Abstract:
Apparatus and methods for automatically staining or treating multiple tissue samples mounted on slides are provided, in which the slides and reagent bottles are held in fixed position, and the reagent and wash solutions brought to the slides.
Abstract:
A reverse out valve (100) comprises an outer housing (120) and a mandrel (144) that form a bypass region (130) therebetween. The mandrel (144) includes a central flow path (164) with a valve seat (152) positioned therein and first and second side wall ports (148, 150). A valve element (168) is positioned in the central flow path (164). The valve element (168) and the valve seat (152) having a one way valve configuration that prevents downhole fluid flow and allows uphole fluid flow. The mandrel (144) is axially movable relative to the outer housing (120) between first and second positions. In the first position, a bypass passageway (184) is formed between the first and second side wall ports (148, 150) via the bypass region (130) thereby allowing bypass flow around the valve element (168) and the valve seat (152). In the second position, bypass flow is prevented.
Abstract:
An automated rotary microtome blade changing apparatus, comprising an upper stage being adapted to releasably engage a supply cartridge and a waste cartridge, the upper stage having a loading segment adapted to engage and move blades contained within the supply cartridge into a cutting position; clamping means for releasably holding the blades in place for cutting operations; power means for driving the movement of blades and clamping mechanisms; and electronic control means for integrating all of the functions of the apparatus.
Abstract:
An erosion resistant crossover which may be used in fracturing and/or gravel packing. In one aspect, a fluid delivery system for use in a subterranean well may comprise a fluid discharge apparatus including a flow passage, at least one discharge opening for discharging fluid from the flow passage to an exterior of the apparatus, and a flow diversion device operative to more evenly distribute flow through the opening by diverting fluid flow through the opening in a more upstream direction relative to fluid flow through the passage.
Abstract:
A reagent management system for an automated biological reaction apparatus including an automated biological reaction apparatus including at least one reagent dispenser for applying a reagent to a sample, a memory device containing data for a reagent device selected from the group consisting of a reagent dispenser or a reagent kit used in the automated biological reaction apparatus, a host device comprising a processor and a host device memory connected to the processor, the host memory device including a reagent table, and a scanner for transferring the memory device data to the host device memory,
Abstract:
A fiber optic delivery system and side pocket mandrel removal system. In one example, a system for making optical connections in a well includes an optical connector positioned in the well, and another optical connector displaceable into operative connection with the first optical connector after the first optical connector is positioned in the well. In another example, a method of making optical connections in a well includes the steps of: positioning a tubular string in the well; then installing an assembly in the tubular string, the assembly including an optical connector; and then displacing the optical connector into operative engagement with another optical connector in the tubular string.
Abstract:
A field effect transistor includes a strained silicon channel in a substrate, source/drain regions in the substrate at opposite ends of the strained silicon channel, a gate insulating layer on the strained silicon channel, and a gate on the gate insulating layer. The doping of the strained silicon channel, the doping of the substrate and/or the depth of the strained silicon channel are configured to produce nearly zero vertical electric field in the gate insulating layer and in the strained silicon channel surface at a threshold voltage of the field effect transistor. Moreover, the gate is configured to provide a gate work function that is close to a mid-bandgap of silicon. Accordingly, a Fermi-FET with a strained silicon channel and a gate layer with a mid-bandgap work function are provided. Related fabrication methods using epitaxial growth also are described.
Abstract:
A method for controlling haze in an article comprising a polymer composition, said method comprising providing a polymer composition comprising less than 25 parts per million alkali metal halide; and fabricating an article from said polymer composition.
Abstract:
A sand control screen assembly (60) that is positionable within a wellbore includes a base pipe (62) having at least one opening (64) that allows fluid flow therethrough and a filter medium (66) positioned exteriorly of the base pipe (62) that selectively allows fluid flow therethrough and prevents particulate flow of a predetermined size therethrough. An isolation member (68) is positioned interiorly of the base pipe (62) forming an annulus (84) therewith. A one-way valve (86) is slidably operable within the annulus (84). The one-way valve (86) controls the flow of fluid through sand control screen assembly (60) such that fluid flow is selectively prevented from the interior to the exterior of the sand control screen assembly (60) but is allowed from the exterior to the interior of the sand control screen assembly (60).
Abstract:
An automated system is provided for performing slide processing operations on slides bearing biological samples. In one embodiment, the disclosed system includes a slide tray holding a plurality of slides in a substantially horizontal position and a workstation that receives the slide tray. In a particular embodiment, a workstation delivers a reagent to slide surfaces without substantial transfer of reagent (and reagent borne contaminants such as dislodged cells) from one slide to another. A method for automated processing of slides also is provided.