Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid dispensing system for precisely controlling the mixing of a first fluid (i.e., a diluent such as water) with a second fluid (i.e., a concentrate) at a mixing point within the fluid dispensing system. A valve is positioned in the dispensing system along the line of supply of the second fluid upstream of the mixing point, such valve being simultaneously actuated through application of positive and/or negative pressure to allow the second fluid to flow through the valve. The application of positive and/or negative pressure is generated from the first fluid to be dispensed by the system and mixed with the second, such that the termination of flow of the first fluid immediately terminates flow of the second fluid to ensure proper mixing of the two fluids in the final solution, thus preventing inadvertent leakage of the second fluid or collection of the second fluid within the flow system which may become subject to spoilage or contamination.

Abstract: An electromagnetic vibratory microplate shaker is disclosed of simplified design and improved mixing capability over previously known microplate shaker devices, comprising an electromagnetic drive assembly mounted within a rigid base and operatively connected to a microplate support platform. The support platform is in turn supported by a plurality of horizontally arrayed leaf springs. During operation, an electromagnet is rapidly energized and de-energized causing an armature of the drive assembly to be pulled in and released up to 7,200 times per minute, in turn imparting a vertical reciprocating vibration to the support platform and the microplates or multi-tube racks held thereon.

Abstract: A portion control dispensing apparatus for dispensing precise portions of a product in a tightly controlled manner that minimizes waste caused by residual product left undispensed in a container. The device provides a dispenser for fluid products stored in a flexible container, enabling a portion control pump combined with an extrusion apparatus to squeeze the flexible container, thus continuously directing all remaining product in the container towards the dispensing end. A portion control pump removes product from the container by peristaltic action. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus comprises a frame with an upwardly spring biased carriage configured to removably hold a flexible container that holds product to be dispensed. A pair of rollers is preferably situated at the top of the frame and is positioned such that the carriage will pull the flexible container upward between the rollers as product is dispensed from the container.

Abstract: A portion control dispensing apparatus for dispensing precise portions of a product in a tightly controlled manner that minimizes waste caused by residual product left undispensed in a container. The device provides a dispenser for fluid products stored in a flexible container, enabling a portion control pump combined with an extrusion apparatus to squeeze the flexible container, thus continuously directing all remaining product in the container towards the dispensing end. A portion control pump removes product from the container by peristaltic action. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus comprises a frame with an upwardly spring biased carriage configured to removably hold a flexible container that holds product to be dispensed. A pair of rollers is preferably situated at the top of the frame and is positioned such that the carriage will pull the flexible container upward between the rollers as product is dispensed from the container.

Abstract: A dispensing valve for fluids is disclosed which provides for ease of use by requiring only a minimal force exerted on the valve actuator to maintain the valve in an open position. A resilient valve actuator having the characteristics of a nonlinear spring is provided at an actuator end of the valve body and operatively connected to a plunger; with the opposite end of the plunger mounting a resilient valve seal that serves to pen and close a plurality of port openings. The valve may be manufactured with a variety of port configurations to provide for the dispensing of fluids of varying viscosities. The valve body and actuator are formed to allow the dispensing valve to be sterilized through high levels of radiation and through high temperature steam and chemical sterilization processes without degrading the valve structure or operation.

Abstract: An electromagnetic multidirectional shaker is provided which has a first electromagnet driving a first support panel in a first direction, and a second electromagnet driving a second support panel in a second direction. The first electromagnet is affixed to a base and is operatively attached to the first support panel which is suspended from the base via one or more first spring members. The first spring members are configured to bias the first support panel to an at-rest position after it has been displaced by the first electromagnet. The second support panel is in turn supported above the first support panel by one or more second spring members. The second electromagnet is affixed to the first support panel, and is operatively attached to the second support panel. The second spring members are configured to bias the second support panel to an at-rest position after it has been displaced by the second electromagnet.

Abstract: An electromagnetic vibratory microplate shaker is disclosed of simplified design and improved mixing capability over previously known microplate shaker devices, comprising an electromagnetic drive assembly mounted within a rigid base and operatively connected to a microplate support tray. The support tray is in turn supported from below by a plurality of leaf springs which are tilted approximately 20° from vertical. During operation, an electromagnet is rapidly energized and de-energized causing an armature of the drive assembly to be pulled in and released up to 7,200 times per minute, in turn imparting a reciprocating vibration to the support platform and the microplates held thereon.

Abstract: A dispensing valve is disclosed which requires only a minimal force exerted on the valve actuator to maintain the valve in an open position. A resilient valve actuator having the characteristics of a nonlinear spring is provided at an actuator end of the valve body and operatively connected to a plunger, with the opposite end of the plunger mounting a resilient valve seal which serves to open and close a plurality of port openings. The valve is configured so as to allow it to be sterilized through high levels of radiation and through high temperature steam and chemical sterilization processes without degrading the valve structure or operation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid dispensing system for precisely controlling the mixing of a first fluid (i.e., a diluent such as water) with a second fluid (i.e., a concentrate) at a mixing point within the fluid dispensing system. A valve is positioned in the dispensing system along the line of supply of the second fluid upstream of the mixing point, such valve being simultaneously actuated through application of positive and/or negative pressure to allow the second fluid to flow through the valve. The application of positive and/or negative pressure is generated from the first fluid to be dispensed by the system and mixed with the second, such that the termination of flow of the first fluid immediately terminates flow of the second fluid to ensure proper mixing of the two fluids in the final solution, thus preventing inadvertent leakage of the second fluid or collection of the second fluid within the flow system which may become subject to spoilage or contamination.

Abstract: A microplate cover seal applicator comprising a downwardly spring-biased roller mounted in a pivotal arm which pivots the roller into and out of operative contact with the top face of a microplate. The lower face of the microplate is seated in a well formed in a horizontally moveable platen which is supported on a table-top frame. The platen is manipulated by a rotary handle to repetitively translate the platen in a horizontal forwards and back direction. Suction cups are provided at the base of the frame for temporarily affixing the frame to a work surface, such as a table top surface.

Abstract: An electromagnetic vibratory microplate shaker is disclosed of simplified design and improved mixing capability over previously known microplate shaker devices, comprising an electromagnetic drive assembly mounted within a rigid base and operatively connected to a microplate support platform. The support platform is in turn supported by a plurality of horizontally arrayed leaf springs. During operation, an electromagnet is rapidly energized and de-energized causing an armature of the drive assembly to be pulled in and released up to 7,200 times per minute, in turn imparting a vertical reciprocating vibration to the support platform and the microplates or multi-tube racks held thereon.

Abstract: A dispensing valve for fluids is disclosed which provides for ease of use by requiring only a minimal force exerted on the valve actuator to maintain the valve in an open position. A resilient valve actuator having the characteristics of a nonlinear spring is provided at an actuator end of the valve body and operatively connected to a plunger, with the opposite end of the plunger having mounted thereon a resilient valve seal. An intermediate discharge outlet is positioned between the actuator end and the valve seal, such discharge outlet being placed in fluid communication with the interior of a fluid container to which the valve is attached when the valve is in an open position. A valve port wall is positioned between the valve seal and the dispensing chamber providing a plurality of ports for restricting the flow of fluid through the valve body when the valve is in an open position.

Abstract: An electromagnetic vibratory microplate shaker is disclosed of simplified design and improved mixing capability over previously known microplate shaker devices, comprising an electromagnetic drive assembly mounted within a rigid base and operatively connected to a microplate support tray. The support tray is in turn supported from below by a plurality of leaf springs which are tilted approximately 20° from vertical. During operation, an electromagnet is rapidly energized and de-energized causing an armature of the drive assembly to be pulled in and released up to 7,200 times per minute, in turn imparting a reciprocating vibration to the support platform and the microplates held thereon.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for printing arrays of molecules and methods for printing these arrays. More particularly, the invention relates to a gene pen apparatus that may be used for delivering arrays of oligonucleotides on solid supports from a multiplicity of reagent reservoirs through flow controlling means. The flow controlling means may for example, be either a pin valve means or a wicking means.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved multi-mode, spread spectrum digital radio comprising: a radio frequency (RF) subsystem for converting spread spectrum digital signals comprising voice and data communications between baseband and RF signal frequencies in response to control signals; a digital signal processor based baseband subsystem having isolation interface means bidirectionally coupled to the RF subsystem for minimizing RF and baseband signal interference; the baseband subsystem operable to control the mode of operation, to provide interface control signals to the RF subsystem based on the mode, to format the transmitted and received digital signals, and to provide external controls and status to a user to enable selectable mode switching.