Abstract: A system synchronizes a PC exhibiting latency of operations to a biosensor enabled microcontroller with real-time clock by providing an encoding scheme that captures the subject's absolute reaction time transmits the subject's reaction time from the PC exhibiting latency to the microcontroller with real-time clock. The system includes a transmitter that transmits a stimulus signal from the PC exhibiting latency, an input device indicating the subject's response to the stimulus signal, an encoding circuit adapted to encode a difference in time between the stimulus signal and the subject's response to the stimulus signal, an emitter adapted to transmit the encoded difference signal representing the subject's reaction time, and a complementary receiver adapted to detect the encoded difference signal.

Abstract: A system synchronizes a PC exhibiting latency of operations to a biosensor enabled microcontroller with real-time clock by providing an encoding scheme that captures the subject's absolute reaction time transmits the subject's reaction time from the PC exhibiting latency to the microcontroller with real-time clock. The system includes a transmitter that transmits a stimulus signal from the PC exhibiting latency, an input device indicating the subject's response to the stimulus signal, an encoding circuit adapted to encode a difference in time between the stimulus signal and the subject's response to the stimulus signal, an emitter adapted to transmit the encoded difference signal representing the subject's reaction time, and a complementary receiver adapted to detect the encoded difference signal.

Abstract: A multi-modal physiological assessment device and method enables the simultaneous recording and then subsequent analysis of multiple data streams of biological signal measurements to assess the health and function of the brain. The multi-modal assessment system includes at least one channel of EEG brainwave data in combination with cognitive information that provide a two-dimensional data stream of (x(t), y(t)) of cognitive information; voice recordings; motion, position, and stability data; galvanic skin conductance; temperature of the subject; pulse-oximetry data, cerebral blood perfusion data, vaso-motor reactivity data, and the like. The collected data is processed to construct candidate features extracted from multiple biological sensor data streams and correlated with multi-modal signatures to identify data indicative of brain health, disease and injury.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved method for measuring the volume of an animal paw, suitable for use in a rat paw edema assay. Also disclosed is a novel apparatus for measuring the volume of liquid displaced by the insertion of an object into a liquid filled cup (1) which is on a cup holder basin (3), the liquid filled cup and cup holder basin being inside a rectangular support assembly (5), the measurement obtained by determining the buoyant force produced as a result of the displacement of the liquid by the animal paw.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved method for measuring the volume of an animal paw, suitable for use in a rat paw edema assay. Also disclosed is a novel apparatus for measuring the volume of liquid displaced by the insertion of an object into a liquid filled cup (1) which is on a cup holder basin (3), the liquid filled cup and cup holder basin being inside a rectangular support assembly (5), the measurement obtained by determining the buoyant force produced as a result of the displacement of the liquid by the animal paw.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for streaking a sample on a media-coated (agar) plate in a predefined pattern utilizing a plate carousel system to house and retrieve a plate to a fixed location, a streaking mechanism having a floating stylus having a tip capable of gliding over the agar surface and depositing a sample onto the surface of the agar, a sample dispensing system and an optional wash station.

Abstract: Methods of identifying activators and inhibitors of voltage-gated ion channels are provided in which the methods employ electrical field stimulation of the cells in order to manipulate the open/close state transition of the voltage-gated ion channels. This allows for more convenient, more precise experimental manipulation of these transitions, and, coupled with efficient methods of detecting the result of ion flux through the channels, provides methods that are especially suitable for high throughput screening.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for automatically, repetitively sampling blood from conscious animals. The apparatus can simultaneously extract blood from a number of conscious, catherized animals at programmable time intervals. The apparatus is characterized as a system of computer controlled valves and pumps connected by tubing filled with saline solution to a catherized animal. Blood samples are collected via a cannula from the animal and placed in a fraction collector for analyses.

Abstract: There is disclosed a pinch valve for allowing access to a sterile reaction vessel using a cannula. The valve remains closed until a cannula is inserted. Upon removal of the cannula, the valve automatically closes maintaining the sterile or otherwise controlled conditions of the reaction vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for securely gripping and holding a microplate or other containers during robotic de-lidding operations. A microplate placed on the apparatus is held by a vacuum drawn through the base thereof, allowing the lid of the microplate to be removed without movement of the plate. Afterwards, the vacuum can be discontinued and the plate removed from the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for automatically, repetitively sampling blood from conscious animals. The apparatus can simultaneously extract blood from a number of conscious, catherized animals at programmable time intervals. The apparatus is characterized as a system of computer controlled valves and pumps connected by tubing filled with saline solution to a catherized animal. Blood samples are collected via a cannula from the animal and placed in a fraction collector for analyses.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for the synthesis of combinatorial chemical libraries. The apparatus comprises a plurality of reaction vessels having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first opening, and a second opening. An agitator is contained within each of the reaction vessels for stimulating liquid circulation within the vessels. The apparatus has a common gas line having a plurality of gas outlet ports, where each of the reaction vessels has at least one gas outlet port positioned to feed into the vessel. The apparatus also has a common liquid line having a plurality of liquid outlet ports, where each of the reaction vessels has at least one liquid outlet port positioned to feed into the vessel. Each reaction vessel also has at least one valve coupled to the second opening on the vessel.

Abstract: A filter tube for a reaction or other fluid vessel is disclosed which maintains the vessel under an inert gas atmosphere and maintains the integrity of the inert gas seal while performing filtered or unfiltered filling or filtered draining operations.

Abstract: An access port for a reaction or other fluid vessel which maintains the vessel under an inert gas atmosphere and maintains the integrity of the inert gas seal while performing filtered filling or draining operations is presented. The port uses a deflected septum sealing technique. The invention can be used for a number of laboratory and clinical operations on a variety of size and shape vessels. The combination of the appropriate vessel with this access port is very well suited for use in lab automation systems, such as automated solid phase chemical synthesis, biological screening, combinatorial chemistry and other areas where reaction chemistry is conducted.

Abstract: An improved gripping and pinching device particularly useful with laboratory glassware and adaptable for use with a robot or automated system, is disclosed. The device uses flexible tubing as a gripper, eyedropper pincher and as a pinch valve which biases and releases test tubes, vials or the like upon removal and application of a vacuum or pressurizing means.

Abstract: A disposable transportable reactor vessel can be prepared by modifying an eye-dropper pipette. A HDPE plug is inserted in one end of the pipette to permit selective passage of fluid while preventing resin flow. The pipette is looped into the shape of a u-tube and inserted into a holder such that the pipette is axially aligned with the holder to facilitate use in a robotic system.

Abstract: An electronic readout for a rotameter flow gauge which includes means for optically scanning a rotameter flow gauge and determining the position of a float within the rotameter.