Abstract: A multiwell plate device is provided having a frame, a substantially flat substrate and a multiwell structure supported by the substrate. The multiwell structure includes multiple bottomless wells formed therein. The substrate is supported by the frame and may be processed by an automated arrayer or instrument that is used to print or spot arrays in a pattern on a reaction surface of the substrate. Thereafter, the multiwell structure may be engaged with the substrate and the multiwell structure and substrate may be engaged with the frame in an upright orientation. For scanning or other analysis, the multiwell structure and substrate may be disengaged from the frame, inverted 180°, and then reengaged with the frame in the inverted orientation.

Abstract: A sealer for a sample testing instrument is disclosed that cuts and seals a fluid conduit that connects a test sample device with a fluid receptacle containing a fluid sample. The sealer includes an enclosure and a protective shield to protect a user or technician from contact with the cutting element assembly in the sealer. The cutting element assembly includes a spring-loaded element that engages the test sample device and holds it in a fixed position while a cutting element (e.g., hot wire) cuts the fluid conduit. A motor driving the cutting element assembly is positioned at an angle having both vertical and horizontal components, whereby adjustment of the motor firmware allows for adjustment of the position of the cutting element relative to the instrument in both horizontal and vertical directions.

Abstract: An integrated instrument processes fluid test samples using disposable test devices. The test devices are carried in a carrier. The instrument includes a vacuum station receiving the carrier for batch loading of the test devices with fluid samples to be tested. The user removes the carrier from the vacuum station and inserts it into a loading station of a separate carrier and test device processing subsystem. This subsystem includes a transport system moving the carrier through the instrument where various modules perform operations on the test devices, including sealing the test devices, loading the test devices into an incubation station, incubation of the test devices, test device reading, and test device disposal.

Abstract: A transport system is provided for a sample testing machine. The transport system includes a carrier holding a set of test sample devices and a drive subsystem for moving the carrier through the sample testing machine. The drive subsystem includes a reciprocating motor-driven block engaging the carrier and moving the carrier back and forth in a predetermined longitudinal path extending along a longitudinal axis from an entrance station to a plurality of processing stations in the sample testing machine. The processing stations are accessed as the carrier is moved along the path. The carrier includes features in the form of slots that are detected by strategically placed optical interrupt sensors. As the carrier moves, the slots are detected by the sensors to thereby continuously track the position of the carrier and the test devices as they are moved through the instrument.

Abstract: A carrier for holding up to N test sample devices as they are moved through a sample testing instrument. Each of the test sample devices are held in a receiving structure such as a slot in the carrier. The carrier also includes N optical interrupt positioning features, each placed in registry with one of the receiving structures (and thereby in registry with the test sample device). The instrument includes fixed optical interrupt sensors for detecting the position of the positioning feature as the carrier is moved through the instrument. In the illustrated embodiment, the position features comprise voids formed in a rib on the lower surface of the carrier. The optical interrupt sensors are positioned below the path the carrier travels over, whereby as the carrier moves past the sensor the voids, and hence position of the test sample devices, are detected.

Abstract: A transport system is provided for a sample testing machine. The transport system includes a carrier holding a set of test sample devices and a drive subsystem for moving the carrier through the sample testing machine. The drive subsystem includes a reciprocating motor-driven block engaging the carrier and moving the carrier back and forth in a predetermined longitudinal path extending along a longitudinal axis from an entrance station to a plurality of processing stations in the sample testing machine. The processing stations are accessed as the carrier is moved along the path. The carrier includes features in the form of slots or voids that are detected by strategically placed optical interrupt sensors. As the carrier moves, the slots are detected by the sensors to thereby continuously track the position of the carrier and the test devices as they are moved through the instrument.

Abstract: A method of manufacture and assembly of multiwell plates employing targeted radiation at an interface in order to achieve bonding is disclosed. The method accommodates glass and polymer attachment as well as polymer to polymer attachment. Resultant plates have unique flatness and optical properties.

Abstract: An apparatus used for massaging a person's back by themselves. By laying you r back over the cylinder shaped apparatus (Massage Tube) in a horizontal position parallel to the ground and knees bent you slide your body back and forth over the Massage Tube with the use of your legs. The ribbed and semi-pointed surfaces coupled with the weight of your body and sliding motion massages the muscles and associated areas in the back and neck, however not limited to the back and neck. A key element of this apparatus is the ability to adjust the height and pressure by an inlet air valve located on the side. This allows the apparatus to adapt to the users body shape and comfort level by adding or releasing air. The unique cylinder design is the key element of the invention helping stabilize and balance the user during massaging, exercising and stretching.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of recycling the edge portion of a chopped strand mat are disclosed. The method includes the steps of trimming an edge portion of the chopped strand mat, transporting the edge portion to a shredder assembly, and shredding the edge portion into individual strands or filaments. The separated strands are introduced with new chopped strands into the chopped strand mat forming process. The apparatus for recycling the edge portion of the mat includes a shredder assembly for separating the edge portion into individual strands. The shredder assembly includes two pairs of rollers that engage the trimmed edge portion. The first and second pairs of rollers are driven at first and second rotational speeds, respectively. Preferably, the second speed is greater than the first speed. The mat is pinched between each pair of rollers and is thereby placed under tension due to the different rotational speeds.

Abstract: A unit dose test device for a nucleic acid amplification reaction has the form of a elongate disposable test strip. The test strip includes a dual-chamber reaction vessel pre-loaded with nucleic acid amplification reaction reagents, and a plurality of wells for processing a reaction occurring in the reaction vessel.

Abstract: A rucksack comprises a sack (1), a carrying harness (11) and a waistbelt (12). The rucksack has an external frame member comprising a U-shaped hoop (20) which is connected by its free ends to the waistbelt (12) and extends around the side walls (4) and front wall (2) of the rucksack (1). Compression straps (25, 28) are connected between the hoop (20) and the rucksack such that the hoop (20) may be adjusted relative to the rucksack (1). The hoop (20) is held in a sleeve (21) sewn to the walls (2, 4) of the rucksack (1).

Abstract: A diluting station and a pipetting station for a machine such as a biological sample testing machine. The diluting station has a rotating shot tube that fills with diluent without the need for priming when the shot tube is in a vertically inclined orientation, and which dispenses the diluent into a receptacle when the shot tube is rotated to a downward orientation. A thimble valve is placed in the shot tube to control the flow of diluent into the valve.The pipetting station includes a cylindrical housing storing a plurality of straws and a concentric rotating drum that sweeps a straw into a straw withdrawal slot. A tubular tapered transfer pin is inserted into frictional engagement with the straw. The tubular transfer pin rotates the straw out of the slot and into a generally downward orientation towards a receptacle containing a fluid. The pin and straw are lowered so as to place the end of the straw into the fluid.

Abstract: An automatic sample testing machine for testing samples stored in test cards. The machine has a test sample positioning system for moving a tray containing a plurality of test sample cards and fluid receptacles among various stations in the machine. The machine has a diluting station for adding a predetermined quantity of diluent to the receptacles as needed. A pipetting station transfers fluid from one receptacle to another. A vacuum station is provided having a vacuum chamber moveable relative to the tray between upper and lower positions. The chamber cooperates with the tray to make a sealing engagement with the top surface of the tray when it is lowered to the lower position. A vacuum generator supplies vacuum to the chamber. When the vacuum is released from the chamber, the fluid samples are loaded into the cards from the receptacles.

Abstract: A reaction vessel for a nucleic acid amplification reaction has a first chamber containing an amplification reagent mix, a second chamber containing an amplification enzyme, and a fluid channel or chamber connecting the first and second chambers together. A fluid sample is introduced into the first chamber. After a denaturation and primer annealing process has occurred in the first chamber, the fluid channel is opened to allow the solution of the reagent and fluid sample to flow into the second chamber. The second chamber is maintained at an optimal temperature for the amplification reaction.A station is described for processing test strips incorporating the reaction vessels. The station includes temperature and vacuum control subsystems to maintain proper temperatures in the reaction vessel and effectuate the transfer of the fluid from one chamber to the other in an automated fashion without human intervention.

Abstract: An automatic sample testing machine for testing samples stored in test cards. The machine has a test sample positioning system for moving a tray containing a plurality of test sample cards and fluid receptacles among various stations in the machine. The machine has a diluting station for adding a predetermined quantity of diluent to the receptacles as needed. A pipetting station transfers fluid from one receptacle to another. A vacuum station is provided having a vacuum chamber moveable relative to the tray between upper and lower positions. The chamber cooperates with the tray to make a sealing engagement with the top surface of the tray when it is lowered to the lower position. A vacuum generator supplies vacuum to the chamber. When the vacuum is released from the chamber, the fluid samples are loaded into the cards from the receptacles.

Abstract: A diluting station and a pipetting station for a machine such as a biological sample testing machine. The diluting station has a rotating shot tube that fills with diluent without the need for priming when the shot tube is in a vertically inclined orientation, and which dispenses the diluent into a receptacle when the shot tube is rotated to a downward orientation. A thimble valve is placed in the shot tube to control the flow of diluent into the valve.The pipetting station includes a cylindrical housing storing a plurality of straws and a concentric rotating drum that sweeps a straw into a straw withdrawal slot. A tubular tapered transfer pin is inserted into the straw frictional into engagement with the straw. The tubular transfer pin rotates the straw out of the slot into a generally downward orientation towards a receptacle containing a fluid. The pin and straw are lowered so as to place the end of the straw into the fluid.

Abstract: A lithium-aluminum negative electrode for an electrochemical cell is prepared by forming a sandwich comprised of lithium and aluminum such that lithium is disposed between the aluminum layers of the sandwich. The sandwich is heat soaked at a temperature below the melting point of lithium while pressure is applied to the sandwich thereby causing the lithium and aluminum to chemically react to form a lithium-aluminum alloy.

Abstract: Telescoping collective pitch stick assembly with a locking mechanism for securing extended position and permitting retraction of the stick to facilitate ingress and egress of a pilot from his seat in a helicopter. The locking mechanism has an index pin and cam arrangement having a slot with three interconnected areas.