Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to improved methods, compositions, and systems for detecting, quantifying, and characterizing genomic sequences from heterogeneous genomic samples. The disclosed methods include providing a unique molecular identifier to the initial target sequences prior to amplification and addition of indexing barcodes. The methods, compositions, and systems can be employed to accurately detect and quantify operational taxonomic units from heterogeneous samples and further to detect sequencing errors, e.g., chimeric sequences, which may occur during the development and sequencing of the library.

Abstract: A collapsible valve bridge actuation system that is configured to alter the lift of poppet valves in a reciprocating piston machine cylinder. The system has a rocker arm configured to be actuated by a cam lobe, and a collapsible valve bridge device that is functionally attached to the rocker arm. The device has a deactivation assembly that contains lock pins within a housing and springs. Also, the device is configured to remain rigid, partially collapse, or fully collapse. The extent of collapse is a function of the strength of the springs.

Abstract: A magnetically engaged pump includes a pump housing with a rotatable magnetic drive assembly, a cylindrical canister and a rotatable driven magnet assembly. This magnetic coupling is associated with a pump rotor and a laterally positioned gear wheel to define a gear pump. This magnetic coupling is alternatively associated with a pump rotor with an impeller to define a centrifugal pump. Either pump includes a stationary shaft to mount the driven magnet assembly and pump rotor. A rotatable carrier with bushings and thrust bushings coaxially supports the rotatable driven magnet assembly and pump rotor.

Abstract: A magnetically engaged pump includes a pump housing with a rotatable magnetic drive assembly, a cylindrical canister and a rotatable driven magnet assembly. This magnetic coupling is associated with a pump rotor and a laterally positioned gear wheel to define a gear pump. This magnetic coupling is alternatively associated with a pump rotor with an impeller to define a centrifugal pump. Either pump includes a stationary shaft to mount the driven magnet assembly and pump rotor. A rotatable carrier with bushings and thrust bushings coaxially supports the rotatable driven magnet assembly and pump rotor.

Abstract: A magnetically engaged pump includes a pump housing with a rotatable magnetic drive assembly, a cylindrical canister and a rotatable driven magnet assembly. This magnetic coupling is associated with a pump rotor and a laterally positioned gear wheel to define a gear pump. This magnetic coupling is alternatively associated with a pump rotor with an impeller to define a centrifugal pump. Either pump includes a stationary shaft to mount the driven magnet assembly and pump rotor. A rotatable carrier with bushings and thrust bushings coaxially supports the rotatable driven magnet assembly and pump rotor.

Abstract: A magnetically engaged pump includes a pump housing with a rotatable magnetic drive assembly, a cylindrical canister and a rotatable driven magnet assembly. This magnetic coupling is associated with a pump rotor and a laterally positioned gear wheel to define a gear pump. This magnetic coupling is alternatively associated with a pump rotor with an impeller to define a centrifugal pump. Either pump includes a stationary shaft to mount the driven magnet assembly and pump rotor. A rotatable carrier with bushings and thrust bushings coaxially supports the rotatable driven magnet assembly and pump rotor.

Abstract: A magnetically engaged pump includes a pump housing with a rotatable magnetic drive assembly, a cylindrical canister and a rotatable driven magnet assembly. This magnetic coupling is associated with a pump rotor and a laterally positioned gear wheel to define a gear pump. This magnetic coupling is alternatively associated with a pump rotor with an impeller to define a centrifugal pump. Either pump includes a stationary shaft to mount the driven magnet assembly and pump rotor. A rotatable carrier with bushings and thrust bushings coaxially supports the rotatable driven magnet assembly and pump rotor.

Abstract: A magnetically engaged pump includes a pump housing with a rotatable magnetic drive assembly, a cylindrical canister and a rotatable driven magnet assembly. This magnetic coupling is associated with a pump rotor and a laterally positioned gear wheel to define a gear pump. This magnetic coupling is alternatively associated with a pump rotor with an impeller to define a centrifugal pump. Either pump includes a stationary shaft to mount the driven magnet assembly and pump rotor. A rotatable carrier with bushings and thrust bushings coaxially supports the rotatable driven magnet assembly and pump rotor.

Abstract: Systems are provided for electromagnetic actuation of a valve mechanism. A valve is linearly moveable between a first closed position and a second open position. A first spring is compressed when the valve is in the first closed position, and a second valve spring is compressed when the valve is in the second open position. An electromagnetic actuation assembly and a permanent magnet is combined with the valve, such that the valve is latchable in either a closed or open position, and is readily movable between positions through application of energy to the electromagnetic circuitry. The electromagnetic circuitry is controllable to increase or decrease the local magnetic flux, such as to promote movement of the valve, or to provide a soft landing of the valve at either end of movement. Some system embodiments provide energy recovery, feed back, and/or feed forward sensing and control.

Abstract: Systems are provided for electromagnetic actuation of a valve mechanism. A valve is linearly moveable between a first closed position and a second open position. A first spring is compressed when the valve is in the first closed position, and a second valve spring is compressed when the valve is in the second open position. An electromagnetic actuation assembly and a permanent magnet is combined with the valve, such that the valve is latchable in either a closed or open position, and is readily movable between positions through application of energy to the electromagnetic circuitry. The electromagnetic circuitry is controllable to increase or decrease the local magnetic flux, such as to promote movement of the valve, or to provide a soft landing of the valve at either end of movement. Some system embodiments provide energy recovery, feed back, and/or feed forward sensing and control.