Abstract: A cooler assembly for maintaining vials filled with enzyme samples in a chilled state. The cooler assembly includes a foam block having wells disposed therein for holding vials of samples in an upright position. The cooler assembly also includes an outer foam box and a lid. The foam block is positioned inside the outer foam box. The lid is then positioned on top of the outer foam box to provide further insulation for the foam block. In use, the foam block is filled with a liquid, such as water, via a fill hole. The foam block is then frozen. Vials are placed in the wells of the frozen foam block so that the contents of the vials remain cool when placed in a room having an ambient temperature. The inner foam block is made from self-skinning, open cell foam. The skin on the foam block renders the block leakproof. The cooler assembly provides for efficient heat transfer between the chilled wells of the foam block and the contents of the vials.

Abstract: A gel casting system having a filling manifold and a gel casting clamp. The gel casting clamp is a U-shaped boot made of a flexible and resilient material and having a tapered channel disposed on its inner surface. The tapered channel secures a gel mold in the gel casting clamp. The gel casting clamp is disposed on top of the filling manifold, and an inlet in the bottom of the gel casting clamp mates with an outlet on the filling manifold to allow fluid to enter the gel mold from the filling manifold. The filling manifold includes two plates detachably connected to each other with a distribution system disposed between the plates. The filling manifold also includes an intake port through which fluid is supplied to the filling manifold from a supply means. In one embodiment, the supply means is a gradient former.