Abstract: A layered thin film device, such as a MTJ (Magnetic Tunnel Junction) device can be customized in shape by sequentially forming its successive layers over a symmetrically curved electrode. By initially shaping the electrode to have a concave or convex surface, the sequentially formed layers conform to that shape and acquire it and are subject to stresses that cause various crystal defects to migrate away from the axis of symmetry, leaving the region immediately surrounding the axis of symmetry relatively defect free. The resulting stack can then be patterned to leave only the region that is relatively defect free.

Abstract: Some embodiments described herein relate to systems and methods operable to combine immunoassay and Total Protein techniques in a single sample run. Some embodiments described herein allow for multiple sequential immunoassays to be performed in the same microfluidic device. Some embodiments described herein relate to stripping reagents operable to remove primary antibodies associated with immunoassays. Such stripping reagents can allow for additional immunoassays and/or Total Protein assays to be performed on the same sample.

Abstract: Some embodiments described herein relate to systems and methods operable to combine immunoassay and Total Protein techniques in a single sample run. Some embodiments described herein allow for multiple sequential immunoassays to be performed in the same microfluidic device. Some embodiments described herein relate to stripping reagents operable to remove primary antibodies associated with immunoassays. Such stripping reagents can allow for additional immunoassays and/or Total Protein assays to be performed on the same sample.

Abstract: Some embodiments described herein relate to systems and methods operable to combine immunoassay and Total Protein techniques in a single sample run. Some embodiments described herein allow for multiple sequential immunoassays to be performed in the same microfluidic device. Some embodiments described herein relate to stripping reagents operable to remove primary antibodies associated with immunoassays. Such stripping reagents can allow for additional immunoassays and/or Total Protein assays to be performed on the same sample.

Abstract: A clog resistant wing union pressure sensor is provided that includes a transmitter housing and a flange section. The flange section is coupled to the transmitter housing and has a pressure port formed therein that includes an open first end, a closed second end, and an inner surface that defines a bore between the open first end and the closed second end. The closed second end is defined by a pressure sensitive diaphragm and has a diameter. The pressure port has a depth defined between the open first end and the closed second end, the bore is tapered between the open first end and the closed second end, and is further defined by a rounded transition between the inner surface and the closed second end, and the diameter of the closed second end is greater than twice the depth of the pressure port.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided to resolve analytes within a fluid path using isoelectric focusing, gel electrophoresis, or other separation means. Materials within the fluid path that are compatible with these separation means are used to attach resolved analytes to the wall of the fluid path. Attachment results from a triggerable event such as photoactivation, thermal activation, or chemical activation. In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, the material in the capillary may also be disrupted, by either the triggerable event or a subsequent event such as melting or photocleavage. Thus, an open lumen or porous structure may be created within the fluid path, allowing unbound analyte materials to be washed from the fluid path, and detection agents to be washed into the fluid path. The separation-compatible materials may be polymerizable monomers, gels, entangled polymers or other materials.

Abstract: A bi-directional light signal separation device that separates light signals into the component incoming and outgoing light signals has a a female connector that is connected to a near end of a first fiber optic cable conveying the bi-directional light signal. A light signal separation device connected to the female connector to separate the bi-directional light signal into the individual incoming and outgoing light signals. A plurality of second type connectors connected to convey the individual incoming or outgoing light signals. The light signal separation device has a plurality of light filters and reflectors such that a light signal incoming to the second type connector is transmitted through the filter and conveyed to the female connector and such that the light signal incoming from the first connector and reflected by the light filter is reflected and conveyed to be outgoing on the second connector.

Abstract: An automated assay system is described with stations for placement of materials to be used in an assay of materials inside capillaries and an automated gripper for manipulating capillaries. The system includes a separation and immobilization station where reactions inside the capillaries take place and a detector station where photoemissions from the capillary reactions are detected. The photoemissions from the capillaries may be displayed as line graphs or in columns of a pseudo-gel image resembling the familiar Western gel blot. An automated control system has a user interface by which an operator can select a run protocol and define the locations of samples and reagents to be used in the protocol run. Following the setup the control system will cause the automated system to execute the protocol, then display the results in a selected display format.

Abstract: An instrument treatment station includes a station body having a first and second elongate and spaced channel walls. The channel walls define an elongate instrument channel therebetween. The station body defines an elongate drain channel in fluid communication with the instrument channel. The station body further defines a source port in fluid communication with the instrument channel for delivering a fluid flow into the instrument channel for treating an instrument therein. The instrument treatment station may accommodate arrays of aligned instruments.

Abstract: Methods for detecting one or more analytes, such as a protein, in a fluid path are provided. The methods include resolving, immobilizing and detecting one or more analytes in a fluid path, such as a capillary. Also included are devices and kits for performing such assays.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a liquid includes a dispensing end, an adaptor end, and an elongate dispenser body extending therebetween. The dispenser body has a first major surface extending to the dispening end. The dispenser body defines a fluid reservoir opening on the first major surface for receiving a fluid to be dispensed. The dispenser body also defines a first elongate open channel opening on the first major surface and extending between the fluid reservoir and the free end of the dispenser body. The first channel includes dimensions such that the fluid to be dispensed is conducted through the channel by capillary action.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dehydrating solid products containing moisture, particularly food products, includes a hot gas stream device for creating a hot gas stream over the products to be dehydrated and an ultrasonic wave emitting system for directing ultrasonic waves over the products. The dehydrating apparatus includes a closed housing and at least one conveyor mounted in the housing for transporting the products. The ultrasonic wave emitting system includes a plurality of ultrasonic diffusing plates which are connected to sound wave generators and are in direct contact with the products.

Abstract: The invention provides human protein kinase homologs (PKH) and polynucleotides which identify and encode PKH. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, antibodies, agonists, and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for diagnosing, treating or preventing disorders associated with expression of PKH.