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: Apparatus for reorienting containers such as bottles moving along and guided in single file along a plurality of side-by-side lanes in which the reorienting unit has a plurality of modular units each with an endless belt and operating in pairs to turn the containers a predetermined amount about a vertical axis in each of the respective lanes.

Abstract: Apparatus for reorienting containers such as bottles moving along and guided in single file along a plurality of side-by-side lanes in which the reorienting unit has a plurality of modular units each with an endless belt and operating in pairs to turn the containers a predetermined amount about a vertical axis in each of the respective lanes

Abstract: A piston includes an insert, such as a piston ring insert or crown insert. In order to prevent the insert springing off the piston body in an axial direction, the insert is so formed with a recess or recesses which interlock with projections on the piston body so that the mechanical interlock between them holds the insert securely on the piston body. Further interlocking recesses and projections may be provided which are arranged to prevent relative rotation between the insert and the piston body.

Abstract: The reflectivity of a reflex reflector device comprising a reflex reflector element having corner cube reflecting elements on a rear surface thereof is improved, particularly at high entrance angles, by the provision of a second reflex reflector element behind the first reflex reflector element. The second reflex reflector element has corner cube reflecting elements which are on a rear surface thereof and which have a linear size five to ten times smaller than that of the corner cube reflecting elements of the first reflex reflector. Further improvements can be obtained if the corner cube reflecting elements of the second reflex reflector are angled relative to the front surface of the first reflex reflector.