Abstract: The invention provides compositions, devices, methods and kits allowing for rapid diagnosis of diseases and pathogens, including sexually transmitted infectious diseases, via nucleic acid extraction-free, direct PCR techniques.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions, devices, methods and kits allowing for rapid diagnosis of infectious diseases via extraction-free, direct PCR techniques using combined biological samples.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods allowing for rapid, accurate, robust, and low-cost diagnosis of infectious diseases via extraction-free, direct PCR techniques.

Abstract: Saliva-based testing for viruses including SARS-CoV-2 are provided. Simple collection methods allow for at-home collection, reducing the risk and burden on healthcare workers using conventional testing methods. Tests can quantitatively analyze both viral nucleic acids to assess viral load as well as virus-specific antibodies to track disease progression and potential immunity.

Abstract: A shuttle rail assembly, capable of carrying a pair of pallets to which workpieces are fixtured, is mounted on a wheeled vehcile movable along a pair of tracks extending adjacent machine tools and set-up stations. The vehicle is positively driven by a DC motor and pinion, mounted on a adjustable eccentric, which meshes with a toothed rack secured to one of the pair of tracks. A vertical standard extending upward from the vehicle is slidable along power and control electrical buses contained within an enclosed overhead trolley. The shuttle rail assembly includes a pair of rails, extendable to either side of the vehicle by a hydraulic rail motor, mounted on a platform rotatable by a hydraulic index motor to 180.degree. positions when pallets are to be interchanged, and having a 90.degree. latched position during vehicle travel.

Abstract: A machine tool having a head with a rotatable spindle including an extensible bar for holding a tool and which is axially movable between fully retracted and fully extended positions with several intermediate additional machining positions established by selectively operable stops. Large diameter tools with a flange and mounting taper (as may be provided by a tool adapter which mounts the tool) may be used with complete fit of the mounting taper with a spindle taper, and backup support of the tool at the flange thereof. The machine tool includes a rotatable but axially fixed bar carrier engageable with the tool flange for holding of the flange in fixed position. Axially outward movement of the spindle bar brings the tapers into complete fit while the tool flange is held in fixed position against the bar carrier, and this avoids the need for precision tolerances between the taper gauge line and the back of the flange.

Abstract: A machine tool is provided with a traversing work table that has a mounting plate supported for vertical reciprocation and rotary indexing movement. A pallet is supported on the mounting plate and releasably locked to it by a bayonet connection with a clamp ring which is selectively rotatable in the mounting plate; and the pallet also has an annular toothed coupling meshed with a segmented annular toothed coupling in the base. Rotary indexing is permitted by elevating the mounting plate only enough to unmesh the toothed coupling. Elevating the mounting plate to a higher level releases the clamp ring from the mounting plate, and at that level the operation of a pallet changer rotates the clamp ring to release the pallet for removal from the mounting plate. Further, a rotatable cover has flanges that are normally between the segments of the toothed coupling on the base, and the cover rotates simultaneously with the clamp ring so the flanges overlie the toothed coupling segments during pallet changing.