Abstract: The invention comprises one or more gas volume fraction measurement devices operatively connected to one or more controllers and one or more deaeration mechanisms which receive control signals from said one or more controllers and perform an act on the system, such as by controlling a level of deaeration chemistry into some portion of the fermentation system. In one embodiment, the deaeration mechanism is an antifoam feed pump which pumps antifoam chemistry into a feed line of the fermenter in response to the measured gas volume fraction in the fermenter's recirculation loop, in an amount determined by the controller to be effective to reduce foaming and lower column height in the fermenter.

Abstract: The invention comprises one or more gas volume fraction measurement devices operatively connected to one or more controllers and one or more deaeration mechanisms which receive control signals from said one or more controllers and perform an act on the system, such as by controlling a level of deaeration chemistry into some portion of the fermentation system. In one embodiment, the deaeration mechanism is an antifoam feed pump which pumps antifoam chemistry into a feed line of the fermenter in response to the measured gas volume fraction in the fermenter's recirculation loop, in an amount determined by the controller to be effective to reduce foaming and lower column height in the fermenter.

Abstract: A rail system for supporting equipment in a rack is disclosed. The rail system may include: a first support rail assembly extending between a pair of vertical columns; a second support rail assembly extending between a different pair of vertical columns. Each support rail assembly may include: a support rail having opposite ends; aligners configured to align the opposite ends of the support rail with apertures of vertical columns; and mounting plates configured to removably secure the aligners to the opposite ends of the support rail. At least one mounting plate may be further configured to define at least one receiving portion for receiving a fastener for securing an equipment supportable in the rack.

Abstract: A rail system for supporting equipment in a rack is disclosed. The rail system may include: a first support rail assembly extending between a pair of vertical columns; a second support rail assembly extending between a different pair of vertical columns. Each support rail assembly may include: a support rail having opposite ends; aligners configured to align the opposite ends of the support rail with apertures of vertical columns; and mounting plates configured to removably secure the aligners to the opposite ends of the support rail. At least one mounting plate may be further configured to define at least one receiving portion for receiving a fastener for securing an equipment supportable in the rack.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protocol and apparatus for enriching circulating tumor cells and other rare cells from blood, including debris and other components, from samples with high precision and at high throughput rates. This invention discloses an improved processing system from previously described semi-automated sample processing. The system further reduces operator intervention and hands-on time from prior systems. While this system has general utility in processing diverse materials, the system is configured for sample processing of biological specimens to provide an enriched fraction suitable for detection, enumeration and identification of target cells by appropriate analytical methodologies.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protocol and apparatus for enriching circulating tumor cells and other rare cells from blood, including debris and other components, from samples with high precision and at high throughput rates. This invention discloses an improved processing system from previously described semi-automated sample processing. The system further reduces operator intervention and hands-on time from prior systems. While this system has general utility in processing diverse materials, the system is configured for sample processing of biological specimens to provide an enriched fraction suitable for detection, enumeration and identification of target cells by appropriate analytical methodologies.

Abstract: A sycamore tree having new foliage of a lemon-yellow color, turning yellow-green with maturity.