Abstract: A roller ball assembly is provided. The assembly includes a primary roller ball supported by a support element that is composed of a superhard material. The assembly includes a cup defining a cavity within which the support element is positioned. A cap is coupled with the cup and positioned to retain the primary roller ball within the cavity. Also, a cup is disclosed for supporting roller halls. Additionally, disclosed are system and apparatus incorporating the assembly, as well as to methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: A clamping system for a planetary ball mill includes a base, a clamping lid, including a clamping mechanism configured to secure a grinding container between the base and the clamping mechanism, and a lid configured to pivot with respect to the base from a closed position to an open position, wherein in the open position the grinding container is removable from the clamping system. The system further includes a rotatable arm configured to pivot between a first and second position, wherein in the first position the rotatable arm prevents the clamping lid from rotation to the open position. The clamping system also includes a balancing system having a first counterweight, with a linkage system being coupled between the first counterweight and a carrier plate of the planetary ball mill, the linkage system allowing the first counterweight to move with respect to a rotational axis of the carrier plate.

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: 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: A safety shield suitable for removable attachment to a restraint chair. The shield, adjustable movably in a vertical position, characterized as a rigid, planar member adapted for removable attachment to a support member of an animal, restraining chair.

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.