Abstract: A system has utility is guiding and tracking the execution of manual procedures. The system includes a support that holds multiple sample receptacles, computational circuitry to execute a protocol script that delivers instructions for executing various steps of the procedure, and a protocol progress sensor that advances the execution of the protocol script. The computer may be comparable in size to a support for holding the receptacles The receptacles be arranged in a frame, may be sealed with peelable or puncturable films and may include identifiers that are read by the system. The receptacles may be filled with a high heat capacity material to maintain a given temperature range. A variety of companion devices may interact with the system using the protocol script. An instrumented pipettor can communicate with the system for semi-automated execution of protocols.

Abstract: A fluid handling apparatus for use with a fluid transfer instrument has a support member for supporting a receptacle having a plurality of wells (each well has an opening defining a well plane), and at least one detector operatively coupled with the support member. The detector detects when an instrument penetrates the well plane of at least one of the plurality of wells.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for more efficiently performing electrophoresis and electroblotting. A sandwich structure includes an electrophoresis gel affixed to a blotting membrane. A gel casting and/or running frame is used to hold the sandwich. A method and composition that allows separation of the gel and membrane after performing a combined electrophoresis and electroblotting operation so as to allow further operations to be performed individually upon the membrane, gel or both. A uniform electrophoretic field may be created by surrounding the sandwich structure using an insulating fluid; the insulating fluid is then swapped for a conducting fluid to allow application of an electroblotting field. An apparatus automatically manages fluid exchange and actuation of electrophoresis and electroblotting electrodes. A plurality of parallel cavities may be used to hold multiple gels or gel membrane sandwiches.

Abstract: The invention provides a compact, circular, flexible, and shielded twin-axial, multi-stranded power cable for transferring current instantaneously and with uniform density substantially free from phase delays at 60 Hz. between a high current power amplifier and a standard three-hole 112 volt AC outlet achieving a pure and powerful bass response and clear, brilliant noise-free highs. The cable has two bundles of five insulated conductors helically and symmetrically wrapped around a dielectric center. The gauge of each conductor and total cross-sectional area of the bundled conductors are predetermined to avoid internal inductance and phase delay effects while providing high current instantaneously and uniformly in high-end audio power applications. In between the bundles are located ground wires which run the length of the cable. The bundles and ground wires are spirally twisted around each other for structural integrity and for a generally round cross-sectional shape.