Abstract: A method for separating and enriching sperm from a tissue sample comprises: obtaining a microfluidic separating system having an inlet end and an outlet end, and a membrane filter (e.g., hollow fiber membrane filter) fluidly connected to the outlet end; separating the tissue sample via the microfluidic separating system into a debris fluid volume and a sperm fluid volume; and enriching the sperm fluid volume by removing excess media via the membrane filter. A two-stage tissue sample separation system comprising: a microchannel structure defining a separation fluid channel to form a separation stage; an inlet end of the microchannel structure; an outlet end of the microchannel structure; and a membrane filter fluidly connected to the outlet end for removal of at least a portion of excess media in the tissue sample.

Abstract: A method of isolating sperm of a fluid sample comprises separating, in an initial separation operation, the fluid sample via a microfluidic separating system into a first debris fluid volume and a first sperm fluid volume, and then reflowing the first sperm fluid volume and a dilution fluid through the microfluidic separating system to recycle the first sperm fluid volume, and then separating, in a subsequent separation operation, the first sperm fluid volume into a second debris fluid volume and a second sperm fluid volume via the microfluidic separating system.

Abstract: A method for separating and enriching sperm from a tissue sample comprises: obtaining a microfluidic separating system having an inlet end and an outlet end, and a membrane filter (e.g., hollow fiber membrane filter) fluidly connected to the outlet end; separating the tissue sample via the microfluidic separating system into a debris fluid volume and a sperm fluid volume; and enriching the sperm fluid volume by removing excess media via the membrane filter. A two-stage tissue sample separation system comprising: a microchannel structure defining a separation fluid channel to form a separation stage; an inlet end of the microchannel structure; an outlet end of the microchannel structure; and a membrane filter fluidly connected to the outlet end for removal of at least a portion of excess media in the tissue sample.

Abstract: A microfluidic device can include a temperature regulator positioned to generate a temperature gradient across a thermally controlled portion of the microfluidic device from a high temperature region to a low temperature region. Additionally, the microfluidic device can include a bi-directional microfluidic serpentine pathway having a first terminus and a second terminus. The bi-directional microfluidic serpentine pathway can be oriented along a longitudinal direction transverse to the temperature gradient. Further, the bi-directional microfluidic serpentine pathway can include a plurality of oscillation segments fluidly coupling the first terminus to the second terminus and forming a flow path adapted to oscillate a fluid between the high temperature region and the low temperature region. The bi-directional microfluidic serpentine pathway can have a uniform cross section to facilitate bi-directional flow.

Abstract: A microfluidic device can include a temperature regulator positioned to generate a temperature gradient across a thermally controlled portion of the microfluidic device from a high temperature region to a low temperature region. Additionally, the microfluidic device can include a bi-directional microfluidic serpentine pathway having a first terminus and a second terminus. The bi-directional microfluidic serpentine pathway can be oriented along a longitudinal direction transverse to the temperature gradient. Further, the bi-directional microfluidic serpentine pathway can include a plurality of oscillation segments fluidly coupling the first terminus to the second terminus and forming a flow path adapted to oscillate a fluid between the high temperature region and the low temperature region. The bi-directional microfluidic serpentine pathway can have a uniform cross section to facilitate bi-directional flow.

Abstract: A computer-based method for gamifying ride sharing, including: storing computer readable instructions in at least one memory element of at least one computer; and executing, using at least one processor for the at least one computer, the computer readable instructions to: accept a first input including a sign-up by a user for a game; accept a second input including information regarding single occupant vehicle trips reduced by the user; assign, according to the information, a position of the user on a virtual board for the game, a ranking of the user in the game and at least one reward to the user; and transmit, for display, a graphical representation of the virtual board including the position of the user.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a pair of components includes a tooth and adaptor for an earth-moving apparatus. The adaptor is for mounting the tooth on an earth-moving bucket, this mounting being releasable to allow replacement of the tooth when worn. The components define aligned passages through which a locking pin extends to retain the components together. The locking pin has formations for engaging formations on the first component when the pin is rotated from a free position into a locked position. The pin has an insertion recess which is aligned with the formations allowing the pin, in the free position, to be inserted into, or removed from, the aligned passages. The formations are resiliently movable to stably engage the pin when in the locked position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spotter device and methods for the formation of microassays, biochips, biosensors, and cell cultures. The spotter may be used to deposit highly concentrated spots of protein or other materials on a microarray a slide, wafer, or other substrate. The spotter uses microfluidic conduits and orifices to deposit proteins, other biomolecules, or chemicals on a spot on a substrate. Each orifice is part of a fluid pathways that includes an inlet and outlet conduit. When the spotter contacts a substrate a seal is formed between the orifices and the substrate.

Abstract: A computer based system for managing vehicles, including: a memory unit for at least one specially programmed computer, for storing a request from a first user regarding a trip including a starting point, destination, and schedule. The system includes a processor for the computer for receiving a request from a second user regarding a trip including a starting point, a destination, and a schedule. The processor calculates whether the requests are compatible by calculating whether the following are true: the starting points are within a range of each other; the destinations are within a range of each other; and the schedules are within a range of each other. If the requests are compatible, the processor is for: assigning a vehicle from a plurality of vehicles to the requests; and displaying a notification regarding the assignment of the vehicle.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a pair of components includes a tooth and adaptor for an earth-moving apparatus. The adaptor is for mounting the tooth on an earth-moving bucket, this mounting being releasable to allow replacement of the tooth when worn. The components define aligned passages through which a locking pin extends to retain the components together. The locking pin has formations for engaging formations on the first component when the pin is rotated from a free position into a locked position. The pin has an insertion recess which is aligned with the formations allowing the pin, in the free position, to be inserted into, or removed from, the aligned passages. The formations are resiliently movable to stably engage the pin when in the locked position.

Abstract: There is disclosed a pair of components which, in the embodiment described, are a tooth (2) and adaptor (3) for earth-moving apparatus (1). The adaptor is for mounting the tooth on an earth-moving bucket, this mounting being releasable to allow replacement of the tooth when worn. The components define aligned passages (11) through which a locking pin (12) extends to retain the components together. The locking pin has formations (22) for engaging formations (20) on the first component when the pin is rotated from a free position into a locked position. The pin has an insertion recess (27) which is aligned with the formations (20) allowing the pin, in the free position, to be inserted into, or removed from, the aligned passages. The formations (20) are resiliently movable to stably engage the pin when in the locked position.

Abstract: A method for making a microstructure includes: providing a film (100) on a release liner (110); feeding the film through a cutting plotter (10); cutting the film with a knife blade (34) of the cutting plotter to form a microstructure pattern; peeling the microstructure pattern from the release liner; and transferring the microstructure pattern to a substrate (170). The cutting plotter for making microstructures includes a knife head with a knife blade disposed adjacent a feed mechanism (20), a motor (42) and control system coupled to the knife head for selectively moving the knife head in relation to the film, and the control system and the knife head having an addressable positioning resolution less than approximately 10 ?m.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spotter device and methods for the formation of microassays, biochips, biosensors, and cell cultures. The spotter may be used to deposit highly concentrated spots of protein or other materials on a microarray slide, wafer, or other surface. It may also be used to perform various chemistry steps on the same spots. The spotter increases the surface density of substances at each spot by directing a flow the desired substance (or a solution thereof) over the spot area until surface saturation is accomplished. The spotter may be loaded by well plate handling equipment. The spotter uses wells, microfluidic conduits, and orifices to deposit proteins, other biomolecules, or chemicals on a spot on a separate surface. Each orifice is connected to two wells via microconduits. When the spotter contacts a surface, a seal is formed between the orifices and the surface. The same or different substances may be flowed across each orifice. Any number of orifices may be incorporated into a spotter.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spotter device and methods for the formation of microassays, biochips, biosensors, and cell cultures. The spotter may be used to deposit highly concentrated spots of protein or other materials on a microarray a slide, wafer, or other substrate. The spotter uses microfluidic conduits and orifices to deposit proteins, other biomolecules, or chemicals on a spot on a substrate. Each orifice is part of a fluid pathways that includes an inlet and outlet conduit. When the spotter contacts a substrate a seal is formed between the orifices and the substrate.

Abstract: A pump device (10a, 10b, 10c) includes means for both transferring rotational momentum to the fluid by viscous forces, and imparting centrifugal forces to the fluid. The pump (10a, 10b) can include a wiper (44) extending partially across at least one rotatable disc surface (48, 48b, 48c) of at least one rotatable disc (52, 52b, 52c). The pump (10c) can include a rotatable shaft (150) with a hollow cavity (154) extending from one end to at least one slot (158) extending radially from the hollow cavity.