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: An antenna apparatus for a hand-held symbology reader device having a housing and an elongated one-quarter wavelength antenna. A rotatable coupling member has an L-shaped conductor fixedly and electrically coupled to the antenna by a first end thereof. A second end of the L-shaped conductor is rotatably received by the housing. A ground plane of an electrically conductive material, having a plastic film coated thereon, is positioned within the housing. A washer of an electrically conductive material is electrically coupled to the second end of the L-shaped conductor, and is positioned in face-to-face juxtaposition with a portion of the ground plane. The washer and the portion of the ground plane form a parallel plate capacitor, with the plastic film forming a dielectric therebetween to capacitively couple the ground plane to the antenna.

Abstract: A solid-state direct current motor control apparatus including a programmed microprocessor operative with a plurality of series motors to determine the selection of a power mode of operation, a brake mode of operation and a coast mode of operation, with a desired energization of particular motor fields before the brake mode of operation.

Abstract: A motor control is provided for a DC series motor operative with a chopper apparatus and including a thyristor switch to determine the field shunt operation of the motor. A voltage reversal that occurs across the field windings when the chopper is OFF and not conducting is utilized to commutate and enable modulation of the field shunt thyristor switch as desired in relation to the chopper ON and OFF operation.

Abstract: A field shunt operation for a chopper controlled series DC propulsion motor in the power mode is provided in response to a desired torque request, when a predicted value of the resulting shunt field motor current is determined to be no greater than the known commutation current limit of the chopper.

Abstract: A solid-state motor control apparatus operative with a plurality of series motors to determine the selection of a power mode of operation and a brake mode of operation, and including a plurality of current sensors to establish the current flow in the motor armatures and in the motor fields.