Abstract: Fraction collector dispensers and methods of using such dispensers are provided. In one embodiment, the dispenser includes an inlet for receiving liquid from a liquid source, wherein the inlet is in fluid communication with an outlet from which liquid is dispensed into a receptacle; and a reservoir in fluid communication with a flow path between the inlet and outlet, wherein the reservoir is configured to receive liquid during movement of the dispenser between receptacles or during movement of receptacles between dispense positions and to receive pressurized air or gas to empty liquid out of the reservoir before or after movement of the dispenser or receptacles, wherein the dispenser is moveable between a first receptacle and a second receptacle or the receptacles are moveable between dispense positions.

Abstract: A system for controlling an ultrasonic transducer utilizes an indication of the relative phase of the voltage on the transducer and the current passing through the transducer to control the relative phase to a value that has been preselected to correspond to resonance of an electromechanical system that includes the ultrasonic transducer. In one example application, the system includes a waveform generator that produces an oscillating signal, and the frequency of the oscillating signal is adjustable under control of the control processor. The control processor adjusts the frequency of the oscillating signal according to a proportional control law at least some of the time, and according to a proportional-integral control law at least some of the time. The control processor may also control the amplitude of the oscillation of the ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: A system for controlling an ultrasonic transducer utilizes an indication of the relative phase of the voltage on the transducer and the current passing through the transducer to control the relative phase to a value that has been preselected to correspond to resonance of an electromechanical system that includes the ultrasonic transducer. In one example application, the system includes a waveform generator that produces an oscillating signal, and the frequency of the oscillating signal is adjustable under control of the control processor. The control processor adjusts the frequency of the oscillating signal according to a proportional control law at least some of the time, and according to a proportional-integral control law at least some of the time. The control processor may also control the amplitude of the oscillation of the ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: A cartridge in which sonication is applied to biological matter to disrupt and release nucleic acids from the matter is formed from a cartridge body containing a series of wells connected by fluid passages engineered to prevent backflow, with at least one well containing a sonication window covered by a thin lamina to transmit sonic vibrations from a sonication horn contacting the exterior surface of the window. Fluid transport among the wells is achieved by pressure differentials through the fluid passages, and a succession of functions is performed in the various wells, including disruption, mixing, binding of the released nucleic acids to binding materials, washing, elution, and collection.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for precise positioning of an object using linear actuators based on linear stepper motors operating in microstepping or full step mode, a control algorithm based on compensation table, and a calibration apparatus for obtaining the compensation table.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for precise positioning of an object using linear actuators based on linear stepper motors operating in microstepping or full step mode, a control algorithm based on compensation table, and a calibration apparatus for obtaining the compensation table.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reconfigurable modular drive joint that can be used as the basis for building and configuring robotic and automated systems as an interconnected network of individual nodes, with each node representing a single modular joint. Each modular joint can be quickly set up in either a roll, pitch or yaw configuration. A large number of different robot structures can be built using a small number of the modular joints in any of these three configurations. The modules are equipped with quick-connect mechanisms so that a new robot structure can be assembled in a few minutes. A robot or other automated system assembled from such modular joints is a true reconfigurable and modular system. The control system is decentralized. Each modular joint is provided with its own built-in control system and electronics. The modular joints each include a motor and associated sensors.