Abstract: A device (10), for receiving fluid, having a block (12) which comprises: a chamber (14) comprising a top and a bottom; and a chamber outlet (20) at the bottom of the chamber (14). The block (12) further comprises a magnetic stirrer (30) suspended in the chamber (14), wherein the magnetic stirrer (30) terminates above the bottom of the chamber (14), and is rotatably supported inside the chamber (14). The block (12) further comprises a microchannel (26) fluidly connected to the chamber (14) via the chamber outlet (20). The microchannel (26) may be fluidly connected to a downstream reservoir (24), and an upstream reservoir (22). The device (10) is suited for mixing a bead/cell suspension and an oil-based fluid in the microchannel (26) such that they form an emulsion which comprises a plurality of droplets, wherein at least one of the droplets encapsulates a bead/cell.

Abstract: A device (10), for receiving fluid, having a block (12) which comprises: a chamber (14) comprising a top and a bottom; and a chamber outlet (20) at the bottom of the chamber (14). The block (12) further comprises a magnetic stirrer (30) suspended in the chamber (14), wherein the magnetic stirrer (30) terminates above the bottom of the chamber (14), and is rotatably supported inside the chamber (14). The block (12) further comprises a microchannel (26) fluidly connected to the chamber (14) via the chamber outlet (20). The microchannel (26) may be fluidly connected to a downstream reservoir (24), and an upstream reservoir (22). The device (10) is suited for mixing a bead/cell suspension and an oil-based fluid in the microchannel (26) such that they form an emulsion which comprises a plurality of droplets, wherein at least one of the droplets encapsulates a bead/cell.

Abstract: A reactor device (100) for reaction fluid comprising a reaction vessel (102) comprising: an end cap (104) comprising at least one passage (112) for the reaction fluid; and at least one tube (116) which extends through the reaction vessel (102). The reaction vessel is operable to receive a control fluid outside the at least one tube (116) for controlling the temperature inside the at least one tube (116). A manifold (200) is connectable to the end cap (104) and comprises at least one channel (206) for reaction fluid. An outlet (208) from the manifold (200) is in fluid communication with the tube (116). The end cap (104) has a thermal conductivity of greater than 1 watt per square meter kelvin to provide a thermal coupling between the control fluid and the manifold (200).

Abstract: A combined clamping and supporting ring for a reaction vessel having a radial flange at a junction between a vessel body and a vessel lid. The ring is capable of clamping around the flange to clamp the lid to the body and support the reaction vessel. The ring comprises a two-part collar comprising a U-shape main portion wide enough at one end to receive the flange of the reaction vessel in a direction parallel to the plane of the ring and a closure portion moveable with respect to the main portion to dose the collar. The collar has at least one support that fits under the flange of the reaction vessel to support the reaction vessel, and at least one clamping member that is arranged to engage above and below the flange to clamp the lid to the body when the collar is closed. At least two supports are provided in the main portion, one on each side of the U-shaped main portion.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for creating a three dimensional device (100). The apparatus comprises a dispensing head (14) for dispensing material, and a base member (16) for receiving the material dispensed from the dispensing head (14). A controller (20) is provided for controlling the operation of the apparatus (10). The apparatus is operable to create the three dimensional device (100) by depositing a series of line deposits of material from the dispensing head (14) based on predetermined commands sent by the controller (20). The controller (20) is operable to control how the line deposits are dispensed to improve the sealing properties of the device (100).

Abstract: An ostomy appliance is described in the form of a controlled discharge device for controlling discharge from the stoma and/or an ostomy pouch for collecting discharged waste. The appliance may include one or more of: an elastomeric stoma seal for providing a seal around or directly against the stoma; a stoma occluder for occluding the stoma without passing internally into the stoma; a peristomal foam wall; a confinement seal for confining at least solid excreta to a confinement region adjacent to the stoma; a stowable collector bag; and interchangeable controlled discharge devices and ostomy pouches. The foam wall may provide a barrier to stool, but allow escape of flatus. The foam wall and/or the stoma occluder and/or the confinement seal may apply a force in a direction to increase the sealing force on the stoma seal.

Abstract: A microfluidic system comprising a microchannel (2), a pressurised reservoir (3-5) of fluid and a positive displacement pump (7-9) downstream of the reservoir for pumping the fluid from the reservoir to the microchannel.

Abstract: A chain sprocket assembly for use in a motor vehicle transfer case includes a torque limiting clutch which limits the torque provided to a secondary drive line. The chain sprocket assembly includes a chain receiving collar having an inwardly extending annular member which is received between two friction clutch packs. The friction clutch packs are operably disposed between the chain receiving collar and a circular housing which is splined to a secondary output shaft of the transfer case. A spring biasing mechanism which engages outer faces of the clutch packs and compresses them against the annular member of the chain receiving collar may be adjusted to provide a desired compressive force to achieve a desired maximum torque throughput from the chain to the secondary output shaft.

Abstract: A chain sprocket assembly for use in a motor vehicle transfer case includes a torque limiting clutch which limits the torque provided to a secondary drive line. The chain sprocket assembly includes a chain receiving collar having an inwardly extending annular member which is received between two friction clutch packs. The friction clutch packs are operably disposed between the chain receiving collar and a circular housing which is splined to a secondary output shaft of the transfer case. A spring biasing mechanism which engages outer faces of the clutch packs and compresses them against the annular member of the chain receiving collar may be adjusted to provide a desired compressive force to achieve a desired maximum torque throughput from the chain to the secondary output shaft.