Abstract: A multi-protocol RFID interrogating system employs a synchronization technique (step-lock) for a backscatter RFID system that allows simultaneous operation of closely spaced interrogators. The multi-protocol RFID interrogating system can communicate with backscatter transponders having different output protocols and with active transponders including: Title 21 compliant RFID backscatter transponders; IT2000 RFID backscatter transponders that provide an extended mode capability beyond Title 21; EGO™ RFID backscatter transponders, SEGO™ RFID backscatter transponders; ATA, ISO, ANSI AAR compliant RFID backscatter transponders; and IAG compliant active technology transponders. The system implements a step-lock operation, whereby adjacent interrogators are synchronized to ensure that all downlinks operate within the same time frame and all uplinks operate within the same time frame, to eliminate downlink on uplink interference.

Abstract: The invention relates to an insonification device (100) comprising a plurality of elementary ultrasonic transducers (110) each comprising at least one electro-acoustic element (111) and distributed on a chassis (120, 140) so that the electro-acoustic elements (111) are distributed on a so-called front surface (120?) of the device (100) intended to be placed facing the medium to be insonified. According to the invention, as each transducer (110) comprises a longitudinal body (113) made in a heat conducting material at the so-called front end of which the electro-acoustic element (111) is placed, the chassis (120, 140) comprises a sealed cooling chamber (130) placed behind the front surface (120?), crossed by the bodies of the transducers (113) and intended to be gone through by a coolant fluid flow.

Abstract: A tunnel dressing for use in treating a tunneling wound using negative pressure wound therapy. The tunnel dressing includes an elongate permeable member having a closed distal end for entering the wound and an open proximal end into which an applicator is removably disposed for guiding the dressing into the wound. The tunnel dressing has a support structure adapted to transport wound exudates away from the wound and to resist compression under suction. The tunnel dressing also has a wound contact surface adapted to minimize tissue entanglement to facilitate removal. The support structure and wound contact surface may be formed from the same material or from two adjacent layers of different material.

Abstract: A manipulation tool is disclosed for producing cell material having multiple biological cells, which have a predefined geometrical arrangement. The tool includes a tool body, whose surface at least partially contacts the cell material, and a setting device for adjusting the tool body by a continuous expansion, so that geometrical properties of the surface change and an interior of the tool body is enlarged. The setting device is adapted to expand the tool body at an advance velocity in a range from 0.1 ?m/h to 1 mm/h.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cultivating biologic cells (1), wherein cells (1) are grown on a substrate (10) having a plurality of substrate openings (11), and wherein cell aggregates (2) are formed, including groups of cells (1) that span the substrate openings (11). A separation of the cell aggregates (2) from the substrate (10) by extracting the cell aggregates (2) from the substrate openings (11) can be provided. The invention further relates to a cell-cultivating device (100), including a substrate (10) having a plurality of substrate openings (11) and cell aggregates (2) including groups of cells (1) that span the substrate openings (11). The cell aggregates (2) are particularly used in high throughput tests with biologically active substances or in methods of tissue cultivation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a breadboard (1) for mounting components, particularly optical components, comprising an upper panel (2) for mounting the components on top of the upper panel (2), a lower panel (3) being arranged substantially parallel to the upper panel (2) at a specified distance below the upper panel (2) and at least one spacer (4) being arranged between the upper panel (2) and the lower panel (3), wherein the spacer (4) essentially consists of a fiber-reinforced material. Further, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing such a breadboard (1). Vibration damping means and fixing elements (5) for fixing components to the panels are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating a biological cell (1) including a cytoskeleton (3) enveloped by a cell membrane (2). The method includes the following steps: the biological cell (1) and a tool (10) are mutually oriented such that the tool (10) comes into contact with the biological cell (1); the tool (10) and the biological cell (1) are displaced in relation to each other; and a gap is formed in the molecular composite of the cell membrane (2) of the biological cell (1). During the displacement of the tool (10), the cytoskeleton (3) of the biological cell (1) has a state of equilibrium. The invention also relates to a cell manipulator for carrying out the inventive method.

Abstract: An RFID tag having a non-volatile memory and a piezoelectric sensor. The piezoelectric sensor produces an electrical charge that momentarily supplies electrical power to the RFID tag when subjected to a mechanical force and the electrical power is sufficient to record data in the non-volatile memory. The piezoelectric sensor is affixed to an article such that an attempt to tamper with the article produces sufficient mechanical force on the piezoelectric sensor to record data evidencing the tampering in the non-volatile memory.

Abstract: A micropower passive electronic lock cylinder including an immovable cylinder body (3), a rotatable plug (1), and an electronic control circuit part is described. An electronic control circuit board (13) electrically connected with a micromotor (14) and locating switches (15, 16) is arranged in the rotatable plug (1). A lock pin (8), which is controlled by a displacement limiting cam (5) driven by the micromotor (14), moves between the immovable cylinder body (3) and the rotatable plug (1) to release or block the rotatable plug (1).

Abstract: The invention provides a method for detecting CD163+/CD16+ cell population in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in a biological sample from a subject infected with HIV-1 which comprises contacting the biological sample with an anti-CD163 antibody, so that levels of CD163+/CD16+ peripheral blood mononuclear cells in the biological sample can be quantified.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microdispenser (1) for dispensing a liquid sample in a dispensing device, with a sample container (2) for receiving the liquid sample, and with a nozzle (7) for dispensing the sample located in the sample container (2). The microdispenser (1) with the filled sample container (2) can in this case be stored independently of and fluidically separately from the dispensing device, without the sample escaping from the sample container (2) during storage.

Abstract: A magnetic descent control device is disclosed. The device comprises an input shaft affixed to a rotating driven sheave acting as a drive assembly, which grips a cable guiding the descent path of a body carrying cage. The input shaft has a shoulder upon which rests a rotor. The rotor is encased within a front and back enclosure of conductive material. Disposed along at least one surface of the rotor and/or at least one of the conductors, is a series of magnets such that rotation of the rotor relative to the conductors creates relative motion between the magnets' magnetic field and the conductor inducing eddy currents in the conductor that oppose the magnetic field creating a rotational braking force. As a result, very precise and/or controllable descent may be obtained over a broad range of descent angles and/or distances with little or no mechanical wear or risk of overheating. Preferably, the sheave gripping the cable may have a circumferential groove to better improve traction and grip of the cable.

Abstract: A garment for the treatment of sleep apnea and/or snoring includes a member for attachment to an individual afflicted with sleep apnea and an elongate, position control member at the rear of the garment and extending outwardly therefrom. The elongate member is a continuous member having transversely spaced-apart side surfaces, and the side surfaces are joined to an outer wall of the position control member at elongate side edges. The side surfaces and/or side edges are located to engage a mattress or other sleeping surface when an individual wearing the garment is sleeping in a lateral position to aid in supporting the individual in a lateral position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a purifying process for phosphatidylserine, the latter being prepared by trans-phosphatidylation of phosphatidylcholine with serine in presence of the enzyme D-phospholipase and containing as impurities hydrophilic compounds, proteins and inorganic salts.