Abstract: An optical pattern-driven light induced dielectrophoresis (DEP) apparatus and separation methods are described which provide for the manipulation of particles or cells and selection based on traits correlated with the DEP response. Embodiments of the apparatus use DEP electric field patterns in combination with microfluidic laminar flows to measure response, separate, segregate and extract particles from heterogeneous mixtures according to the relative response of the particles to one or more DEP fields without damaging living cells. The preferred OET-DEP devices generally comprise a planar liquid-filled structure having one or more portions which are photoconductive to convert incoming light to a localized virtual electrode with a DEP electric field gradient of selected intensity along with input and a plurality of output fluidic channels. The light patterns are dynamically generated to provide a number of manipulation structures that can manipulate single particles and cells or groups of particles/cells.

Abstract: An optical pattern-driven light induced dielectrophoresis (DEP) apparatus and separation methods are described which provide for the manipulation of particles or cells and selection based on traits correlated with the DEP response. Embodiments of the apparatus use DEP electric field patterns in combination with microfluidic laminar flows to measure response, separate, segregate and extract particles from heterogeneous mixtures according to the relative response of the particles to one or more DEP fields without damaging living cells. The preferred OET-DEP devices generally comprise a planar liquid-filled structure having one or more portions which are photoconductive to convert incoming light to a localized virtual electrode with a DEP electric field gradient of selected intensity along with input and a plurality of output fluidic channels. The light patterns are dynamically generated to provide a number of manipulation structures that can manipulate single particles and cells or groups of particles/cells.

Abstract: An optical pattern-driven light induced dielectrophoresis (DEP) apparatus and separation methods are described which provide for the manipulation of particles or cells and selection based on traits correlated with the DEP response. Embodiments of the apparatus use DEP electric field patterns in combination with microfluidic laminar flows to measure response, separate, segregate and extract particles from heterogeneous mixtures according to the relative response of the particles to one or more DEP fields without damaging living cells. The methods are particularly suited for selecting and extracting the best sperm and embryo candidates based on fitness for use with existing artificial reproduction procedures and excluding defective or non-viable gametes.

Abstract: An optical pattern-driven light induced dielectrophoresis (DEP) apparatus and separation methods are described which provide for the manipulation of particles or cells and selection based on traits correlated with the DEP response. Embodiments of the apparatus use DEP electric field patterns in combination with microfluidic laminar flows to measure response, separate, segregate and extract particles from heterogeneous mixtures according to the relative response of the particles to one or more DEP fields without damaging living cells. The methods are particularly suited for selecting and extracting the best sperm and embryo candidates based on fitness for use with existing artificial reproduction procedures and excluding defective or non-viable gametes.

Abstract: Active and passive wound drainage systems and method are provided. A drainage device includes an input passage for receiving the fluid from a site on or within the patient's body, a container for holding the fluid, and a reversible valve disposed between the input passage and the container. The reversible valve in an original configuration provides unidirectional fluid flow from the input passage toward the container, and in a reversed configuration provides fluid flow from the container toward the input passage.

Abstract: This invention provides systems and methods to collect biological fluids from a catheterized or intubated animal. Drainage tubes are provided that reduce fluid back pressure by avoiding the formation of dependent loops. Low aspect ratio collection receptacles are provided that rest on a flat surface to improve fluid flows and/or minimize back-pressures exerted by collected fluids.

Abstract: The application discloses adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSC) and related compositions and methods. ADSCs are useful for (i) production of insulin producing cells, (ii) treatment of diabetes, (iii) endothelial cell reconstitution, (iv) treatment of overactive bladder and urge incontinence, (v) prevention and treatment of bladder voiding dysfunction; (vi) treatment of neurogenic impotence such as that resulting from diabetes or after prostate cancer therapy; (vii) treatment of vasculogenic impotence, such as that resulting from hypertension, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis and diabetes; (viii) the promotion of wound healing; (ix) reduction of skin wrinkling; and (x) hair growth.

Abstract: A system and method delivers and collects a wash medium into a lumen of the urinary tract system. Isolated saline delivery washes cells from a urethra that are collected for cancer diagnosis. BCG is delivered for local chemotherapy. The isolated delivery and collection is from a region bound by a distal occlusion and proximal occlusion. Inflatable balloons provide the occlusion and or a penis clamp may be used. The two balloons may telescope relative to each other. A balloon inflation lumen may collapse a valve membrane to occlude distal flow of infused fluid to only proximal of the balloon.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method and devices for the detection of target objects, such as landmines, using the odor characteristics which may be associated with the target objects as a way of detecting their presence. The invention includes devices used to carry out a method of training live animals, such as rats, to seek out the target objects in the field, or to localize, unearth, and mark the location thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method and devices for the detection of target objects, such as landmines, using the odor characteristics which may be associated with the target objects as a way of detecting their presence. The invention includes devices used to carry out a method of training live animals, such as rats, to seek out the target objects in the field, or to localize, unearth, and mark the location thereof.

Abstract: A sheath for a biopsy needle for removing a sample from a living body, the sheath comprises a substantially tubular structure configured to accommodate at least a portion of a biopsy needle. The tubular structure has a side wall, a first end opening which in use will remain outside of the body, and a second end opening which will in use insert into the body. The tubular portion has a length between the first and second openings which is greater than the distance between sample to be removed and the outside of the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method and related devices for the deactivation of landmines. More particularly, the present invention includes several devices used to carry out a method of training live animals, such as rats, to seek out and destroy active landmines in the field, or to localize, unearth, and mark the location of active mines, thereby reducing the danger of their later removal by valuable sniffing mine clearing animals, technology, and mine clearing personnel, making a landmine clearance effort more effective and efficient.