Abstract: A method for assembling a pattern of structures in a microchannel comprises providing a colloid of paramagnetic particles in a microchannel and applying an axially uniform magnetic field thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for monitoring the flow rate of a fluid stream which comprises heating the stream with a heating member for a time sufficient to induce a change in the refractive index of the fluid; detecting the change in the refractive index of the fluid at a location remote from the heating member; and calculating the flow rate of the fluid from the change in the refractive index.

Abstract: A system and method for relating files in a distributed data storage environment allows for positive identification of membership of a file within a group, even in a loosely coupled environment where files are not available for comparison in real time. In disclosed embodiments, base files of a client are stored on a server and are accompanied by tokens uniquely identifying the base files. The tokens are generated on the client and may be derived from the contents of the base file using a digital signature. Each file transmitted to the server is accompanied with a token. Incremental backups may be used, and may employ file differencing. Accordingly, sub-files related to the base files may be transmitted to the server for backup. The sub-files are related to their respective base files using the tokens and are cross-linked to the base files so that any sub-files can be retrieved together with the base file from which the sub-file was derived.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for analyzing nucleic acid sequences based on real-time detection of DNA polymerase-catalyzed incorporation of each of the four nucleotide bases, supplied individually and serially in a microfluidic system, to a reaction cell containing a template system comprising a DNA fragment of unknown sequence and an oligonucleotide primer. Incorporation of a nucleotide base into the template system can be detected by any of a variety of methods including but not limited to fluorescence and chemiluminescence detection. Alternatively, microcalorimetic detection of the heat generated by the incorporation of a nucleotide into the extending template system using thermopile, thermistor and refractive index measurements can be used to detect extension reactions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for controlling electroosmotic flow by treating a surface with an organosilane having a single leaving group and optionally a ceramic oxide. This protective coating allows increased control and stabilization of electroosmotic flow by applying a radial voltage field.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for controlling electroosmotic flow by treating a surface with an organosilane having a single leaving group and optionally a ceramic oxide. This protective coating allows increased control and stabilization of electroosmotic flow by applying a radial voltage field.

Abstract: A cathode ray tube comprises a display and a funnel envelope. The funnel envelope comprises a thixotropic material. The thixotropic material thixotropic material is selected from at least one of thixotropic magnesium, thixotropic magnesium alloys, thixotropic aluminum, thixotropic aluminum alloys, or mixtures thereof or combinations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for analyzing nucleic acid sequences based on real-time detection of DNA polymerase-catalyzed incorporation of each of the four nucleotide bases, supplied individually and serially in a microfluidic system, to a reaction cell containing a template system comprising a DNA fragment of unknown sequence and an oligonucleotide primer. Incorporation of a nucleotide base into the template system can be detected by any of a variety of methods including but not limited to fluorescence and chemiluminescence detection. Alternatively, microcalorimetic detection of the heat generated by the incorporation of a nucleotide into the extending template system using thermopile, thermistor and refractive index measurements can be used to detect extension reactions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for distributing agricultural products by selectively distributing orders among a network of agricultural product suppliers is described.

Abstract: An agricultural product business system includes a software portion installed and executable by a system server connected to the Internet. The system is configured to communicate with consumers and growers operating remote terminals connected to the Internet. A system administrator may also access the system via a remote terminal connected to the Internet or via a terminal connected to the system server. The system is configured to provide a distinct interface for communications with each type of user: consumer, grower, or administrator.

Abstract: An electrophoretic separation apparatus includes a capillary tube having a length, a cross section, an inlet and an outlet. A first reservoir containing a solvent and, upon injection, a solute is in fluid-flow communication with the inlet and a second reservoir containing at least a solvent is also in fluid flow communication with the outlet, the capillary thereby being filled at least with the solvent. A first power supply applies a direct voltage separation potential between the first and second reservoirs and along the length of the capillary to thereby establish an electrophoretic flow of the solute therethrough. A second power supply applies an alternating voltage upon the direct voltage, and the DC impedance and AC impedance values are determined and subtracted to provide a direct measurement of the electroosmotic flow.

Abstract: An electrophoretic separation apparatus includes a capillary tube having a length, a cross section, an inlet and an outlet. A first reservoir containing a solvent and, upon injection, a solute is in fluid-flow communication with the inlet and a second reservoir containing at least a solvent is also in fluid flow communication with the outlet, the capillary thereby being filled at least with the solvent. A first power supply means applies a separation potential between the first and second reservoirs and along the length of the capillary to thereby establish an electrophoretic flow of the solute therethrough. An electrically isolated conductor is juxtaposed to an external surface of the capillary tube and is connected to a second power supply. An electrostatic field is thereby applied across the cross section of the capillary tube to control the electroosmotic flow therein. The electrical isolation of the conductor prevents current flow between the power supply and the conductor.

Abstract: An electrophoretic separation apparatus includes a capillary tube having a length, a cross section, an inlet and an outlet. A first reservoir containing a solvent and, upon injection, a solute is in fluid-flow communication with the inlet and a second reservoir containing at least a solvent is also in fluid flow communication with the outlet, the capillary thereby being filled at least with the solvent. A first power supply means applies a separation potential between the first and second reservoirs and along the length of the capillary to thereby establish an electrophoretic flow of the solute therethrough. An electrically isolated plate is juxtaposed to an external surface of the capillary tube and is connected to a second power supply. An electrostatic field is thereby applied across the cross section of the capillary tube to control the electroosmotic flow therein. The electrical isolation of the plate prevents current flow between the power supply and the plate.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing communications links comprises a microprocessor 20 which causes each telephone number in a range of telephone numbers to be dialed through an exchange test input port (TA1-TA4) by dialers 31-34. Adaptors 41-4N are arranged for clamping to terminal blocks of (e.g.) an exchange main distribution frame. Once the exchange has set up a call scan driver 23 causes each output port of the MDF connected to the adaptors to be pulsed in turn. Detectors 31'-34' monitor the input ports TA1-TA4 for pulse presence to cause interrupt of the microprocessor 20. The microprocessor reads a count from the scan driver 23 which is forwarded to a computer 1 which correlates the telephone number dialed with a physical location (equipment number) of the output port.