Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the temperature of items such as a sample in a vessel or a specimen, in a thermal bath using thermally efficient pellets as the thermal media. The pellets are typically oblong metallic or oblong metallic-coated pellets with rounded edges, a hardened surface, a smooth polished finish, and characteristics that enable efficient thermal communication between the bath's thermal source, the pellets, and the items that are inserted into the mass of pellets. Further, the pellets are dry and moisture and gas impermeable, and they resist microbial growth and are readily decontaminated by several methods including applying an antimicrobial compound to the pellets. The thermal source is controlled to achieve the desired temperature of the items inserted into the pellets.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the temperature of items such as a sample in a vessel or a specimen, in a thermal bath using thermally efficient pellets as the thermal media. The pellets are typically oblong metallic or oblong metallic-coated pellets with rounded edges, a hardened surface, a smooth polished finish, and characteristics that enable efficient thermal communication between the bath's thermal source, the pellets, and the items that are inserted into the mass of pellets. Further, the pellets are dry and moisture and gas impermeable, and they resist microbial growth and are readily decontaminated by several methods including applying an antimicrobial compound to the pellets. The thermal source is controlled to achieve the desired temperature of the items inserted into the pellets.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods of attenuating gene expression through the phenomenon of RNA interference. The invention provides methods of synthesis of double stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) of increased potency for use as small interfering RNA (siRNA). Surprisingly and unexpectedly, siRNAs made by the methods of the invention are significantly more potent than previously available siRNAs.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods of attenuating gene expression through the phenomenon of RNA interference. The invention provides methods of synthesis of double stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) of increased potency for use as small interfering RNA (siRNA). Surprisingly and unexpectedly, siRNAs made by the methods of the invention are significantly more potent than previously available siRNAs.

Abstract: A system and method are described for electroporating a sample that utilizes one or more sets of electrodes that are spaced apart in order to hold a surface tension constrained sample between the electrodes. The first electrode is connected to the lower body of the system while the second electrode is connected to the upper body. Both electrodes are connected to a pulse generator. Each electrode has a sample contact surface such that the first electrode and the second electrode may be positioned to hold a surface tension constrained sample between the two sample contact surfaces and the sample may receive a selected electric pulse.

Abstract: A system and method are described for electroporating a sample that utilizes one or more sets of electrodes that are spaced apart in order to hold a surface tension constrained sample between the electrodes. The first electrode is connected to the lower body of the system while the second electrode is connected to the upper body. Both electrodes are connected to a pulse generator. Each electrode has a sample contact surface such that the first electrode and the second electrode may be positioned to hold a surface tension constrained sample between the two sample contact surfaces and the sample may receive a selected electric pulse.

Abstract: Thermally-conductive laboratory bath media can be used to replace conventional wet media or dry solid blocks in existing thermal baths for heating or cooling samples with advantageous maintenance and microbial control benefits. The media is typically in the form of metallic or metallic-coated pellets that have rounded edges, hardened surface, a smooth polished finish, and are sized small for efficient thermal communication between pellets and samples. Laboratory bath improvements are disclosed with various advanced controls and adaptations for thermal control as well as infection control.

Abstract: A system and method are described for electroporating a sample that utilizes one or more sets of electrodes that are spaced apart in order to hold a surface tension constrained sample between the electrodes. The first electrode is connected to the lower body of the system while the second electrode is connected to the upper body. Both electrodes are connected to a pulse generator. Each electrode has a sample contact surface such that the first electrode and the second electrode may be positioned to hold a surface tension constrained sample between the two sample contact surfaces and the sample may receive a selected electric pulse.

Abstract: A system and method are described for electroporating a sample that utilizes one or more sets of electrodes that are spaced apart in order to hold a surface tension constrained sample between the electrodes. The first electrode is connected to the lower body of the system while the second electrode is connected to the upper body. Both electrodes are connected to a pulse generator. Each electrode has a sample contact surface such that the first electrode and the second electrode may be positioned to hold a surface tension constrained sample between the two sample contact surfaces and the sample may receive a selected electric pulse.

Abstract: A system and method are described for electroporating a sample that utilizes one or more sets of electrodes that are spaced apart in order to hold a surface tension constrained sample between the electrodes. The first electrode is connected to the lower body of the system while the second electrode is connected to the upper body. Both electrodes are connected to a pulse generator. Each electrode has a sample contact surface such that the first electrode and the second electrode may be positioned to hold a surface tension constrained sample between the two sample contact surfaces and the sample may receive a selected electric pulse.

Abstract: An apparatus for chemically treating a metal part which includes an immersion tank containing a liquid chemical treatment solution, a conveyor conveying parts over the immersion tank, immersing and removing the part and at least one spray nozzle assembly located above the immersion tank which is supported on a track extending to a side wall of the tank and permitting maintenance of the spray nozzle assembly without draining the tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for chemically treating a metal part which includes an immersion tank containing a liquid chemical treatment solution, a conveyor conveying parts over the immersion tank, immersing and removing the part and at least one spray nozzle assembly located above the immersion tank which is supported on a track extending to a side wall of the tank and permitting maintenance of the spray nozzle assembly without draining the tank.