Abstract: A group of micro-objects in a holding pen in a micro-fluidic device can be selected and moved to a staging area, from which the micro-objects can be exported from the micro-fluidic device. The micro-fluidic device can have a plurality of holding pens, and each holding pen can isolate micro-objects located in the holding pen from micro-objects located in the other holding pens or elsewhere in the micro-fluidic device. The selected group of micro-objects can comprise one or more biological cells, such as a clonal population of cells. Embodiments of the invention can thus select a particular group of clonal cells in a micro-fluidic device, move the clonal cells to a staging area, and export the clonal cells from the micro-fluidic device while maintaining the clonal nature of the exported group.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for bonding polymeric parts are disclosed. Specifically, in one embodiment, the polymeric parts are bonded by plastically deforming them against each other while they are below the glass transition temperatures.

Abstract: A control system for forming a tapered structure includes a sensor providing feedback for a machine for forming a tapered structure including at least three rolls having at least one bend roll and at least two guide rolls. The guide rolls may include rollette banks having a plurality of rollettes. The machine may also include an adjustment mechanism to position at least one of the rolls, where a diameter of the tapered structure being formed is controlled by relative positions of the rolls. The machine may also include a joining element to join edges of a stock of material together as it is rolled through the rolls to form the tapered structure. The control system may also include a controller to receive feedback from the sensor and to send a control signal based on the feedback to the adjustment mechanism for positioning at least one of the rolls.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for uniform growth of nanostructures such as nanotubes (e.g., carbon nanotubes) on the surface of a substrate, wherein the long axes of the nanostructures may be substantially aligned. The nanostructures may be further processed for use in various applications, such as composite materials. For example, a set of aligned nanostructures may be formed and transferred, either in bulk or to another surface, to another material to enhance the properties of the material. In some cases, the nanostructures may enhance the mechanical properties of a material, for example, providing mechanical reinforcement at an interface between two materials or plies. In some cases, the nanostructures may enhance thermal and/or electronic properties of a material. The present invention also provides systems and methods for growth of nanostructures, including batch processes and continuous processes.

Abstract: A group of micro-objects in a holding pen in a micro-fluidic device can be selected and moved to a staging area, from which the micro-objects can be exported from the micro-fluidic device. The micro-fluidic device can have a plurality of holding pens, and each holding pen can isolate micro-objects located in the holding pen from micro-objects located in the other holding pens or elsewhere in the micro-fluidic device. The selected group of micro-objects can comprise one or more biological cells, such as a clonal population of cells. Embodiments of the invention can thus select a particular group of clonal cells in a micro-fluidic device, move the clonal cells to a staging area, and export the clonal cells from the micro-fluidic device while maintaining the clonal nature of the exported group.

Abstract: The flow cell includes first and second reservoirs having a selected volume containing a flowable redox electrode. A membrane separates charged and discharged material. An energy-extraction region includes electronically conductive porous current collectors through or adjacent to which the flowable redox electrodes flow and to which charge transfer occurs. Structure is provided for altering orientation of the flow cell whereby gravity induces flow of the flowable redox electrode between the first and second reservoirs to deliver power. By varying the angle of the cell, flow rate and power delivered on discharge or the charge rate on charge may be varied.

Abstract: A method for creating a tapered spiral welded conical structure where the overall shape of the cone is first graphically slit axially and unwrapped, and then a series of construction arcs and lines are created to form the edge lines of a strip that can then be wrapped (rolled) to form a tapered conical structure. The edges of the spirally wound strip can be welded together, and a very large conical structure can thus be achieved. Various construction options are presented from a constant width strip to strip made from straight segments. Equations are given for the formation of the strips to enable those skilled in the art of spiral welded tubing to practice the invention.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for bonding polymeric parts are disclosed. Specifically, in one embodiment, the polymeric parts are bonded by plastically deforming them against each other while they are below the glass transition temperatures. A method includes: placing a first polymeric part in contact with a second polymeric part; and plastically deforming the first polymeric part and the second polymeric part against each other to bond the first polymeric part to the second polymeric part. Additionally, during the plastic deformation, a temperature of the first polymeric part is less than a glass transition temperature of the first polymeric part and a temperature of the second polymeric part is less than a glass transition temperature of the second polymeric part.

Abstract: An apparatus provides targeted placement of openings for infusing fluids into a body. The apparatus provides a driving force to a penetrating medical device, such as a needle, when the apparatus tip encounters material of high resistance. When the apparatus tip encounters a low resistance material, no further driving force is applied to the apparatus due to contraction of an element made of interlaced flexible elements. A multi-opening needle is provided in some embodiments wherein placement of one of the openings in a target region with a relatively lower external pressure allows pressurized fluid to exit the needle while openings remaining in higher pressure, non-target regions do not release substantial amounts of the fluid.

Abstract: Feeding stock used to form a tapered structure into a curving device such that each point on the stock undergoes rotational motion about a peak location of the tapered structure; and the stock meets a predecessor portion of stock along one or more adjacent edges.

Abstract: A control system for forming a tapered structure includes a sensor providing feedback for a machine for forming a tapered structure including at least three rolls having at least one bend roll and at least two guide rolls. The guide rolls may include rollette banks having a plurality of rollettes. The machine may also include an adjustment mechanism to position at least one of the rolls, where a diameter of the tapered structure being formed is controlled by relative positions of the rolls. The machine may also include a joining element to join edges of a stock of material together as it is rolled through the rolls to form the tapered structure. The control system may also include a controller to receive feedback from the sensor and to send a control signal based on the feedback to the adjustment mechanism for positioning at least one of the rolls.

Abstract: The described embodiments relate to adjustable fixtures. A number of adjustable length cylindrical pins can be utilized to form a conformal support structure in accordance with a workpiece having any number of variations. At least three fixed length pins having heights lower than the adjustable length pins, can be interspersed with the adjustable length cylindrical pins to define an orientation at which the workpiece is held. Because the adjustable length pins have an uncompressed height greater than the fixed length pins, each of the adjustable length pins can be compressed in accordance with a bottom surface of the workpiece when the workpiece is pressed against the fixed length pin. In this way a conformal support structure can be formed that supports the workpiece during a machining operation.

Abstract: A method for creating a tapered spiral welded conical structure where the overall shape of the cone is first graphically slit axially and unwrapped, and then a series of construction arcs and lines are created to form the edge lines of a strip that can then be wrapped (rolled) to form a tapered conical structure. The edges of the spirally wound strip can be welded together, and a very large conical structure can thus be achieved. Various construction options are presented from a constant width strip to strip made from straight segments. Equations are given for the formation of the strips to enable those skilled in the art of spiral welded tubing to practice the invention.

Abstract: Methods and systems for manufacturing a tablet are generally provided. Certain embodiments comprise electrodepositing (e.g., electrospinning) a material (e.g., the tablet material, for example, within a fluid) onto a substrate. The substrate can be, for example, an elongated rod. In some such embodiments, after material has been electrodeposited onto the substrate, a die comprising a cavity and the substrate can be moved relative to each other such that the electrodeposited material is at least partially stripped from the substrate and/or at least partially deposited into the cavity of the die. Some embodiments comprise compressing the material in the cavity to form a tablet.

Abstract: Electrochemical cells and methods of making electrochemical cells are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a multi-layer sheet for encasing an electrode material for an electrochemical cell. The multi-layer sheet including an outer layer, an intermediate layer that includes a conductive substrate, and an inner layer disposed on a portion of the conductive substrate. The intermediate layer is disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer. The inner layer defines an opening through which a conductive region of the intermediate layer is exposed such that the electrode material can be electrically connected to the conductive region. Thus, the intermediate layer can serve as a current collector for the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: Feeding stock used to form a tapered structure into a curving device such that each point on the stock undergoes rotational motion about a peak location of the tapered structure; and the stock meets a predecessor portion of stock along one or more adjacent edges.

Abstract: An apparatus provides feedback regarding the material in which tip of the apparatus is located as the tip is advanced into matter of varying resistances. The apparatus responds to a change in pressure, force, or other parameter such that when the tip reaches matter of a certain resistance, a change in the parameter is sensed. The apparatus provides a driving force to a penetrating medical device, such as a needle, when the apparatus tip encounters material of high resistance. When the apparatus tip encounters a low resistance material, no further driving force is applied to the apparatus. An inner core may be advanced into the low resistance material for deployment of a gas or a liquid as desired.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a massage device configured to provide a squeezing pressure. The massage device may include an elastically extensible and bendable connector element and at least two rolling massage elements. A portion of the elastically extensible and bendable connector element and the at least two rolling massage elements form a massaging zone configured to receive one or more body parts. The body parts may include feet, forearms, and the like. Accordingly, the massage device may provide relief for specific conditions such as plantar fasciitis and carpel tunnel syndrome.

Abstract: A group of micro-objects in a holding pen in a micro-fluidic device can be selected and moved to a staging area, from which the micro-objects can be exported from the micro-fluidic device. The micro-fluidic device can have a plurality of holding pens, and each holding pen can isolate micro-objects located in the holding pen from micro-objects located in the other holding pens or elsewhere in the micro-fluidic device. The selected group of micro-objects can comprise one or more biological cells, such as a clonal population of cells. Embodiments of the invention can thus select a particular group of clonal cells in a micro-fluidic device, move the clonal cells to a staging area, and export the clonal cells from the micro-fluidic device while maintaining the clonal nature of the exported group.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a massage device configured to provide a squeezing pressure. The massage device may include an elastically extensible and bendable connector element and at least two rolling massage elements. A portion of the elastically extensible and bendable connector element and the at least two rolling massage elements form a massaging zone configured to receive one or more body parts. The body parts may include feet, forearms, and the like. Accordingly, the massage device may provide relief for specific conditions such as plantar fasciitis and carpel tunnel syndrome.