Abstract: A method comprising defining a model that represents a communication network, wherein defining the model comprises: formulating a directed graph comprising nodes that represent communication data sources, communication data sinks, and communication data routers of at least a portion of the communication network and arcs connecting nodes that represent communication links between the communication data sources, communication data sinks, and communication data routers, defining a plurality of layers, each layer associated with a different set of communication priorities and comprising a replication of the directed graph, and assigning data communication attributes to the nodes and arcs of each layer, at least a portion of the data communication attributes being associated with different communication priorities; and determining an optimized set of communication flows through the model based on a minimization of communication cost.

Abstract: The technology relates in part to a device and associated methodology useful for accurately and precisely measuring fluid volume dispensed from a fluid dispenser device, and in certain applications, volume dispensed from a multichannel fluid dispenser device.

Abstract: An adapter for connecting an array of pipette tips having through bores with conical upper ends to a multichannel air displacement pipettor having a plurality of ports with compliant internal sealing surfaces. The adapter comprises a planar base with an array of openings extending between its top and bottom surfaces. Sealing tubes project upwardly from the top surface, and tip mounting tubes project downwardly from the bottom surface, with pairs of sealing tubes and tip mounting tubes being arranged coaxially and in communication with respective ones of the openings in the base. The tip mounting tubes are externally dimensioned and configured for insertion into the conical upper ends of the pipette tips, and the sealing tubes are externally configured and dimensioned for insertion into the ports of the pipettor and into sealing interengagement with their compliant internal sealing surfaces.

Abstract: An adapter for connecting an array of pipette tips having through bores with conical upper ends to a multichannel air displacement pipettor having a plurality of ports with compliant internal sealing surfaces. The adapter comprises a planar base with an array of openings extending between its top and bottom surfaces. Sealing tubes project upwardly from the top surface, and tip mounting tubes project downwardly from the bottom surface, with pairs of sealing tubes and tip mounting tubes being arranged coaxially and in communication with respective ones of the openings in the base. The tip mounting tubes are externally dimensioned and configured for insertion into the conical upper ends of the pipette tips, and the sealing tubes are externally configured and dimensioned for insertion into the ports of the pipettor and into sealing interengagement with their compliant internal sealing surfaces.

Abstract: The technology relates in part to a segmented pipette tip adapter that includes a plurality of plate segments and a junction between adjacent plate segments. Each of the plate segments often includes a proximal surface, a distal surface, edges, one or more nozzles disposed on the proximal surface, and one or more tubular projections disposed on the distal surface. Each of the nozzles often includes a nozzle bore, each of the tubular projections often includes a tubular projection bore, each of the plate segments often includes a plate bore disposed at each of the nozzles, and each nozzle bore often is aligned with a tubular projection bore and a plate bore. Each junction often is between adjacent edges of a pair of adjacent plate segments.

Abstract: An adapter for connecting an array of pipette tips having through bores with conical upper ends to a multichannel air displacement pipettor having a plurality of ports with compliant internal sealing surfaces. The adapter comprises a planar base with an array of openings extending between its top and bottom surfaces. Sealing tubes project upwardly from the top surface, and tip mounting tubes project downwardly from the bottom surface, with pairs of sealing tubes and tip mounting tubes being arranged coaxially and in communication with respective ones of the openings in the base. The tip mounting tubes are externally dimensioned and configured for insertion into the conical upper ends of the pipette tips, and the sealing tubes are externally configured and dimensioned for insertion into the ports of the pipettor and into sealing interengagement with their compliant internal sealing surfaces.

Abstract: A pipetting system is disclosed that includes a pipette head including a multichannel air displacement system for aspirating and dispensing liquids, a pipetting system base that includes a linear guide system along which the pipette head may be moved vertically with respect to the pipetting system base, and counterbalance means for counterbalancing at least a portion of a weight of the pipette head.

Abstract: A pipetting system is disclosed that includes a pipette head including a multichannel air displacement system for aspirating and dispensing liquids, a pipetting system base that includes a linear guide system along which the pipette head may be moved vertically with respect to the pipetting system base, and counterbalance means for counterbalancing at least a portion of a weight of the pipette head.

Abstract: An adapter for connecting an array of pipette tips having through bores with conical upper ends to a multichannel air displacement pipettor having a plurality of ports with compliant internal sealing surfaces. The adapter comprises a planar base with an array of openings extending between its top and bottom surfaces. Sealing tubes project upwardly from the top surface, and tip mounting tubes project downwardly from the bottom surface, with pairs of sealing tubes and tip mounting tubes being arranged coaxially and in communication with respective ones of the openings in the base. The tip mounting tubes are externally dimensioned and configured for insertion into the conical upper ends of the pipette tips, and the sealing tubes are externally configured and dimensioned for insertion into the ports of the pipettor and into sealing interengagement with their compliant internal sealing surfaces.

Abstract: The disclosure describes components, apparatus and methods for providing network security between computing devices and/or networks on mobile platforms such as aircraft. One such apparatus may comprise: a first memory configured for data communication with a first computing device of the mobile platform; a second memory configured for data communication with a second computing device of the mobile platform; and a controller. The controller may be configured to detect a change in data stored In the first memory and cause the change in data stored in the first memory to be reflected in the second memory by causing data transfer from the first memory to the second memory. Data transfer between the first memory and the second memory may be conducted using a non-internet protocol.

Abstract: A device used for the transformation of large volumes of sterile saline into icy slush in a chilled environment is provided. The sterile saline is provided in commercially available containers and the device has a movable assembly with a plurality of compartments, each sized and configured to receive one or more containers of sterile saline. The movable assembly is operable between an unactuated state and an actuated state so as to agitate the sterile saline in the containers during its transformation into slush. The partitions of the compartments are spaced away from one another to allow movement of the containers in their respective compartments. A method for transforming sterile saline into icy slush for medical, laboratory and surgical applications is also provided.

Abstract: An adapter for connecting an array of pipette tips having through bores with conical upper ends to a multichannel air displacement pipettor having a plurality of ports with compliant internal sealing surfaces. The adapter comprises a planar base with an array of openings extending between its top and bottom surfaces. Sealing tubes project upwardly from the top surface, and tip mounting tubes project downwardly from the bottom surface, with pairs of sealing tubes and tip mounting tubes being arranged coaxially and in communication with respective ones of the openings in the base. The tip mounting tubes are externally dimensioned and configured for insertion into the conical upper ends of the pipette tips, and the sealing tubes are externally configured and dimensioned for insertion into the ports of the pipettor and into sealing interengagement with their compliant internal sealing surfaces.

Abstract: A pipetting system is disclosed that includes a pipette head including a multichannel air displacement system for aspirating and dispensing liquids, a pipetting system base that includes a linear guide system along which the pipette head may be moved vertically with respect to the pipetting system base, and counterbalance means for counterbalancing at least a portion of a weight of the pipette head.

Abstract: The disclosure describes components, apparatus and methods for providing network security between computing devices and/or networks on mobile platforms such as aircraft. One such apparatus may comprise: a first memory configured for data communication with a first computing device of the mobile platform; a second memory configured for data communication with a second computing device of the mobile platform; and a controller. The controller may be configured to detect a change in data stored In the first memory and cause the change in data stored in the first memory to be reflected in the second memory by causing data transfer from the first memory to the second memory. Data transfer between the first memory and the second memory may be conducted using a non-internet protocol.

Abstract: A slotted microfilter is coated with a phase changeable material having a hydrophobic state under a first temperature and a hydrophilic state under a second temperature. An example coating material is poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (“PIPAAm”). The microfilter can be controlled to switch between a capture state where circulating tumor cells are captured by the microfilter and a release state, where viable tumor cells are released from capture for analysis, e.g., single cell phenotypic and genomic analysis, or for ex vivo culture growth.

Abstract: A hand-held, multi-channel pipettor has an electronically controlled motor to reposition pipette tips for different center to center spacing. Each repositionable tip fitting assembly has a cam following pin that is driven by cam tracks in a motor driven roller drum. Stationary ports for the multiple aspiration cylinders are strategically placed to simplify management of flexible tubes leading to the repositionable pipette tip fitting assemblies. The pipettor has a user interface that can be operated conveniently by one hand to reposition pipette tips. It has a pipette tip ejection mechanism with a sinusoidal stripper bar.

Abstract: The pipetting method is directed to mounting and ejecting a disposable pipette tip. The pipetting system has one or more tip mounting shafts with an upper locking section and a lower sealing section. The upper locking section has outwardly extending lobes spaced around the mounting shaft and located above a stop member. The lower sealing section on the tip mounting shaft is located below the stop. As the mounting shaft is inserted into the collar of the disposable pipette, the collar distorts out of round and engages the lobes on the upper locking section of the tip mounting shaft. Contemporaneously, the lower sealing section of the mounting shaft seals against the barrel of the disposable pipette tip.

Abstract: A magnetic drape comprises a drape body made of a flexible material. The drape body has a panel portion having an undersurface adapted to be laid on an uneven body and a top surface, and a given thickness between the undersurface and the top surface. A plurality of magnet units are within the flexible material of the drape body, with each said magnet unit comprising a shielding material in the shape of a cup oriented to have a bottom wall facing toward the undersurface of the drape body, and a magnet received at least partially in the cup. The magnet comprises two or more sections arranged to expose opposite polarity on a top surface of the magnetic drape, with each said section having opposite polarities oriented vertically.