Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, devices and systems for associating consumable data with an assay consumable used in a biological assay. Provided are assay systems and associated consumables, wherein the assay system adjusts one or more steps of an assay protocol based on consumable data specific for that consumable. Various types of consumable data are described, as well as methods of using such data in the conduct of an assay by an assay system. The present invention also relates to consumables (e.g., kits and reagent containers), software, data deployable bundles, computer-readable media, loading carts, instruments, systems, and methods, for performing automated biological assays.

Abstract: A luggage article includes a body that includes a zippered opening (15) that has at least one zipper arrangement having a zipper tape (14). The zipper arrangement includes one or more zipper sliders (16, 20) and one or more zipper pull-tabs (18, 22). Each of the one or more zipper sliders (16, 20) is joined to a respective one of the one or more zipper pull-tabs (18, 22). The luggage article includes a means (26) for holding the one or more pull-tabs in a substantially perpendicular arrangement to the zipper tape (14) of the zipper arrangement.

Abstract: An article includes a zipper cover (14, 114) configured to conceal a zipper tape (18, 118) that is secured at a mouth of a zippered opening in a surface of the article and to longitudinally extend substantially parallel to the zipper tape. The zipper cover (14, 114) is attached to the surface of the article (10, 110) and is rotatable between a first orientation in which the zipper cover (14, 114) conceals the zipper tape (18, 118) and a second orientation in which the zipper cover exposes the zipper tape (18, 118) and allows a user to access the zippered opening. The zipper cover (14, 114) is magnetically securable to a surface (32, 132) of the zippered opening in the first orientation, and the zipper cover (14, 114) is magnetically securable against the surface (20, 120) of the article in the second orientation.

Abstract: A luggage article includes a body that includes a zippered opening (15) that has at least one zipper arrangement having a zipper tape (14). The zipper arrangement includes one or more zipper sliders (16, 20) and one or more zipper pull-tabs (18, 22). Each of the one or more zipper sliders (16, 20) is joined to a respective one of the one or more zipper pull-tabs (18, 22). The luggage article includes a means (26) for holding the one or more pull-tabs in a substantially perpendicular arrangement to the zipper tape (14) of the zipper arrangement.

Abstract: A strap attachment device includes a strap connector configured to attach to a strap and a connecting plate secured on the surface of an article such as a bag or suitcase. The strap connector includes a connector post configured to removably engage and be secured by a locking member located beneath the connecting plate. The locking member is biased into a closed position by a mechanical biasing means, such as a spring. The connector post may include a flanged end configured to partially disengage the locking member causing the flanged end to mate with and be secured by the locking member responsive to being inserted into the connecting plate. A pull tab is further disposed on a pull track within the connecting plate. A user can disengage the connector post from the locking member by moving the pull tab along the pull track.

Abstract: A telescopic suitcase handle is provided for including a telescopic handle housing disposed within a suitcase, a lower extendible handle section movably disposed within the telescopic handle housing, and an upper extendible handle section movably disposed within the lower section. A spring loaded bullet disposed within the upper section releasably engages with one of a plurality of openings along the length of the lower section for temporarily holding the upper extendible handle section in place. A spring-loaded protrusion releasably engages with the lower extendible handle section for temporarily holding the lower section in place.

Abstract: A strap attachment device includes a strap connector configured to attach to a strap and a connecting plate secured on the surface of an article such as a bag or suitcase. The strap connector includes a connector post configured to removably engage and be secured by a locking member located beneath the connecting plate. The locking member is biased into a closed position by a mechanical biasing means, such as a spring. The connector post may include a flanged end configured to partially disengage the locking member causing the flanged end to mate with and be secured by the locking member responsive to being inserted into the connecting plate. A pull tab is further disposed on a pull track within the connecting plate. A user can disengage the connector post from the locking member by moving the pull tab along the pull track.