Abstract: A method for deforming deformable bodies, preferably droplets or cells, comprising feeding a sample fluid into a microfluidic channel to create a laminar flow of the sample fluid, wherein the sample fluid transports deformable bodies, and feeding a sheath fluid into the microfluidic channel to create a laminar flow of the sheath fluid such that the sheath fluid directly borders the sample fluid in a border region of the microfluidic channel and flows in the same direction as the sample fluid at least in the border region. The viscosity of the sheath fluid is greater than the viscosity of the sample fluid, and the average flow rate of the sample fluid is greater than that of the sheath fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for sorting cells. The apparatus for determining the mechanical properties of cells comprises: —a microfluidic channel having an inlet and an outlet, the channel being configured to let a fluid containing cells pass therethrough, —a means for introducing a fluid containing cells into the channel so as to establish a flow of the fluid within the channel, —a cell shape measurement device arranged to obtain information of a deformed shape of a cell deformed due to the flow pattern created by the interaction of the fluid flow with the channel, and —an analysis means arranged to use data from the cell shape measurement device to obtain mechanical properties of the cells.

Abstract: An assembly including a hollow outer tube, and a hollow inner tube fitted within the outer tube and adapted to be slidably engageable with the outer tube, and a sensor-less measurement system adapted to measure the capacitance between the inner tube and the outer tube, where relative movement between the inner tube and the outer tube is derived from the change in measured capacitance between the inner tube and the outer tube.

Abstract: A bearing including an annular substrate defining a first and a second opposite axial ends; and a plurality of sliding components attached to and extending radially from the annular substrate, each sliding component extending at least partially between the first and second opposite axial ends of the annular substrate. A head restraint assembly including a head restraint having a body and a first and second post extending from the body; a first guide sleeve having a first bearing for receiving the first post; and a second guide sleeve having a second bearing for receiving the second post.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for sorting cells. The apparatus for determining the mechanical properties of cells comprises: —a microfluidic channel having an inlet and an outlet, the channel being configured to let a fluid containing cells pass therethrough, —a means for introducing a fluid containing cells into the channel so as to establish a flow of the fluid within the channel, —a cell shape measurement device arranged to obtain information of a deformed shape of a cell deformed due to the flow pattern created by the interaction of the fluid flow with the channel, and —an analysis means arranged to use data from the cell shape measurement device to obtain mechanical properties of the cells.

Abstract: A bearing including an annular substrate defining a first and a second opposite axial ends; and a plurality of sliding components attached to and extending radially from the annular substrate, each sliding component extending at least partially between the first and second opposite axial ends of the annular substrate. A head restraint assembly including a head restraint having a body and a first and second post extending from the body; a first guide sleeve having a first bearing for receiving the first post; and a second guide sleeve having a second bearing for receiving the second post.

Abstract: A cleaning process is provided for a test apparatus that has a switch, external connections and internal volumes that can come into contact with a fluid from a filter to be tested or a container to be tested. The cleaning process includes selecting one or more internal volumes to be cleaned, cleaning the selected internal volumes with a cleaning fluid by a corresponding switching of the switch, at least partially draining the cleaning fluid left in the selected internal volumes after cleaning, and flushing the selected internal volumes with a flushing fluid different from the cleaning fluid. Also provided are a computer program product for performing the cleaning process, a cleaning apparatus, and a test apparatus for testing filters and containers.

Abstract: A cleaning process is provided for a test apparatus that has a switch, external connections and internal volumes that can come into contact with a fluid from a filter to be tested or a container to be tested. The cleaning process includes selecting one or more internal volumes to be cleaned, cleaning the selected internal volumes with a cleaning fluid by a corresponding switching of the switch, at least partially draining the cleaning fluid left in the selected internal volumes after cleaning, and flushing the selected internal volumes with a flushing fluid different from the cleaning fluid. Also provided are a computer program product for performing the cleaning process, a cleaning apparatus, and a test apparatus for testing filters and containers.

Abstract: A cleaning process is provided for a test apparatus that has a switch, external connections and internal volumes that can come into contact with a fluid from a filter to be tested or a container to be tested. The cleaning process includes selecting one or more internal volumes to be cleaned, cleaning the selected internal volumes with a cleaning fluid by a corresponding switching of the switch, at least partially draining the cleaning fluid left in the selected internal volumes after cleaning, and flushing the selected internal volumes with a flushing fluid different from the cleaning fluid. Also provided are a computer program product for performing the cleaning process, a cleaning apparatus, and a test apparatus for testing filters and containers.

Abstract: A system and method for providing current information to authorized individuals or entities. The present invention contemplates an originating individual providing an initial electronic version of the originating individual's information (e.g., work address, work telephone number, etc.) to a receiving party. This can be done, for example, by data link between respective electronic data devices, such as personal digital assistants. The originating individual's information is also stored at a accessible site, such as a server on a data network. Changes to the originating individual's information are stored at the accessible site. Thereafter, the receiving party periodically accesses the accessible site to obtain a current version of the originating individual's information. A security mechanism may be provided so that the originating individual can control dissemination of his information.