Abstract: Designs for modular microsurgical robotic devices and systems are provided, which could include one or multiple master-slave units coupled to a central microscope-based suspension structure. One of the main objectives is to provide robotic assistance during tasks which require long-term user concentration and high precision. The microsurgical robotic devices pay attention to motion scaling and tremor filtration in a 6 Degrees-of-Freedom (DOF) master-slave setup with force feedback. An extra DOF is included to actuate a 1-DOF instrument tip. Embodiments of this invention can be used in the medical environment as well as in other areas such as printed circuit board repair, watch and jewelry making, laboratory tasks, or other areas which require high precision over extended periods of time.

Abstract: A method of performing near-field acoustic holography comprises the following steps. Establishing (102) acoustic data representing a set of near-field acoustic holography measurements at a first set of positions. Extrapolating (204) acoustic data using a model-based extrapolation to obtain extrapolated acoustic data relating to a plurality of positions outside the aperture. Applying (108) a spatial frequency transform to the padded acoustic data to obtain data in a spatial frequency domain. Propagating (110) the Fourier transformed acoustic data. Applying (112) a regularization in a wavenumber domain. Performing (114) an inverse spatial frequency transform.

Abstract: A multiphase contacting stage is provided that includes a first rotatable disc having a hollow disc-shaped cavity, an input port and an output port, and a second rotatable disc, where the second rotatable disc has a channeled cavity, an input port and an output port, and is disposed in the hollow disc-shaped cavity of the first rotatable disc, where the first rotatable disc and said second rotatable disc are concentric about an axis, where the multiphase contacting stage operates to integrate centrifugal separation and countercurrent mass transfer of a material for separation.

Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor body, the method comprising: forming a mixture of an organic semiconducting material and a binder material; causing the semiconducting material to at least partially solidify; and causing the binder material to crystallize in such a way as to cause the semiconducting material to at least partially segregate from the binder material.

Abstract: A process for preparing an emulsion is disclosed comprising: injecting a first liquid as dispersed phase liquid through a central inlet of a microchannel system with a cross junction geometry chip and injecting a second liquid as continuous phase liquid through the outer cross inlet, which continuous phase liquid does not instantly mix with said injected first liquid prior to the cross junction, wherein the flow rate QC of the continuous phase in cubic meters per second is given by Q C = f × A ? ? ? ? d , where A is the exit area of the microchannel in square meters, ? the interfacial tension between the first liquid and the second liquid in Newtons per meter and ?d the viscosity of the dispersed phase in Pascal-seconds, characterized in that f is in the range from 0.04 to 0.25.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a tissue-engineered construct, such as a heart valve, comprising the steps of providing a-cell-seeded scaffold in a bioreactor chamber which bioreactor chamber is divided by the cell-seeded scaffold into a first compartment and a second compartment, subjecting the cell-seeded scaffold to a flow of nutrient medium within the bioreactor chamber for developing the cell-seeded scaffold to a tissue structure and next to the tissue construct, applying a dynamic pressure difference to the developing tissue structure by the flow of nutrient medium to induce dynamic strain on the tissue structure.

Abstract: A method of forming an Al2O3/SiO2 stack comprising injecting into the reaction chamber, through an ALD process, at least one silicon containing compound selected from the group consisting of: BDEAS Bis(diethylamino)silane SiH2(NEt2)2, BDMAS Bis(dimethylamino)silane SiH2(NMe2)2, BEMAS Bis(ethylmethylamino)silane SiH2(NEtMe)2, DIPAS (Di-isopropylamido)silane SiH3(NiPr2), DTBAS (Di tert-butylamido)silane SiH3(NtBu2); injecting into the reaction chamber an oxygen source selected in the list: oxygen, ozone, oxygen plasma, water, CO2 plasma, N2O plasma; and injecting on said silicon oxide film, through an ALD process, at least one aluminum containing compound selected in the list: Al(Me)3, Al(Et)3, Al(Me)2(OiPr), Al(Me)2(NMe)2 or Al(Me)2(NEt)2.

Abstract: A vibration isolator is provided comprising a base structure, a load structure and at least one vertical air gap formed by opposing and substantially parallel walls of the base structure and the load structure. The opposing walls being at least partly covered by respective arrays of permanent magnets, neighboring magnets in the arrays having alternating magnetization directions, an arrangement of the permanent magnets in the arrays being such that a gravitational force on the load structure is substantially compensated by a net magnetic force of the base structure on the load structure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a semiconductor laser device comprising a first resonator section for resonating an optical resonator signal for providing an optical output signal at an output of said laser device, wherein said first resonator section is arranged for selectively resonating at a plurality of discrete output wavelengths, and wherein said laser device further comprises a second resonator section operatively connected to said first resonator section, said second resonator section being arranged for providing an optical feedback signal at a feedback wavelength to said first resonator section for locking said first resonator section into resonating at a selected output wavelength of said discrete output wavelengths, which selected output wavelength corresponds to said feedback wavelength for providing said optical output signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a preform by means of an electrospinning process. The present invention also relates to the use of the present preform as a substrate for growing human or animal tissue thereon. The present invention furthermore relates to a method for growing human or animal tissue on a substrate, wherein the present preform is used as the substrate.

Abstract: The present application relates to a prosthesis comprising a core of a gel material and a fiber envelope which surrounds the core. In addition, the present application relates to a method for producing the same. The object of the present application is to provide a prosthesis which is based on a material which combines a low shear stiffness with a high degree of toughness and good swelling properties. Another object of the present invention is to provide a prosthesis which is based on a material which exhibits excellent durability and wear resistance.

Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor body, the method comprising: forming a mixture of an organic semiconducting material and a binder material; causing the semiconducting material to at least partially solidify; and causing the binder material to crystallize in such a way as to cause the semiconducting material to at least partially segregate from the binder material.

Abstract: Developing heart valves are exposed to dynamic strains by applying a dynamic pressure difference over the leaflets. The flow is kept to a minimum, serving only as a perfusion system, supplying the developing tissue with fresh nutrients. Standard heart valves were engineered based on B trileaflet scaffolds seeded with cells isolated from the human saphenous vein. Tissue compaction is constrained by the stent, inducing increasing pre-strain in the tissue. The dynamic strains the tissues are exposed to via the dynamic pressure difference, are estimated using finite element methods based on the mechanical properties of the neo-tissue, in order to get inside into the strain distribution over the leaflet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical robot for performing surgery of the minimally invasive type on a body to be operated upon, which surgical robot includes a number of surgical arms having respective distal ends, to each of which distal ends a surgical instrument is connected for performing surgical procedures inside a human or animal body, a base element, manipulation means for manipulating the surgical arms relative to the base element for performing the surgery, and control means for controlling the manipulation means. Positioning means are provided for positioning the base element above the body.

Abstract: The invention relates to using a perfusion scanning medical imaging technique to generate an image of a perfusable structure of an organism. A fluid is flowing through the structure, and a dose of a traceable agent is present in the fluid. The evolution of the spatial concentration of the agent, e.g., a set of values of the magnitude of the concentration assumed at various moments over a period of time, is determined for a plurality of locations within the structure. The spatial pattern of the evolutions is analyzed and an image is generated on the basis of this analysis in order to enable the medical practitioner to draw conclusions about the dispersion characteristics of the perfusable structure.

Abstract: A polymerizable mixture for ink jetting, having liquid crystalline phases comprising the following components: a) 50-80 wt % mono-functional LCP's, b) 10-50 wt % of a higher functional LCP's, f) 0.01-5 wt % initiators, preferably below 1% g) 0.01-5 wt % inhibitors, preferably below 1% h) 0-20 wt % additives, preferably below 10 wt %, with the provision that the total amount of the components is 100 wt %, characterized in that the polymerizable mixtures has a viscosity smaller than 0.015 Pa s at 100° C. and yet remaining thermally stable.

Abstract: A system for generating a control signal comprises a data propagator (9) for propagating acoustic sensor array data relating to a set of acoustic measurements at a set of sensor positions covering an aperture towards a set of propagated positions to obtain propagated data relating to the set of propagated positions. A control signal generator (2) is arranged for generating a control signal based on the propagated data. The control signal generator (2) comprises a data analyzer (1) for analyzing the propagated data in a spatial frequency domain. The data propagator (9) is arranged for propagating the sensor array data in real-time and the control signal generator (2) is arranged for generating the control signal in real-time.

Abstract: Developing heart valves are exposed to dynamic strains by applying a dynamic pressure difference over the leaflets. The flow is kept to a minimum, serving only as a perfusion system, supplying the developing tissue with fresh nutrients. Standard heart valves were engineered based on B trileaflet scaffolds seeded with cells isolated from the human saphenous vein. Tissue compaction is constrained by the stent, inducing increasing pre-strain in the tissue. The dynamic strains the tissues are exposed to via the dynamic pressure difference, are estimated using finite element methods based on the mechanical properties of the neo-tissue, in order to get inside into the strain distribution over the leaflet.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a fetus during gestation comprises an input for receiving a plurality of electric signals measured on a surface of a maternal body; and a processor for providing a fetal electrocardiogram based on the received electric signals and based on an orientation of the fetus, wherein the fetal electrocardiogram represents a projection of a fetal cardiac potential vector according to a predetermined projection direction that is fixed with respect to the fetus. The fetal vector electrocardiogram is projected according to the projection direction. An at least partial representation of a fetal vector electrocardiogram is provided in dependence on the plurality of electric signals and indicative of a time path of an electrical field vector generated by a fetal heart of the fetus.

Abstract: A discrete die for forming a three-dimensionally curved surface. The discrete die includes a frame and parallel pins which are individually movable in a first longitudinal direction relative to the frame. The pins are arranged in parallel rows and front ends of the pins define the three-dimensionally curved surface. Further included are substantially plate-shaped separating elements and at least one of which is situated between the rows. Also included are pressure elements for pressing against the rows of pins and configured to push off against the frame in the radial direction of the pins. A surface of some of the plate-shaped separating elements extends parallel to the first longitudinal direction, the surface being corrugated in the second longitudinal direction, at least during use of the discrete die.