Abstract: A thermal cycler for automatic performance of the polymerase chain reaction is provided. The thermal cycler comprises a heater control that provides close temperature control of the reaction.

Abstract: A thermal cycler for automatic performance of the polymerase chain reaction is provided. The thermal cycler comprises a heater control that provides close temperature control of the reaction.

Abstract: An instrument for monitoring replication of DNA is provided.

Abstract: In a luminescence detecting apparatus and method for analyzing luminescent samples, luminescent samples are placed in a plurality of sample wells in a tray, and the tray is placed in a visible-light impervious chamber containing a charge coupled device camera. In the chamber, light from the luminescent samples pass through a collimator, a Fresnel field lens, an infrared filter, and a camera lens, whereupon a focused image is created by the optics on the camera. The use of an infrared filter suppresses stray IR radiation resulting from plate phosphorescence (which can result in abnormally high backgrounds and/or alteration of the image received by the camera).

Abstract: A user of a portable device may request a full-length information set be sent to a high capacity presentation apparatus for printing. A truncated or compressed information set is displayed on the portable device, which the user may select for later printing of the full-length information on the high capacity presentation apparatus when the portable device is synchronized.

Abstract: Structures and processes for packaging produce in a manner that resists contamination due to dust, debris, and sunlight. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, fresh produce may be placed in a produce container having tabs extending from the top of the produce container walls. The tabs may preferably comprise a hook end. A produce container cover, preferably made from fiberboard or some other suitably lightweight material, comprising tab slots in locations complementary to the tabs of the produce container may be placed on the produce container as a cover. The tab slots of the produce container cover are configured to create a locking effect with the hook end of the tabs located on the produce container. This prevents the produce container cover from inadvertently being displaced during shipping and handling.

Abstract: An instrument for performing highly accurate PCR employing an assembly, a heated cover and an internal computer. The assembly is made up of a sample block, a number of Peltier thermal electric devices and heat sink, clamped together. The sample block temperature is changed exclusively by the thermoelectric devices controlled by the computer. The sample block is of low thermal mass and is constructed of silver. The Peltier devices are designed to provide fast temperature excursions over a wide range. The heat sink has a perimeter trench to minimize edge losses and is adjacent to a continuously variable fan. A perimeter heater is used to improve the thermal uniformity across the sample block to approximately ±0.2° C. A heated platen pushes down onto the tube caps to apply a minimum acceptable force for seating the tubes into the block, ensuring good thermal contact with the block. The force is applied about the periphery of the tube caps to prevent distortion of the caps during thermal cycling.

Abstract: A sample tube including a cylindrical part and a conical part is described. The cylindrical part can include, a first wall portion having a first wall portion thickness, a second wall portion having a second wall portion thickness, and a shoulder including a planar first surface and a conically beveled second surface disposed between the first wall portion and the second wall portion. The first wall portion can be disposed closer to the planar first surface than the conically beveled second surface. The conical part can be shaped as a frustrum of a cone having a conical part wall thickness. The frustrum can include a wider-end and a narrower-end. The wider-end of the frustrum can be in contact with the second wall portion of the cylindrical part. At least one of the first wall portion thickness and the second wall portion thickness can be greater than the conical part wall thickness.

Abstract: A luminescence detecting apparatus and method for analyzing luminescent samples is disclosed. Luminescent samples are placed in a plurality of sample wells in a tray, and the tray is placed in a visible-light impervious chamber containing a charge coupled device camera. The samples may be injected in the wells, and the samples may be injected with buffers and reagents, by an injector. In the chamber, light from the luminescent samples pass through a collimator, a Fresnel field lens, a filter, and a camera lens, whereupon a focused image is created by the optics on the charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. The use of a Fresnel field lens, in combination with a collimator and filter, reduces crosstalk between samples below the level attainable by the prior art. Preferred embodiments of the luminescence detecting apparatus and method disclosed include central processing control of all operations, multiple wavelength filter wheel, and robot handling of samples and reagents.

Abstract: A luminescence detecting apparatus and method for analyzing luminescent samples is disclosed. Luminescent samples are placed in a plurality of sample wells in a tray, and the tray is placed in a visible-light impervious chamber containing a charge coupled device camera. The samples may be injected in the wells, and the samples may be injected with buffers and reagents, by an injector. In the chamber, light from the luminescent samples pass through a collimator, a Fresnel field lens, a filter, and a camera lens, whereupon a focused image is created by the optics on the charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. The use of a Fresnel field lens, in combination with a collimator and filter, reduces crosstalk between samples below the level attainable by the prior art. Preferred embodiments of the luminescence detecting apparatus and method disclosed include central processing control of all operations, multiple wavelength filter wheel, and robot handling of samples and reagents.

Abstract: Printing is performed from a portable device. Upon a selection to print, available printing options are displayed. This includes providing an option to print remote data accessible at a location outside of the portable device by reference to the location outside of the portable device. Upon selection of one of the available printing options, a print operation is performed in accordance with the selection.

Abstract: A user of a portable device may request a full-length information set be sent to a high capacity presentation apparatus for printing. A truncated or compressed information set is displayed on the portable device, which the user may select for later printing of the full-length information on the high capacity presentation apparatus when the portable device is synchronized.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic stimulating device which produces low frequency pulsating signals generated by a relaxation oscillator. The electronic circuit board is mounted within a lightweight portable housing to enable a user to conveniently carry the device at all times, if desired.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic stimulating device which produces low frequency pulsating signals generated by a relaxation oscillator. The electronic circuit board is mounted within a lightweight portable housing to enable a user to conveniently carry the device at all times, if desired.

Abstract: An apparatus for modifying the temperature of the effluent of a fluid stream entering a flow cell which includes a counterflow heat exchange between the outlet fluid and the inlet fluid and a thermally equilibrating the flow cell with the inlet fluid after it has passed through the counterflow heat exchange and before it enters the flow cell.