Abstract: A tubular tissue scaffold is described which comprises a tube having a wall, wherein the wall includes biopolymer fibrils that are aligned in a helical pattern around the longitudinal axis of the tube where the pitch of the helical pattern changes with the radial position in the tube wall. The scaffold is capable of directing the morphological pattern of attached and growing cells to form a helical pattern around the tube walls. Additionally, an apparatus for producing such a tubular tissue scaffold is disclosed, the apparatus comprising a biopolymer gel dispersion feed pump that is operably connected to a tube-forming device having an exit port, where the tube-forming device is capable of producing a tube from the gel dispersion while providing an angular shear force across the wall of the tube, and a liquid bath located to receive the tubular tissue scaffold from the tube-forming device. A method for producing the tubular tissue scaffolds is also disclosed.

Abstract: The fibre fuse effect, also termed self propelled self focusing (SPSF) is a catastrophic damage mechanism resulting from a runaway thermal affect which can melt optical fibres. A method and apparatus for limiting the damage caused by a fibre fuse is provided by utilising a detector external to the fibre for monitoring the condition of the fibre.

Abstract: A helical twist drill has fluted lands each having projecting from their radially outer faces a plurality of circumferentially spaced support margins. At least one of the support margins is asymmetrically spaced with respect to the other support margins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refractive index detector for a dynamic liquid sample having a fiber optic filament of a predetermined diameter with an unclad sensor region, wherein the sensor region comprises a longitudinally tapered zone wherein the diameter continuously decreases from the predetermined diameter to a minimum diameter.The invention finds use as a detector for high performance liquid chromatography and capillary zone electrophoresis.

Abstract: A stacking basket assembly utilizing a simplified basket construction. Each basket has a nestable base that is constructed of an array of interconnected wires into front, bottom and rear walls to provide strength, rigidity, and interlocking capabilities. Each of the baskets has removable end walls with camming ears that interlockingly and securely engage the base of the basket with minimal initial force. The end walls snap-fit into the base of the basket in a wedging action for improved stacking interlock and to avoid inadvertent disengagement.

Abstract: A high radiance light emissive diode has a linear drive/output characteristic by providing the active region in a mesa structure with tapering sides so that super-radiant light emitted parallel with the junction is reflected and combined with the sublinear component emitted normal to the junction.