Abstract: Methods for treating at least one member of a backing element/microarray assembly structure are provided. The subject methods include at least one of: (1) depositing a component on the at least one member, (2) extracting a component from the at least one member, and (3) surface modifying the at least one member, to treat the at least one member of a backing element/microarray assembly structure. Embodiments of the subject invention also include treated microarray structure members, e.g., produced in accordance with the subject methods, as well as methods for using treated microarray structure members in array assay protocols. Also provided are systems and kits for use in the subject methods.

Abstract: An automated method and system for determining an optimal focus distance for scanning a molecular array by a molecular array scanner. Blocks of rows of a reference array are automatically scanned at successively greater distances of the stage from a light gathering medium, such as an optical fiber, or z-positions, to produce data providing a functional relationship between z-position and measured signal intensities. The data is then processed by a peak-height-based, or window-based, focus-finding routine that selects an optimal focus-distance for data scans.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for array alignment. The apparatus employs a standoff that is adjacent to a gasket and that may be attached to a first substrate or a second substrate. The standoff is larger in height than the gasket that holds an array solution. The larger height of the standoff relative to the gasket helps during the alignment of the first substrate and the second substrate and prevents the spreading or spillage of the array solution when attempts are made to contact the first substrate to the second substrate. Methods of making and aligning the array hybridization apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A communication device includes at least one interchangeable cover part and a display, such that the display is integrated into the interchangeable cover part. This provides the advantage that a single functional module can be manufactured without a display. A number of interchangeable covers or cover parts can be used with the communication device offering a variety of displays. Furthermore, the functional module, of say a mobile phone, can be designed, manufactured and configured independently of the display, since a generic connection is provided. Also, a single functional module can be manufactured for a variety of different tier phones having different size/types of display, with potentially only software variations required.

Abstract: Calibration devices for optical scanners and methods for their use are provided. The subject devices are characterized by having a polymeric coating with at least one fluorescent agent, where the devices have minimal local and global nonuniformities. The subject device may also include one or more photobleached regions. In using the subject devices, a surface is illuminated with at least one light source, fluorescence data is obtained from the surface and the optical system is calibrated based upon the obtained fluorescence data. The subject invention finds use in a variety of optical scanners, including biopolymeric array optical scanners. Also provided are kits for use in verifying and calibrating optical scanners.

Abstract: An automated method and system for determining an optimal focus distance for scanning a molecular array scanner. Blocks of rows of a reference array are automatically scanned at successively greater distances of the stage from a light gathering medium, such as an optical fiber, or z-positions, to produce data providing a functional relationship between z-position and measured signal intensities. The data is then processed by a peak-height-based, or window-based, focus-finding routine that selects an optimal focus-distance for data scans.

Abstract: A method of reading an array of moieties such as polynucleotides (for example, DNA) on at least a portion of a surface of a transparent slide which is opposite a first portion on the opposing surface, which array has been previously exposed to a sample. The method may include mounting the slide on a slide holder and retaining the slide thereon in an enclosed and protected environment in which the holder does not contact the previously exposed array and the array or dyes bound there to are not subject to external factors that might impact their measurement over time. The holder is then inserted into an array reader and the array read. A holder and slides that can be used in the method are also provided.

Abstract: Devices and methods for holding at least one array are provided. The subject devices are characterized by having a housing having at least one array therein and an absorbing material associated with the housing that is capable of absorbing molecules within the housing deleterious to the array(s) held therein. The seal may be resealable and/or may be a hermetic seal. The subject methods include packaging at least one array in a subject array holding device. Also provided are methods for using an array that is held in a subject array holding device in an array assay. Kits for use in the subject methods are also provided.

Abstract: A method and system for calibrating molecular arrays to a reference molecular array, and for subsequently calibrating the molecular arrays to maintain a constant signal-intensity-to-label-concentration ratio. In the first step of the two-step calibration method, a reference array coated with the fluorophore or chromophore used to label probe molecules is employed, while in the second step of the two-step method, a reference array coated with a stable dye is employed.

Abstract: An automated method and system for determining an optimal focus distance for scanning a molecular array scanner. Blocks of rows of a reference array are automatically scanned at successively greater distances of the stage from a light gathering medium, such as an optical fiber, or z-positions, to produce data providing a functional relationship between z-position and measured signal intensities. The data is then processed by a peak-height-based, or window-based, focus-finding routine that selects an optimal focus-distance for data scans.

Abstract: Calibration devices for optical scanners and methods for their use are provided. The subject devices are characterized by having a polymeric coating with at least one fluorescent agent, where the devices have minimal local and global nonuniformities. The subject device may also include one or more photobleached regions. In using the subject devices, a surface is illuminated with at least one light source, fluorescence data is obtained from the surface and the optical system is calibrated based upon the obtained fluorescence data. The subject invention finds use in a variety of optical scanners, including biopolymeric array optical scanners. Also provided are kits for use in verifying and calibrating optical scanners.

Abstract: A first robotic assembly transfers articles from carriers on a transport mechanism at a loading area to a first load conveyor. The conveyor transfers the articles to a process conveyor which moves the articles through a target region at a substantially constant speed. The process conveyor then transfers the articles to a second load conveyor. A second robotic assembly then transfers the articles to article carriers on the transport mechanism at an unloading area.

Abstract: A first robotic assembly transfers articles from carriers on a transport mechanism at a loading area to a first load conveyor. The conveyor transfers the articles to a process conveyor which moves the articles through a target region at a substantially constant speed. The process conveyor then transfers the articles to a second load conveyor. A second robotic assembly then transfers the articles to article carriers on the transport mechanism at an unloading area. The load and process conveyors may be divided into two tracks. First and second radiation sources respectively disposed at first and second gaps in the process conveyor in the target region respectively irradiate the articles in both tracks in opposite directions from positions above and below the articles. Articles on the tracks may be (a) diverged on the first load conveyor to separate the articles from the dividers, (b) converged on the process conveyor to minimize the width of the radiation sources and (c) diverged on the second load conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for web monitoring in paper making machines comprises a row of two or more lookers (6, 8) which are spaced across the width of the moving paper web. Each looker is stationery, and continuously inspects one or more small areas of the web as the web passes beneath. Optical signals from each individual inspection area are digitized, and spatial filtering is used to remove from the signals the effects of variations in the web which are much larger or much smaller than the variations being studied. A number of power spectra are calculated from the spatially filtered signals, and analysis of these functions is then used to identify significant features. Plots or tables of such features can be used to provide detailed information for the machine operator on the types of variations that are occurring in the paper web, and the possible causes of these variations.

Abstract: A process for preparing calcium-supplemented, ready-to-serve, not-from-concentrate (NFC) fruit juice beverages is disclosed. This process involves circulating an acidified NFC juice stream containing citric and malic acid from a blend tank through a mixing zone that creates turbulent flow. A powdered source of calcium is then added to this acidified juice stream in the mixing zone. The calcium supplemented juice is recirculated back to the blend tank until the acidified juice comprises from about 0.05 to about 0.26% by weight solubilized calcium.

Abstract: A process for the analysis of organic pollutants from an aqueous sample is provided including injecting an extraction solvent under pressure in the form of a plurality of substantially uniform droplets into the sample containing one or more pollutants. The solvent droplets are collected and then analyzed for the presence of the pollutants. The apparatus includes a sample holding column, a solvent reservoir, a source of gas under pressure, and a nozzle having one or more outlet ports which subdivides the solvent into small uniform droplets to enhance mass transfer of pollutants from the sample into the solvent.

Abstract: Process timing and controlling system for use in photographic darkrooms involving multiple timing and control process steps including a control console, programmable in at least one channel to step through substantially all timing and control process steps, timing means in at least one channel for measuring time remaining in a particular process step, timing indicator means in at least one channel for indicating time remaining in a particular process step, a source of power connecting the console and the timing means which when activated supplies power to the console and timing mean, means for initiating a program step in at least one channel, switching means in at least one channel for stepping through the steps independently of the programmed time, a plurality of relays for operating programmed timing and control functions, and relay driving means programmed to select an appropriate output to activate the relay.