Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for immobilizing a diagnostic target (e.g., indicative of a disease) from a solution (e.g., a biological fluid). The diagnostic target is first bound to a capture conjugate that includes a reversibly-associative polymer moieties attached to a first binding moiety that binds to the diagnostic target. Once the diagnostic target is bound to the capture conjugate, the solution is subjected to a change in heat and/or pH to cause the reversibly-associative polymer moieties to aggregate. The aggregates are then immobilized (e.g., via filtration).

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding flexible sheets singly from the top of a stack of sheets comprises a pick-up device which includes a gas deflector and gas supplying holes for directing a stream of gas at the topmost sheet on the stack to cause the sheet to separate from the stack. One of the gas supplying holes also directs a further gas stream at the gas deflector, with this further gas stream attaching itself to the gas deflector by the Coanda effect and entraining the topmost sheet into contact with the gas deflector.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a flexible sheet workpiece is disclosed. The apparatus includes workstations arranged in at least two parallel series. Each workstation is adapted to carry out at least one operation on the workpiece, which can then be transferred to the next workstation in the series or, if desired, from a workstation in one series to a workstation in an adjacent series across an interchange area between the two series.

Abstract: A method of unfolding a doubled piece of textile material (20), which comprises a first piece of material (21) and a further piece of material (22) disposed adjacent a surface (25) of the material (21), includes the steps of holding the first piece of material (21) so as to leave the further piece of material (22) free, and creating an air current, for example from a nozzle (4), to move the further piece of material (22) away from the surface (25).

Abstract: A workpiece is placed on a retractable tray above a desired location and covered with a flexible sheet. As the tray is retracted, the flexible sheet prevents the workpiece from following the tray and allows the workpiece to move down into the desired location.