Abstract: This document provides fluid handling components. For example, this document relates to taper interface connections such as, but not limited to, luer taper interface connections used to couple fluid handling components in a medical or laboratory setting. In some embodiments, the threaded connection on the male portion of the taper interface is comprised of one or two opposing tabs, rather than a 360° collar like conventional luer lock fittings. As such, the taper interface components provided herein are readily manufacturable with a lower cost than conventional fittings that have a collar. In some embodiments, the taper interface components provided herein are configured for coupling by way of a quick connection technique.

Abstract: A bandwidth reallocation circuit can monitor data traffic to and/or from logical network segments (LNSs) of a segmented network. As the data traffic rate to and/or from individual LNSs changes, the bandwidth reallocation circuit can dynamically reallocate the total bandwidth among the LNSs to meet changing bandwidth needs. Thus, as some of the LNSs become busy with data traffic, network bandwidth can be temporarily borrowed for less active LNSs. This can result in more efficient use of the network bandwidth capacity of the network than has been achieved in the prior art, which can significantly increase the speed at which data can be uploaded and/or downloaded to the individual LNSs.

Abstract: A bioreactor system includes a sample chamber capable of receiving a specimen and a cover which can be placed on the chamber to enclose the specimen within the chamber. A first member is movable between (i) a closed position in which the member restricts the cover from being moved away from the chamber in a first direction, and (ii) an open position in which the member does not restrict the cover from being moved away from the chamber. When the first member is in the closed position there is a substantially liquid proof seal between the cover and the chamber.

Abstract: A bioreactor system includes a sample chamber capable of receiving a specimen and a cover which can be placed on the chamber to enclose the specimen within the chamber. A first member is movable between (i) a closed position in which the member restricts the cover from being moved away from the chamber in a first direction, and (ii) an open position in which the member does not restrict the cover from being moved away from the chamber. When the first member is in the closed position there is a substantially liquid proof seal between the cover and the chamber.

Abstract: A system for applying mechanical stimulation to a biologic sample includes a first biologic sample chamber having a biologic sample holder therein, a support structure for holding the first biologic sample chamber, and a first actuator that can supply a mechanical load to a biologic sample held by the biologic sample holder. The actuator is configured to move into a first position proximate to the chamber in which the actuator can transmit the load to the biologic sample via a first transmission path that includes the biologic sample holder. A controller is configured to automatically move the first actuator into the first position.

Abstract: A securing apparatus includes a housing, a cam member, and a movable device that can be moved in a first direction to engage a first surface of the cam member to cause the cam member to move from a first position to a second position. When the cam member is in the first position, first and second movable members can be moved relative to the housing. When the cam member is in the second position, second and third surfaces of the cam member press respectively against the first and second movable members to trap the first and second movable members respectively between the second and third surfaces of the cam member and the housing such that the first and second movable members are fixed relative to the housing.

Abstract: This document provides fluid handling components. For example, this document relates to taper interface connections such as, but not limited to, luer taper interface connections used to couple fluid handling components in a medical or laboratory setting. In some embodiments, the threaded connection on the male portion of the taper interface is comprised of one or two opposing tabs, rather than a 360° collar like conventional luer lock fittings. As such, the taper interface components provided herein are readily manufacturable with a lower cost than conventional fittings that have a collar. In some embodiments, the taper interface components provided herein are configured for coupling by way of a quick connection technique.

Abstract: A mechanical clamping device can include at least two contact faces, a first of the contact faces configured to travel in response to an applied force, each contact face configured to contact a sample when loaded into the mechanical clamping device. The device can further include a load element configured to cause the two contact faces to apply a clamping force to the sample when loaded into the mechanical clamping device.

Abstract: A bioreactor system includes a sample chamber capable of receiving a specimen and a cover which can be placed on the chamber to enclose the specimen within the chamber. A first member is movable between (i) a closed position in which the member restricts the cover from being moved away from the chamber in a first direction, and (ii) an open position in which the member does not restrict the cover from being moved away from the chamber. When the first member is in the closed position there is a substantially liquid proof seal between the cover and the chamber.

Abstract: A bandwidth reallocation circuit can monitor data traffic to and/or from logical network segments (LNSs) of a segmented network. As the data traffic rate to and/or from individual LNSs changes, the bandwidth reallocation circuit can dynamically reallocate the total bandwidth among the LNSs to meet changing bandwidth needs. Thus, as some of the LNSs become busy with data traffic, network bandwidth can be temporarily borrowed for less active LNSs. This can result in more efficient use of the network bandwidth capacity of the network than has been achieved in the prior art, which can significantly increase the speed at which data can be uploaded and/or downloaded to the individual LNSs.

Abstract: A securing apparatus includes a housing, a cam member, and a movable device that can be moved in a first direction to engage a first surface of the cam member to cause the cam member to move from a first position to a second position. When the cam member is in the first position, first and second movable members can be moved relative to the housing. When the cam member is in the second position, second and third surfaces of the cam member press respectively against the first and second movable members to trap the first and second movable members respectively between the second and third surfaces of the cam member and the housing such that the first and second movable members are fixed relative to the housing.

Abstract: Example methods and systems for associating a telephone number with an email address are disclosed. One example method includes receiving a telephone number, receiving a first email address, and associating the first email address with a second email address. At least a portion of the second email address includes the telephone number. Email messages sent to the second email address are then forwarded to the first email address.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling fluid flow characteristics includes a fluid conduit for containing a fluid, a first dynamic pump connected to a first portion of the conduit, a second dynamic pump connected to a second portion of the conduit and a controller for operating the first and second dynamic pumps to control dynamic flow of the fluid and dynamic pressure in the fluid in the conduit.

Abstract: A system for applying mechanical stimulation to a biologic sample includes a first biologic sample chamber having a biologic sample holder therein, a support structure for holding the first biologic sample chamber, and a first actuator that can supply a mechanical load to a biologic sample held by the biologic sample holder. The actuator is configured to move into a first position proximate to the chamber in which the actuator can transmit the load to the biologic sample via a first transmission path that includes the biologic sample holder. A controller is configured to automatically move the first actuator into the first position.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a chamber insert capable of being received by a sample chamber of a conditioning system. The received chamber insert reduces the volume of the sample chamber and defines a cavity that substantially surrounds a sample holder located in the sample chamber.

Abstract: A multi-sample conditioning system may include a sample chamber for each sample or a sample chamber holding one or more samples. Multiple samples enable replication for statistical analysis and individual sample chambers enable individual nutrient flow profiles for each sample. A mechanical imbalance may be created when a sample chamber is removed or when samples of different stiffness are conditioned together. The mechanical imbalance may result in an undesired alteration of the desired conditioning profile and increase the variation in the conditioning profile applied to each sample. An asymmetric-loading support assembly provides a low friction support to reduce the undesired alteration of the desired conditioning profile applied to the samples and reduce unwanted reaction loads on the conditioning drive mechanisms. The asymmetric-loading support assembly preferably includes a flexure as the low-friction, high-stiffness support.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a chamber insert capable of being received by a sample chamber of a conditioning system. The received chamber insert reduces the volume of the sample chamber and defines a cavity that substantially surrounds a sample holder located in the sample chamber.

Abstract: A multi-sample conditioning system may include a sample chamber for each sample or a sample chamber holding one or more samples. Multiple samples enable replication for statistical analysis and individual sample chambers enable individual nutrient flow profiles for each sample. A mechanical imbalance may be created when a sample chamber is removed or when samples of different stiffness are conditioned together. The mechanical imbalance may result in an undesired alteration of the desired conditioning profile and increase the variation in the conditioning profile applied to each sample. An asymmetric-loading support assembly provides a low friction support to reduce the undesired alteration of the desired conditioning profile applied to the samples and reduce unwanted reaction loads on the conditioning drive mechanisms. The asymmetric-loading support assembly preferably includes a flexure as the low-friction, high-stiffness support.

Abstract: A multi-sample biologic material stimulation and characterization system includes individual flow paths for each sample. Each individual flow path can maintain sterile conditions and may be chemically monitored. The mean flow rate and pulsatile flow rate through each sample may be individually controlled. Pressure at the sample is controlled independently of the flow rate through downstream variable flow restrictors. An axial force may be applied to each sample. A radial force may be applied via hydrostatic pressure of chamber fluid surrounding each sample. A real-time controller manages the system and saves information gathered from the transducers and actuators of the system.

Abstract: A multi-sample biologic material stimulation and characterization system includes individual flow paths for each sample. Each individual flow path can maintain sterile conditions and may be chemically monitored. The mean flow rate and pulsatile flow rate through each sample may be individually controlled. Pressure at the sample is controlled independently of the flow rate through downstream variable flow restrictors. An axial force may be applied to each sample. A radial force may be applied via hydrostatic pressure of chamber fluid surrounding each sample. A real-time controller manages the system and saves information gathered from the transducers and actuators of the system.