Abstract: Integrated cartridges for sample homogenization, nucleic acid fragmentation, and nucleic acid detection are disclosed herein. The integrated cartridges include a main housing having a sample well and a detection chamber and a sonication feature coupled to and extending outwardly from the main housing. The sonication feature includes a sonication chamber for receiving a sample fluid. A fluidic path directs the sample fluid from the sample well, to the sonication chamber, and to the detection chamber. Systems for use with the integrated cartridges can include sonotrodes with openings for positioning the sonication feature and/or temperature sensors for monitoring the temperature of the sonication feature. Methods include moving the sample fluid from the sample well to the sonication feature, transmitting ultrasonic energy into the sample fluid, moving the sample fluid from the sonication feature to the detection chamber, and performing a nucleic acid detection assay within the detection chamber.

Abstract: A base may include a body shaped to support an electronic device thereon such that the electronic device is spaced apart from the surface when the base is mounted on the surface. A base may include a channel formed on a bottom portion of the body, wherein the channel is located between a portion of the electronic device and the surface when the base is located on the surface. A base may include one or more passages formed through sides the body, the one or more passages in communication with the channel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a zipper closure to polymeric film using minimal tension on the zipper closure includes providing first and second tension control loops, an eyemark detector, and a hole punch programmed to punch a hole in the zipper closure upon detection of the eyemark. The zipper closure and the film are supplied to a sealing station at the same speed, and the hole zipper closure is aligned with the eyemark on the film, to result in sealing the strip of zipper closure to the film resulting in minimal wrinkles to the resulting bag.

Abstract: A base for supporting an electronic device on a surface. The base includes a body shaped to receive at least a portion of the electronic device thereon; a cavity formed in the body on a bottom portion of the body such that the cavity is between the electronic device and the surface when the electronic device is mounted on the base; a channel formed on the bottom portion of the body such that the channel is located between a portion of the electronic device and the surface, the channel shaped to allow air to flow therethrough; one or more apertures formed through the body, the one or more apertures in fluid communication with the channel to allow air through the channel; and a plurality of feet arranged around the body, the feet having a lower surface that is shaped to contact the surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a zipper closure to polymeric film using minimal tension on the zipper closure includes providing first and second tension control loops, an eyemark detector, and a hole punch programmed to punch a hole in the zipper closure upon detection of the eyemark. The zipper closure and the film are supplied to a sealing station at the same speed, and the hole zipper closure is aligned with the eyemark on the film, to result in sealing the strip of zipper closure to the film resulting in minimal wrinkles to the resulting bag.

Abstract: A front guard includes: a lower frame; and an upper frame and is configured to be swung to change a posture between a standing posture and a forward-leaning posture with respect to the lower frame. The lower frame has: a first lower member; and a second lower member. The upper frame has: a first stretching portion; a second stretching portion; and a connector portion. The connector portion has: a first portion; a second portion; and a middle portion. The first portion shifts forward as extending from the first stretching portion side to the middle portion side. The second portion shifts forward as extending from the second stretching portion side to the middle portion side. The middle portion extends in the vehicle width direction to connect the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a zipper closure to polymeric film using minimal tension on the zipper closure includes providing first and second tension control loops, an eyemark detector, and a hole punch programmed to punch a hole in the zipper closure upon detection of the eyemark. The zipper closure and the film are supplied to a sealing station at the same speed, and the hole zipper closure is aligned with the eyemark on the film, to result in sealing the strip of zipper closure to the film resulting in minimal wrinkles to the resulting bag.

Abstract: A front guard includes: a lower frame; and an upper frame and is configured to be swung to change a posture between a standing posture and a forward-leaning posture with respect to the lower frame. The lower frame has: a first lower member; and a second lower member. The upper frame has: a first stretching portion; a second stretching portion; and a connector portion. The connector portion has: a first portion; a second portion; and a middle portion. The first portion shifts forward as extending from the first stretching portion side to the middle portion side. The second portion shifts forward as extending from the second stretching portion side to the middle portion side. The middle portion extends in the vehicle width direction to connect the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a zipper closure to polymeric film using minimal tension on the zipper closure includes providing first and second tension control loops, an eyemark detector, and a hole punch programmed to punch a hole in the zipper closure upon detection of the eyemark. The zipper closure and the film are supplied to a sealing station at the same speed, and the hole zipper closure is aligned with the eyemark on the film, to result in sealing the strip of zipper closure to the film resulting in minimal wrinkles to the resulting bag.