Abstract: A device and method for measuring at least one cellular activity. The device includes: (a) a deformable polymeric base membrane having a first side and a second side, the polymeric base including a well having an opening on the first side, a cavity extending from the opening and a floor formed by the second side of the polymeric base membrane, (b) a deformable polymeric top membrane overlapping the second side of the polymeric base membrane; and (c) a sensing element disposed between the polymeric base membrane and the polymeric top membrane, the sensing element being disposed over the floor of the well, such that a portion of the second side that forms the floor of the well, the sensing element and a portion of the top membrane that overlaps the well form a suspended membrane.

Abstract: The present application provides systems and methods for measuring cell function or tissue function. More particularly, the present application provides systems and methods for determining cell or tissue contractility using ultrasound; systems and methods for measuring the effect an agent has on cell or tissue contractility using ultrasound; and systems and methods for determining material properties of a material using ultrasound.

Abstract: A microfluidic device, method and kit for assaying and/or culturing cells are provided.

Abstract: A microfluidic device, method and kit for assaying and/or culturing cells are provided.

Abstract: A cargo tie down device includes a bracket for mounting on a vehicle such as a truck, trailer, rail car or the like. The bracket may be U-shaped and a hand ratchet may be mounted between the ends of the bracket to wind up a load strap on a spindle rotated by a pivotally mounted handle. A tension release mechanism operates independently of the load strap to safely release the load on the strap. In some embodiments, the bracket slides on a rail of the underside of the vehicle so it may be positioned at any of a series of locations on the vehicle. The device eliminates a conventional removable winch bar and thereby eliminates safety problems associated with winch bars.

Abstract: The present invention details the design and operation of a miniaturized device array in which a range of simultaneous mechanical forces are produced by a single external pressure source. The invention is primarily embodied in a microfabricated device arrays designed to rapidly probe biological cell response to various combinations of mechanical, chemical and extra-cellular matrix parameters in a high-throughput fashion.

Abstract: The present invention details the design and operation of a miniaturized device array in which a range of simultaneous mechanical forces are produced by a single external pressure source. The invention is primarily embodied in a microfabricated device arrays designed to rapidly probe biological cell response to various combinations of mechanical, chemical and extra-cellular matrix parameters in a high-throughput fashion.