Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, devices and systems for associating consumable data with an assay consumable used in a biological assay. Provided are assay systems and associated consumables, wherein the assay system adjusts one or more steps of an assay protocol based on consumable data specific for that consumable. Various types of consumable data are described, as well as methods of using such data in the conduct of an assay by an assay system. The present invention also relates to consumables (e.g., kits and reagent containers), software, data deployable bundles, computer-readable media, loading carts, instruments, systems, and methods, for performing automated biological assays.

Abstract: A concrete column form aligning apparatus is useful for homeowners building decks, sheds or other structures or commercial builders making bridges, parking garages or other structures having column forms. The aligning apparatus comprises a plurality of platforms configured to engage a circumference of the concrete column form each having a securing device to fix and center each platform around the circumference of the concrete column form. Each of the apparatuses have at least one attachment bracket affixed at a predetermined angle, where the attachment brackets on each form linearly aligned at the proper angle with respect to the other attachment bracket on the other platform. A connector mechanism may be secured in the attachment bracket be using joining pieces at a designated length that secures and aligns the forms at the proper position.

Abstract: A concrete column form aligning apparatus is useful for homeowners building decks, sheds or other structures or commercial builders making bridges, parking garages or other structures having column forms. The aligning apparatus comprises a plurality of platforms configured to engage a circumference of the concrete column form each having a securing device to fix and center each platform around the circumference of the concrete column form. Each of the apparatuses have at least one attachment bracket affixed at a predetermined angle, where the attachment brackets on each form linearly aligned at the proper angle with respect to the other attachment bracket on the other platform. A connector mechanism may be secured in the attachment bracket be using joining pieces at a designated length that secures and aligns the forms at the proper position.

Abstract: A bird counter capable of separating, detecting, and counting birds. A counterrotating rotor mechanism having flexible fingers receives the birds into a space between the rotors substantially one at a time to separate the birds. The counterrotating rotor mechanism expels the birds from the space substantially one at a time. A fiber optic bird detecting system detects the number of expelled birds after the birds have been separated by the counterrotating rotors.

Abstract: A poultry container comprises a frame assembly defining an interior space, and at least one loading door having one end pivotally mounted on the frame assembly of the poultry container. The frame assembly has an opening accessing the interior space to enable the loading of poultry into the poultry container. The door is mounted on the frame assembly to situate the door in the access opening. The loading door is operable to pivot between an open position in which a free end of the door is positioned in the interior space and a closed position in which the door substantially blocks the access opening of the poultry container. The poultry container further includes a mechanism for biasing the loading door in the closed position. A mechanism restricts the free end of the loading door from swinging outwardly away from the poultry container.

Abstract: A poultry harvester capable of capturing poultry on a generally horizontal plane, such as the floor of a poultry house, and transferring a predetermined number of captured poultry to a compartment of a cage having a plurality of compartments. A capturing mechanism captures the poultry and provides it to a conveying mechanism for conveying the captured poultry. A counting mechanism counts the captured poultry. A depositing mechanism deposits the conveyed poultry into each of the compartments of the cage under the control of a CPU responsive to the counting mechanism. The CPU controls the depositing mechanism to deposit in each of the compartments the predetermined number of poultry as counted by the counting mechanism. A method for harvesting poultry is also disclosed.