Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated, fully automated, high-throughput system for two-dimensional electrophoresis comprised of gel-making machines, gel processing machines, gel compositions and geometries, gel handling systems, sample preparation systems, software and methods. The system is capable of continuous operation at high-throughput to allow construction of large quantitative data sets.

Abstract: A float is used for preparing a density gradient in a parallel-walled vessel. The float has an outer peripheral surface that has a diameter smaller than an inner diameter of an inner surface of the vessel. With the float placed inside the vessel a liquid is introduced onto the float such that the liquid flows around the float between the float and the inner wall of the vessel. The shape and configuration of the float slows the velocity of the liquid such that there is only laminar flow as the liquid contacts other liquid below the float. Elimination of turbulent flow prevents mixing of different liquid introduced into the same vessel thereby forming layers of fluid. Preferably, the vessel is a centrifuge tube. In one embodiment, the outer diameter of the float is large enough to cause capillary action between the float and the inner surface of the centrifuge tube to force liquid to remain between the float and the inner surface of the centrifuge tube.

Abstract: A float is used for preparing a density gradient in a parallel-walled vessel. The float has an outer peripheral surface that has a diameter smaller than an inner diameter of an inner surface of the vessel. With the float placed inside the vessel a liquid is introduced onto the float such that the liquid flows around the float between the float and the inner wall of the vessel. The shape and configuration of the float slows the velocity of the liquid such that there is only laminar flow as the liquid contacts other liquid below the float. Elimination of turbulent flow prevents mixing of different liquid introduced into the same vessel thereby forming layers of fluid. Preferably, the vessel is a centrifuge tube. In one embodiment, the outer diameter of the float is large enough to cause capillary action between the float and the inner surface of the centrifuge tube to force liquid to remain between the float and the inner surface of the centrifuge tube.

Abstract: A slab gel processing tank is provided according to the invention. The slab gel processing tank comprises a bottom, two substantially parallel end panels, and two substantially parallel side panels having substantially vertical lower portions and outwardly angled upper portions, with the upper portions being textured to minimize contact with a gel slab, wherein the tank is adapted to be filled with a gel processing working fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated, fully automated, high-throughput system for two-dimensional electrophoresis comprised of gel-making machines, gel processing machines, gel compositions and geometries, gel handling systems, sample preparation systems, software and methods. The system is capable of continuous operation at high-throughput to allow construction of large quantitative data sets.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated, fully automated, high-throughput system for two-dimensional electrophoresis comprised of gel-making machines, gel processing machines, gel compositions and geometries, gel handling systems, sample preparation systems, software and methods. The system is capable of continuous operation at high-throughput to allow construction of large quantitative data sets.

Abstract: A method is disclosed which relates to the placement of binding partners on microarrays, where such binding partners contain proteins, nucleic acids, biological cells and other bio-reactive components. The present invention discloses uses and methods for manufacture of microarrays constructed in part by sectioning bundles of tubules or rods containing matrix immobilized bio-reactive molecules to produce large numbers of sample chips. The chips so produced are processed by deposition to microarrays. The deposited chips can then be manipulated to partition the immobilizing matrix away from the bio-reactive molecules contained in the matrix and to place said partitioned molecules onto various surfaces for subsequent analysis, to include binding assays, hybridization reactions, diagnostic methods and a variety of cell interaction-determining methodologies.

Abstract: A method for separating microorganisms, especially infectious agents, from a mixture by two dimensional centrifugation on the basis of sedimentation rate and isopycnic banding density, for sedimenting such microorganisms through zones of immobilized reagents to which they are resistant, for detecting banded particles by light scatter or fluorescence using nucleic acid specific dyes, and for recovering the banded particles in very small volumes for characterization by mass spectrometry of viral protein subunits and intact viral particles, and by fluorescence flow cytometric determination of both nucleic acid mass and the masses of fragments produced by restriction enzymes. The method is based on the discovery that individual microorganisms, such as bacterial and viral species, are each physically relatively homogeneous, and are distinguishable in their biophysical properties from other biological particles, and from non-biological particles found in nature.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated, fully automated, high-throughput system for two-dimensional electrophoresis comprised of gel-making machines, gel processing machines, gel compositions and geometries, gel handling systems, sample preparation systems, software and methods. The system is capable of continuous operation at high-throughput to allow construction of large quantitative data sets.

Abstract: A steering arm assembly for use with railway car trucks having pivotal frames and brake systems is disclosed. The steering arm assembly has two U-shaped sub-assemblies. Each sub-assembly has two side arms connected by a center arm. The side arms each have vertical open paths between top and bottom holes in their surfaces and open side paths through side access holes in their sidewalls. The open side paths intersect the vertical open paths. The vertical open paths are positioned to be aligned over the brake system brake shoe keys and the side access holes are positioned to be aligned with the side windows in the side frame. When it is desired to remove or replace a brake shoe, the brake shoe key may be moved upwardly through the vertical open path. This movement may be facilitated through use of a tool inserted through the side access hole and open side path in the side arm. A method of changing brake shoe keys and the combination of such a steering arm assembly in a railway car truck is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated, fully automated, high-throughput system for two-dimensional electrophoresis comprised of gel-making machines, gel processing machines, gel compositions and geometries, gel handling systems, sample preparation systems, software and methods. The system is capable of continuous operation at high-throughput to allow construction of large quantitative data sets.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated, fully automated, high-throughput system for two-dimensional electrophoresis comprised of gel-making machines, gel processing machines, gel compositions and geometries, gel handling systems, sample preparation systems, software and methods. The system is capable of continuous operation at high-throughput to allow construction of large quantitative data sets.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated, fully automated, high-throughput system for two-dimensional electrophoresis comprised of gel-making machines, gel processing machines, gel compositions and geometries, gel handling systems, sample preparation systems, software and methods. The system is capable of continuous operation at high-throughput to allow construction of large quantitative data sets.

Abstract: A rotating processor is disclosed. The apparatus includes a hollow enclosed rotor, a rotor drive, internal space to hold particulate porous reaction or separations media which may be porous, lines connecting the center and periphera of the internal space with the exterior through fluid line seals, valving to control fluid flow, gradient makers, and a microprocessor to control and monitor the entire system. Optionally the rotor may be spun with the axis vertical or horizontal, and may be used as a conventional column at rest. The rotating processor permits any synthetic or separative process utilizing particulate or solid phase supports or separations involving phases of different density to be accomplished under conditions which facilitate precise control of fluid flow and minimization of both micro- and macro-anomalous flow. A computer-controlled flat multiport valve system is also described to facilitate programmed scheduling of reagents through the rotor.

Abstract: A rotating processor is disclosed. The apparatus includes a hollow enclosed rotor, a rotor drive, internal space to hold particulate porous reaction or separations media which may be porous, lines connecting the center and periphera of the internal space with the exterior through fluid line seals, valving to control fluid flow, gradient makers, and a microprocessor to control and monitor the entire system. Optionally the rotor may be spun with the axis vertical or horizontal, and may be used as a conventional column at rest. The rotating processor permits any synthetic or separative process utilizing particulate or solid phase supports, or separations involving phases of different density to be accomplished under conditions which facilitate precise control of fluid flow and minimization of both micro- and macro-anomalous flow. A computer-controlled flat multiport valve system is also described to facilitate programmed scheduling of reagents through the rotor.

Abstract: A rotating processor is disclosed. The apparatus includes a hollow enclosed rotor, a rotor drive, internal space to hold particulate porous reaction or separations media which may be porous, lines connecting the center and periphera of the internal space with the exterior through fluid line seals, valving to control fluid flow, gradient makers, and a microprocessor to control and monitor the entire system. Optionally the rotor may be spun with the axis vertical or horizontal, and may be used as a conventional column at rest. The rotating processor permits any synthetic or separative process utilizing particulate or solid phase supports, or separations involving phases of different density to be accomplished under conditions which facilitate precise control of fluid flow and minimization of both micro- and macro-anomalous flow. A computer-controlled flat multiport valve system is also described to facilitate programmed scheduling of reagents through the rotor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for storing samples is disclosed. The samples comprise protein gene products or hybridoma cells, and are sealed in packets which are attached to film. Sample identifiying formation may be printed on the packet and on the film adjacent the packet, and the film is stored wound on reels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for isolating samples of cloned vectors or cloned cells. A cell lawn is grown on a culture medium gel which is adhered to a film. Samples are grown on the cell lawn and then recovered therefrom by a series of hammers or thin sterilizable filaments, each of which lifts a sample from the cell lawn and transfers the sample to a site remote from the film.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for acquiring, recording and storing information in photographic and electronic media. In particular, the invention relates to low flare image recording and specifically to recording two-dimensional images, such as are found in electrophoretic patterns, along with associated alpha-numeric information. An optical comparator is also disclosed. A method and apparatus of optically and electronically comparing images on film strips is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for acquiring, recording and storing information in photographic and electronic media. In particular, the invention relates to low flare image recording and specifically to recording two-dimensional images, such as are found in electrophoretic patterns, along with associated alpha-numeric information. An optical comparator is also disclosed. A method and apparatus of optically and electronically comparing images on film strips is disclosed.