Abstract: This patent application describes an integrated apparatus for processing polynucleotide-containing samples, and for providing a diagnostic result thereon. The apparatus is configured to receive a microfluidic cartridge that contains reagents and a network for processing a sample. Also described are methods of using the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multipurpose drill system, the multipurpose drill system comprising: a drilling rig adapted to drive a drilling assembly; and two or more power sources, wherein at least one of the two or more power sources is a high pressure power source, wherein the drilling assembly is adapted to be in communication with either or both of the two or more power sources.

Abstract: The present technology provides for an apparatus for detecting polynucleotides in samples, particularly from biological samples. The technology more particularly relates to microfluidic systems that carry out PCR on nucleotides of interest within microfluidic channels, and detect those nucleotides. The apparatus includes a microfluidic cartridge that is configured to accept a plurality of samples, and which can carry out PCR on each sample individually, or a group of, or all of the plurality of samples simultaneously.

Abstract: A packaging machine is provided for producing single and multiple compartment film wrapped pouches. Multiple linear motors allow aspects of the forming, filling, cutting and discharging to run at different speeds. The pouches are formed, filled and discharged from platens that are secured to movers that proceed through the packaging process by following magnetic fields created by independently controlled linear motors. Overall, cycle time is decreased as a result of speeding up parts of the process, including the platen return process, possible because there is no mechanical connection and not a single conveyor moving the platens while the other parts of the process may be simultaneously slowed down or even temporarily stopped. Changeover of platens, to accommodate different products, such as single compartment pouch to multiple compartment pouches, is also simplified because platens are simply connected to the movers and are thus easily removed and replaced.

Abstract: A pallet comprising: (a) a base tray having one or more walls extending upward from the tray to create a perimeter around a central portion of the base tray; (b) an insert disposed on the central portion of the tray within the perimeter of the base tray, the insert being recessed from a terminal edge of the one or more walls; (c) a post secured within the perimeter of the tray and extend away from the base tray; and (d) a support assembly secured to the insert and positioned along the central portion of the base tray free of contact with the one or more walls, wherein the support includes a pair of support panels that are interconnected and secured to the insert free of an adhesive.

Abstract: The technology described herein generally relates to systems for extracting polynucleotides from multiple samples, particularly from biological samples, and additionally to systems that subsequently amplify and detect the extracted polynucleotides. The technology more particularly relates to microfluidic systems that carry out PCR on multiple samples of nucleotides of interest within microfluidic channels, and detect those nucleotides.

Abstract: A valve assembly (10) configured to maintain fluid flow therethrough at a constant flow rate. The valve assembly (10) including a flexible flow control member (50) defining an inner fluid chamber (90) within the flexible flow control member (50) and an inlet opening (56) to the inner fluid chamber (90). An outer fluid chamber (92) is defined between the flexible flow control member (50) and an inner surface (74) of a valve housing (20). The flexible flow control member (50) is configured to flex inward and shrink the inner fluid chamber (90) in response to a pressure decrease in the inner fluid chamber (90) relative to the outer fluid chamber (92) resulting from an increase in an inlet flow rate to maintain an outlet flow rate from the valve assembly (10) at the constant flow rate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system including a flow regulating system. The flow regulating system may assist in ensuring a selected pressure within an inlet volume. The flow regulator may be included in a shunt assembly.

Abstract: A system includes a flow regulating system. The flow regulating system may assist in ensuring a selected pressure within an inlet volume. A flow regulator may be included in a shunt assembly(10).

Abstract: Disclosed is a system including a flow regulating system. The flow regulating system may assist in ensuring a selected pressure within an inlet volume. The flow regulator may be included in a shunt assembly.

Abstract: A system includes a flow regulating system. The flow regulating system may assist in ensuring a selected pressure within an inlet volume. A flow regulator may be included in a shunt assembly (10).

Abstract: A pallet comprising: (a) a base tray having one or more walls extending upward from the tray to create a perimeter around a central portion of the base tray; (b) an insert disposed on the central portion of the tray within the perimeter of the base tray, the insert being recessed from a terminal edge of the one or more walls; (c) a post secured within the perimeter of the tray and extend away from the base tray; and (d) a support assembly secured to the insert and positioned along the central portion of the base tray free of contact with the one or more walls, wherein the support includes a pair of support panels that are interconnected and secured to the insert free of an adhesive.

Abstract: This patent application describes an integrated apparatus for processing polynucleotide-containing samples, and for providing a diagnostic result thereon. The apparatus is configured to receive a microfluidic cartridge that contains reagents and a network for processing a sample. Also described are methods of using the apparatus.

Abstract: A packaging machine is provided for producing single and multiple compartment film wrapped pouches. Multiple linear motors allow aspects of the forming, filling, cutting and discharging to run at different speeds. The pouches are formed, filled and discharged from platens that are secured to movers that proceed through the packaging process by following magnetic fields created by independently controlled linear motors. Overall, cycle time is decreased as a result of speeding up parts of the process, including the platen return process, possible because there is no mechanical connection and not a single conveyor moving the platens while the other parts of the process may be simultaneously slowed down or even temporarily stopped. Changeover of platens, to accommodate different products, such as single compartment pouch to multiple compartment pouches, is also simplified because platens are simply connected to the movers and are thus easily removed and replaced.

Abstract: The technology described herein generally relates to systems for extracting polynucleotides from multiple samples, particularly from biological samples, and additionally to systems that subsequently amplify and detect the extracted polynucleotides. The technology more particularly relates to microfluidic systems that carry out PCR on multiple samples of nucleotides of interest within microfluidic channels, and detect those nucleotides. The technology still more particularly relates to automated devices for carrying out pipetting operations, particularly on samples in parallel, consistent with sample preparation and delivery of PCR-ready nucleotide extracts to a cartridge wherein PCR is run.

Abstract: A rack for holding samples and various reagents, wherein the rack may be used for loading the samples and reagents prior to using the reagents. The rack accepts complementary reagent holders, each of which contain a set of reagents for carrying out a predetermined processing operation, such as preparing biological samples for amplifying and detecting polynucleotides extracted from the samples.

Abstract: The present technology provides for an apparatus for detecting polynucleotides in samples, particularly from biological samples. The technology more particularly relates to microfluidic systems that carry out PCR on nucleotides of interest within microfluidic channels, and detect those nucleotides. The apparatus includes a microfluidic cartridge that is configured to accept a plurality of samples, and which can carry out PCR on each sample individually, or a group of, or all of the plurality of samples simultaneously.

Abstract: A liquid seal mating system to accommodate thermal expansion during elevated-temperature operation, including a collar, sized and shaped to receive a discharge end of a gas-delivery conduit and a fence that surrounds the collar and is attached thereto, wherein when installed, the collar accommodates thermal expansion of the gas-delivery conduit along a longitudinal axis of the gas-delivery conduit and limits movement of the gas-delivery conduit perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A method for suppressing bulk fluid motion in an elevated-temperature liquid seal, including attaching a mount to an outer shell of a liquid seal and receiving, within a mating collar, a discharge end of a gas-delivery conduit, the mating collar attached to the mount and being sized and shaped to accommodate thermal expansion of the gas-delivery conduit, filling the outer shell with liquid to submerge the discharge end of the gas-delivery conduit, and flowing gas through the gas-delivery conduit.