Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid supply interface (62, 62?, 62?, 62??) for a cell culture system for supplying cell cultures found in different cell culture containers (10, 10?, 10?) with a nutrient medium, wherein the liquid supply interface (62, 62?, 62?, 62??) comprises: a housing (68) defining a flow area (72); a first connection formation (76) for the liquid-transferring connection of a first fluid line (84) to the housing (68); a second connection formation (78) formed separately from the first for the liquid-transferring connection of a second fluid line (88) to the housing (68); a third connection formation (80) formed separately from the first two for the liquid-transferring connection of the housing (68) to a third fluid line; a coupling formation (64, 66) formed separately from the connection formations (76, 78, 80), which is formed for the producible and detachable liquid-transferring coupling contact according to the operation, with a corresponding counter-coupling formation (38, 40) of a cell c

Abstract: According to the present invention, a sterilant can be injected into a container without residual water on an object to be sterilized. The method includes decreasing a pressure in the container to a pressure higher than the triple point pressure at which water freezes. The method further includes comparing an actual time required for decreasing the pressure and a reference time, or comparing an actual rate of pressure increase and a reference rate to detect residual water on the object. If the residual water is detected, the pressure in the container is increased to the atmospheric pressure or the quasi-atmospheric pressure and the object is heated, and then the pressure is decreased to drain the residual water through the decompression boiling. The step of draining the residual water is repeatedly performed until no residual water is detected on the object and subsequently the sterilant is injected into the container.

Abstract: Embodiments of a modular tubular bioreactor system for culturing an aqueous culture of microorganisms are described herein. The tubular bioreactor may comprise culture tubes configured in a vertically spaced and horizontally staggered arrangement to optimize the application of light to the culture in phototrophic and mixotrophic cultivation.

Abstract: A device for disinfecting catheter connectors comprising a container (2) having a closed lower base end (2b) and an opposite open upper end (2a) and a sponge-like element (3) inserted inside the container (2), impregnated with a liquid medical substance (4). The sponge-like element (3) has an axial through cavity (5) within it and a semi-rigid insert (6) housed in the cavity (5).

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for continuously optimizing the profile of an aqueous culture comprising microorganisms. The systems and methods comprise a controlled environment comprising a housing enclosing a lighting device and controlled temperature environment, and sensor modules for measuring culture and environment parameters. The sensor modules may be in communication with an automated computer control system to continuously optimize the microorganism culture profile.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a system of delivering particles of nano-scale into mammalian cells with a diameter of 50 ?m or less. The system has a container containing the mammalian cells, the particles, a pressure-exerting member for generating transient apertures of substantially 1-200 nm on surface of the cells, a magnetic mechanism configured to generate a magnetic force to act on the pressure-exerting member thus to move the pressure exerting member, a control mechanism for effecting movement of the pressure-exerting member in a predetermined motion pattern, a measuring mechanism configured to indicate magnitude of pressure exerted on surface of the mammalian cells, and a monitoring mechanism.

Abstract: A dispensing unit has a base with two or more upwardly projecting side panels hingedly attached thereto. The sides have upper ends which pivot inwardly to a closed position, and outwardly to an open position. One or more removable dispensable compound containers are locatable within the unit, positioned adjacent a relative movable side panel. Each side has a capping projection that is located over and caps the container when the side panel is in a closed position, and which uncap the container when in the open position. When the sides are pivoted outwardly, they permit dispensing of the dispensable compound located in each container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a port installed in a closed-ended photochemical reactor, and more particularly, to a multi-functional port for microalgae cultivation and harvesting that supplies gas for cultivation for culturing microalgae by connecting to the closed-ended photochemical reactor; supplies gas for prevention of precipitation for lifting microalgae during cultivation; and assembles by taking samples of microalgae or selectively combining a plurality of valves which can harvest microalgae, whose cultivation is completed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fragrance enhancers for use in conjunction with candles to enhance the dispersion of the fragrance therefrom and/or increase the combustion efficiency thereof. In one embodiment, the fragrance enhancer of the present invention comprises a body that is mounted to an upper surface of the holder and further comprises a mounting bracket for holding a fan assembly that is mounted to the holder. In one instance, the fan assembly includes a plurality of inverted blades, and a gap is formed between the body and the holder to enable air flow through the body. In another embodiment the fragrance enhancer of the present invention comprises a cylindrically-shaped perforated body, the cylindrically-shaped perforated body having openings located at both the top and bottom thereof. In this embodiment the fragrance enhancer of the present invention further comprises a fan assembly formed from inclined blades.

Abstract: A compact ignition system for chemical oxygen generators for possible use in an aircraft. The chemical oxygen generator is configured such that a majority of the ignition system can be accommodated within an interior of the generator body. In some embodiments, the ignition system is positioned within a recess of an upper surface of the core of the generator. Housing a majority of the ignition system within the generator allows the overall oxygen-generating capacity of the generator to be increased without requiring a corresponding increase in the overall length of the generator.

Abstract: A method of assaying metastasis can include: providing a device of one of the embodiments; introducing the at least one cancer cell into the at least one internal chamber or at least one fluid channel; and studying metastasis of the at least one cancer cell. Optionally: introducing cancer cells into a first internal chamber; detecting escape of the cancer cell from the first internal chamber into the fluid channel; detecting migration of the cancer cell through the fluid channel; detecting adhesion of the cancer cell to a coating on the fluid channel; detecting invasion of the cancer cell into a second internal chamber from the fluid channel; or visualizing metastasis of the cancer cell with a visualization device.

Abstract: A multi-function cooling and thermo-sensitive rack includes horizontal bars, a base, positioning holes, connectors, a lateral frame, connecting holes, a temperature-displaying prompter, and N temperature sensors. The lateral frame and the base are connected through the connectors. The lateral frame and the base have their surfaces facing each other symmetrically provided with plural connecting holes thereon. The horizontal bars have two ends thereof received in the corresponding symmetrical connecting holes. The positioning holes are distributed over the surface of the base. The N temperature sensors have output ends thereof for outputting sensing signals connected with input ends of the temperature-displaying prompter for inputting the N temperature-sensing signals. The present invention is applied to apparatuses used in microbiology experiment.

Abstract: The apparatus herein relates to the large-scale production of photosynthetic microorganisms, especially algae. More particularly it relates to control of large size aqueous photosynthetic bioreactor systems to obtain such products from many microbial strains, which have heretofore only been cultured in laboratory environments in small containers.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for air disinfection of microorganisms and biological agents by the method of their inactivation by electrostatic fields and filtering by the method of electrostatic precipitation. The method comprises the steps of creating a flow (A) of air to be disinfected; subjecting said flow to constant with electrostatic fields alternating in direction of intensity vector, said electrostatic fields being sequentially arranged along the flow, and created by transversely spaced air permeable electrodes (1); and filtering the treated flow with an electrostatic filter. Electrostatic field concentrators in the form of projections (3) are located on the surface of the electrodes (1), in particular nanoscale projections, and the intensity of each of the alternating electrostatic fields between the electrodes is selected in accordance with the condition of electroporation of microorganism cells or their inactivation. A device for implementing this method is also claimed.

Abstract: An aqueous composition is described herein that is safe, convenient, and effective for cleansing dental appliances. The primary cleansing agent in this composition is a surfactant, which allows for fast and effective cleaning without damaging or discoloring the plastic of the dental appliance. The stable aqueous composition does not require dissolving in a reservoir and may be applied directly to the dental appliance. The aqueous composition is safe for natural teeth and therefore easy to incorporate into a regular oral hygiene routine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for sterilization which may be applied to a medical dry sterilizer, and more particularly, to an apparatus which injects hydrogen peroxide so as to generate plasma and OH radicals which are effective in sterilization, so as to achieve the sterilization of a treated object. According to the present invention, the apparatus for sterilization comprises: a sterilizing reactor in which sterilization is performed on a treated object; a vacuuming unit which is equipped with a vacuum pump connected to the sterilizing reactor and which vacuumizes the interior of the sterilizing reactor; a hydrogen-peroxide supply unit which supplies hydrogen peroxide in a gas state to the interior of the sterilizing reactor; and a microwave-plasma generating unit which generates plasma using microwaves.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and container locator means for moving a container among one or more work-flow stations within an apparatus. The apparatus of the present invention may include a means for automated loading, a means for automated transfer and/or a means for automated unloading of a container (e.g., a specimen container). In one embodiment, the apparatus can be an automated detection apparatus for rapid non-invasive detection of a microbial agent in a test sample. The detection system also including a heated enclosure, a holding means or rack, and/or a detection unit for monitoring and/or interrogating the specimen container to detect whether the container is positive for the presence of a microbial agent. In other embodiment, the automated instrument may include one or more, bar code readers, scanners, cameras, and/or weighing stations to aid in scanning, reading, imaging and weighing of specimen containers within the system.