Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a substrate having a smoothly bending surface to fit into a human hand. The substrate includes a start test switch, a first connector to couple to a first end of a cable, and a second connector to couple to a second end of the cable. The cable has an impedance. The electronic circuit is coupled to the, first connector and the second connector. In operation, the electronic circuit provides a first signal when the first end of the cable is coupled to the first connector and the second end is coupled to the second connector, the start switch is activated, and the impedance is between a minimum impedance value and a maximum impedance value. The electronic circuit provides a second signal when the first end of the cable is coupled to the first connector and the second end is coupled to the second connector, the start switch is activated, and the impedance is greater than the maximum impedance value.

Abstract: A flow cell and cartridge assembly may be loaded into a processing system, such as for genetic sequencing. The system locates the assembly and is then actuated to move the assembly to a desired reference position in both X- and Y-directions. Further actuation causes clamps to contact the flow cell, the cartridge, or both to exert a hold-down force during processing. Further hold-down forces may be provided by a vacuum chuck. Fluid connections are also made by manifolds that contact the flow cell. The hold-down forces counteract the forces needed for sealing the manifolds to the flow cell.

Abstract: A flow cell and cartridge assembly may be loaded into a processing system, such as for genetic sequencing. The system locates the assembly and is then actuated to move the assembly to a desired reference position in both X- and Y-directions. Further actuation causes clamps to contact the flow cell, the cartridge, or both to exert a hold-down force during processing. Further hold-down forces may be provided by a vacuum chuck. Fluid connections are also made by manifolds that contact the flow cell. The hold-down forces counteract the forces needed for sealing the manifolds to the flow cell.

Abstract: A flow cell and cartridge assembly may be loaded into a processing system, such as for genetic sequencing. The system locates the assembly and is then actuated to move the assembly to a desired reference position in both X- and Y-directions. Further actuation causes clamps to contact the flow cell, the cartridge, or both to exert a hold-down force during processing. Further hold-down forces may be provided by a vacuum chuck. Fluid connections are also made by manifolds that contact the flow cell. The hold-down forces counteract the forces needed for sealing the manifolds to the flow cell.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a substrate having a smoothly bending surface to fit into a human hand. The substrate includes a start test switch, a first connector to couple to a first end of a cable, and a second connector to couple to a second end of the cable. The cable has an impedance. The electronic circuit is coupled to the, first connector and the second connector. In operation, the electronic circuit provides a first signal when the first end of the cable is coupled to the first connector and the second end is coupled to the second connector, the start switch is activated, and the impedance is between a minimum impedance value and a maximum impedance value. The electronic circuit provides a second signal when the first end of the cable is coupled to the first connector and the second end is coupled to the second connector, the start switch is activated, and the impedance is greater than the maximum impedance value.