Abstract: An integrated system for performing electro-blotting, probing and drying of the membrane is disclosed. The integrated system comprises a transfer unit for receiving one or more transfer sandwich holder. Each transfer sandwich holder holding a transfer sandwich comprises a gel member and the membrane. The transfer unit is configured to transfer samples from the gel member to the membrane. The integrated system also includes a probing unit for receiving the membrane therewithin. The membrane is exposed to a plurality of antibodies for binding with the samples in the membrane. A drying unit is also present for drying the membrane with hot air.

Abstract: An integrated system for performing electro-blotting, probing and drying of the membrane is disclosed. The integrated system comprises a transfer unit for receiving one or more transfer sandwich holder. Each transfer sandwich holder holding a transfer sandwich comprises a gel member and the membrane. The transfer unit is configured to transfer samples from the gel member to the membrane. The integrated system also includes a probing unit for receiving the membrane therewithin. The membrane is exposed to a plurality of antibodies for binding with the samples in the membrane. A drying unit is also present for drying the membrane with hot air.

Abstract: A running tool has a stem for connecting to a string of conduit, a body, and a plurality of functional positions selected in response to rotation of the stem relative to the body. A feedback mechanism assembly is connected to the running tool and is operational with rotation of the stem relative to the body. The feedback mechanism assembly increases the torque required to rotate the stem relative to the body when the running tool has reached one of the plurality of its functional positions. The increased torque thereby provides a positive indication that the running tool has reached and is in the desired and proper functional position.

Abstract: A running tool has a stem for connecting to a string of conduit, a body, and a plurality of functional positions selected in response to rotation of the stem relative to the body. A feedback mechanism assembly is connected to the running tool and is operational with rotation of the stem relative to the body. The feedback mechanism assembly increases the torque required to rotate the stem relative to the body when the running tool has reached one of the plurality of its functional positions. The increased torque thereby provides a positive indication that the running tool has reached and is in the desired and proper functional position.

Abstract: Improved methods for providing fault tolerance in a distributed computer system utilize an explicit, delayed acknowledgement message protocol to send an acknowledgement message to a workflow-requesting entity, such as a load manager and/or a requesting client, only upon completion of a workflow. The system includes workflow engines operating as a distributed queue group to load-balance processing requests from clients. The system also has a certified messaging capability that guarantees delivery of any message sent by a certified message sender by maintaining a persistent record of the message until an acknowledgement message is received back from the certified message receiver. In the event a hardware or software failure occurs during a workflow execution, the workflow is reassigned to a different workflow engine. Improved fault-tolerant computers and computer networks are also described.

Abstract: Improved methods for providing fault tolerance in a distributed computer system utilize an explicit, delayed acknowledgement message protocol to send an acknowledgement message to a workflow-requesting entity, such as a load manager and/or a requesting client, only upon completion of a workflow. The system includes workflow engines operating as a distributed queue group to load-balance processing requests from clients. The system also has a certified messaging capability that guarantees delivery of any message sent by a certified message sender by maintaining a persistent record of the message until an acknowledgement message is received back from the certified message receiver. In the event a hardware or software failure occurs during a workflow execution, the workflow is reassigned to a different workflow engine. Improved fault-tolerant computers and computer networks are also described.