Abstract: A radiation detection system has a linear array of radiation detectors, which are preferably ionization chambers. The detectors are connected, preferably permanently, to a multi-channel signal processor through a flexible multi-conductor shielded cable. The multi-channel signal processor is connected to a controller, such as a personal computer, through a multi-conductor cable and a communication interface device. Multiple detector arrays and multi-channel electrometers may be connected to a single personal computer and used simultaneously.

Abstract: The invention includes devices and methods for forming random arrays of magnetic particles, arrays formed using these devices and methods, and to methods of using the arrays. The invention provides an assembly (chip) with magnetic domains that produce localized magnetic fields capable of immobilizing magnetic particles such as commercially available magnetic beads. Probe or sensor molecules can be coupled to the beads, which are then dispersed on the assembly, forming a random order array. The arrays can be used for analyzing samples, targets, and/or the interaction between samples and targets. The invention finds particular use in processes such as high-throughput genotyping and other nucleic acid hybridization-based assays.

Abstract: A laminated coating protects a metal substrate in a highly corrosive and highly erosive environment. A coating of a noble metal, such as gold, is bonded to the metal substrate, such as by electroplating or by flame spray. The noble-metal coating protects the metal substrate from the corrosive effects of a process fluid. A ceramic material, such as chromium oxide or titanium dioxide, is bonded to the noble-metal coating. Ceramic materials resist abrasion very well, which protects the underlying noble-metal coating from the erosive/abrasive effects of the process solution, which may contain suspended solids that are highly abrasive. However, the ceramic material is somewhat porous, which allows some seepage of the process fluid. The metal substrate is protected from the corrosive effects of the process fluid by the noble-metal coating.

Abstract: Magnetic recording media comprising an ordered, ultra-high density array of 500 .ANG. diameter circular magnetic thin film islands on a substrate. The magnetic material supports magnetization perpendicular to the film plan, and each circular island comprises a single magnetic domain and a single information storage bit. An areal bit density of 10.sup.11 bits/in.sup.2 can be achieved by such an array. The magnetic array is generated using a single level mask comprised of a self-ordering polymer array, either an array of polymer spheres or a regular array of polymeric blocks in a phase-separating polymer film.

Abstract: A tubing set includes at least one fluid conveying tube. The fluid conveying tube has a predetermined outside diameter, and is formed of a material adapted to be dielectrically heated at a sealing location. The insulating sleeve has an inside dimension at least as large as the outside diameter of the fluid conveying tube. The tubular insulating sleeve is positioned in a substantially coaxial relationship with the fluid conveying tube at the sealing location, and has a wall with thickness which insulates the fluid conveying tube to permit sealing the fluid conveying tube, and forming a thin, easily tearable web, by the application of the radio frequency dielectric heating.

Abstract: A method and device for sampling biological fluids during collection without opening the functionally closed collection system, thereby compromising the sterility of the collected fluid. A sample bag connected to a fluid line or collection reservoir is filled coincident with fluid collection, then hermetically sealed and physically separated from the collection system using a radio frequency tubing sealer. A vacuum tube collection device is attached to the sample bag to minimize exposure to the fluid during sample handling and processing.

Abstract: An insulating sleeve retains heat in the plastic of a flexible plastic medical tube when the plastic of the medical tube is dielectrically heated by a radio frequency tubing sealer. The heat retained by the insulating sleeve permits additional melting of the plastic of the medical tube after a seal has been formed. The additional melting results in forming an easily tearable web between the segments of the medical tube in the same operation as the sealing operation. The medical tube is selectively sealed without forming the easily tearable web by using the radio frequency tubing sealer without the insulating sleeve.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for infrared spectrum compression wherein a plurality of referenced spectrums each corresponding to one of a plurality of known substances is digitized to obtain a plurality of reference digitized spectrums. The intensity, location and width of each peak for each reference digitized spectrum then is identified and this information is stored. The stored information relating to each of the referenced digitized spectrums is used to compare with an unknown digitized spectrum of an unknown substance to identify the unknown substance.

Abstract: An auger-driven remotely controllable amphibious vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle includes a buoyant hull in the general configuration of a speedboat. An auger is mounted for rotation along each side of the vehicle. The generally cylindrical augers with helical screws are nested closely in approximately quarter-cylinder recesses formed along the lower sides of the hull at the waterline so that a considerable portion of the water moved by the augers is contained in the narrow spaces between the augers and the hull, and is then thrust directly rearward (or forward) for increased efficiency in propulsion. A propulsion mechanism and other components are preferably mounted in the center of the vehicle for balance. The vehicle preferably includes control apparatus and signal receiving apparatus for remote operation.

Abstract: A buoyant boat hull of an amphibious vehicle has concave, quarter cylinder recesses along the sides down from the waterline, such recesses receiving the upper inboard quadrants of helical augers. The recesses confine water between the screw threads and project it directly to the rear for more efficient forward thrust. The engine and pumps for the hydraulic motors are mounted on a slide to be moved forward and aft as desired to shift the center of gravity and aid in transition between land and water travel.

Abstract: A reduced calorie fat which contains combined MLM and MML triglycerides, combined LLM and LML triglycerides, LLL triglycerides, MMM triglycerides and other triglycerides; wherein M is a C.sub.6 to C.sub.10 saturated fatty acid residue and L is a C.sub.20 to C.sub.24 saturated fatty acid residue and a fatty acid composition having: from about 35% to about 60% combined C.sub.8 and C.sub.10 saturated fatty acids, a ratio of C.sub.8 to C.sub.10 saturated fatty acids of from about 1:4 to about 4:1, and from about 35% to about 60% behenic fatty acid.

Abstract: An international financial instrument has a multi-letter international monetary code printed on the face thereof in a first area and an amount printed on the face thereof in a second area. The letters making up the monetary code are printed in a negative pattern and formed by a series of rows of printed dots which define the outlines for the letters. The name of the currency denomination corresponding to the multi-letter international monetary code may be printed in at least one line overlapping the multi-letter international monetary code. Each of the letters may be printed in a negative pattern that includes an open area in which a smaller version of the letter is printed in a positive pattern.

Abstract: A process for tempering flavored confectionery compositions, in particular chocolate-flavored confectionery compositions, containing certain reduced calorie fats is disclosed. These compositions are rapidly cooled to a temperature of about 57.degree. F. (13.9.degree. C.) or less and then held in this cooler temperature range for typically at least about 16 hours. The cooled composition is then raised to a temperature in the range from above about 57.degree. to about 72.degree. F. (about 13.9.degree. to about 22.2.degree. C.) in a manner such that bloom formation (surface discoloration) does not occur. The resulting tempered product has a firmness and mouthmelt comparable to cocoa butter-based chocolate products.

Abstract: A stable beta-prime tailored triglyceride hardstock is disclosed which exhibits superior beta-prime stability and yields improved texture, stability, oil retention, and/or flavor display when incorporated into various food products.The beta-prime stable hardstock of the present invention comprises: (a) from about 45% to about 98% of 2-Stearoyldipalmitin (PSP) triglycerides: (b) from about 2% to about 55%, of 1-Palmitolydistearin (PSS) triglycerides; (c) less than about 7% of tripalmitin (PPP) triglycerides; (d) less than about 7% of tristearin (SSS) triglycerides; (e) less than about 3% of diglycerides; (f) less than about 10% of total PPP plus SSS triglycerides; and (g) less than about 10% of the fatty acids of the total triglycerides and diglycerides being unsaturated.

Abstract: Using a membrane separating device to remove cell-free fluid from a suspension of cells to preconcentrate cells in the suspension prior to processing in a centrifuge.

Abstract: A process for tempering flavored confectionery compositions, in particular chocolate-flavored confectionery compositions, containing certain reduced calorie fats is disclosed. These compositions are rapidly cooled to a temperature of about 57.degree. F. (13.9.degree. C.) or less and then held in this cooler temperature range for typically at least about 16 hours. The cooled composition is then raised to a temperature in the range from above about 57.degree. to about 72.degree. F. (about 13.9.degree. to about 22.2.degree. C.) in a manner such that bloom formation (surface discoloration) does not occur. The resulting tempered product has a firmness and mouthmelt comparable to cocoa butter-based chocolate products.

Abstract: A CMOS digital-to-analog converter includes a modified R-2R resistive ladder network connected to 16 pairs of bit switches responsive to the various digital inputs to produce an internal analog voltage representative of the digital input. Each pair of bit switches includes an N-channel MOSFET and a P-channel MOSFET. The on resistance of the P-channel MOSFET is adjusted to precisely match that of the N-channel MOSFET by driving the gate of each P-channel MOSFET with the output of a CMOS inverter referenced between V.sub.CC and a reference voltage that is adjusted to cause the on resistances of a P-channel "monitor" MOSFET and an N-channel "monitor" MOSFET to be equal. A reference voltage is generated by a circuit that generates a temperature-invariant source current from a V.sub.BE difference between first and second transistors, causes part of it to flow through first, second, and third resistors, the third resistor having a voltage across it established by the V.sub.

Abstract: An integrated circuit digital-to-analog converter includes a nichrome feedback resistor having .+-.1% accuracy in its output amplifier, a plurality of bit current determining resistors that have .+-.30% manufacturing accuracy, a bias voltage circuit that produces a temperature-compensated bias voltage including an integrated potentiometer that is laser trimmed to compensate for the inaccuracy of the bit current determining resistors. The bit current determining resistors thereby produce constant, precise temperature-independent bit currents. The integrated potentiometer is accurately laser trimmed without changing the series resistance of the potentiometer. This prevents current density changes that change the temperature sensitivity of temperature-compensating elements in the bias voltage circuit.