Abstract: Provided herein is a portable thermocycler, comprising: (i) a case; (ii) a rotary plate in the case; (iii) a plurality of heating blocks arranged in a geometric pattern disposed on the rotary plate; and (iv) at least one vessel adapted to move and contact at least two of the plurality of heating blocks; wherein each of the heating blocks comprises a heating plate maintained at a set temperature over a thermally insulating material; wherein the geometric pattern comprises a number of center heating blocks arranged in a shape defining a polygon and a number of outside heating blocks disposed around the periphery of the rotary plate; and wherein the rotary plate includes a plurality of rotating wheels adapted to rotate at least one of the vessels into contact with each of the heating blocks.

Abstract: Provided herein is a portable thermocycler, comprising: (i) a case; (ii) a rotary plate in the case; (iii) a plurality of heating blocks arranged in a geometric pattern disposed on the rotary plate; and (iv) at least one vessel adapted to move and contact at least two of the plurality of heating blocks; wherein each of the heating blocks comprises a heating plate maintained at a set temperature over a thermally insulating material; wherein the geometric pattern comprises a number of center heating blocks arranged in a shape defining a polygon and a number of outside heating blocks disposed around the periphery of the rotary plate; and wherein the rotary plate includes a plurality of rotating wheels adapted to rotate at least one of the vessels into contact with each of the heating blocks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of controlling the flow of a fluid is disclosed which includes a frame having first and second opposite sides, a plurality of flexible hollow tubular shaped elements positioned so as to extend between the first and second sides of the frame, and a mechanism connected to at least the first side of the frame for compressing opposite lateral edges of the first and second sheets of the flexible elements towards and away from one another so as to flex the first and second sheets of each of the flexible elements towards and away from each other and thus adjust fluid flow spacings between neighboring flexible elements. The method of controlling the flow of the gas includes the step of flowing the fluid between neighboring hollow tubular elements and biasing the first and second splines towards one another so as to flex the sheets of the tubular elements away from one another and towards neighboring tubular elements so as to adjust the opening between the neighboring tubular elements.

Abstract: Disclosed is a panel which includes a pan having at least one side member with an upper edge portion, the pan having contained therein a fluid based cementitious material pressed for removal of water while within the pan, and at least one trim member attached to the upper edge portion of the side member of the pan, the trim member undergoing telescoping action upon pressing of the material in the pan so as to be rigidly secured to the upper edge portion of the side member of the pan. Also disclosed is an apparatus and process for production of the pan.

Abstract: A self-gridding flooring system and method for installing the same in which various disclosed embodiments of gridding members are used for contacting and spacing the panels from one another as they are installed, thereby eliminating the necessity of measuring and establishing a gridding in advance of the installation of the panels. The method and apparatus provides a way of assuring that the installed panels are sufficiently spaced apart that any one or more of the panels may be removed and replaced by any geometrically similar replacement panel or panels having the same nominal dimensions and the same tolerance ranges without interference between the replacement panels and the previously-installed panels contiguous thereto. The invention is suitable for use with panels having legs and panels not having legs, and further is suitable for panels having any overall configuration, including rectangular panels and triangular panels.

Abstract: A structural steel member and composite panel including the same and having a sheet of industrial steel having formed therein a pattern of dome-like projections, extending from the plane of the sheet, and of which at least the major portion of each projection is substantially circular in plan view and the projections are arranged in a geometric pattern that substantially limits the elongation of the material to the areas defined by the circular configurations, the dome-like projections also having formed in the peak areas thereof small truncated cones having a flattened uppermost planar surface, parallel to the original plane of said sheet, providing superior overall depth and increased resistance to crushing.