Abstract: Heat transfer systems and methods are generally described. A bioanalytical instrument may employ a variety of heat-generating optoelectronic chips to perform biochemical assays. In some embodiments, the instrument may include a heat transfer system configured to cool the chips by thermally coupling them to a heat sink. The heat transfer system may include an elastically deformable flexible plate to conform to the differently-sized chips, withstand numerous cycles of chip insertion/removal, and respond to pressures exerted by supporting structures of the instrument. The heat transfer system may include a thermally conductive material indirectly but thermally coupled to the chip via the flexible plate, which may be positioned between the heat sink and the flexible plate.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) signal coupler for cooperative engagement with a shunt device and for cooperative engagement with an RF modem. The shunt device has a high voltage terminal connected to an electrical cable of the power network and a low voltage terminal. The coupler comprises a signal lead connected to the low voltage terminal of the shunt device, a ground lead connected to earth ground, and a coupling transformer. The coupling transformer comprises a ferrite ring, a multiple turn primary winding having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the signal lead and the second end being connected to the ground lead, and a multiple turn secondary winding having two terminals for providing the RF signal to the RF modem. The ratio of turns of the secondary winding to the turns of the primary winding is at least two to one.