Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, devices and systems for associating consumable data with an assay consumable used in a biological assay. Provided are assay systems and associated consumables, wherein the assay system adjusts one or more steps of an assay protocol based on consumable data specific for that consumable. Various types of consumable data are described, as well as methods of using such data in the conduct of an assay by an assay system. The present invention also relates to consumables (e.g., kits and reagent containers), software, data deployable bundles, computer-readable media, loading carts, instruments, systems, and methods, for performing automated biological assays.

Abstract: A rocker mill includes a pair of roll dies rotatably mounted in a structure and having tapered circumferential grooves for receiving a workpiece. A support is provided for supporting the structure so that it is longitudinally movable relative to the support. The support is rotatably mounted on a frame. A reciprocating driving apparatus is provided for reciprocating the roll dies longitudinally relative to the support through a reduction stroke and a smoothing stroke. A rotating driving apparatus is provided for rotating the roll dies around a longitudinal axis of a workpiece. A method of forming reduced diameter tubing is also described.

Abstract: A rocker mill for reducing the diameter of metal tubes includes a rollstand mounted on a reciprocable sled. The rollstand includes upper and lower roll dies between which the tubes travel as the sled and rollstand are reciprocated. The roll dies are mounted on tapered segments of respective arbors to facilitate removal of the roll dies. The arbors are driven by respective spur gears which are in meshing relationship on one side of the rollstand. One of the spur gears is driven by a pinion gear coaxially attached thereto on the same side of the rollstand as the spur gears. The rollstand is arranged to be slid horizontally from the sled after a plurality of fasteners have been released. A stationary toothed rack which drives the drive gear is spring-biased vertically to raise the rack in order to facilitate the sliding of the rollstand off the sled.

Abstract: Vertical and axial movement of fuel rods relative to grid spacers in a fuel bundle of a BWR or PWR nuclear reactor is prevented by use of sleeves welded to various vertical positions upon a fuel rod, whereby the sleeves have horizontally and vertically oriented windows and slots for engaging protrusions and corner springs, respectively, located in the openings for receiving fuel rods of the grid spacers.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for securing an upper tie plate to the tie rods of a nuclear fuel bundle. The mechanism includes an upper tie plate assembly and locking sleeves fixed to the ends of the tie rods. The tie plate is part of the upper tie plate assembly and is secured to the fuel bundle by securing the entire upper tie plate assembly to the locking sleeves fixed to the tie rods. The assembly includes, in addition to the tie plate, locking nuts for engaging the locking sleeves, retaining sleeves to operably connect the locking nuts to the assembly, a spring biased reaction plate to restrain the locking nuts in the locked position and a means to facilitate the removal of the entire assembly as a unit from the fuel bundle.