Abstract: Performing high-resolution determination of the relative shift of the spectral properties of a biosensor. The shift in the resonance peak of the biosensor is indicative of the amount of material bound to the surface of the biosensor. A preferred biosensor is a Guided Mode Resonant Filter Biosensor (GMRFB). In one aspect of the invention, curve fitting is used to determine the relative location of the spectrum of the unexposed biosensor with respect to those spectra that are altered (e.g., shifted) by the presence of materials bound to the surface of the biosensor. In an alternative embodiment, the cross correlation function is used to detect spectral peak offsets between a reference spectrum and a spectrum measured from an exposed biosensor. In yet another alternative, maximal likelihood estimation techniques are used to determine the spectral shift or offs.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of detecting a change in cell growth patterns, methods of screening many different antibodies in one receptacle, and methods of detecting specific binding of an antibody to a protein or cell, wherein the antibody is in a mixture of many different antibodies.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is a method of medical image processing. The method includes receiving data representing a medical image. The method also includes generating the medical image based on a model. The model characterizes the medical image as a composition of at least two components having processing constraints.

Abstract: A high capacity assay platform capable of binding target molecules includes a substrate and a polymer matrix attached to the substrate. The polymer matrix comprises a plurality of polymer molecules where at least some of the polymer molecules are covalently attached directly to the substrate and at least some of which molecules are crosslinked to other polymer molecules. Some of the polymer molecules have at least one binding ligand covalently attached thereto, and the density of the polymer matrix on the substrate is at least 2 &mgr;g/cm2.

Abstract: A high capacity assay platform capable of binding target molecules includes a substrate and a polymer matrix attached to the substrate. The polymer matrix comprises a plurality of polymer molecules where at least some of the polymer molecules are covalently attached directly to the substrate and at least some of which molecules are crosslinked to other polymer molecules. Some of the polymer molecules have at least one binding ligand covalently attached thereto, and the density of the polymer matrix on the substrate is at least 2 &mgr;g/cm2.

Abstract: A handheld tool for installing flexible metal ties includes a gun-shaped housing having a grip and a barrel portion. When a trigger adjacent the grip is squeezed, a tensioning and cutoff mechanism in the barrel tensions the tie and cuts it off after a predetermined tension is achieved. In order to achieve the substantially higher tensions that are desirable in metal, rather than plastic, ties, the barrel portion of the housing is reinforced with a member that surrounds the forward portion of the barrel portion. The reinforcing member is preferably formed of a rigid member and stiffens the barrel portion of the housing to enable it to resist the tensioning forces applied to the metal tie by the tensioning and cutoff mechanism.

Abstract: A power assisted system for tensioning and cutting off flexible cable ties includes a handheld unit coupled to a remote power unit by a flexible pull-cable. A trigger on the handheld unit signals the remote power unit to pull the pull-cable and thereby actuate the tool. A tie gripping and tensioning mechanism is provided in the handheld unit as is a cutoff mechanism that automatically cuts off the cable tie tail when the desired tension is achieved. Because operating power is provided by the remote unit, the handheld unit can be made small and lightweight without sacrificing power. Control signals are communicated from the handheld unit to the remote unit through wires carried alongside the pull-cable within a common sheath. Alternatively, the control signals can be communicated through the pull-cable itself.

Abstract: An illuminated push button switch assembly has a self-contained light source and a switch portion having integral conductive terminals eminating therefrom. A removable nonconductive saddle is provided for mounting a pair of auxiliary conductive terminals on the switch assembly and connectors are provided for electrically coupling the light source to the auxiliary terminals when said saddle is in place or for coupling the light source to the switch terminals when said saddle is removed. The removable saddle enables switches to be uniformly constructed while having the flexibility of having the light source function either independently of or in conjunction with the activation of the switch.