Abstract: A biomolecule microarray support is comprised of a frame with upward projecting side walls. A transparent substrate is detachably positioned on the frame within the walls. A printed hydrophobic grid is arranged on the substrate for receiving spots of biomolecule samples. Each square on the grid is identified with a position number. A resilient gasket with an array of chambers is position on the substrate in alignment with the grid. The chambers are defined by dividing walls which are tapered from top to bottom. A clamping plate is positioned on the gasket which is received in stabilizing grooves under the clamping plate. Holes on the clamping plate aligned with the chambers allow a hybridization fluid to be introduced into the chambers. Fasteners connect the clamping plate and the frame to tightly compress the gasket against the substrate to seal the chambers from each other.

Abstract: A spot picker is comprised of a pipette and a disposable cutting tip. The pipette is comprised of a housing with a suction tube projecting from a lower end. An actuation button is positioned at the top end of the housing. The actuation button is connected to a piston inside the suction tube. A plunger attached to the piston has a lower end positioned outside the suction tube. The cutting tip is comprised of a hollow tube with an open proximal end attached to the suction tube. A compressible porous hydrophobic filter is securely but movably positioned within the hollow tube. The cutting tip cuts a gel spot when its open lower end is pushed into a sheet of gel. The plunger pushes the filter outward to discharge the gel spot from the cutting tip when the actuation button is fully depressed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning the intake system of an internal combustion engine, such as an automobile engine, employs intake manifold vacuum of the running engine to ingest and atomize a liquid cleaner using a bleed of ambient air. Atomizing of the liquid cleaner provides better dispersion of the cleaner to surfaces of the intake system of the engine, and prevents puddling of the liquid in low spots of the intake system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning the intake system of an internal combustion engine, such as an automobile engine, employs intake manifold vacuum of the running engine to ingest and atomize a liquid cleaner using a bleed of ambient air. Atomizing of the liquid cleaner provides better dispersion of the cleaner to surfaces of the intake system of the engine, and prevents puddling of the liquid in low spots of the intake system.

Abstract: An automotive fluid service machine for changing fluids such as automatic transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and engine coolant, includes a cabinet with a unitary integral fluid reservoir defined by a lower portion of the machine cabinet. This lower cabinet portion which integrally defines the fluid reservoir also provides a machinery deck to which the components of the machines are mounted. A cap portion of the cabinet provides a cavity for protecting the components mounted to the machinery deck and also provides a control panel for the machine in addition to providing fluid fill and drainage basins improving the convenience and safety of use for the machine. The safety of a service area is improved by the machine because a very low center of gravity for the machine reduces the risk of tipping of a machine and of spilling fluids. Thus, environmental concerns from such spills as well as the risk of personnel slips and falls on spilled fluids are reduced.

Abstract: A fail-safe transmission service machine allows old ATF to be pumped out of a transmission while the vehicle engine runs, and responsively pumps a matching volume of new ATF into the transmission so that dry running of the transmission can not occur. If the supply of new ATF runs out or if power to the service machine is interrupted, the machine reverts to closed loop fluid circulation for the transmission. A hydraulic rectifier provides for universal connection of hoses between the transmission cooler fluid circulation loop of the vehicle and the service machine. An alternative embodiment of the machine allows for similarly fail-safe exchange of power steering fluid from a vehicle, and replacement of the old fluid with new power steering fluid.

Abstract: A blotting apparatus for transferring electrophoretically separated material from electrophoresis gels in a transfer stack. The device includes a resilient anode surface for more consistent transfer of DNA from DNA sequencing gels in the transfer stack to an immobilizing membrane. The anode surface is smaller than the cathode surface, and is mounted on a carrier arm which moves the anode surface over the membrane during transfer.

Abstract: A color printer/plotter includes a frame having a paper inlet, a number of print stations, and a paper outlet. The paper is pulled past the print stations by a single driver at the paper outlet. Each print station includes a electrostatic charging head having a flat charging surface against which a first roller, typically having a foam outer surface, presses with the paper therebetween. Immediately downstream of the charging head a toner roller supplies toner to the paper, the toner adhering to the charged areas on the paper. A second pressure roller presses the paper against the toner roller. The second pressure roller is offset slightly upstream of the center of the toner roller to aid toner roller-paper contact. The sizing and positioning of the toner and second pressure rollers is such so as not to significantly deflect the paper from the substantially straight paper path between the paper inlet and paper outlet.