Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to air filtering components and related methods. As may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments, an apparatus includes a filter frame having an outer perimeter and configured to hold at least one filter within the outer perimeter, and a fastener configured to selectively couple and decouple the filter frame to an air passageway of an air movement component. The fastener is further configured with the filter frame to seal the outer perimeter around an opening in the air passageway via which air may flow by engaging with the air passageway and applying a force to the filter frame in a direction toward the air movement component, therein forming a sealed air flow channel through the filter frame and the at least one filter held within the outer perimeter.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed masks and enhancing the sealing of masks to user's faces for a variety of different types of users and under a variety of conditions. As may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments, a mask apparatus has a filter, a shell operable to seal the filter to a user's face around the user's nose and mouth, and an interface that facilitates the sealing. The interface may, for example, include protrusions that are operable to extend between user facial hair, improving the scaling of the mask to the user's face.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to implementations of systems and methods for plant tissue sampling utilizing a sampling clip. The clip may be used to obtain a tissue sample of a plant and retain the sample for subsequent analysis. The clip, including the sample, may be shipped (if necessary) without the user ever needing to contact the sample directly. In many implementations, the sample may be automatically extracted from the clip for analysis without requiring human intervention. As a result, cross-contamination possibilities may be avoided or eliminated. The clip and/or sample collectors may be disposed of after use or sterilized in a group.

Abstract: Aspects of various embodiments herein may be implemented as follows. An apparatus has a material shell that conforms to a user's face, and a securing portion connected to the shell that may operate to secure a filter to the user's face with the filter covering the user's nose and mouth. A securing force may be applied to the filter via the first material portion in a direction toward the user's face, thereby sealing the filter around the user's nose and mouth. Various implementations involve elastic and other material that facilitate sealing of the filter around the user's nose and mouth.

Abstract: Aspects of various embodiments herein may be implemented as follows. An apparatus has a material shell, which may be conformed to a user's face, and a securing portion connected to the shell that may operate to secure a filter, such as to the user's face with the filter covering the user's nose and mouth. An adjustable valve is coupled to the filter and operable for providing adjustable air flow through the valve (e.g., selectively bypassing air flow through material of the filter). A securing force can be applied to the material shell, thereby sealing the shell around the user's nose and mouth. Various implementations involve multiple couplers at an attachment region between the material shell and securing portion, which facilitate the application of forces with two or more degrees of freedom for securing to the user's face. Further, various implementations facilitate replacing filters utilized with the mask shell.

Abstract: Aspects of various embodiments herein may be implemented as follows. An apparatus has a material shell, which may be conformed to a user's face, and a securing portion connected to the shell that operates to secure a filter, such as to the user's face with the filter covering the user's nose and mouth. A securing force can be applied to the filter via the first material portion, thereby sealing the filter around the user's nose and mouth. Various implementations involve multiple couplers at an attachment region between the material shell and securing portion, which facilitate the application of forces with two or more degrees of freedom for securing the filter to the user's face. Further, various implementations facilitate replacing filters utilized with the mask shell.

Abstract: Aspects of various embodiments herein may be implemented as follows. An apparatus has a material shell, which may be conformed to a user's face, and a securing portion connected to the shell that may operate to secure a filter, such as to the user's face with the filter covering the user's nose and mouth. A securing force can be applied to the material shell, thereby sealing the shell around the user's nose and mouth. Various implementations involve multiple couplers at an attachment region between the material shell and securing portion, which facilitate the application of forces with two or more degrees of freedom for securing to the user's face. Further, various implementations facilitate replacing filters utilized with the mask shell.

Abstract: Aspects of various embodiments herein may be implemented as follows. An apparatus has a material shell that conforms to a user's face, and a securing portion connected to the shell that operates to secure a filter to the user's face with the filter covering the user's nose and mouth. A securing force is applied to the filter via the first material portion in a direction toward the user's face, thereby sealing the filter around the user's nose and mouth. Various implementations involve elastic and other material that facilitate sealing of the filter around the user's nose and mouth.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of water valves and more particularly to a rod activated water valve for installation on any threaded water faucet, tap or threaded pipe with a filter screen to prevent any particle larger than the filter mesh from passing through the filter. This invention also relates to the field of water valves and more particularly to a rod activated water valve that allows a person to wash their hands and avoid touching faucet handles. In one embodiment a rod activated water valve is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for amplifying nucleic acid, and, in particular, amplifying so as to generate products on a surface without the use of emulsions. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of groups of amplified product are generated on the surface, each group positioned in different (typically predetermined) locations on said surface so as to create an array.

Abstract: A mask-type apparatus facilitates air filtration. In accordance with one or more embodiments, a mask includes a shell and a filter coupled to the shell. The shell secures the filter to a user's face, with the filter being between the shell and the user. In some implementations, the filter and shell are secured to one another via a valve that passes air between a user and an environment. With these approaches, the mask-type apparatus readily facilitates replacement of the filter while also providing a secure fitment of the filter to a user's face, for a variety of applications.

Abstract: Computer-storage media, systems, and methods for facilitating development of web pages with cross-communicating tags are provided. The libraries and controls do not require a page transition or refresh operation to update information or instantiate features because the tags subscribe to a server for the information supplied to them. The update information can be requested by a first set of tags or pushed by a second set of tags. A package available online to developers includes development components for execution as part of a web page. These applications utilize APIs and a set of tags that are at least a portion of a markup language library. The tags are for initiating and executing web features, including instant messaging features. There is a developer interface to code the web page with the web application.