Abstract: The invention relates to a pipette sampling system that allows for automated sampling from the contents of a capped sample tube. More specifically, the invention relates to a pipette tip, having a piercing tip attached thereto, for removal of aliquots of samples from capped sample tubes comprising said samples.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gravitational flow purification system. More particularly, the invention relates to a process for purifying or isolating one or more substances from samples comprising said substances. Even more particularly, the invention relates to purifying or isolating macromolecules from biological samples using a gravitational flow apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pipette sampling system that allows for automated sampling from the contents of a capped sample tube. More specifically, the invention relates to a pipette tip, having a piercing tip attached thereto, for removal of aliquots of samples from capped sample tubes comprising said samples.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assay system for conducting elevated temperature reactions in a fluid-tight manner within a reaction chamber, the assay system comprising: (a) a first assembly comprising the reaction chamber, and (b) a second assembly for temperature control, wherein the second assembly can be positioned adjacent to the reaction chamber. More particularly, the invention relates to an assay system comprising (a) a reaction chamber having a cover formed of a deformable material and (b) a mechanism for rapidly adjusting the temperature of the reaction chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved color picture tube having a viewing screen and a shadow mask mounted adjacent to the screen. The mask has an apertured contoured portion and a peripheral skirt. The improvement comprises the skirt having a reverse bend therein, wherein a first portion of the skirt that connects with the apertured contoured portion extends away from the screen and a second portion of the skirt more remote from the apertured contoured portion extends towards the screen.

Abstract: A television camera support for mounting and providing optical alignment between the imaging axes of a lens and an image pickup apparatus. The support is of single-piece construction and generally "L" shaped and includes a vertical portion adapted to receive the camera lens and a horizontal portion adapted to receive the image pickup apparatus. In a preferred embodiment, only the vertical portion of the support is attached to the body of the television camera and the structural rigidity of the camera body near the point of attachment is less than the rigidity of the support, thereby minimizing misalignment of the imaging axes if excessive forces are accidentally applied to the lens.

Abstract: Selected areas of the surface of a substrate, such as the surface of a substrate of single crystalline silicon having at least one CCD image sensor along an opposed surface of the substrate, is coated with a metal by coating the surface to be coated with a layer of a photoresist. The substrate is then supported, such as by a vacuum chuck, with the photoresist layer being exposed. A mask, which is supported above the substrate, is moved close to but spaced from the photoresist layer. The substrate is then moved, such as by means of an x-y-.theta. aligner table on which the chuck is mounted, until a pattern on the mask is aligned with areas of the substrate surface. A light directed through the substrate and the mask from below the substrate and viewed by a microscope above the mask assists in achieving the alignment. The mask is then lowered onto the photoresist layer and lies thereon under only its own weight. Radiation is then directed onto the photoresist layer through the mask.

Abstract: A system for the automatic adjustment of the pressure pad holding force in accordance with the thickness of the workpiece and the forming tool stroke includes a force transducer and a displacement transducer. The force transducer is used to monitor the force between the pressure pad and the workpiece. The output of the displacement transducer is continually read as the part is being formed. The workpiece thickness and forming tool stroke are used to calculate the optimum holding force. The pressure of a fluid system is adjusted to change the holding force to the optimum value.

Abstract: A mounting asembly is described for mounting at least one image transducing means to a light output port of a light- or color-splitting prism. First and second mounting plates are bonded to opposite sides of the prism which are orthogonal to the plane of the light output port. Cut-outs are located within the periphery of the mounting plates at areas adjacent the light output ports of the prism. Support bars have a central portion which is bonded to support the image transducing means while the end portions are bonded to the cut-outs of the mounting plates.

Abstract: The maintenance of a light spot of a chosen dimension on the surface of a rotating disc for optical playback or optical recording of data is effectively accomplished by a hydrostatic bearing apparatus. The apparatus includes: a housing for a lens assembly, which is disposed in the housing with its axis aligned parallel to the path of an incident light beam; a movable frame mounted on a support for movement in a direction substantially parallel to the light path; a pair of leaf springs coupling the housing to the frame for maintaining the axis of the lens assembly parallel to the light path; adjustable means for fixing an operating location for the movable frame; and a pressurized gas source coupled to a hydrostatic pad affixed to the lower portion of the housing, for providing a lubricating film of gas between the housing and the disc of a chosen thickness.