Abstract: A potentiostat is an essential piece of analytical equipment for studying electrochemical devices and reactions. As the design of electrochemical devices evolve, applications for systems with multiple working electrodes have become more common. These applications drive a need for low-cost multi-channel potentiostat systems. Embodiments describe herein include a portable, low-cost and scalable system with a modular design that can support 8 to 64 channels at a cost as low as $8 per channel. This design can replace the functionality of commercial potentiostats which cost upwards of $10k for certain applications. Each channel in the multi-channel potentiostat has an independent adjustable voltage source with a built-in ammeter and switch, making the device flexible for various configurations. The multi-channel potentiostat can be designed for low current applications (nA range), but its purpose can change by varying its shunt resistor value.

Abstract: An electrophysiological recording and stimulation system includes an electrophysiological device coupled to neural tissue and configured to measure neural electrophysiological signals. The system also includes a computing device coupled to the electrophysiological device and configured to receive neural electrophysiological signals from the electrophysiological device, and transmit neural stimulating signals to the neural tissue through the electrophysiological device based on the neural electrophysiological signals.

Abstract: An electrophysiological monitoring system includes an electrophysiology amplifier chip configured to couple to a plurality of electrophysiological electrodes and to measure electrophysiological signals. The system also includes a computing device configured to receive and to process the electrophysiological signals. The system further includes an interface device coupled to the electrophysiological amplifier chip and the computing device, the interface device configured to convert communication signals between the computing device and the electrophysiology amplifier chip.

Abstract: An imaging system includes an imaging device having a holder configured to hold a cell culture plate with a plurality of wells. The imaging device also includes an imaging assembly having a plurality of imaging units, each of which is configured to image one well of the plurality of wells. The imaging system also includes a storage platform in communication with the imaging device configured to receive a plurality of images from the imaging device. The system further includes a computer in communication with the imaging device and the storage platform. The computer is configured to control the imaging device and to display at least one image of the plurality of images.

Abstract: An alignment platform for use with an imaging device includes an outer stage, an inner stage disposed within the outer stage and flexibly coupled to the outer stage, and a central frame disposed within the inner stage and flexibly coupled to the inner stage. The central frame is configured to support an object being imaged. The inner stage and the central frame are movable relative to the outer stage along a first axis and the central frame is movable relative to outer stage and the inner stage along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis.

Abstract: An imaging device includes an alignment platform configured to hold a cell culture plate having a plurality of wells and an imaging assembly including a plurality of imaging units, each of which is configured to image one well of the plurality of wells.

Abstract: A robotic arm having one or more hybrid (soft-rigid) joints includes a first link, a second link, and a joint interconnecting the first link and the second link, such that the first link is movable relative to the second link along an axis of motion. The joint includes: a socket component coupled to a distal end portion of the second link and a ball component coupled to a proximal end portion of first link, the ball component is configured to rotationally fit within the socket component. The joint also includes a flexible membrane encasing the socket component and the ball component. The robotic arm is controllable using a reinforcement learning algorithm training using a simulation of the robotic arm and optionally, further training in a physical world.

Abstract: Further improvements have been made in processes for controlled polymerization of free radically (co)polymerizable monomers mediated by a transition metal complex participating in a redox reaction which involves transfer of a radically transferable atom or group to and from an initiator or dormant polymer and the growing active polymer chain ends. Two improvements involve the choice of counterion in the transition metal complex. In one improvement the transition metal is held in close conjunction with a solid support through interaction with a counterion directly attached to the support. This cognition also allows for improvements in catalyst utilization including catalyst recovery and recycle. In another improvement, particularly suitable for controlled polymerization of certain monomers with an expanded range of transition metals, the function of counterion and ligand in the development of the transition metal based catalyst is superseded by use of salt containing a soluble organic counterion.

Abstract: Further improvements have been made in processes for controlled polymerization of free radically (co)polymerizable monomers mediated by a transition metal complex participating in a redox reaction which involves transfer of a radically transferable atom or group to and from an initiator or dormant polymer and the growing active polymer chain ends. Two improvements involve the choice of counterion in the transition metal complex. In one improvement the transition metal is held in close conjunction with a solid support through interaction with a counterion directly attached to the support. This cognition also allows for improvements in catalyst utilization including catalyst recovery and recycle. In another improvement, particularly suitable for controlled polymerization of certain monomers with an expanded range of transition metals, the function of counterion and ligand in the development of the transition metal based catalyst is superseded by use of salt containing a soluble organic counterion.

Abstract: A process is provided for the preparation of (co)polymer emulsions or suspensions from a full range of free radically (co)polymerizable monomers, wherein the (co)polymers exhibit the characteristics of "living" polymerization, including one or more of predictable molecular weights, narrow or controllable molecular weight distributions and a variety of polymer architectures, including the roles of surfactants, catalyst and ligands, several initiation methods, and methods for catalyst removal from the emulsions or suspensions made, and the (co)polymer emulsions and suspensions made thereby.

Abstract: A pump-type apparatus is disclosed for withdrawing liquid sample from a sample vessel without the need to open the sample vessel. The apparatus comprises a holder, a cannular having a sharp tip for piercing the closure on the sample vessel and through which pumping air is introduced into the closed vessel, a liquid withdrawal tube passing through the holder and the cannula through which liquid is removed from the vessel, and a compressible bulb which when compressed introduces air under pressure into the vessel to force liquid out of the vessel through the liquid withdrawal tube. The liquid withdrawal tube is movable so that it can be retracted into the cannula while the closure is being pierced by the cannula, and so that it may be adjusted to withdraw liquid from different liquid levels or heights in the sample vessel. A seal is provided between the holder and the liquid withdrawal tube that allows movement of the tube while sealing its exterior relative to the holder.