Abstract: It is a first aspect of the present invention to provide a computer implemented method of performing ad-hoc analysis including the steps of: generating a text index of the textual information items, generating a metadata lookup structure based, at least in part, on the text index, searching the text index using a search query, compiling results of the text index search into aggregate information related to characteristics of the search results from the metadata items associated with the textual information items in the search results from the metadata lookup structure, and reporting the aggregate information.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for carrying out of chemical or biological reactions with a reaction vessel receiving element for receiving a microtiter plate with several reaction vessels, wherein the reaction vessel receiving element has several recesses arranged in a regular pattern to receive the respective reaction vessels, a heating device for heating the reaction vessel receiving element, and a cooling device for cooling the reaction vessel. The invention is characterized by the fact that the reaction vessel receiving element is divided into several segments. The individual segments are thermally decoupled from one another, and each segment is assigned a heating device which may be actuated independently of the others. By means of the segmentation of the reaction vessel receiving element, it is possible for zones to be set and held at different temperatures.

Abstract: A communication system between two wireless phones in which data is stored automatically on the location of the phones, whether the phones are activated or not. This data is used by the system for load leveling by adjusting the loads of receiving towers based upon the location of the wireless phones.

Abstract: A filling apparatus for filling a microplate. The microplate having a plurality of wells each sized to receive an assay. The filling apparatus can comprise an assay input layer having a first surface and an opposing second surface. The assay input layer can comprise an assay input port extending from the first surface to the second surface and at least one pressure nodule extending from the second surface. An output layer can comprise a plurality of staging capillaries each having an inlet and an outlet. A intermediate layer can be disposed between the assay input layer and the output layer. The intermediate layer can be flexible and comprise a plurality of microfluidic channels and a flow aperture being in fluid communication with the assay input port and the plurality of microfluidic channels.

Abstract: A filling apparatus for filling a microplate. The microplate having a plurality of wells each sized to receive an assay. The filling apparatus can comprise an output layer having a plurality of capillaries. Each of the plurality of capillaries can comprise an inlet and an outlet. A funnel member can comprise a first assay chamber and a first outlet in fluid communication with the first assay chamber. A first porous member can be disposed at an the first outlet to deliver a first fluid bead of the assay along a top surface of the output layer and in fluid communication with at least some of the plurality of capillaries such that a portion of the fluid bead is drawn within at least some of the plurality of capillaries in response to capillary force. The funnel member and the output layer can be moveable relative to each other between a first position and a second position to draw the first fluid bead across the top surface.

Abstract: A filling apparatus for filling a microplate. The microplate can comprise a plurality of wells each sized to receive an assay. A substrate can comprise a first surface and an opposing second surface, a first assay input port for receiving the assay disposed on the first surface, a plurality of staging capillaries extending through the substrate, a fluid interconnect system fluidly coupling the first assay input port with at least one of the plurality of staging capillaries, and an overflow retention system receiving and retaining excess assay from said fluid interconnect system. Each of the plurality of staging capillaries can comprise an inlet and an outlet and be sized to receive the assay.

Abstract: A filling apparatus for filling a microplate. The microplate having a plurality of wells each sized to receive an assay. The filling apparatus can comprise an assay input layer having a first surface and an opposing second surface. The assay input layer can comprise an assay input port extending from the first surface to the second surface and at least one pressure nodule extending from the second surface. An output layer can comprise a plurality of staging capillaries each having an inlet and an outlet. The output layer can further comprise a capillary plane disposed above the plurality of staging capillaries in fluid communication with the assay input port. The capillary plane can be sized to draw the assay from the assay input port to generally flood fill the plurality of staging capillaries.

Abstract: A filling apparatus for filling a microplate. The microplate having a plurality of wells each sized to receive an assay. The filling apparatus can comprise an output layer having a plurality of capillaries, wherein a first grouping of the capillaries is separated from a second grouping by a hydrophobic feature. Each of the plurality of capillaries can comprise an inlet and an outlet. A funnel assembly can comprise a funnel member sized to receive the assay. The funnel member can comprise an outlet for delivering a fluid bead of the assay along a top surface of the output layer and in fluid communication with each of the plurality of capillaries such that a portion of the fluid bead can be drawn within at least some of the plurality of capillaries in response to capillary force. The funnel assembly and the output layer can be moveable relative to each other between a first position and a second position to draw the fluid bead across the top surface.

Abstract: A foldable element support made from planar sheet of material that can be formed by folding into a support for positioning and securing a refractor lens to a luminaire housing. The foldable element support is a planar sheet that has a central base having a central opening, a plurality of foldable securing arms formed into the central base for attaching the support to a luminaire housing, and a plurality of peripherally-arranged support flanges for supporting and positioning the upper rim of the refractor lens in proximity to the luminaire housing. The folded support can be manipulated into the folded configuration by hand, with hand tools, or by a machine.

Abstract: Methods for detection of nucleic acids such as a cDNA copy of an mRNA are disclosed. The methods comprise using a PCR to form a preamplification product which comprises cDNA sequence as well as primer target sequences and a detection probe sequence, which are introduced by the forward and reverse primers. In a second PCR, preamplification product is amplified using universal primers which hybridize to the primer target sequences or their complements. Amplification can be detected using a detection probe that hybridizes to the detection probe sequence or its complement.

Abstract: The present application relates to an apparatus and method for thermal cycling using a source of cooling gas.

Abstract: The present application relates to an apparatus and method for measuring liquid levels in small-volume wells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods, reagents, and kits for detecting the presence or absence of (or quantifying) target polynucleotide sequences in at least one sample using encoding and decoding reactions. When a particular target polynucleotide is present in a sample, a reaction product is formed in the encoding reaction that includes addressable primer portions. At least one label and at least one address primer is employed in the decoding amplification reaction thereby providing a detectable signal value depending upon whether a sequence is present or absent. In some embodiments universal bases and reduced libraries of probes can be employed for highly multiplexed analysis of target polynucleotides.

Abstract: A filling apparatus for filling a microplate. The microplate having a plurality of wells each sized to receive an assay. The filling apparatus can comprise an output layer having a depression and a plurality of staging capillaries. Each of the plurality of staging capillaries can comprises an inlet disposed in the depression and an outlet, and can further be sized to receive the assay. A floating insert comprising a first surface and an opposing second surface, and an aperture for receiving the assay extending therethrough, can be moveably disposed in the depression. The floating insert and the depression can together define a main capillary gap therebetween in fluid communication between the aperture and each of the plurality of staging capillaries. The size of the main capillary gap can vary depending upon the relative position of the floating insert and the output layer.

Abstract: A filling apparatus for filling a microplate. The microplate having a plurality of wells each sized to receive an assay. The filling apparatus can comprise an assay input layer having a first surface and an opposing second surface. The assay input layer can comprise an assay input port extending from the first surface to the second surface, a venting manifold formed in the second surface, and a vent hole in fluid communication with the venting manifold and atmosphere. An output layer can comprise a plurality of staging capillaries each having an inlet and an outlet. A venting layer can be disposed between the assay input layer and the output layer. The venting layer can comprise a plurality of microfluidic channels, a flow aperture being in fluid communication with the assay input port and the plurality of microfluidic channels, and a plurality of vent apertures each in fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of staging capillaries.

Abstract: A filling apparatus for filling a microplate. The microplate can comprise a plurality of wells each sized to receive an assay. A substrate can comprise a first surface and an opposing second surface, a first assay input port for receiving the assay disposed on the first surface, a plurality of staging capillaries extending through the substrate, and a first plurality of microfluidic channels fluidly coupling the first assay input port with at least one of the plurality of staging capillaries. Each of the plurality of staging capillaries can comprise an inlet and an outlet and be sized to receive the assay.

Abstract: A filling apparatus for filling a microplate. The microplate having a plurality of wells each sized to receive an assay. The filling apparatus can comprise an output layer having a plurality of capillaries. Each of the plurality of capillaries can comprise an inlet and an outlet. A funnel member can comprise a first assay chamber and a first outlet in fluid communication with the first assay chamber. The first outlet can deliver a first fluid bead of the assay along a top surface of the output layer and in fluid communication with at least some of the plurality of capillaries such that a portion of the fluid bead is drawn within at least some of the plurality of capillaries in response to capillary force. The funnel member and the output layer can be moveable relative to each other between a first position and a second position to draw the first fluid bead across the top surface.

Abstract: A filling apparatus for filling a microplate. The microplate having a plurality of wells each sized to receive an assay. The filling apparatus can comprise an output layer having a plurality of capillaries. Each of the plurality of capillaries can comprises an inlet and an outlet. A funnel assembly can comprise a funnel member sized to receive the assay. The funnel member can comprise an outlet for delivering a fluid bead of the assay along a top surface of the output layer and in fluid communication with each of the plurality of capillaries such that a portion of the fluid bead can be drawn within at least some of the plurality of capillaries in response to capillary force. The funnel assembly and the output layer can be moveable relative to each other between a first position and a second position to draw the fluid bead across the top surface.

Abstract: Devices, assemblies, systems and methods described herein enable detection of as few as a single copy of a target nucleic acid molecule. Polynucleotides copied from a single or a small number of target nucleotide(s) within regions near to an initial copying site may be detected by optical or other methods as disclosed herein. Devices, assemblies and systems may comprise probes and/or primer molecules. Systems comprising optical assemblies, thermal assemblies and reaction assemblies (having reaction chambers for amplification of target nucleic acid molecules) are provided in which used reaction assemblies may be replaced to provide reusable devices. Systems comprising analytical assemblies and detection assemblies are provided in which an assay cartridge having assay chambers may engage a thermal assembly for amplification of target nucleic acid molecules. These devices, systems and methods offer the advantages of detection of as few as a single copy of a target nucleic acid molecule.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for the detection of targets in a sample.