Abstract: The methods for sample preparation disclosed herein utilize an air phase to reduce aqueous phase associated with magnetic particles bound to nucleic acids to decrease carryover of one or more contaminants, such as, cell debris, chaotropic agents, non-specifically attached molecules, and the like. This air-transfer step is improved by using a combination of a first population of magnetic particles and a second population of magnetic particles, where the first population of magnetic particles is capable of associating with nucleic acids, and the magnetic particles in the second population are at least two-times larger in size than the size of the magnetic particles in the first population. As discussed herein, the use of this second population of magnetic particles improves the transfer of the first population of magnetic particles by reducing loss of the first magnetic particles during the transfer. The sample preparation methods may be semi-automated or completely automated.

Abstract: This device includes an acquired data storing unit for storing acquired data about a current command value of a servo motor configuring a robot drive system; a tendency diagnosis unit for diagnosing a future changing tendency of the current command value based on the data of the current command value stored in the acquired data storing unit; and a life determining unit for determining a term until the current command value reaches a previously set value based on the future changing tendency of the current command value acquired by the tendency diagnosis unit. Thus, a residual life of the robot drive system can be accurately predicted.

Abstract: A paper feed mechanism for use in a printer has a pin tractor unit disposed on one side of a platen which is opposite to a print head, and a paper guide plate located below the pin tractor unit. The pin tractor unit has an endless tractor belt trained around a plurality of pulleys to form a first guide passage above the pin tractor unit and a second guide passage inclined from the first guide downwardly toward a position beneath the platen. The tractor belt has pins for fitting into perforations defined in the side margins of continuous paper. The continuous paper is inserted between the pin tractor unit and the paper guide plate, threaded between the platen and the print head, and then extended along the first guide passage. By moving the tractor belt in a prescribed direction, the continuous paper can be pulled by the pin tractor unit so as to be fed along in one direction.

Abstract: Rotary piston engine having a main intake port in one side housing of the casing. The side housing is further formed with a supercharging air port which is connected with a supercharging passage leading from an air pump. The supercharging air port is so formed that it is opened substantially simultaneously with and closed later than the main intake port. A timing valve is provided in the supercharging passage to open the passage cyclically so that the supercharging is performed at the end period of the intake stroke. A centrifugal device controls the valve timing so that the valve timing is advanced under an increased engine speed.

Abstract: Rotary piston engine has a rotor which is applied with coatings of a fluoride resin at each side surface in the vicinity of side seals so as to fill clearance between the rotor side surface and the adjacent inner surface of the side housing whereby an improved gas-tightness is obtained.