Abstract: A laser system produces a first laser beam for rapidly removing the bulk of material in an area to form a ragged hole. The laser system produces a second laser beam for accurately cleaning up the ragged hole so that the final hole has dimensions of high precision.

Abstract: Cell culture flasks that are readily conducive to various automated processing applications, including introducing and removing fluid from the flasks are provided. Automated cell culture flask processing systems, system components, and related methods are also provided.

Abstract: High throughput compound profiling systems, and related devices and sub-systems that can be used to perform various compound profiling processes are provided. These systems typically include work perimeters that are organized for optimum efficiency and processing accuracy. Further, these systems are readily adaptable for performing a wide array of assays, as many different system components are easily incorporated or interchangeable in a particular system. System components that are provided by the invention include cell culture dissociators, which can be used, e.g., to effect cell wetting, dissociation, and/or agitation applications. In some embodiments, these cell culture dissociators are included as components of automated cell culture passaging stations. Dispensing devices that permit on-the-fly fluid temperature regulation are also provided. In addition, various compound profiling methods, cell dissociation methods, uniform cell concentration dispensing methods, among other processes, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides multi-well container positioning devices and systems. In certain embodiments, these devices and systems are structured to compensate for structural defects or irregularities of multi-well containers so that the containers are accurately positioned for further processing. In some embodiments, multi-well container positioning devices and systems include multiple chambers that can be used to retain multi-well containers in selected positions on the positioning devices in a desired sequence. In addition, related computer program products and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A grab bar assembly includes a grab bar, a mounting flange and an annular cover. A connective block with a bolt hole thereof is fixed on inner side of an end surface of the grab bar. An axial columnar projection with a central insertion hole is arranged on the mounting flange. The central insertion hole forms a countersunk end on the bottom of the mounting flange. When being assembled, the end surface of the grab bar connects with the columnar projection of the mounting flange. An inner hexagonal countersunk screw inserts through the central insertion hole from the countersunk end on the bottom of the mounting flange and threads into the bolt hole of the connective block on the end surface of the grab bar so as to fasten the grab bar with the mounting flange. Then the annular cover is assembled with the mounting flange by the inner thread threaded with the outer thread so as to make the annular cover fix on the mounting flange firmly and shield the mounting flange.

Abstract: The present invention provides fluid removal heads and related multi-well container processing systems for the efficient removal of fluids from multi-well containers. Methods of removing fluid from multi-well containers are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides dispensing systems that include peristaltic pumps and other pressure sources for the efficient delivery of accurate volumes of fluidic materials into the wells of multi-well containers or onto substrate surfaces. These systems are typically configured to dispense volumes of fluid having substantially uniform densities. Related computer program products and methods of dispensing fluidic materials are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides material conveying systems that are configured to convey substantially uniform quantities of material to and/or from the material sites and to minimize periodic variation among the conveyed quantities of material. Related computer program products and methods are also provided.

Abstract: An attention parental switch system of video/audio device includes a button group, a function selection circuit, a microprocessor, an input control circuit, a central processor member, an audio control circuit and a video control circuit. The button group includes a change-over button and other button, such as volume button, power button. The input control circuit processes the signal coming from the button group and produces an output signal. The central processor member includes a central processor, ROM and RAM, program that the central processor runs and attention information data are stored in the ROM in advance. When a user pushes the change-over button, the central processor can cut off the audio input, at the same time, the central processor processes the attention information data and converts it into video signal to be outputting; the user pushes the change-over button again, audio signal will output again, and the central processor processes stops processing the attention information data.

Abstract: The present invention provides material removal heads and devices for noninvasively removing materials from the wells of multi-well plates. The material removal heads of the invention are structured to prevent cross-contamination among wells of multi-well plates as materials are removed from the plates. The invention also provides dispense heads and devices that include angled dispensers. Related systems, kits, and methods are additionally provided.

Abstract: This invention provides capacity altering devices that facilitate the processing of samples whose volume exceeds the capacity of external sample processing regions (e.g., sample tubes or wells). The invention also provides holders that can be used with such devices, e.g., to allow centrifugation of the devices and/or to minimize handling of the external processing regions. Methods of processing samples, particularly samples whose volume exceeds the capacity of the external processing regions, and methods of collecting compounds in external processing regions are another feature of the invention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for micromachining and microdrilling which results in a machined part of superior surface quality is provided. The system uses a near diffraction limited, high repetition rate, short pulse length, visible wavelength laser. The laser is combined with a high speed precision tilting mirror and suitable beam shaping optics, thus allowing a large amount of energy to be accurately positioned and scanned on the workpiece. As a result of this system, complicated, high resolution machining patterns can be achieved. A cover plate may be temporarily attached to the workpiece. Then as the workpiece material is vaporized during the machining process, the vapors condense on the cover plate rather than the surface of the workpiece. In order to eliminate cutting rate variations as the cutting direction is varied, a randomly polarized laser beam is utilized. A rotating half-wave plate is used to achieve the random polarization.