Abstract: The invention relates generally to dispensing of fluids and, in particular, to methods and systems for dispensing microfluidic or sub-microfluidic volumes of droplets of chemical, biological or other reagents or liquids. Embodiments of the invention have particular efficacy in accurately dispensing small drops having volumes from about 100 nL down into the picoliter range.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and systems for high throughput and quantitative processing, assaying and development of microarrays of DNA, proteins and other biological and chemical reagents. An in-line processing system can be utilized based on a continuous indexing of microarray slides or substrates through a series of processes where different functions or processes are performed at different positions on a conveyor. A batch processing system can also be utilized, wherein the process steps are performed serially to an array of microarray slides or substrates mounted on a movable table or carriage. A versatile positive displacement aerosol dispensing system has the ability to aspirate fluid. A universal substrate cassette can hold a plurality of substrates or slides through a number of process steps without the need to remove the substrates or slides from the cassette.

Abstract: A flexible electrical pin type contact including a plurality of elongate arm members, the opposed ends of each arm member being folded back toward each other so that intermediate sections on each arm member are flexibly outwardly bent from each other for wiping engagement with the inner surface of a mating socket. The intermediate section on each arm member divides the arm member into forward and rearward arm portions that taper toward each other to form a narrowed region in the intermediate section. The flared edge portions of each forward or rearward arm portion are folded back toward each other so that the radius of curvature established in each arm portion is smaller than the radius of curvature of the inner surface of the tubular socket. This configuration keeps burrs formed along the edges of the arm members away from the inner surface of the socket while also perserving a high degree of arm flexibililty to allow engagement of the pin contact with different sockets that vary somewhat in diameter.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly for facilitating connection between interchangeable input/output cables and a high-density arrangement of traces on a circuit board inside a mainframe computer. The assembly comprises a collection of individual connector/terminal assemblies and individual flexible conductive elements, such assemblies and elements being specially formed and relationally positioned so as to optimize serviceability, high frequency performance, systematic routing capability and densifying capability.

Abstract: A zero insertion force edge card connector is described, for connecting to cards with closely-spaced conductive pads, which is rugged and reliable. The connector includes numerous elongated contacts, each having a middle portion embedded in a dielectric frame element, a terminal end portion extending from the frame towards a card-receiving region, and a tail portion extending from the frame element to a base. The frame element is movably supported on the base by the flexible tail portions of the contacts, and can move towards and away from the card-receiving region by bending of the tail portions. The multiple contacts avoid uncontrolled rotation of the frame element. A spring urges a pair of frame elements together, and a cam controls movement of the frame elements.

Abstract: A connector is provided for connecting two rows of closely-spaced miniature conductive pads on a pair of circuit boards, which enables zero insertion force for a circuit board and allows connection to be made without thereafter moving the inserted circuit board. The apparatus includes an elongated bobbin having a pivot axis extending along its length and an electrically conductive wire extending in multiple helical turns about the bobbin. The wire is severed along each turn, and forms a pair of contacts along each turn that are spaced further from the pivot axis than adjacent portions of the bobbin and wire. The bobbin is pivotally mounted so it can be pivoted between a connect position wherein the contact portions of each wire turn contact pads on the two boards to connect them, and a disconnect position wherein the contact portions do not contact the pads.

Abstract: A high density electrical connector is disclosed in which a stack of insulative strips are provided with multiple series of aligned contact cavities extending through the stack. The contacts for the connector have opposite ends which extend outside the opposite faces of the stack, and middle V-shaped resilient portions which cause the ends of the contacts to resiliently engage conductive pads on printed circuit boards mounted on opposite sides of the stack. The middle portion of each contact extends from the cavity in one strip into the cavity of the adjacent strip, so that the length of the middle portion can be increased, thereby enhancing the flexibility of the ends of the contacts.

Abstract: An insulation displacement connector is disclosed which is particularly adapted for use with flat cable having very closely spaced conductors. The connector contains two rows of contacts. The contacts in the two rows are staggered relative to each other. Each contact has a slotted plate for engaging one of the conductors of the cable. Adjacent contacts in each row of contacts are rotated 180.degree. relative to each other so that the slotted plates of the contacts in each row are also staggered relative to each other for facilitating feeding every second conductor of the flat cable laterally between the slotted plates of one row of contacts to the slotted plates of the other row.