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 shaped fish hook guard designed to enclose various sized fish hooks or gangs of fish hooks pivotally suspended from a lure. The fishook guard is made of hard plastic that comprises a slotted casing through which the shank of a fish hook can be slid and a snap on cover extending partially over an open end of a pair of opposite coincident slots. Where the lure is not used, a fishing line passes through a slot to be attached to the shank of a single pronged hook.

Abstract: A shaped fish hook guard designed to enclose various sized fish hooks or gangs of fish hooks pivotally suspended from a lure. The fishook guard is made of hard plastic that comprises a slotted casing through which the shank of a fish hook can be slid and a snap on cover extending partially over an open end of a pair of opposite coincident slots. Where the lure is not used, a fishing line passes through a slot to be attached to the shank of a single pronged hook.

Abstract: A coupling mechanism for mounting a sample accessory assembly into a spectrometer. The accessory assembly, on which is mountable a sample to be analyzed by a spectrometer, has connecter ends which are insertable into stirrups on the sample compartment of the spectrometer. The connector ends and the stirrups have elements that ensure that the accessory assembly is properly aligned in the sample compartment of the spectrometer. The accessory assembly also has an electronic component, such as a circuit or programmable microchip, that is connected to the spectrometer when the accessory is mounted in the spectrometer. The electronic component provides information to the spectrometer identifying the accessory assembly being used so that a diagnostic test of the spectrometer can be performed to ascertain, for example, proper mounting of the accessory assembly in the spectrometer.

Abstract: A multipurpose game device comprises a stand having a plurality of detachable standards, each standard containg a webbed hoop with a central aperture and a plurality of plastic spider balls with colored streamers. The balls can be tossed into one of the respective targets in the hoops by the designated player or any one of the standards with its hoop can be detached from the stand with the standard being used as a mallet for hitting one of the plastic balls into a hoop positioned on the ground as in golf, or all of the hoops can be stacked together to form a vertical support with a hoop on the elevated stack for playing basketball. Baseball would be played outdoors with four standards forming a diamond. The homeplate standard would be without a hoop and serves to hold the spiderball, which would be hit with a lightweight bat.

Abstract: A pet entrance pager in the form of a channel like member designed to be fitted over the vertical edge of a door and held tightly against the sides by a non-skid material. The rear of the channel is fitted with an alarm assembly activated by a cover plate spring mounted on one of the channel sides and having a switch, which when activated by an animal pushing on the cover plate trips the alarm assembly. To attract the animal the pager is sprayed with scent. In the event the door is not of standard size inserts are placed channel and the door.

Abstract: A roundabout adapted for play or exercise in the yard using one or a plurality of bicycles secured by top and bottom mounting assemblies to a mounting post rotatable about a fixed post solidly implanted in the ground. The bike or bikes are fastened to mounting assemblies by straps and can be readily disassembled by simply unbuckling the straps. The ground post can be removed and the same placed in another area of the yard. Motive power is supplied by a small wheel placed exteriorly of the front bike wheel and fastened on the bottom mounting assembly.

Abstract: A water damage preventer pan has a horizontal support arrangement for an appliance to be set down on but a bottom sloped to a drain, and an unusually sturdy construction; the construction is of unitary plastic and the horizontal support arrangement includes a plurality of blocks inside the perimeter buttressing a rim outside them, both joining a bottom which is wedge-shaped in section so that it can rest flat on a floor but can drain rapidly down a good slope.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for detecting the position of the pointer of a gauge. The system includes a stationary light source which is positioned adjacent the pointer. A lens receives the light from the light source and redirects the light in at least one elongated light beam directed toward the pointer. In the preferred embodiment, the light source is located along the pointer's axis of rotation and the lens bends the light rays 90.degree. to form at least one arcuate light beam. A plurality of elongated light beams can be used and variations of different shapes of light beams can readily be used by so designing the lens means. A light sensitive detector is positionable in the gauge itself and is movable along a guided path on the opposite side of the pointer than is the light source. The guided path generally follows the particular shape of light beams that is directed toward the needle.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for detecting the position of the pointer of a gauge. The system includes a stationary light source which is positioned adjacent the pointer. A lens receives the light from the light source and redirects the light in at least one elongated light beam directed toward the pointer. In the preferred embodiment, the light source is located along the pointer's axis of rotation and the lens bends the light rays 90.degree. to form at least one arcuate light beam. A plurality of elongated light beams can be used and variations of different shapes of light beams can readily be used by so designing the lens means. A light sensitive detector is positionable in the gauge itself and is movable along a guided path on the opposite side of the pointer than is the light source. The guided path generally follows the particular shape of light beams that is directed toward the needle.