Abstract: A method of delivering oxygen to a biological entity comprising of dissolving oxygen into a perfusate and forcing the perfusate through the biological entity whereby substantially high levels of oxygen are available to satisfy the biological demand of the biological entity. An apparatus for supplying oxygen to a biological entity whereby substantially high levels of oxygen are available to satisfy the metabolic demand of said biological entity. An apparatus for supplying metabolic supplements to a biological entity whereby the effect of said metabolic supplement on said biological entity can be monitored. The method and apparatus keeps a biological entity such as an organ viable at a range of temperatures while in an aerobic state. This allows the study of said organ from a physiological or experimental standpoint. It allows said organ to be transplanted with little or no reperfusion injury, thus increased survivability over the prior art.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for accelerating the decomposition of biogenic organic matter in refuse disposal sites. According to the method, at least one suction line is inserted into a disposal site debris heap (11) via which the arising refuse site gases are removed by suction. According to the invention, the quantity of gas removed by suction in the area of the bottom of the refuse disposal site should be greater than the quantity of gas arising in this area due to decomposition whereby enabling oxygen from the outside air to penetrate into the debris heap and transforming the decomposition process into an, at least to a large extent, aerobic decomposition.

Abstract: A culturing apparatus comprises first and second chambers. The first chamber has air-lock type inlet-outlets in a plural number thereof, and in an inside of which is provided the second chamber for culturing cells therein. Within the first chamber is disposed a manipulator, which is operable through a remote control or an automatic control. The manipulator is able to access both at least one of the air-lock type inlet/outlets and the second chamber. Each of the air-lock type inlet/outlets is divided into two (2) portions by two (2) pieces of doors, and the door of one divided communicates that portion divided to an inside of the chamber. The door of other divided communicates to an outside of the culturing apparatus.

Abstract: This invention is a transportable organ preservation system that substantially increases the time during which the organ can be maintained viable for successful implantation into a human recipient. A chilled oxygenated nutrient solution is pumped through the vascular bed of the organ after excision of the organ from the donor and during transport. The device of the present invention uses flexible permeable tubing to oxygenate the perfusion fluid while the CO2 produced by the organ diffuses out of the perfusion fluid. One pressurized two liter “C” cylinder that contains 255 liters of oxygen at standard temperature and pressure can supply oxygen for up to 34 hours of perfusion time. The device uses a simple electric pump driven by a storage battery to circulate the perfusion fluid through the organ being transported. The vessel containing the organ to be transported is held at 4° C. by coolant blocks.

Abstract: To provide a CO2 incubator capable of accurately controlling the CO2 gas concentration in an incubation space and quickly coping with a sudden change of CO2 gas concentrations in the incubation space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for selecting accelerated proliferation of living cells in suspension. The culture apparatus (2) of the present invention enables cells to proliferate in suspension over unlimited periods of time. Natural selection results in the accumulation of genetic variants which are increasingly better adapted to the chosen culture conditions. The organisms used can be prokaryotic or eukaryotic. The organisms used can be naturally occurring organisms or genetically modified organisms. The culture apparatus of the present invention is also suitable for using continuous, periodical or conditional culture conditions. The physical and chemical characteristics of the culture media used can be chosen by the user. The requirement that a population of cells proliferates exclusively in suspension in continuous culture conditions is satisfied by the periodical transfer of the organism suspension from a first culture vessel into a second culture vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for determining the concentration of organisms in a fluid, where metabolite parameters are recorded by means of a data acquisition unit and subsequently converted.

Abstract: This invention is a transportable organ preservation system which substantially increases the time during which the organ can be maintained viable for successful implantation into a human recipient. A chilled oxygenated nutrient solution is pumped through the vascular bed of the organ after excision of the organ from the donor and during transport. The device of the present invention uses flexible permeable tubing to oxygenate the perfusion fluid while the CO2 produced by the organ diffuses out of the perfusion fluid. One pressurized two liter “C” cylinder that contains 255 liters of oxygen at standard temperature and pressure can supply oxygen for up to 34 hours of perfusion time. The device uses a simple electric pump driven by a storage battery to circulate the perfusion fluid through the organ being transported. The vessel containing the organ to be transported is held at 4° C. by coolant blocks.

Abstract: A fermentation assembly comprising: (a) a vessel for culturing living cells; (b) at least two storage flasks in fluid communication with the vessel for supply of liquids and a first transport means for transferring the liquids from the storage flasks to the vessel; (c) individual appliances operably connected to the transport means for monitoring the supply of the contents of the storage flasks to the vessel; (d) a harvest flask in fluid communication with the vessel and a second transport means for transferring the fermentation broth from the vessel to the harvest flask; and (e) a device operably connected to the first transport means for controlling and maintaining a constant dilution rate in the vessel with varying rates of individual supply of liquid from the storage flasks to the vessel is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus for composting source materials such as organic materials, but also including hazardous and toxic material, by maintaining composting conditions within preselected limits. A sealable container includes an insulated chamber having a base with a gravity well; a flat, perforated floor forming a small air and leachate drain space between the floor and base, and air inlet and outlet conduits. Dampers control flow of air or other gases responsive to various conditions or sensors. According to the method, the composition of the organic material is amended and/or inoculated as required to convert the source material to a compostable mixture. Incubating forms a composting mixture from the compostable mixture. The method includes the steps of monitoring and adjusting conditions of the composting mixture to maintain the conditions within preselected limits.

Abstract: A reaction vessel system includes a reaction vessel, a cooling unit functionally connected to the vessel to impart controlled cooling thereto; a heating unit functionally connected to the vessel to impart controlled heating thereto; and control means connected to the cooling unit and the heating unit for programmable automatic control of the cooling unit to control at least one of on/off flow and rate of flow, and to control at least one of on/off heating and rate of heating, including a programmable device. The cooling unit includes a cooling element in proximity to the vessel with at least one inlet port for injection of a phase change coolant, a heat absorbent area and at least one outlet port for removal of the phase change coolant. This is an injector for injecting the coolant in liquid form via the inlet port to the cooling element.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for manipulating the flow of gases into and out of a microfluidic circuit to regulate pressure within the circuit or to provide for the delivery of gases to or removal of gases from the circuit. Pressure within the microfluidic circuit may be increased or decreased to modify physical or chemical properties of fluid within the circuit, or to modify reaction kinetics. Gaseous reactants may be added to the circuit, and reaction products or excess reactant gases may be removed the circuit according to the invention. Warm or cool air or other gas may be flowed over liquid reactants within the circuit to perform a warming or cooling function. Various biochemical reactions or processes, including for example polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and ligand-receptor binding, may be performed with the use of the inventive method and system.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of and an apparatus for cultivating a cell or tissue capable of preventing the cell or tissue from being contaminated and realizing an efficient in vitro culture. The method of and the apparatus for cultivating a cell or tissue comprise installing a culture position (culture chamber) under an environment that is arbitrarily controlled such as an environment mimicking the living body, supplying a culture medium to the cell or tissue while the cell or tissue is held at the culture position, and cultivating the cell or tissue at the culture position that is under the ideal environment, thereby preventing the cell or tissue from being contaminated and realizing an efficient in vitro culture.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of and an apparatus for cultivating a cell or tissue capable of preventing the cell or tissue from being contaminated and realizing an efficient in vitro culture. The method of and the apparatus for cultivating a cell or tissue comprise installing a culture position (culture chamber) under an environment that is arbitrarily controlled such as an environment mimicking the living body, supplying a culture medium to the cell or tissue while the cell or tissue is held at the culture position, and cultivating the cell or tissue at the culture position that is under the ideal environment, thereby preventing the cell or tissue from being contaminated and realizing an efficient in vitro culture.

Abstract: The gas dual-dynamic solid state fermentation technique consists of placing the solid materials to be fermented in an air environment with pulsating pressure and cyclic flow to carry out fermentation, the fermentation apparatus comprises a horizontal cylindrical tank with a quick door mechanism, in the tank are axially disposed rectangular spacer barrels of square cross-section constructed by four baffles, in the space between baffles and the tank wall are provided cooler tubes in parallel with the baffles, in the middle of the spacer barrels are provided vertically many sets of cooler tubes, on the lower baffles in the tank is provided axially an fixed track, on which are movable tray racks that can roll on the track, the tray racks having thereon a plurality of layers of trays, at the rear of the tank is provided a centrifugal blowers for forcing gas cycling in the tank.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for rapid gas recovery in a controlled gas atmosphere enclosure, which are particularly suited for maintaining incubator gas concentration levels, include the formulation of algorithms utilized for this purpose. The algorithms are included in the firmware for an embedded controller and operate gas solenoids that have inputs defined as specific gases at a defined pressure. An application of the rapid gas recovery method and apparatus to incubators is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cell and tissue culture device comprises a closed pressurization circuit (2) able to deliver a selected gas under a selected pressure, at least a culture chamber (6) accommodating means (13) for supporting at least a deformable membrane (14) forming in chamber (6) an interface between first (17) and second (16) portions with variable complementary volumes, wherein the first portion (17) is configured for receiving cells and/or tissues to be grown for being supplied with culture fluid by a first tank (8), and said second portion (16) is configured for being supplied with gas by the pressurization circuit (2) and for discharging at least a portion of this gas.

Abstract: A garbage disposing device includes a treatment chamber used to decompose food wastes by a microorganism, intake passage, exhaust passage, and a return path extending from a diverging portion in the exhaust passage to the treatment chamber. An exhaust airflow adjuster is provided at the diverging portion. A control unit controls the exhaust airflow adjuster such that after water and ammonia in an air exhausted from said treatment chamber are adsorbed by a dehumidifier provided in the exhaust passage, a part of the air is returned to the treatment chamber through the return path, and the remaining air is exhausted to the outside through a deodorizer. As a result, a small deodorizer is available, and the garbage disposing device can be small-sized as a whole. In addition, it is possible to save energy used for the decomposing treatment of the food wastes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus in which pressure provides precise control over the timing and preferably synchronization of chemical reactions, particularly enzymatic reactions.

Abstract: The invention provides a microfabricated device for sorting cells based on a desired characteristic, for example, reporter-labeled cells can be sorted by the presence or level of reporter on the cells. The device includes a chip having a substrate into which is microfabricated at least one analysis unit. Each analysis unit includes a main channel, having a sample inlet channel, typically at one end, and a detection region along a portion of its length. Adjacent and downstream from the detection region, the main channel has a discrimination region or branch point leading to at least two branch channels. The analysis unit may further include additional inlet channels, detection points, branch points, and branch channels as desired. A stream containing cells is passed through the detection region, such that on average one cell occupies the detection region at a given time.

Abstract: A recirculating composting apparatus cycles air and waste gases through a composting vessel, into a curing bin which contains previously composted material. Within the curing bin, ammonia and other noxious gases are adsorbed and converted into valuable fertilizer. The gases released from the curing bin may pass into another curing bin and then be recirculated back into the composting vessel, or may alternatively be released into the environment or passed through a biofilter. In preferred embodiments, like containers may be used for each curing phase and also the composting phase. The use of similar or compatible containers allows an entire vessel to be converted from a composting vessel into a curing bin simply by disconnection at one location and reconnection at a different location, without having to disturb the contents within the vessel or incur the undesired associated labor.

Abstract: A gas permeable cover for a cell culture or medium storing container which comprises a solid support sized to fit the opening of the container to be covered and has at least one hole which is covered with a permeable section. The permeable section is sufficiently permeable to oxygen and carbon dioxide that live cells can be sustained, and is substantially impermeable to water and water vapor such that the covered containers can be stored in non-humidified chambers without substantial evaporation of water. The cover further has a seal portion which forms a water-and gas-tight seal between the cover and the container when the cover is placed upon the container as configured for use.

Abstract: The invention concerns a continuous reaction method by solid/gas catalysis in unconventional medium, using different substrates to obtain predetermined products, substrates and products forming compounds, which consists in controlling: the reaction in temperature to determine the saturation pressure of each pure compound taking part in determining the compound thermodynamic activity; the total pressure at a level lower than atmospheric pressure; the molar flow rates of the compounds and the vector gas, to adjust the gas mixture molar composition on the basis of the predetermined values of the thermodynamic activity of said compounds.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for effecting rapid thermal cycling of samples, by producing a high-velocity air flow through a closed loop flow path, and energizing an electrical heater within the closed loop flow path to heat the air flowing therethrough to a desired temperature. A sample holder is introduced into the closed loop flow path for exposing the sample holder to the high-velocity heated air flowing therethrough for rapidly heating the sample. The sample is rapidly cooled to a desired temperature by de-energizing the electrical heater, and opening an air outlet from the closed loop flow path, while continuing to produce the high-velocity air flow therethrough.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for rapid gas recovery in a controlled gas atmosphere enclosure, which are particularly suited for maintaining incubator gas concentration levels, include the formulation of algorithms utilized for this purpose. The algorithms are included in the firmware for an embedded controller and operate gas solenoids that have inputs defined as specific gases at a defined pressure. An application of the rapid gas recovery method and apparatus to incubators is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides devices for preparing a reaction substrate for use as an assay device, and methods of using these devices. The devices prepare reaction substrates comprising arrays of biosites bound to reaction substrates. The devices have a plurality of bundled capillary tubes that convey capture probes from a storage area for eventual deposition onto a biosite on a reaction substrate.

Abstract: A method of disrupting biological material includes drying particulate material, mixing the material with a gas under pressure, releasing the pressure explosively and collecting the resultant product. The biological starting material is any particulate material and includes: cells with membranes, cells with rigid cell walls, non-cellular biological material, intra-cellular material, and unbounded homogenous material. Apparatus for batch, semi-continuous and continuous operation of the method is provided. Included is a chamber with at least one inlet valve and at least one outlet valve and collection means. The chamber is capable of withstanding at least 800 bar, preferably 30 bar pressure. The particle size of the starting material is in the range 0.1 to 2000 &mgr;m and of the resultant product, less than 2 &mgr;m.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for inactivating viruses associated or potentially associated with blood derived samples. The process and apparatus feature critical, supercritical or near critical fluids.

Abstract: A microfluidic fluid delivery system includes a microfluidic chip having a fluid input. A fluid reservoir is coupled to the fluid input. A gas delivery system has a gas pressure source and a variable amplitude function generator generating an alternating signal. A valve is coupled to the function generator and the gas pressure source. The valve controls the gas pressure pulse in response to said alternating signal. The gas pressure pulse displaces fluid from the fluid reservoir into the fluid input.

Abstract: An instrument for conducting nucleic acid amplification reactions in a disposable test device. The test device includes a first reaction chamber containing a first nucleic acid amplification reagent (e.g., primers and nucleotides) and a second reaction chamber either containing, or in fluid communication, with a second nucleic acid amplification reagent (e.g., an amplification enzyme such as RT). The instrument includes a support structure receiving the test device. A temperature control system maintains the first reaction chamber at a first elevated temperature but simultaneously maintains the second nucleic acid amplification reagent at a second temperature lower than the first temperature so as to preserve the second nucleic acid amplification reagent. An actuator operates on a fluid conduit in the test device to place the first and second reaction chambers in fluid communication with each other after a reaction has occurred in the first reaction chamber at the first temperature.

Abstract: To make organic fertilizer by performing fermentation treatment of organic waste containing a large quantity of water content such as garbage, while maintaining conditions of treatment suitable for fermentation. A fermentation treatment apparatus of organic waste according to the present invention is constituted in such a way that a steam supply pipe 3 is connected to a jacket part 2 of a fermentation tank 1 by way of reducing valves 17 and 18, and a vacuum pump 4 is connected below the jacket part 2 by way of a communicating line 27. When steam reduced in pressure lower than 100° C. is supplied into the jacket part 2, the waste housed within the fermentation tank 1 can be promptly treated with fermentation by utilizing condensation heat of steam. Furthermore, the air at a predetermined humidity is supplied into the fermentation tank 1 from the air supply part 36, so that fermentation treatment due to aerobic bacteria can be performed in a short time and efficiently.

Abstract: A permeable mass of remediable materials is subjected to biotic or abiotic treatment in a refillable containment in order to change the physical and/or chemical composition of the mass and/or contaminants within it by manipulating the biotic and abiotic in the subsurface environment. It is an adaptation of the SBS Close Lance system for decontamination of polluted soil. Such system when fitted to a refillable containment is used to compost and decontaminate remediable materials by promoting and exploiting biotic and abiotic activity. Ex-situ treatment of remediable materials including soils, refuse, wastes, drilling muds and minerals are possible as is composting of waste prior to alternate use by recycling.

Abstract: A fermentation process post-sterile additive device and method of operation is detailed. The device is used to deliver additive as a heavy-drop mist. The mist covers the entire fermenting batch head surface of the vat broth. This improves mixing and reduces the amount of additive to appropriate introduction levels throughout log phase fermentation, preventing coating of cultivating cells and interference with cell respiration. A steady state growth rate is fostered.

Abstract: This invention provides environmental control devices and methods for live cell analysis. The devices of the invention combine a plate space that can hold specimen plates of a variety of sizes, gas flow control, and temperature control of the entire specimen plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microfabricated device and methods of using the device for analyzing and sorting individual polynucleotides, e.g., by size according to an optical signal measured within a detection region of the device. An optical signal such as fluorescence from a reporter molecule associated with the polynucleotide molecules can be used to determine polynucleotide size or to direct selected polynucleotides into one or more selected branch channels of the device.

Abstract: The invention provides a microfabricated device for sorting cells based on a desired characteristic, for example, reporter-labeled cells can be sorted by the presence or level of reporter on the cells. The device includes a chip having a substrate into which is microfabricated at least one analysis unit. Each analysis unit includes a main channel, having a sample inlet channel, typically at one end, and a detection region along a portion of its length. Adjacent and downstream from the detection region, the main channel has a discrimination region or branch point leading to at least two branch channels. The analysis unit may further include additional inlet channels, detection points, branch points, and branch channels as desired. A stream containing cells is passed through the detection region, such that on average one cell occupies the detection region at a given time.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for preparing a reaction substrate for use as assay devices comprising parallel printing of arrays of biosites on reaction substrates, wherein each biosite comprises a single type of capture probe bound to the reaction substrate and the array of biosites is deposited on the reaction substrate by a capillary bundle printer device.

Abstract: A method for carrying out fermentation comprising the steps of providing a vessel with elevated pressure up to 25 atm which contains a broth comprising a constituent capable of undergoing fermentation, lowering the vessel pressure within the vessel to lower the equilibrium oxygen partial pressure, adding pure oxygen into the vessel to raise the equilibrium oxygen partial pressure therein, and utilizing the pure oxygen to carry out the fermentation of the constituent.

Abstract: A cell and tissue culture device comprises several culture wells (18-i) accommodating cells and tissues to be grown, of first (2) and second (25) tanks, and connecting means (20,23,24) coupled to wells and tanks so as to enable a culture fluid to flow from one tank to another via the wells. Each tank (20,25) accommodates at least a flexible pocket (6,7;27,29), at least one of which is able to receive the culture fluid. The device further comprises at least a controller module (50,150) providing first and/or second sequences of external pressures to be applied, on the pockets of first and second tanks, respectively, and pressurization means (41,46-49) configured for applying to the pockets, pressures defined by said first and second sequences provided by the controller module.

Abstract: Controlled atmosphere cabinet has enclosure (110;210) with means providing visibility (110F; 210F) of its interior from outside, gas supply (113-116, 212-216) for desired or target composition of internal atmosphere, controlled lock-type access (112) for manual introduction and removal of items, and hand/arm access port provision (111A, B; 211A, B) for manipulation of said samples in the cabinet. Gas supply associated control means (230-240) serves during use of the cabinet (other than normal atmosphere augmenting in use of the lock-type access) for additional gas supply further to correct or compensate for effects actually or potentially adverse to maintaining the desired or target internal atmosphere composition, via operator-actuated input means (121t, 123; 222) and/or means (122, 124, 139; 225) for sensing prescribed conditions to which the control means is responsive for said additional gas supply.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for contacting a gas and liquid. An elongated cylindrical reactor has an inlet region of reduced cross-sectional area at a first end. At least some of the gas or liquid is introduced into the inlet region in a direction tangential to the longitudinal axis of the reactor by way of an inlet to cause rotational flow within the inlet region. The gas or liquid flows into the remainder of the reactor at such a velocity as to cause more intimate mixing of the liquid and gas. Additional gas or liquid can be introduced through a second inlet disposed in an intermediate region of the reactor so that the fluid introduced flows in a generally longitudinal direction or rotational direction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the method and apparatus for the cytoplasmic loading of macromolecules into living cells by an impact-mediated procedure that impacts the cells with a predetermined number of solid particles in a blast of propellant gas. More specifically, the present invention is directed to an impact-mediated procedure that is altered by gravitational conditions and is preferably carried out under hypergravity conditions. Further, the present invention is directed to an IML method and apparatus for consistently and reproducibly loading macromolecules into the cytoplasm of living cells via membrane wounding at significantly higher efficiencies than can be accomplished using existing methodologies. The IML procedure directs a blast of propellant gas through a rupturable membrane on which solid particles are supported in order to achieve insertion of a predetermined number of particles into the propellant blast.

Abstract: An analyzing system for analyzing fluid samples includes a measuring buoy immersible in a body of fluid to be tested. The buoy forms a sample chamber in which samples of the fluid are to be tested. The sample chamber communicates with a settling chamber through a chamber opening, and the settling chamber communicates with the body of fluid through a floor opening formed in the buoy below the chamber opening. A gas exchange apparatus communicates with the sample chamber and with a source of air or gas for introducing the air or gas into the sample chamber to drain sample fluid therefrom, and for discharging the air or gas from the sample chamber to admit sample fluid into the sample chamber from the settling chamber. A testing device is disposed in the sample chamber for testing the sample fluid, and is connected to a control and analysis device.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for monitoring at least one condition in a patient comprising the steps of (a) obtaining samples from the patient over a period of time; (b) flowing the samples, or gases associated with or produced by the samples, over at least one gas sensor; c) measuring the response or responses of the at least one gas sensor; and (d) correlating the response or responses with the occurrence or state of the at least one condition. A method for identifying a micro-organism comprising the steps of (a) providing at least one gas sensor; (b) compiling a database of responses to at least one known micro-organism under a variety of culturing conditions; c) abstracting gas or vapor from a detection region and flowing the same over the at least one gas sensor and observing the response of the sensor or sensors; and (d) comparing the response to the database.

Abstract: An incubator with an external gas feed is disclosed, wherein a gas is supplied to an interior space of the incubator to maintain an interior atmosphere with a constant gas-to-air ratio. The gas is supplied to the interior space through a gas nozzle forming a gas jet. The gas jet draws in the interior atmosphere through an injector effect, thereby thoroughly mixing the gas with the interior atmosphere.

Abstract: A method for identifying a microorganism is described that includes abstracting gas or vapor associated with the microorganism from a detection region and flowing the same over an array of sensors of which an electrical property varies according to exposure to gases or vapors and observing the response of the sensors. An apparatus for detecting a microorganism is also disclosed having a detector means for detecting a gas or vapor associated with the microorganism which includes an array of sensors of which an electrical property varies according to exposure to the gases or vapors.