Abstract: An instrument includes a reagent management system. The reagent management system includes a plurality of reagent wells, each reagent well operable to contain a reagent of a plurality of reagents positioned therein. The reagent management system is operable to select a flow of reagent from one of the plurality of reagents. A flexible connection includes a laminate stack and includes a first flexible channel in fluid communication with the reagent management system. The first flexible channel is operable to route the flow of reagent therethrough. A flow cell includes a flow channel in fluid communication with the first flexible channel. The flow channel is operable to route the flow of reagent over analytes positioned in the flow channel. The flexible connection enables the flow cell to be moved by the instrument relative to a fixed reference point in the instrument.

Abstract: Purifying target biomolecules, such as nucleic acids or proteins, from a biological source is a time intensive process and is typically performed by a skilled technician or scientist owing to the highly technical nature of the work. Systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein enable the automated bioprocessing and purification of target biomolecules from a biological source. For example, an instrument and disposable cartridge are provided for automatedly isolating and purifying nucleic acids (such as plasmid DNA from a bacterial culture) or for isolating protein from any biological sample. Such an exemplary instrument and cartridge can work in concert to timely release, mix, and move the target biomolecule and various reagents and buffers through a target biomolecule purification process, resulting in a purified target biomolecule with less manual oversight than traditional approaches.

Abstract: An instrument includes a reagent management system. The reagent management system includes a plurality of reagent wells, each reagent well operable to contain a reagent of a plurality of reagents positioned therein. The reagent management system is operable to select a flow of reagent from one of the plurality of reagents. A flexible connection includes a laminate stack and includes a first flexible channel in fluid communication with the reagent management system. The first flexible channel is operable to route the flow of reagent therethrough. A flow cell includes a flow channel in fluid communication with the first flexible channel. The flow channel is operable to route the flow of reagent over analytes positioned in the flow channel. The flexible connection enables the flow cell to be moved by the instrument relative to a fixed reference point in the instrument.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an insulation member for a vacuum insulated structure includes the steps of forming a bag that has an opening using a single layer porous fabric, filling the bag with insulation materials via the opening, sealing the opening of the bag, and vibrating the bag to evenly distribute, de-aerate, and densify the insulation material to form a pillow. The method further includes the steps of compressing the pillow within a mold to define a compressed insulation member, and evacuating the compressed insulation member within an insulated structure to define a vacuum insulated structure.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an insulation member for a vacuum insulated structure includes the steps of forming a bag that has an opening using a single layer porous fabric, filling the bag with insulation materials via the opening, sealing the opening of the bag, and vibrating the bag to evenly distribute, de-aerate, and densify the insulation material to form a pillow. The method further includes the steps of compressing the pillow within a mold to define a compressed insulation member, and evacuating the compressed insulation member within an insulated structure to define a vacuum insulated structure.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an insulation member for an appliance includes the steps of forming a porous bag with a woven fabric, filling the porous bag with insulation materials, heat sealing the porous bag, vibrating the porous bag to define a pillow, compressing the pillow within a mold to define a compressed insulation member, and evacuating the compressed insulation member within an insulated structure to define a vacuum insulated structure.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an insulation member for an appliance includes the steps of forming a porous bag with a woven fabric, filling the porous bag with insulation materials, heat sealing the porous bag, vibrating the porous bag to define a pillow, compressing the pillow within a mold to define a compressed insulation member, and evacuating the compressed insulation member within an insulated structure to define a vacuum insulated structure.

Abstract: A decorative burial vault includes a decorative top surface substrate having a decorative graphic thereon, the substrate being attached to the top surface of the burial vault or a carapace attached to the burial vault.

Abstract: A decorative carapace for a burial vault including a carapace having a top surface and a substrate having a decorative graphic, the substrate being attached to the top surface of the carapace.

Abstract: A decorative carapace for a burial vault including a carapace having a top surface and a substrate having a decorative graphic, the substrate being attached to the top surface of the carapace.

Abstract: The patient room window seat converts between a bench seat and a bed with a simple pull of a handle. In the seat position part of a horizontal upholster cushion is under the backrest so the portion of the cushion in available is the correct width for comfortable seating. Moving the upholstered cushion forward until fully uncovered provides a comfortable bed. A second knob removes a stop allowing the cushion to fully extend and leave the base uncovered in a service position that gives full access for cleaning. The patient room seat is constructed with a commercially available heavy-duty ball bearing slides and a modular multi-position remote latching mechanism. The slides and the latching mechanism working in combination provide an effortless transition between the seat and bed position, allowing elderly or weakened individuals to operate the window seat without problem.

Abstract: A pin array includes a plurality of pins arranged in an array; and one or more flexible tubes in contact with each of the pins such that, when pressurized, each of the flexible tubes applies pressure to sides of the pins to prevent further movement of the pins. A method of locking a pin array that includes a plurality of pins arranged in an array; and one or more flexible vessels in contact with each of the pins, the method comprising controlling a pressure of a fluid in the flexible vessels to selectively allow or prevent movement of the pins with respect to the flexible vessels.

Abstract: A fishing tool apparatus for retrieving an object from within a well bore, wherein the object has an opening for receiving the apparatus, comprises a support rod, an expandable sleeve, and a biasing means. The expandable sleeve may be externally threaded for engaging the object, is slidably mounted on the support rod, and is movable from a narrow diameter insertion position to an expanded engaging position. Once inserted, the biasing means biases the expandable sleeve to the expanded engaging position, thus facilitating engagement. Thus the expandable sleeve is inserted and engaged without applying torque thereto.

Abstract: A battery-charging system includes a first charging circuit connected in series with a plurality of battery cells for controlled current charging. A second charging circuit applies a controlled voltage across each individual cell for equalization of the cells to the fully charged condition. This controlled voltage is determined at a level above the fully charged open-circuit voltage but at a sufficiently low level to prevent corrosion of cell components by electrochemical reaction. In this second circuit for cell equalization, a transformer primary receives closely regulated, square-wave voltage which is coupled to a plurality of equal secondary coil windings. Each secondary winding is connected in parallel to each cell of a series-connected pair of cells through half-wave rectifiers and a shared, intermediate conductor.