. The contact pins extend into the housing in spaced apart positions with the lower prongs seated on the boss and the wire-receiving slots for the pair opening in the same direction. A cap is seated on the upper prongs of the wire clamps and is fastened to the boss with a terminal screw that is advanced to simultaneously secure a pair of conductors held in the wire-receiving slots.