Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for preparing an array of polymeric compounds on a substrate. Drops of polymer subunits are dispensed to a surface of a substrate from two or more drop dispensing modules wherein each module comprises dispensers for dispensing a respective polymer-forming reagent. At least two of the modules and a substrate are brought into drop dispensing relationship in at least one step prior to conducting the step of preparing the surface for repeating the drop-dispensing step. Next, the surface is subjected to reagents to prepare the surface for repeating the drop-dispensing step. The above steps are repeated for a sufficient number of cycles to prepare the array of polymeric compounds.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for manufacturing a chemical array reader calibration device. Embodiments include dispensing a volume of fluorescent dye coating composition from a pulse jet fluid deposition device onto a surface of a substrate to coat the surface with the fluorescent dye coating composition. Also provided are chemical array reader calibration devices and methods of using the subject chemical array reader calibration devices to calibrate a chemical array reader. Also provided are kits that include a chemical array reader calibration device.

Abstract: Methods and devices for fabricating a chemical array are provided. Embodiments include determining a chemical array layout in which each feature in the layout has a size that is chosen based on its composition and fabricating a chemical array according to the chemical array layout. In certain embodiments, at least two features of an array fabricated according to the subject methods are of different sizes. Embodiments also include chemical arrays having features of different sizes, e.g., fabricated according to the subject methods. Also provided are embodiments that include fluid deposition devices capable of fabricating chemical arrays having features of different sizes, e.g., for use in practicing the subject methods. Algorithms present on computer readable mediums for use in practicing the subject methods may also be provided in certain embodiments. Embodiments of the subject invention may also include systems and kits for use in practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: A generalized printhead control model is provided herein as a basis for configuring printhead control software that will operate any selected printhead or group of printheads. The subject model covers a hierarchy of classes for the attributes of software that controls the printheads in a system, such as for producing a biopolymer array.

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: Devices and methods for storing data related to at least one array are provided. The subject devices are characterized by an array holder that holds a substrate having at least one array and a data storage element operatively coupled thereto and configured to receive and store data related to a held array. Stored data may include calibration data and/or the number of times the array is scanned. The data storage element may be configured to communicate with at least one external apparatus using a physical connection. In using the subject devices, a subject array holder holds a substrate having at least one array and data related to the at least one array is received and stored by the data storage element. The data storage element may communicate with at least one external apparatus using a physical connection. Also provided are kits for practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: A sensing element and system for determining the density of fuel housed in the tank of an aircraft, includes sensing element (10). The sensing element has a disc shaped member (20) extending through a wall (16) of the sensor body. The sensor body also encloses a chamber (14) containing dry nitrogen at a pressure of one atmosphere. Electromagnetic driving coils (24) are electrically actuated to cause member 20 to vibrate in its resonant frequency in four quadrants with a node along an axis (22) corresponding to the wall of the sensor and a second node axis (42). Pickup coils (26) in the sensor body sense displacement of the disc shaped member in a location of maximum displacement. Fluid surrounding the sensing element causes mass loading of the exposed portion of the disc shaped member and changes its resonant frequency. The changes in resonant frequency along with values determined through calibration are used by a processor (44) to calculate the density of the fluid.