Abstract: A system comprising one or more sample vessels is provided, the sample vessels comprising a liquid growth medium and a stirrer element, the stirrer element capable of being influenced by a magnetic force, and an incubation and measurement module comprising one or more openings for holding the one or more sample vessels. The incubation and measurement module further comprises at least two drive magnets associated with each of the sample vessels, and a magnet driver adapted to repeatedly move each of the at least two drive magnets toward and away from the surface of the associated sample vessel.

Abstract: A leash is described for attachment between an article such as a fishing rod and a relatively stationary surface. The leash includes an elongated elastic member resiliently stretchable between first and second member ends. A strap connector is provided at the first end, adapted to be wrapped about and attached to an article such as a fishing rod. A clip is provided at the second end of the elongated elastic member. A keeper including a pair of elastic member receiving apertures is oriented transversely to the elastic member and is mounted along the member length between the first and second ends. The elastic member is slidably threaded through both elastic member receiving apertures. A clip anchor point is also provided on the keeper. The keeper is selectively adjustable along the length of the elastic member at selected distances from the second end.

Abstract: The invention is a printer for labels which can determine when the label stock is in position for printing. The printer comprises a print head and label stock having labels on a first side and indicator stripes printed on a second side. The printer uses an emitter for producing infrared light and a detector for receiving the light. A mirror is used to focus and reflect the light, the mirror is positioned with respect to the emitter, detector and label stock so as to reflect light originating at the emitter to the label stock and from the label stock to the detector. The invention is also drawn to the cassette used in the label printer comprising a base, a retainer on the base containing a roll of label stock, a guide plate having a window therein for conveying the label stock, a concave mirror mounted on the cassette adjacent the window, and a sensor hole on the base of the cassette through which light from an emitter and detector passes.