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: A hydrodynamic shaft seal assembly and method of forming hydrodynamic grooves involves forming a spiraling open channel portion in the face of the seal element, and cutting a flex-enhancing portion extending from the open channel portion further into the seal element to enhance the flexibility of the seal without further enlarging the open channel portion.

Abstract: A gasket includes an internal stiffener wire which maintains the semi-rigid shape of the gasket while it is in storage or during the process of its installation between two workpieces. Rigid compression limiter rings are attached to the wire by a tack weld or by semi-open loops formed in the wire. The loops mate with peripheral grooves in the rings. Each ring is secured within a side opening in each loop with a sliding or snap-fit connection. The rings may be loosely held within the loops to allow the rings to self align themselves with positioning pins provided in an injection mold which subsequently forms the gasket material around the wire and rings.

Abstract: A manually assembled shaft seal assembly includes a plastic sealing element having an annular tubular mounting portion and a shaft-engaging sealing lip. An annular elastomeric sleeve extends around the inner and outer surfaces of the tubular mounting portion to provide a resilient mounting mechanism for the shaft seal assembly. During service at high operating temperatures, the elastomeric sleeve absorbs and accommodates stresses generated in the plastic tubular portion of the sealing element by thermal expansion. The elastomeric sleeve is in a compressed condition when mounted within a shaft seal housing so that it can expand slightly, if necessary, to compensate for shrinkage or creep in the plastic material, such that the seal assembly is prevented from becoming loose in the shaft seal housing.

Abstract: A shaft seal that includes a one-piece annular resilient seal element having an outer surface in static contact with a housing bore surface and an inner surface in rubbing contact with a circular shaft surface. A reinforcement ring is inserted into an internal cavity within the seal element to exert an outward radial force on an axial wall portion of the resilient seal element. The shaft seal can be manufactured at relatively low cost in small production quantities, using relatively low cost multi-purpose tooling.

Abstract: An improved metal encased radial-type oil shaft seal of either single or dual lip construction wherein the primary seal lip is polytetrafluoroethylene--or the like and is bonded and mechanically interlocked to the metal case by an elastomeric material.

Abstract: An elastomeric radial lip shaft seal and method of making same wherein the seal is provided with a rigid reinforcing member of generally cylindrical shape and formed from strip stock with the ends thereof joined by clinch-butt construction.

Abstract: An improved metal encased radial-type oil shaft seal of either single or dual lip construction wherein the primary seal lip is polytetrafluoroethylene -- or the like and is bonded and mechanically interlocked to the metal case by an elastomeric material.

Abstract: An elastomeric radial lip shaft seal and method of making same wherein the seal is provided with a rigid reinforcing member of generally cylindrical shape and formed from strip stock with the ends thereof joined by clinch-butt construction.