Abstract: An article including a multi-well plate that has an infrared radiation (“IR”) reflective coating disposed over the surface of the wells. In some embodiments, the wells have a parabolic or near parabolic shape. In additional embodiments, the wells, which have a parabolic or near parabolic shape, are truncated at or near a focal plane of the well. In some further embodiments, the wells have a hemispheric shape or a truncated hemispheric shape. IR imaging systems that incorporate the multi-well plates described herein exhibit improved sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio.

Abstract: An imager for imaging visible-spectrum electromagnetic radiation that is emitted from reagents due to the occurrence of cellular, physiological or molecular events. The imager includes a detector for detecting the emitted visible-spectrum electromagnetic radiation. The detector is situated in the immediate proximity of a specimen plate that receives the reagents. In some embodiments, the gap between the reagents and the detector is less than about 7 millimeters. In some embodiments, there are no optics present in between the reagents and the detector that would otherwise focus the emitted light on the detector.

Abstract: A method for photoeluting photocleavable linker-attached chemical compounds, and an apparatus suitable for implementing the method, are disclosed. According to the method, photocleavable linker-attached library compounds are photoeluted from solid support media under conditions of controlled light exposure and controlled temperature. An apparatus suitable for carrying out the present photoelution method includes means for substantially evenly illuminating the photocleavable linker, means for controlling illumination time and intensity, and means for controlling sample temperature.

Abstract: A method for photoeluting photocleavable linker-attached chemical compounds, and an apparatus suitable for implementing the method, are disclosed. According to the method, photocleavable linker-attached library compounds are photoeluted from solid support media under conditions of controlled light exposure and controlled temperature. An apparatus suitable for carrying out the present photoelution method includes means for substantially evenly illuminating the photocleavable linker, means for controlling illumination time and intensity, and means for controlling sample temperature.

Abstract: An article for dispensing very small volumes of liquid via non touch-off transfer. The article includes a rotator that drives a liquid dispensing system in circular motion at constant rotational speed. The liquid dispensing system has a delivery system that is operatively connected to a dispensing element A small volume of liquid is advanced by the delivery system to the dispensing element. As a consequence of the circular motion, energy is imparted to the liquid causing it to forcibly issue from the dispensing element.

Abstract: Flow-regulation means for improving the operation of a liquid dispenser, and liquid dispensers incorporating the same, are disclosed. In some embodiments, the flow-regulation means includes a conduit for receiving a pressurized fluid, wherein a flow restriction restricts the flow of the pressurized fluid into the conduit. The flow restriction has a smaller flow area than the outlet of the dispensing valve. As a result, fluid is re-supplied to the conduit more slowly than it is dispensed through the dispensing valve. In further embodiments, at least a portion of the conduit is elastic. A dynamic pressure sensor is used to sense pressure in the elastic region. In an additional embodiment, the flow-regulation means includes a resilience-adjustment means operable to adjust the resilience or elasticity of an elastic portion of the conduit. Such adjustable resilience provides an additional measure of control over the dispensing process.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method and an article for segregating solid support media or other solids, from liquid, while at the same time maintaining such solids and liquid in intimate contact as may be required for various processing or chemical operations. In an illustrative embodiment, the present article comprises a filter pocket plate consisting of a plate with a plurality holes. A foraminous material projects through each hole in the plate such that a “pocket” is formed within each hole. In use, the aforedescribed filter pocket plate engages a vessel having one or more wells suitable for retaining liquid and for receiving the filter pockets. The filter pockets contain a solid material that is to be exposed to the liquid in the well. After exposure is complete, the solid material is readily removed from the liquid by simply disengaging the filter pocket plate, which retains the solid support media, from the vessel, which retains the liquid.

Abstract: Flow-regulation means for improving the operation of a liquid dispenser, and liquid dispensers incorporating the same, are disclosed. In some embodiments, the flow-regulation means includes a conduit for receiving a pressurized fluid, wherein a flow restriction restricts the flow of the pressurized fluid into the conduit. The flow restriction has a smaller flow area than the outlet of the dispensing valve. As a result, fluid is re-supplied to the conduit more slowly than it is dispensed through the dispensing valve. In further embodiments, at least a portion of the conduit is elastic. A dynamic pressure sensor is used to sense pressure in the elastic region. In an additional embodiment, the flow-regulation means includes a resilience-adjustment means operable to adjust the resilience or elasticity of an elastic portion of the conduit. Such adjustable resilience provides an additional measure of control over the dispensing process.

Abstract: A U-valve apparatus including a bidirectional check valve for controlling the flow of liquid from a vessel while preventing inadvertent discharge from the vessel. The check valve allows passage of a fluid such a gas into the vessel, for purposes of agitating the liquid or for other purposes, and also permits the evacuation of the liquid from the vessel. The U-valve apparatus is advantageously included in a universal fluid exchange device including upper and lower reaction vessel supports which include pressure sealed injection and evacuation ports for each supported reaction vessel. Reaction vessels matingly engage through the injection and evacuation ports with fittings which are connected through flexible tubing to respective supplying and receiving vessels. Each of one or more reaction vessels may suitably be connected by a U-valve apparatus including a check valve to a corresponding receiving vessel.

Abstract: A U-valve apparatus including a bidirectional check valve for controlling the flow of liquid from a vessel while preventing inadvertent discharge from the vessel. The check valve allows passage of a fluid such a gas into the vessel, for purposes of agitating the liquid or for other purposes, and also permits the evacuation of the liquid from the vessel. The U-valve apparatus is advantageously included in a universal fluid exchange device including upper and lower reaction vessel supports which include pressure sealed injection and evacuation ports for each supported reaction vessel. Reaction vessels matingly engage through the injection and evacuation ports with fittings which are connected through flexible tubing to respective supplying and receiving vessels. Each of one or more reaction vessels may suitably be connected by a U-valve apparatus including a check valve to a corresponding receiving vessel.

Abstract: An article comprising a Z-axis positioning stage is disclosed. The Z-axis positioning stage includes at least one collapsible/expandable cell or cavity that is defined within a region bounded by a lower and a movable upper surface and a side wall depending therefrom. Means for collapsing/expanding the cavity is operatively connected to the cavity. During collapse of the cavity, the upper surface drops towards the lower surface. During expansion of the cavity, the upper surface rises away from lower surface. The upper surface thus functions as a movable stage, which is capable of moving an object placed thereon in a vertical direction (i.e., along the z-axis).

Abstract: An incremental positioner is disclosed. In one embodiment, the incremental positioner includes a motor, a drive shaft, a motion converter and a rack. The motion converter engages the rack and, impelled by the motor and drive shaft, causes the rack to move. The motion converter transmits and converts the continuous rotary motion of the motor to a linear intermittent motion of the rack. To generate such intermittent motion, the motion converter is physically configured so that even though the motion converter is in constant motion, it urges the rack to move on a periodic basis. In other words, during each revolution of the motion converter, the rack “dwells” (i.e., does not move) during a first portion of the cycle, and advances during a second portion of the cycle. Each time the rack advances, it does so by a characteristic incremental distance.

Abstract: A dryer for use with chemical compounds employs controlled vacuum, elevated temperature and dry, inert gas to dry the chemical compounds. The dryer includes a vacuum chamber into which trays containing the compounds are placed. The chamber includes heating elements which elevate the temperature of chemical samples placed within the chamber. Supplying and evacuating manifolds, each with a plurality of orifices for supplying and evacuating dry inert gas, provide a substantially laminar flow of dry inert gas just above the trays of chemical compounds which are to be dried. The laminar gas flow removes the unwanted vapor which tends to form above the tray of chemical compound, thus accelerating the drying process.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides an improved liquid dispenser suitable for dispensing a small volume of liquid. The liquid dispenser has a capillary channel suitable for aspirating and retaining a predetermined and repeatable volume of liquid via capillary action. To dispense retained liquid, the capillary channel is accelerated and then abruptly decelerated. Liquid is supplied to the capillary channel via a liquid-supply conduit that is in fluid communication therewith. When the capillary channel is abruptly decelerated during the dispensing operation, liquid within the capillary channel is momentarily "sheared" or separated from liquid within liquid-supply conduit. After such "shearing," liquid flow is reestablished under capillary action, and the emptied capillary channel is thereby refilled. The refilling operation occurs "automatically" and without the need for a repositioning operation (i.e.

Abstract: A dryer for use with chemical compounds employs controlled vacuum, elevated temperature and dry, inert gas to dry the chemical compounds. The dryer includes a vacuum chamber into which trays containing the compounds are placed. The chamber includes heating elements which elevate the temperature of chemical samples placed within the chamber. Supplying and evacuating manifolds, each with a plurality of orifices for supplying and evacuating dry inert gas, provide a substantially laminar flow of dry inert gas just above the trays of chemical compounds which are to be dried. The laminar gas flow removes the unwanted vapor which tends to form above the tray of chemical compound, thus accelerating the drying process.

Abstract: An agitator capable of generating complex mixing motions is described. In some embodiments, an agitator in accordance with the present teachings includes a movable assembly that is suspended, via several resilient supports, from a frame. The movable assembly receives a vessel containing a material(s) to be agitated. The movable assembly advantageously includes spaced upper and lower plates having a rotatably-supported member disposed therebetween. The mass of the rotatably-supported member is asymmetrically distributed about its rotational axis. A drive force, such as a directed air flow, which may be used in conjunction with a belt drive mechanism, causes the rotatably-supported member to rotate. Due to the asymmetric mass distribution of the rotatably-supported member, force is non-uniformly applied to resilient supports such that, at any given time, some of such resilient supports are subjected to a compressive force while other resilient supports are placed under tension.

Abstract: A method for handling and dispensing small volumes of liquid, and apparatus for carrying out the method, are disclosed. A small volume of liquid, which is retained within a fluid-dispensing member, is dispensed therefrom by accelerating, and then abruptly decelerating, the member. The abrupt deceleration causes the retained liquid to discharge. The discharged liquid may be directed toward a receiver. A micro volume liquid dispenser for practicing the method includes a plurality of fluid-dispensing members configured for aspiring and retaining a small liquid volume via capillary action. The dispenser further includes an actuator for moving/accelerating the fluid-dispensing members and for stopping/abruptly decelerating the fluid-dispensing members.

Abstract: A positive displacement positioner employs rigid stops and actuators to position a work piece, such as a microtiter plate, in any one of at least three positions. Positioner platforms, each of which is capable of moving a work piece between at least two distinct positions, are nested in order to multiply the number of positions available. For example, a two-position rigid stop positioner platform nested in a four-position rigid stop positioner platform, or a four-position rigid stop positioner platform nested in a two-position rigid stop positioner platform would permit the movement of a work piece to any one of eight distinct positions. A four-position platform nested inside a four-position platform yields sixteen positions, and so on. Each positioner platform preferably has a symmetrical polygonal outline and nested platforms provide displacement along each of the polygon's axes of symmetry. Consequently, a positioner will preferably provide displacement to any one of a number of positions.

Abstract: A dryer for use with chemical compounds employs controlled vacuum, elevated temperature and dry, inert gas to dry the chemical compounds. The dryer includes a vacuum chamber into which trays containing the compounds are placed. The chamber includes heating elements which elevate the temperature of chemical samples placed within the chamber. Supplying and evacuating manifolds, each with a plurality of orifices for supplying and evacuating dry inert gas, provide a substantially laminar flow of dry inert gas just above the trays of chemical compounds which are to be dried. The laminar gas flow removes the unwanted vapor which tends to form above the tray of chemical compound, thus accelerating the drying process.

Abstract: A hand held, manually operated paper folding device, made out of thin, high density material, divided into four sections by specially introduced flexible joints. Three of the sections are similar and together equal the size of a standard paper sheet which is placed on top of these sections prior to the folding process. The fourth section is about 1/8" narrower, which allows it to be folded on top of the adjacent third section, providing means to accommodate, align and hold paper sheets between the third and the forth sections, while also permitting the following folding of all three equal sections in a zig zag fashion, generating within one motion, buckling, formation of two sharp creases and the uniform triple folding of all inserted paper sheets. The inherent springiness of the folded paper sheets and the paper sheet folding device itself assures the release of all paper sheets after the completion of the folding process and release of the paper sheet folding device.