Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, devices and systems for associating consumable data with an assay consumable used in a biological assay. Provided are assay systems and associated consumables, wherein the assay system adjusts one or more steps of an assay protocol based on consumable data specific for that consumable. Various types of consumable data are described, as well as methods of using such data in the conduct of an assay by an assay system. The present invention also relates to consumables (e.g., kits and reagent containers), software, data deployable bundles, computer-readable media, loading carts, instruments, systems, and methods, for performing automated biological assays.

Abstract: Provided are automated cell culture systems and related in vitro cell culture methods, including for a co-culture of different cell populations having different cell culture conditions. For example, the system may comprise a bioreactor having a plurality of cell culture compartments, the bioreactor having a fluid port fluidly connected to the plurality of cell culture compartments. A pump fluidly connected to the fluid port can provide a cell culture medium to the plurality of culture compartments. A sensor is operably connected to at least one of the plurality of cell culture compartments for measuring at least one cell culture parameter. In this manner, a controller electronically connected the pump and sensor, is configured to automatically adjust a pump flow rate and/or a cell culture gas content to provide a desired steady-state cell culture parameter for facilitating cells interactions and collection of products representative of said interactions.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for analysis of a biological sample includes receiving the sample, wherein the sample includes deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), lysing the sample to obtain access to the DNA included in the sample, purifying the DNA in the sample to isolate the DNA from other components in the sample, amplifying the DNA, separating fragments of the amplified DNA, detecting the separated fragments using laser induced fluorescence, based on the detecting, generating a profile of the DNA in the received sample, comparing the generated profile with profiles of DNA stored in a database, and upon determining that the generated profile matches one of the stored profiles, identifying the source from which the stored profile was obtained, wherein the receiving, lysing, purifying, amplifying, and detecting are performed on corresponding portions of a microfluidic device, and wherein transporting the sample and the DNA to the portions of the microfluidic device and enabling the lysing, purifying, amplifying,

Abstract: A rotatable and positive lockable circular connector including a spin coupling having an axial bore therethrough; a cylindrical connection interface inserted into the axial bore of the spin coupling; and an adapter body having an internal bore into which the spin coupling is axially inserted, thereby placing the spin coupling, connection interface, and adapter body into axial alignment. The adapter body includes a shielded branch for passing conductor wires. A locking system permits selective rotation of the spin coupling in relation to the adapter body when the apparatus is in an unlocked position, and positively locks the spin coupling in relation to the adapter body when the apparatus is in a locked position. Grounding elements maintain a ground path from the branch shielding to a connector shell coupled to the spin coupling.

Abstract: A rotatable and positive lockable circular connector including a spin coupling having an axial bore therethrough; a cylindrical connection interface inserted into the axial bore of the spin coupling; and an adapter body having an internal bore into which the spin coupling is axially inserted, thereby placing the spin coupling, connection interface, and adapter body into axial alignment. The adapter body includes a shielded branch for passing conductor wires. A locking system permits selective rotation of the spin coupling in relation to the adapter body when the apparatus is in an unlocked position, and positively locks the spin coupling in relation to the adapter body when the apparatus is in a locked position. Grounding elements maintain a ground path from the branch shielding to a connector shell coupled to the spin coupling.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for analysis of a biological sample includes receiving the sample, wherein the sample includes deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), lysing the sample to obtain access to the DNA included in the sample, purifying the DNA in the sample to isolate the DNA from other components in the sample, amplifying the DNA, separating fragments of the amplified DNA, detecting the separated fragments using laser induced fluorescence, based on the detecting, generating a profile of the DNA in the received sample, comparing the generated profile with profiles of DNA stored in a database, and upon determining that the generated profile matches one of the stored profiles, identifying the source from which the stored profile was obtained, wherein the receiving, lysing, purifying, amplifying, and detecting are performed on corresponding portions of a microfluidic device, and wherein transporting the sample and the DNA to the portions of the microfluidic device and enabling the lysing, purifying, amplifying,

Abstract: An infrared light emitting diode arrangement comprising an infrared light emitting diode which emits positive luminescence when forward biased and emits negative luminescence when reverse biased. The diode is driven by an alternating forward and reverse bias input so that the difference in output power between the positive luminescence and the negative luminescence of the light emitting diode is stabilised with respect to temperature. The infrared light emitting diode arrangement has particular application as a source in gas sensors and reduces or eliminates temperature control requirements for infrared light emitting diode sources.

Abstract: A switch matrix which comprises non-linear optical (e.g. bistable) elements each consisting of an optically active layer applied to a substrate. The surface of the substrate has a microstructure composed of pillars each of which functions as a switch element and has at least one optically active layer. The pillar structure prevents interaction due to thermal contact and diffusion of charge carriers across the optically active layer and the substrate. The lithographic-galvanic (LIGA) process described is suited to the mass production of these structured substrates my moulding plastics. Both transparent and opaque substrates with high aspect ratios and adequate stability can be advantageously manufactured in this way.

Abstract: An improved shelf life composition useful as adhesives and, especially, pressure sensitive adhesives is made by mixing an acrylic composition with a catalyst of the tin type and a non-reactive silicone composition essentially free of hydroxyl and hydrogens on the silicon atoms and of the formula shown hereinafter.

Abstract: An improved shelf life composition useful as adhesives and, especially, pressure sensitive adhesives is made by mixing an acrylic composition with a catalyst of the tin type and a non-reactive silicone composition essentially free of hydroxyl and hydrogens on the silicon atoms and of the formula shown hereinafter.