Abstract: The present invention provides a thermocycler comprising: a rotatable platform having a plurality of reaction wells or being adapted to receive a plurality of reaction containers, wherein the rotatable platform and/or the reaction wells are formed, at least in part, of a material which is adapted to be inductively heated by exposure to electromagnetic energy. An electromagnetic energy source is provided and is configured to direct electromagnetic energy at the rotatable platform, wherein the electromagnetic energy source surrounds a sufficient amount of the rotatable platform in order to heat the entire platform substantially simultaneously. In preferred embodiments, the electromagnetic energy source completely surrounds the rotatable platform. The invention further comprises a method of cycling a reaction mixture between predetermined temperatures utilising the novel thermocycler apparatus of the invention.

Abstract: A method of controlling the temperature of a liquid held within a reaction container in a chamber of a thermal cycling apparatus, the method including determining a sensed chamber temperature from a temperature sensor in the chamber, determining an air temperature using the sensed chamber temperature, determining a liquid temperature using the air temperature and selectively heating or cooling air in the chamber in accordance with the liquid temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermocycler comprising: a rotatable platform having a plurality of reaction wells or being adapted to receive a plurality of reaction containers, wherein the rotatable platform and/or the reaction wells are formed, at least in part, of a material which is adapted to be inductively heated by exposure to electromagnetic energy. An electromagnetic energy source is provided and is configured to direct electromagnetic energy at the rotatable platform, wherein the electromagnetic energy source surrounds a sufficient amount of the rotatable platform in order to heat the entire platform substantially simultaneously. In preferred embodiments, the electromagnetic energy source completely surrounds the rotatable platform. The invention further comprises a method of cycling a reaction mixture between predetermined temperatures utilising the novel thermocycler apparatus of the invention.

Abstract: A method of controlling the temperature of a liquid held within a reaction container in a chamber of a thermal cycling apparatus, the method including determining a sensed chamber temperature from a temperature sensor in the chamber, determining an air temperature using the sensed chamber temperature, determining a liquid temperature using the air temperature and selectively heating or cooling air in the chamber in accordance with the liquid temperature.

Abstract: A laser control system and apparatus for guiding a drilling or boring operation during a trenchless technology implementation. In most if not all trenchless technology applications, direction of the pipe or utility structure through the earth is of utmost importance. Proper directional guidance throughout the trenchless technology implementation ensures not only that the resulting utility infrastructure is placed properly, but also ensures that the trenchless technology operation, does not hit or otherwise damage (such as through vibrations) existing utilities and other underground objects. The laser control system and apparatus of the present invention comprises a laser, a housing having a laser sight, a camera in optical communication with the laser sight a microwave transmitter having an antenna, with the transmitter being operatively coupled to the camera, and a microwave receiver.

Abstract: A laser control system and apparatus for guiding a drilling or boring operation during a trenchless technology implementation. In most if not all trenchless technology applications, direction of the pipe or utility structure through the earth is of utmost importance. Proper directional guidance throughout the trenchless technology implementation ensures not only that the resulting utility infrastructure is placed properly, but also ensures that the trenchless technology operation, does not hit or otherwise damage (such as through vibrations) existing utilities and other underground objects. The laser control system and apparatus of the present invention comprises a laser, a housing having a laser sight, a camera in optical communication with the laser sight a microwave transmitter having an antenna, with the transmitter being operatively coupled to the camera, and a microwave receiver.

Abstract: A method for flipping pages of an electronic book via an electromechanical information browsing device that controls page flipping actions of information displayed as an e-book on a display device. The browsing device includes a controller that provides tactile feedback so as to lessen the user-interface differences between conventional books and e-books. Sensors and control mechanisms in the controller generate a series of electrical signals that are interpreted by the computer that displays the e-book to control various browsing operations, such as flipping pages, controlling a rate of page flipping, jumping to pre-set locations in the e-book, etc.

Abstract: A laser control system and apparatus for guiding a drilling or boring operation during a trenchless technology implementation. In most if not all trenchless technology applications, direction of the pipe or utility structure through the earth is of utmost importance. Proper directional guidance throughout the trenchless technology implementation ensures not only that the resulting utility infrastructure is placed properly, but also ensures that the trenchless technology operation does not hit or otherwise damage (such as through vibrations) existing utilities and other underground objects. The laser control system and apparatus of the present invention comprises a laser, a laser control head having a prism, an audible alignment indicator operatively coupled to the laser control head, and a target having a laser beam hole.

Abstract: An engraved surface in a metallic workpiece and an engraving method therefor, for use in providing a decorative metallic surface. An engraved pattern is formed in a workpiece prior to the formation of an electroplated layer that continuously extends over the engraved pattern and adjacent surface areas of the workpiece. The engraved pattern includes wall-cut engravings inscribed in the workpiece that are used to define outer boundaries of the engraved pattern. The substantially vertical walls obtained by such wall-cut engravings permits a sharp, well-defined boundary between the engraved pattern and adjacent painted surfaces. A mask material is first applied to cover the engraved pattern, and then trimmed to create the sharp edge at the boundary of the engraved pattern. This permits a paint layer to be formed immediately adjacent to the engraved pattern, providing a decorative juxtaposition in an electroplated metallic surface after removal of the mask layer.

Abstract: A method for displaying flipping pages of an electronic book via an electromechanical information browsing device that controls page flipping actions of information displayed as an e-book on a display device. The browsing device includes a controller that provides tactile feedback so as to lessen the user-interface differences between conventional books and e-books. Sensors and control mechanisms in the controller generate a series of electrical signals that are interpreted by the computer that displays the e-book to control various browsing operations, such as flipping pages, controlling a rate of page flipping, jumping to pre-set locations in the e-book, etc.

Abstract: A method for flipping pages of an electronic book via an electromechanical information browsing device that controls page flipping actions of information displayed as an e-book on a display device. The browsing device includes a controller that provides tactile feedback so as to lessen the user-interface differences between conventional books and e-books. Sensors and control mechanisms in the controller generate a series of electrical signals that are interpreted by the computer that displays the e-book to control various browsing operations, such as flipping pages, controlling a rate of page flipping, jumping to pre-set locations in the e-book, etc.