Abstract: The present invention provides systems, devices, apparatuses and methods for automated bioprocessing. Examples of protocols and bioprocessing procedures suitable for the present invention include but are not limited to: immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation, recombinant protein isolation, nucleic acid separation and isolation, protein labeling, separation and isolation, cell separation and isolation, food safety analysis and automatic bead based separation. In some embodiments, the invention provides automated systems, automated devices, automated cartridges and automated methods of western blot processing.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system related to field and crop information gathering. In one aspect of the invention, data is obtained from a producer. One example would be yield map data from a yield monitor. Another is “as planted” data from precision farming planting equipment. The data includes information about seed or crop in a producer's field and an identification of the field. The data is combined with other information in a report. The information added could be, for example, soil type information overlaid on the field map. Another example is environmental classification information overlaid on the field map. The report is returned to the producer and used to discuss planning related to the field and the seed or crop.

Abstract: A method controlling an agricultural sprayer includes identifying an herbicide to be sprayed using the agricultural sprayer, determining a geoposition associated with the agricultural sprayer within a field, determining if crop planted at the geoposition is tolerant to the herbicide using as-planted data, and if the crop is not tolerant of the herbicide, preventing herbicide spraying operations while the agricultural sprayer is at the geoposition. An agricultural sprayer adapted for performing the method is also provided.

Abstract: Managing risks of crop production can be performed by understanding the relative performance of different agricultural inputs under the same or similar environmental conditions. In addition, managing of crop production risks can be performed by understanding variations in the performance of the same agricultural inputs over a range of environmental conditions. By being able to describe and understand these variations in performance, decisions can be made which are consistent with overall business and/or production objectives and limit risk associated with variations in environmental conditions. In addition to producers there are other stakeholders in the crop production process, such as financial institutions, insurance providers, users of crops produced, and input suppliers. These and other stakeholders can provide financial incentives to producers for managing crop production risks through use of environmental classification and/or genotype-by-environment information.

Abstract: A method controlling an agricultural sprayer includes identifying an herbicide to be sprayed using the agricultural sprayer, determining a geoposition associated with the agricultural sprayer within a field, determining if crop planted at the geoposition is tolerant to the herbicide using as-planted data, and if the crop is not tolerant of the herbicide, preventing herbicide spraying operations while the agricultural sprayer is at the geoposition. An agricultural sprayer adapted for performing the method is also provided.

Abstract: Managing risks of crop production can be performed by understanding the relative performance of different agricultural inputs under the same or similar environmental conditions. In addition, managing of crop production risks can be performed by understanding variations in the performance of the same agricultural inputs over a range of environmental conditions. By being able to describe and understand these variations in performance, decisions can be made which are consistent with overall business and/or production objectives and limit risk associated with variations in environmental conditions. In addition to producers there are other stakeholders in the crop production process, such as financial institutions, insurance providers, users of crops produced, and input suppliers. These and other stakeholders can provide financial incentives to producers for managing crop production risks through use of environmental classification and/or genotype-by-environment information.

Abstract: Managing risks of crop production can be performed by understanding the relative performance of different agricultural inputs under the same or similar environmental conditions. In addition, managing of crop production risks can be performed by understanding variations in the performance of the same agricultural inputs over a range of environmental conditions. By being able to describe and understand these variations in performance, decisions can be made which are consistent with overall business and/or production objectives and limit risk associated with variations in environmental conditions. In addition to producers there are other stakeholders in the crop production process, such as financial institutions, insurance providers, users of crops produced, and input suppliers. These and other stakeholders can provide financial incentives to producers for managing crop production risks through use of environmental classification and/or genotype-by-environment information.

Abstract: Methods and software for selecting seed products or other agricultural inputs for planting within an associated land base include classifying the land base with an environmental classification, determining at least one seed product to plant within the land base based on the environmental classification, and providing an output comprising identification of the at least one seed product to plant within the land base.

Abstract: Carbon credits associated with crop production may be validated. Location data and associated crop production data may be received. The validity of the carbon credit may be determined based on the location data and the associated crop production data. A carbon credit validation may be outputted based on the determination of the validity of the carbon credit.

Abstract: A system for obtaining crop data from crop growers and using the crop data to assist in providing crop genetic improvements is provided. The system receives, from a producer or crop grower, geo-referenced crop data that indicates a yield of a crop at a production location and a particular hybrid or variation of the crop at the production location. The genetic element data is associated with the geo-referenced crop data. Performance data is then determined which indicates the performance of a genetic element of a crop, based on the association of the genetic element data with the geo-referenced crop data.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, devices, apparatuses and methods for automated bioprocessing. Examples of protocols and bioprocessing procedures suitable for the present invention include but are not limited to: immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation, recombinant protein isolation, nucleic acid separation and isolation, protein labeling, separation and isolation, cell separation and isolation, food safety analysis and automatic bead based separation. In some embodiments, the invention provides automated systems, automated devices, automated cartridges and automated methods of western blot processing.

Abstract: A method for preserving a sample is described. A method for preserving a sample device such as microarrays, slides and membranes is described. The preservation is achieved by applying a coating composition to a sample or sample device, and curing the coating composition. Candidate coating materials for forming the coating compositions are described. Preferably, the coating composition is an optically clear, solidifying solution. Also described are preservation kits which provide materials and instructions for the preservation of sample devices. Calibration devices are also described.

Abstract: A method for archiving sample devices such as microarray slides and membranes is described using an optically clear, solidifying solution. Also described are related methods and kits.

Abstract: A position landmarking system operative with respect to an object includes an operative device including a reference point and configured for movement in a direction relative to the object. The position landmarking system also includes a sensor configured for detecting a stimulus at a location on the sensor and to be disposed relative to the object and corresponding to the direction of movement of the operative device. In response to the stimulus, the reference point of the operative device and the location on the sensor are aligned with each other via movement of the operative device relative to the object. The operative device may be configured for performing an operation relative to a base, the operative device and the base configured for movement relative to each other. The sensor may be configured for communication with the operative device, the base or both.

Abstract: Described are methods for determining the presence or absence of particular polymorphisms in CYP2D6 and other genes using scattered light detectable particles as detectable labels, and compositions useful in such methods.

Abstract: A sensing system for a vehicle that includes a single sensor element and multiple outputs. An engine controller is responsive to the multiple outputs, output circuits and a supervisor circuit in the system monitors the sensor element and shared circuits. If the sensor element fails, or if a connector fails or if the supervisor circuit indicates a circuit failure, one or more of the outputs will go outside of their normal operating range into a diagnostics range to allow the engine controller to take the appropriate action.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a control and analysis system, a signal generation and detection apparatus, or reader for capturing, processing and analyzing images of samples having resonance light scattering (RLS) particle labels. An analyzer/reader includes an illumination system having a unique shutter/aperture assembly for delivering precise patterns of light to a sample, a computer controlled X-Y stage, and a detection system comprising a CCD camera to allow separation and analysis of detected light that contains information from gold and/or silver RLS labels. Alternative embodiments include linear scanning apparatus and simplified apparatus for low density samples.

Abstract: A method for managing work operations performed by an agricultural machine includes defining a work order to include a prescribed work operation and a location for the prescribed work operation. The work order may then be electronically communicated to an agricultural machine. The agricultural machine may then determine if an attempt to perform a work operation inconsistent with the work order is being made. If so, the agricultural machine may prevent the work operation.

Abstract: A method controlling an agricultural sprayer includes identifying an herbicide to be sprayed using the agricultural sprayer, determining a geoposition associated with the agricultural sprayer within a field, determining if crop planted at the geoposition is tolerant to the herbicide using as-planted data, and if the crop is not tolerant of the herbicide, preventing herbicide spraying operations while the agricultural sprayer is at the geoposition. An agricultural sprayer adapted for performing the method is also provided.

Abstract: Managing risks of crop production can be performed by understanding the relative performance of different agricultural inputs under the same or similar environmental conditions. In addition, managing of crop production risks can be performed by understanding variations in the performance of the same agricultural inputs over a range of environmental conditions. By being able to describe and understand these variations in performance, decisions can be made which are consistent with overall business and/or production objectives and limit risk associated with variations in environmental conditions. In addition to producers there are other stakeholders in the crop production process, such as financial institutions, insurance providers, users of crops produced, and input suppliers. These and other stakeholders can provide financial incentives to producers for managing crop production risks through use of environmental classification and/or genotype-by-environment information.