The Scripps Research Institute

Other

Engineering Arts LLC

Clinton S Potter

Bridget Carragher

Tilak Jain

Peter Jan Wiktor

Peter A Kahn

Robert Alan Hasty

The invention provides methods and devices for preparing frozen vitrified samples for transmission electron microscopy. By reducing the volume of sample from microliter scale to picoliter scale, the requirement for blotting of excess fluid is minimized or eliminated.

Apparatus and method for producing specimens for electron microscopy

The invention provides systems or apparatuses for dispensing aqueous materials for electron microscopy (EM). The systems allow dispensing of aqueous materials onto an EM sample grid at individual specimen locations in an ordered array of specimen locations, with each individual specimen location in the array of locations. The systems contain a holder for reversibly receiving an EM sample grid, and a dispenser containing one or more dispensing elements that are configured to discretely dispense one or more aqueous solutions from the dispensing elements onto a plurality of individual specimen locations. The dispenser is able to provide an ordered array of discrete specimen locations discontinuous with one another. In the systems, at least one dispensing element is configured to dispense picoliter volumes of one or more of the aqueous solutions. Additionally, the systems contain a drive mechanism to position the EM sample grid relative to the one or more dispensing elements, as well as one or more reservoirs operably linked to the dispenser for holding the one or more aqueous solutions to be discretely dispensed onto each individual specimen location in the array of locations.

Preparation of specimen arrays on an EM grid

The invention provides methods and compositions for preparation of complex specimen arrays for analysis by electron microscopy. These methods and compositions can permit high throughput screening of samples on single EM grid supports using sample volumes in the nanoliter and picoliter range.

The invention is directed to a random number generator for selecting a specific quantity of random numbers from a preselected quantity of numbers for a selected game of chance. A plurality of numbered spheres are contained in a hollow transparent container. The container is substantially filled with the plurality of spheres and a liquid. The spheres are buoyant relative to the liquid. A hollow tube having a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the spheres and a length which is a multiple of the diameters of a predetermined number of spheres extends from the container. The hollow portion of the tube communicates with the hollow portion of the container so that when a tube is positioned above the container a selected quantity of spheres from the container 'float' into the tube and form a column of spheres therein. The numbers on the spheres are then read to determine a set of random numbers for playing a game of chance, namely, a lottery. The random number generator also includes a transparent cover which covers the tube and connects to the container. In a second embodiment hollow tubes extends from opposites sides of the container each for the same purpose as in the first embodiment.

Random number generator

The invention is directed to an intercom system for communication between persons on opposite sides of an entry door or the like. On a first embodiment the intercom device is energized by the person on the exterior of the door when a combined power and door buzzer or bell switch is depressed. When energized, voice communication can be established by the combined speaker, microphone and amplifying devices. A sound activated switch positioned on the interior side of the entry door allows hands free communication between the persons on the opposite sides of the door. A timer terminates the system power after a predetermined time span. In a second embodiment, a pair of radio frequency transceivers are employed with the intercom device to allow communication by the person on the interior side of the door who is located remote from the door.

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San Diego, CA, United States of America

Clinton S Potter