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: An article for holding a liquefied sample for the quantification of biological material in the sample includes a device having a reaction chamber enclosing a volume therein, the reaction chamber having an upper opening through which a liquefied sample can be poured and a plurality of discrete non-permeable compartments, each of the compartments having an upper rim and being configured and dimensioned to hold separate aliquots of a liquefied sample therein; and a gasket lid removably secured to the top of the device, the gasket lid being configured and dimensioned for sealing the upper rim of each compartment to prevent liquid communication between the compartments.

Abstract: There is provided a device for partitioning a liquefied sample into discrete volumes. The device includes a bottom member; a top member disposed adjacent the bottom member; and at least one channel member disposed between the top and bottom members. The at least one channel member is at least partially defined by the top and bottom members and has first and second end portions. The first end portion of the at least one channel has an opening to receive liquid and the second end portion of the at least one channel has a reaction compartment and a vent opening. Accordingly, when the liquefied sample is introduced to the first end portion, capillary action assists in causing the liquefied sample to travel from the first end portion to the second end portion and at least a portion of the liquefied sample is caused to remain in the reaction compartment.

Abstract: An article for holding a liquefied sample for the quantification of biological material in the sample includes a device having a reaction chamber enclosing a volume therein, the reaction chamber having an upper opening through which a liquefied sample can be poured and a plurality of discrete non-permeable compartments, each of the compartments having an upper rim and being configured and dimensioned to hold separate aliquots of a liquefied sample therein; and a gasket lid removably secured to the top of the device, the gasket lid being configured and dimensioned for sealing the upper rim of each compartment to prevent liquid communication between the compartments.

Abstract: An article for holding a liquefied sample for the quantification of biological material in the sample includes a device having a reaction chamber enclosing a volume therein, the reaction chamber having an upper opening through which a liquefied sample can be poured and a plurality of discrete non-permeable compartments, each of the compartments having an upper rim and being configured and dimensioned to hold separate aliquots of a liquefied sample therein; and a gasket lid removably secured to the top of the device, the gasket lid being configured and dimensioned for sealing the upper rim of each compartment to prevent liquid communication between the compartments.

Abstract: A vehicle for temporary support of intermodal cargo containers, especially a trailer for a tractor/trailer rig, has deployable locating pins placed centrally along the length of a chassis, for locating containers placed end-to-end. The locating pins center containers of different lengths relative to the chassis, which is long enough to accommodate the longest standard length of container or two short containers. The locating pins are resiliently mounted such that a long container or misplaced containers that are set down on the pins, cause the pins to be depressed into the chassis. Stop pins define an endpoint for an end of a container, and two resiliently mounted engagement pins on each side, are positioned for engaging the corner fittings of intermodal containers when abutted against the locating pins.

Abstract: A reclining chair suitable for use in theaters or the like is provided wherein the backrest and seat are mounted upon spaced-apart wings having a substantially inverted, truncated, right triangular shape. The wings are respectively pivotally mounted to the inner sides of a pair of spaced-apart stanchions such that in the upright position of the chair the axis upon which the seat is mounted to the wings is located close to and substantially directly vertically above the axis upon which the wings are pivotally mounted to the respective stanchions. Stops are provided on the stanchions which interact with stop engaging surfaces on the wings to limit the forward and the downward and rearward travel of the backrest and seat.

Abstract: A capacitive charging mechanism is used in electrostatic stylus recorders having opposed writing nibs and counter electrodes to create electrostatic latent images on electrographic film and other dielectrically coated recording media. To capacitively charge the dielectric surface coating of such a recording medium, a writing voltage is first applied to one or more of the stylii or nibs and another writing voltage pulse is later applied to a counter electrode or electrode segment after a predetermined delay period which is selected to allow the nib voltages to stabilize. The charging of the dielectric surface coating of the recording medium to substantially a predetermined image voltage level occurs on the lead edge of the counter electrode writing voltage pulse. To prevent premature discharge of the charge deposited on the dielectric surface coating, the electrode writing voltage pulse is terminated before or simultaneously with the nib writing voltage pulse.

Abstract: A plurality of yarns are drawn from supply sources onto feed rolls and over a set of draw rolls in adjacent relationship. The yarns are urged into a desired contiguous relationship on the draw rolls by a concave guide surface in the course of passing from the yarn feed rolls to the draw rolls.

Abstract: A side entry apparatus for use in a drill string permits a wireline to be connected with tool apparatus within the pipe and passed to the exterior of the pipe intermediate the ends of the drill string so that sections of pipe may be added to the drill string without interrupting the connection and resulting communication between the wireline and tool apparatus to which it is connected. The side entry apparatus includes a housing having an opening through the wall of the housing. A sealing element is arranged to be positioned about the wireline, between the wireline and the opening. A jacking mechanism is used to compress the sealing element and thereby move it into sealing contact about the wireline.

Abstract: A bobbin carrier includes a rectangular frame having adjustable support shafts mounted at the corners thereof which, in turn, individually adjustably support brackets, each of which includes means for adjustably and slidably positioning thereon a pair of support rods adapted to receive large yarn bobbins. Yarn bobbins supported upon the carrier are selectively aligned, and spaced uniform distances from generally centrally located first guide means resulting in uniformity of feed of yarns to a machine which utilizes the yarns. Bobbins may be replaced by slidably retracting the support rods relative to the bobbin and the brackets.

Abstract: A plurality of yarns are drawn from supply sources onto feed rolls and over a set of draw rolls in adjacent relationship. The yarns are urged into a desired contiguous relationship on the draw rolls by a concave guide surface in the course of passing from the yarn feed rolls to the draw rolls.

Abstract: A yarn is twist-drawn on an apparatus employing a 2-for-1 twist spindle; at least one guide roll positioned above the spindle; means suitable for receiving a yarn from said guide roll and drawing the yarn; and means suitable for winding the drawn yarn, wherein the guide roll comprises a cylindrical surface mounted on a shaft which is attached to a base suitable for positioning the cylindrical surface so that the yarn rides on the surface of the roll in a relatively fixed position and a substantial amount of twist is not trapped in the yarn ahead of the guide roll.

Abstract: An elongated guide rail provided on the bale case of a baler is laterally adjustable to a position parallel to the natural straight line path of reciprocatory movement of a plunger within the bale case in order to facilitate accurate guidance of the plunger along its natural path and thereby in substantially parallel alignment with the reciprocatory motion transmitted to the plunger by a drive rod on the baler.

Abstract: A 2-for-1 twister equipped with at least two antiwrapping members is effective to prevent entanglement of the yarn between the spindle and the spindle support means when the yarn breaks out immediately downstream of the twister.

Abstract: A yarn is twist-drawn on an apparatus employing a 2-for-1 twist spindle; at least one guide roll positioned above the spindle; means suitable for receiving a yarn from said guide roll and drawing the yarn; and means suitable for winding the drawn yarn, wherein the guide roll comprises a cylindrical surface mounted on a shaft which is attached to a base suitable for positioning the cylindrical surface so that the yarn rides on the surface of the roll in a relatively fixed position and a substantial amount of twist is not trapped in the yarn ahead of the guide roll.

Abstract: An improved assembly is mounted on a tongue of a draft implement which supports an input driveline of the implement for operative drive connection with a power takeoff drive shaft of a tractor which tows the implement through an articulate connection with the implement tongue. The improved assembly includes a lower toothed annular jaw part fixedly mounted on a support member on the tongue, an upper toothed annular jaw part and a shaft extending generally vertically through the lower and upper jaw parts and journalling the upper jaw part for rotation relative to the lower jaw part about an upright axis and for concurrent axial sliding movement toward and away from an intermeshed relationship with the lower jaw part.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Coreopsis named Tequila Sunrise, characterized by its yellow and green variegated leaves; compact plant habit; large, bright golden yellow, single flowers; and reddish foliage color when exposed to cool temperatures.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Panicum plant named `Dallas Blues`, characterized by its large grayed blue-green leaves; large, dense plant habit; moderate to vigorous growth rate; late flowering; rich winter foliage color; and very large panicles that are maintained throughout the winter and into the spring providing ornamental interest.