Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, devices and systems for associating consumable data with an assay consumable used in a biological assay. Provided are assay systems and associated consumables, wherein the assay system adjusts one or more steps of an assay protocol based on consumable data specific for that consumable. Various types of consumable data are described, as well as methods of using such data in the conduct of an assay by an assay system. The present invention also relates to consumables (e.g., kits and reagent containers), software, data deployable bundles, computer-readable media, loading carts, instruments, systems, and methods, for performing automated biological assays.

Abstract: The system and method for lightweight spiral antenna array packaging uses a foam core and metallic elements such that the foam core is machined to accept the folded metallic elements to create a compact and light weight assembly. The assembly can be bonded to other assemblies to form arrays. The array is then encapsulated in a prepreg fiberglass skin with a conductive layer of fabric/screen therein.

Abstract: The system and method for lightweight spiral antenna array packaging uses a foam core and metallic elements such that the foam core is machined to accept the folded metallic elements to create a compact and light weight assembly. The assembly can be bonded to other assemblies to form arrays. The array is then encapsulated in a prepreg fiberglass skin with a conductive layer of fabric/screen therein.

Abstract: An acoustic projector testing system using an acoustically transparent portable vessel which encloses a test apparatus is disclosed. The vessel is connected to an adapter plate which allows the test apparatus to be submerged in water. The testing system is then submerged in shallow water. An external pump fills the vessel with water and the air inside the vessel is allowed to escape through an external, sealable vent, Once all the air is evacuated, the vent is sealed. The pressure inside the vessel can be altered by adjusting the amount of water pumped into the vessel to perform necessary testing.

Abstract: A wing deploy initiator for deploying guidance wings of a rocket or missile, such as the APKWS, provides enhanced wing deploy performance with reduced complexity, cost, and likelihood of failure. The invention includes a cam which is driven between the stowed guidance wings by at least one compression spring, thereby forcing the guidance wings outward through slots in the fuselage of the rocket or missile. Oblique flat sides of the cam can push against beveled edges on the wings. The cam can be attached to spring mandrels, and the cam and mandrels can pass through a retaining plate as the springs decompress. Embodiments can exert sufficient push force to enable the wings to break through frangible slot covers. An embodiment applicable to the APKWS includes only 13 parts, and can exert up to 10 lb push force on each wing after 0.3 inches of wing travel.

Abstract: A compact, purely mechanical wing deployment assisting mechanism uses torsion springs and lever arms to apply a deploying force to a guidance wing during its initial deployment through a wing slot in a rocket or missile, thereby assisting the wing to burst through a cover seal protecting the wing slot. The wings are then fully deployed by centrifugal force. Various embodiments include two “extreme duty” springs and two lever arms per wing, working in parallel. Embodiments provide a total of at least 24 pounds of force per wing at the end of a spring travel of 0.30 inches. In some embodiments, the entire mechanism weighs less than 0.5 pounds and/or occupies less than 2.5 cubic inches per wing. In embodiments, an assembled group, including two springs and two lever arms, is located between each pair of wings, whereby each assembled group applies one lever arm to each adjoining wing.

Abstract: An acoustic projector testing system using an acoustically transparent portable vessel which encloses a test apparatus is disclosed. The vessel is connected to an adapter plate which allows the test apparatus to be submerged in water. The testing system is then submerged in shallow water. An external pump fills the vessel with water and the air inside the vessel is allowed to escape through an external, sealable vent, Once all the air is evacuated, the vent is sealed. The pressure inside the vessel can be altered by adjusting the amount of water pumped into the vessel to perform necessary testing.

Abstract: A compact, purely mechanical wing deployment assisting mechanism uses torsion springs and lever arms to apply a deploying force to a guidance wing during its initial deployment through a wing slot in a rocket or missile, thereby assisting the wing to burst through a cover seal protecting the wing slot. The wings are then fully deployed by centrifugal force. Various embodiments include two “extreme duty” springs and two lever arms per wing, working in parallel. Embodiments provide a total of at least 24 pounds of force per wing at the end of a spring travel of 0.30 inches. In some embodiments, the entire mechanism weighs less than 0.5 pounds and/or occupies less than 2.5 cubic inches per wing. In embodiments, an assembled group, including two springs and two lever arms, is located between each pair of wings, whereby each assembled group applies one lever arm to each adjoining wing.

Abstract: A wing deploy initiator for deploying guidance wings of a rocket or missile, such as the APKWS, provides enhanced wing deploy performance with reduced complexity, cost, and likelihood of failure. The invention includes a cam which is driven between the stowed guidance wings by at least one compression spring, thereby forcing the guidance wings outward through slots in the fuselage of the rocket or missile. Oblique flat sides of the cam can push against beveled edges on the wings. The cam can be attached to spring mandrels, and the cam and mandrels can pass through a retaining plate as the springs decompress. Embodiments can exert sufficient push force to enable the wings to break through frangible slot covers. An embodiment applicable to the APKWS includes only 13 parts, and can exert up to 10 lb push force on each wing after 0.3 inches of wing travel.

Abstract: A nozzle, and gun for using the nozzle for projecting material outwardly therefrom. The gun has means for receiving a supply of material and a valve for controlling passage of material through the gun. The nozzle has a housing, and a passage in the housing. The passage has first and second ends and a longitudinal axis. The passage extends, from its first end, into the interior of the housing and opens into a chamber in the housing at the second end of the passage. The first end of the passage has a first surface flared outwardly at an average angle no greater than 75 degrees from the longitudinal axis. A shaft extends from the chamber through the passage and terminates, at a tip, at a location adjacent the first end of the passage. The shaft is positioned in the passage to provide a symmetric orifice between the passage and the shaft. The tip has a second surface flared outwardly at least 15 degrees from the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A nozzle, and gun for using the nozzle for projecting material outwardly therefrom. The gun has means for receiving a supply of material and a valve for controlling passage of material through the gun. The nozzle has a housing, and a passage in the housing. The passage has first and second ends and a longitudinal axis. The passage extends, from its first end, into the interior of the housing and opens into a chamber in the housing at the second end of the passage. The first end of the passage has a first surface flared outwardly at an average angle no greater than 75 degrees from the longitudinal axis. A shaft extends from the chamber through the passage and terminates, at a tip, at a location adjacent the first end of the passage. The shaft is positioned in the passage to provide a symmetric orifice between the passage and the shaft. The tip has a second surface flared outwardly at least 15 degrees from the longitudinal axis.