Abstract: Devices used to drain fluid are disclosed. The devices may be configured to drain fluid from a body cavity using a vacuum pressure. The devices include a reservoir and a vacuum generating member configured to expand the reservoir and generate a vacuum pressure within the reservoir. The devices can be configured to be shipped in a collapsed state.

Abstract: Breathable residual-limb system that admits air and allows sweat to evaporate from the surface of the residual limb. In an embodiment, the system comprises a liner sock to be worn on the residual limb, and comprising air-permeable textile forming a substantially cylindrical portion that is closed on a distal end and open on a proximal end and comprising an internal surface and an external surface. The liner sock further comprises a friction-interface material that covers only a portion of the internal surface of the air-permeable textile, such that, when worn on the residual limb, the friction-interface material contacts a surface of the residual limb, and an uncovered portion of the air-permeable textile which the friction-interface material does not cover allows air to pass between an external environment of the liner sock and the surface of the residual limb.

Abstract: A trunk control system having a harness assembly and a flexion control assembly. The harness assembly has a backrest member and a harness secured to the backrest member. The backrest member is configured to be moveably coupled to a wheelchair. The backrest member is selectively moveable about and between a fully retracted position and a fully extended position. The harness cooperates with the backrest member to define a receiving space for receiving at least a portion of a torso of a wheelchair user. The flexion control assembly is coupled to the backrest member of the harness assembly. The flexion control assembly is configured to selectively permit or restrict movement of the backrest member about and between the fully retracted position and the fully extended position.

Abstract: A filtration system can include a loading member configured to receive a plurality of filtration members which can be sequentially moved from a non-active position in which a respective one of the plurality of filtration members is not in fluid communication with a sample flow path of the cell removal system, to an active position in which the respective filtration member is in fluid communication with the sample flow path, and to a discarded position in which the respective filtration member has been removed from fluid communication with the sample flow path.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, systems, and methods for measuring socket fit in lower limb prostheses and detecting motion of a residual limb relative to a prosthetic socket. Also disclosed herein are methods for developing a socket-fit detection system for sock management that can be applied to adjustable socket systems.

Abstract: An educational game (and learning management system and methods pertaining to the same) can be configured for the effective teaching of advanced educational curriculum, such as STEM subjects for high school and above. The educational game is configured to integrate social context, real scientific principles and strategic tradeoffs within game mechanisms. This covert teaching and testing environment promotes exploration, individualized discovery, repeat engagement, and systems thinking and planning skills. The educational game can be dynamically and procedurally generated.

Abstract: A wheelchair having a frame and a drive wheel coupled to the frame. The drive wheel rotates relative to the frame about a first axis of rotation. A first push rim is coupled to the frame. The first push rim rotates relative to the frame about a second axis of rotation that extends substantially parallel to the first axis of rotation. A second push rim is coupled to the frame. The second push rim rotates relative to the frame about a third axis of rotation that extends substantially parallel to the first axis of rotation. A transmission transmits rotation of each of the first and second push rims to the drive wheel. Movement of the first push rim by a first arc length causes the drive wheel to rotate by a first angular displacement, and movement of the second push rim by the first arc length causes the drive wheel to rotate by a second angular displacement that is greater than the first angular displacement.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, systems, and methods for measuring socket fit in lower limb prostheses and detecting motion of a residual limb relative to a prosthetic socket. Also disclosed herein are methods for developing a socket-fit detection system for sock management that can be applied to adjustable socket systems.

Abstract: A sampling system can include a cassette assembly coupled to a station base that has a plurality of actuators. The cassette assembly can include a cassette base, a cassette top, and an elastomer membrane disposed between the cassette base and cassette top. The cassette base can include a sample inlet, a reservoir for receiving a sample from the sample inlet, a sample outlet, and a fluid flow path extending between the sample inlet, the reservoir, and the sample outlet.

Abstract: A thrombosis macerating and aspiration device for macerating and aspirating blood clots and blockages in a blood vessel is disclosed. In some embodiments, the macerating element of the device rotates and creates a partial vacuum to assist in the aspiration of the blood clot of blockage. The macerating element may have a variety of different designs and shapes and in some embodiments, the macerating element is expandable.

Abstract: A capsule containing a substance for the preparation of a potable beverage. The capsule comprises an aluminum capsule body having a side wall and an outwardly extending flange and a sealing member at the outwardly extending flange for providing a fluid sealing contact with an enclosing member of a beverage preparation device. The beverage preparation device comprises an annular element having a free contact end which may be provided with a plurality of radially extending open grooves. The sealing member is integral with the outwardly extending flange and comprises at least one projection projecting from the outwardly extending flange. The projection comprising a projection top and is configured such that its projection top exerts a radial force on the free contact end of the annular element if the capsule is positioned in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device and the enclosing member is closed by means of a closing member of the beverage preparation device.

Abstract: A system for heating and frothing a beverage includes a device for preparing a beverage and a wand (12). The device has a wand holder (31) in which the wand is removably mountable to hold the wand in an operative position and a steam nozzle (15) operably connectable with a source of steam. The steam nozzle (15) is movable between a wand insertion position spaced from the wand holder to permit the wand to be inserted into or removed from the wand holder and a wand engagement position in which it operatively engages with an inlet end of the wand. The device has an actuator arrangement (60) operative to move the steam nozzle between said wand insertion and wand engagement positions and a control system for regulating actuation of the actuator arrangement.

Abstract: An invention as provided is a method of preparing a beverage or beverage extract comprising steps of: a. providing an extraction chamber comprising an extractable beverage material, a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, and b. conveying a liquid into the chamber via the inlet and at least a portion of the liquid out of the chamber via the outlet, and c. conveying at least a portion of the liquid that has exited the chamber from step b) back into the chamber via the outlet and conveying at least a portion of the liquid out of the chamber via the inlet. wherein steps b) and c) are repeated at least twice, and wherein at least a portion of the liquid conveyed into the chamber in at least one subsequent step b), in addition to the first step b), is conveyed into the chamber for the first time.

Abstract: A method of dispensing a beverage comprising: a) inserting a beverage ingredient tablet (20) into a beverage preparation machine (30); b) measuring a characteristic associated with the thickness of at least a portion of the beverage ingredient tablet (20) to identify the beverage ingredient tablet (20); c) configuring one or more dispense parameters of the beverage preparation machine (30) based on the identification of the beverage ingredient tablet (20); and d) operating the beverage preparation machine (30) to dispense a beverage by contacting the beverage ingredient tablet (20) with an aqueous fluid.

Abstract: A capsule containing a substance for the preparation of a potable beverage. The capsule comprises an aluminum capsule body having a side wall and an outwardly extending flange and a sealing member at the outwardly extending flange for providing a fluid sealing contact with an enclosing member of a beverage preparation device. The beverage preparation device comprises an annular element having a free contact end which may be provided with a plurality of radially extending open grooves. The sealing member is integral with the outwardly extending flange and comprises at least one projection projecting from the outwardly extending flange. The projection comprising a projection top and is configured such that its projection top exerts a radial force on the free contact end of the annular element if the capsule is positioned in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device and the enclosing member is closed by means of a closing member of the beverage preparation device.

Abstract: A beverage fluid dispensing head comprising a housing; and a fluid track, at least in part, arranged inside the housing. The fluid track comprises: an inlet channel arranged for receiving a beverage fluid, such as coffee, from a beverage apparatus; a collection chamber, fluidly connected to the inlet channel, for receiving the beverage fluid therefrom; and at least one outlet channel. The at least one outlet channel is fluidly connected to the collection chamber for receiving the beverage fluid from the collection chamber. A downstream part of the at least one outlet channel is formed as a tongue-shaped flow guide which is downwardly directed for, in use, guiding the received beverage fluid and submitting the received beverage fluid therefrom in the form of an integral fluid beam for dispensing.

Abstract: A wheelchair can comprise a frame and a plurality of wheels rotatably attached to the frame, and a motor coupled to the frame. A power source can be configured to power the motor. A drive shaft can be coupled to the motor. A first sprocket can be coupled to the drive shaft. A second sprocket can be configured to be rotationally fixed to a wheel of the plurality of wheels. A drive belt or chain can extend between the first sprocket and the second sprocket. An input device can be configured to receive an input from an operator and, in response to receiving the input, cause the motor to rotate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, systems, and methods for accommodating quick and easy exchange of footwear for lower limb amputees. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: A starter motor connected to a power supply and operable to start an internal combustion engine includes an outer housing and a solid state switching device associated with the outer housing. The outer housing encloses a commutator and a series of brushes. The solid state switching device is movable between an open position and a closed position. The current flow from the power supply through the commutator is prevented when the solid state switching device is in the open position.

Abstract: A capsule containing a substance for the preparation of a potable beverage. The capsule comprises an aluminum capsule body having a side wall and an outwardly extending flange and a sealing member at the outwardly extending flange for providing a fluid sealing contact with an enclosing member of a beverage preparation device. The beverage preparation device comprises an annular element having a free contact end which may be provided with a plurality of radially extending open grooves. The sealing member is integral with the outwardly extending flange and comprises at least one projection projecting from the outwardly extending flange. The projection comprising a projection top and is configured such that its projection top exerts a radial force on the free contact end of the annular element if the capsule is positioned in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device and the enclosing member is closed by means of a closing member of the beverage preparation device.