Abstract: Systems and methods for processing plant material samples and a transfer station designed for use in such systems and methods. In one embodiment, the system includes a controller, a plant-material sampling device, and a transfer station. The plant-material sampling device is configured to communicate with the controller and to read an identifier of a plant. The sampling device also has a removable magazine, and is designed to take at least one plant sample from multiple plants, place such samples in the magazine, and track the identity of the plant from which each sample is taken. The transfer station is configured to hold, at multiple positions, multiple magazines and multiple trays such that the positions of the magazines are mirrored by the positions of the trays, read an identifier of each magazine, read an identifier of each tray, map storage locations for each one of the magazines to storage locations of one of the trays, and sequentially unload plant samples from the magazines to the trays.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing plant material samples and a transfer station designed for use in such systems and methods. In one embodiment, the system includes a controller, a plant-material sampling device, and a transfer station. The plant-material sampling device is configured to communicate with the controller and to read an identifier of a plant. The sampling device also has a removable magazine, and is designed to take at least one plant sample from multiple plants, place such samples in the magazine, and track the identity of the plant from which each sample is taken. The transfer station is configured to hold, at multiple positions, multiple magazines and multiple trays such that the positions of the magazines are mirrored by the positions of the trays, read an identifier of each magazine, read an identifier of each tray, map storage locations for each one of the magazines to storage locations of one of the trays, and sequentially unload plant samples from the magazines to the trays.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to an apparatus and method for attaching a cover to an assembly of plural sheets. Exemplary embodiments include first and second clamping components displaceable relative to one another, wherein the first and second clamping components define a first dimension of a sheet receiving volume, and wherein a second dimension of the sheet receiving volume is defined by a sheet stop and a first plane that is orthogonal to the first and second clamping components; and a roller drive for displacing a first roller along the first plane and exerting a force perpendicular to the first plane in a direction toward the sheet receiving volume.

Abstract: An overcoat application apparatus is used to transfer an overcoat material from a donor to a printed media. The overcoat application apparatus in this case includes a donor supply reel, a donor guide bar, a heated fuser guide, a pressure guide, an overcoat application peel apparatus, and a donor take-up reel. The donor supply reel provides a continuous source of donor plus overcoat material. The donor guide bar guides printed media and the donor plus overcoat into a nip created by forcing the heated fuser guide and pressure guide together. The heated fuser guide is used to transport the printed media and laminate carrying donor through the nip and apply heat to the laminate carrying donor and printed media. The pressure guide is used to apply pressure to the fuser guide in order to produce the mechanical nip. The nip plus the heat causes the overcoat material on the donor to be transferred to the printed media.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to an apparatus and method for attaching a cover to an assembly of plural sheets. Exemplary embodiments include first and second clamping components displaceable relative to one another, wherein the first and second clamping components define a first dimension of a sheet receiving volume, and wherein a second dimension of the sheet receiving volume is defined by a sheet stop and a first plane that is orthogonal to the first and second clamping components; and a roller drive for displacing a first roller along the first plane and exerting a force perpendicular to the first plane in a direction toward the sheet receiving volume.

Abstract: A photofinishing system and method for providing for the digital processing of a set of photographs including a digital printer, buffer, laminator and cutter, and associated methods of use for improving the accuracy of printing, processing, laminating and cutting individual photos during a digital photofinishing process.

Abstract: An overcoat application apparatus is used to transfer an overcoat material from a donor to a printed media. The overcoat application apparatus in this case includes a donor supply reel, a donor guide bar, a heated fuser guide, a pressure guide, an overcoat application peel apparatus, and a donor take-up reel. The donor supply reel provides a continuous source of donor plus overcoat material. The donor guide bar guides printed media and the donor plus overcoat into a nip created by forcing the heated fuser guide and pressure guide together. The heated fuser guide is used to transport the printed media and laminate carrying donor through the nip and apply heat to the laminate carrying donor and printed media. The pressure guide is used to apply pressure to the fuser guide in order to produce the mechanical nip. The nip plus the heat causes the overcoat material on the donor to be transferred to the printed media.

Abstract: The present invention includes novel digoxin assays employing a capture reagent, involving a first binding member conjugated to a polymeric anion substance, and a solid phase material containing a reaction site comprising a polymeric cation substance having a nitrogen content of at least about two percent. A test sample suspected of containing the analyte of interest may be contacted with the capture reagent to form a charged capture reagent/analyte complex. The complex is then contacted to the oppositely charged solid phase to attract, attach, and immobilize the capture reagent/analyte complex.