Abstract: Apparatus and methods for positioning the process chambers of microfluidic sample processing devices in the proper focal plane of a microplate reader are disclosed. The apparatus and methods may be adaptable to position the sample processing devices at different heights as may be necessary for processing in different microplate readers. A positioning device is used in connection with the sample processing device to locate the process chambers within the focal plane of the microplate reader.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for monitoring the processing of a workpiece that includes directing an incident laser beam onto the workpiece and using an optical detector for measuring a signal emitted from the workpiece as a result of the incident laser beam. The detector generates at least two signals based upon the optical signal. The method also involves use of a light source monitor in determining workpiece processing quality based upon the quotient of the two outputs as well as a magnitude of one of the two quotients.

Abstract: A connector is provided for coupling an end of a coaxial cable to a terminal, such as a cable terminal, a terminal for coupling to another connector, and the like The connector includes a coupler, such as a nut, having a receiving port for engaging the terminal. The coupler also includes an annular collar. The connector also includes a body member, one end of which includes a lip. The lip is inserted through the collar opening. The other end of the body section includes an inner surface portion. The connector still further includes a post, an end of which is sized for insertion between the dielectric and the outer conductor of the cable. The post further includes a post flange and a post shank. The post shank forms a post channel sufficient in diameter to receive the inner conductor and the dielectric of the cable. The post is movable between a cable-insertion position and a cable-installed position.

Abstract: A small wearable recall device is provided to capture images triggered by a combination of a detection of a capture condition (e.g., changes in motion, temperature or light level) followed by a relatively stable period, as detected by an accelerometer. By triggering on the combination of a detected capture condition followed by a detected stability condition, a clearer image of the environment of an interesting event is expected to be captured. The small size of the recall device makes it possible to integrate it into common portable consumer products, such as MP3 players, purses, clothing, hats, backpacks, necklaces, collars, and other human-wearable products.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of Xenopus CENP-E (XCENP-E), antibodies to XCENP-E, methods of screening for CENP-E modulators using biologically active CENP-E, and kits for screening for CENP-E modulators.

Abstract: Techniques include sensing electric signals from an actuator during a document stacking operation and determining whether an abnormal event has occurred based on the sensed signals. The techniques may find particular applicability, for example, to document acceptors that include piston-type stackers driven by a direct current motor.

Abstract: A process of forming a microperforated plastic film includes providing a post tool having multiple posts, bringing plastic into contact with the post tool such that the plastic conforms to the shape of the posts, and solidifying the plastic into a solidified plastic film having a plurality of microperforations in the shape of the posts. Another step in the process is displacing any skins formed over the holes after solidifying the plastic. The process may be used to form a film for sound absorption where the posts are shaped and arranged to provide microperforations that provide a particular sound absorption spectrum. In one embodiment, the microperforations each have a narrowest diameter of 20 mils, a narrowest diameter less than a film thickness, and a widest diameter greater than narrowest diameter. The widest diameter may be about 125% or more of the narrowest diameter in an embodiment.

Abstract: An access in a housing for a computer is disclosed. The access has a pivot mechanism coupled to the housing, and a door coupled to the pivot mechanism. The door rests flush against the computer housing when the access is not deployed. The door is configured to pivot in a downward direction for deployment of the access. An actuator is coupled to the door for actuating an ejection mechanism in a disk drive drawer. The actuator has a foam pad for depressing an eject button on a faceplate of the disk drive drawer.

Abstract: Methods and devices for thermal processing of multiple samples at the same time are disclosed. The assemblies include carriers and sample processing devices with process arrays that include conduits useful in distributing sample materials to a group pf process chambers located in fluid communication with the main conduits. The sample processing devices may include one or more of the following features in various combinations: deformable seals, process chambers connected to the main conduit by feeder conduits exiting the main conduit at offset locations, U-shaped loading chambers, and a combination of melt bonded and adhesively bonded areas. The carriers may be used to apply selective compression to the sample processing devices.

Abstract: An access in a housing for a computer is disclosed. The access has a pivot mechanism coupled to the housing, and a door coupled to the pivot mechanism. The door rests flush against the computer housing when the access is not deployed. The door is configured to pivot in a downward direction for deployment of the access. An actuator is coupled to the door for actuating an ejection mechanism in a disk drive drawer. The actuator has a foam pad for depressing an eject button on a faceplate of the disk drive drawer.

Abstract: Described herein are methods which identify candidate agents as binding to a protein or as a modulator of the binding characteristics or biological activity of a protein. Generally, the methods involve the use of ADP or phosphate. The assays can be used in a high throughput system to obviate the cumbersome steps of using gels or radioactive materials.

Abstract: A cell network management system comprises a user interface with navigation components and screen components, a web server component, and a database component. A workstation connects to the web server component via a browser. The user interface transmits configuration data to the workstation in the form of hypertext markup language. The workstation uses the navigation components to navigate through screen components displaying different levels of configuration data.

Abstract: A rubber tire component (10, 20, 30, 40) is laden with a mixture of fibers (12). The fibers (12) being sensitive to induction heating can be rapidly cured using a variety of methods. The preferred method permits a selective induction curing of the fiber laden component (10, 20, 30, 40) in combination with conventional curing presses.

Abstract: Described herein are methods which identify candidate agents as binding to a protein or as a modulator of the binding characteristics or biological activity of a protein. Generally, the methods involve the use of ADP or phosphate. The assays can be used in a high throughput system to obviate the cumbersome steps of using gels or radioactive materials.

Abstract: A transreflector is made by forming a series of spaced parallel stripes of a conductive material on one surface of a synthetic resin carrier film. The film is placed against the surface of a mold defining the desired concave internal curve for the transreflector, and the mold cavity is closed by placing over the film in spaced relationship a second mold half having the desired convex external curve for the transreflector. A fluid synthetic resin is introduced into the mold cavity to form the desired transreflector element with spaced parallel stripes disposed on the internal concave surface thereof. The carrier film is removed from the transreflector element with the conductive material stripes remaining on the transreflector element.