Abstract: A weight training apparatus includes an electrical hoist and a cable coupled to the electrical hoist. A first end of the cable is coupled to the electrical hoist and a second end is configured to attach to a barbell assembly. A sensor is configured to output a signal indicative of a lift position of the barbell assembly. A controller is programmed to compare the lift position to an predetermined vertical locations and activate the electrical hoist to change the lift position of the barbell assembly based at least in part on at least one of the lift position or vertical lift velocity relative to the predetermined vertical locations.

Abstract: An organic microgel system as support material for 3D printing of soft materials such as silicone and methods for manufacturing and using the organic microgel system are disclosed. In some embodiments, the organic microgel system comprises a plurality of microgel particles formed by blending a di-block copolymer and a tri-block copolymer in an organic solvent. The organic microgel system may allow high precision 3D printing of silicone objects with complex shapes.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions, methods, kits, and systems relating to smooth, spherical microgels which can be charge-neutral. The microgels can be made using an emulsification process. In certain aspects, charge-neutral microgels as described herein are suitable for 3D cell culture, use in perfusion bioreactors, and/or 3D printing of cells for 3D cell culture.

Abstract: A weight training apparatus includes an electrical hoist and a cable coupled to the electrical hoist. A first end of the cable is coupled to the electrical hoist and a second end is configured to attach to a barbell assembly. A sensor is configured to output a signal indicative of a lift position of the barbell assembly. A controller is programmed to compare the lift position to an predetermined vertical locations and activate the electrical hoist to change the lift position of the barbell assembly based at least in part on at least one of the lift position or vertical lift velocity relative to the predetermined vertical locations.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods relating to three-dimensional (3D) cell manufacturing utilizing a 3D growth media. According to aspects of the present disclosure, pluralities of cells and ECM components can be printed into a bioreactor as a sheet. Sheets can be retrieved, digested, split, and re-printed, thereby expanding the number of cells in an efficient manner that conserves space in a tissue culture incubator, conserves bioreactor consumables, and consumes nutrients required for cell maintenance and growth.

Abstract: An organic microgel system as support material for 3D printing of soft materials such as silicone and methods for manufacturing and using the organic microgel system are disclosed. In some embodiments, the organic microgel system comprises a plurality of microgel particles formed by blending a di-block copolymer and a tri-block copolymer in an organic solvent. The organic microgel system may allow high precision 3D printing of silicone objects with complex shapes.

Abstract: An organic microgel system as support material for 3D printing of soft materials such as silicone and methods for manufacturing and using the organic microgel system are disclosed. In some embodiments, the organic microgel system comprises a plurality of microgel particles formed by blending a di-block copolymer and a tri-block copolymer in an organic solvent. The organic microgel system may allow high precision 3D printing of silicone objects with complex shapes.

Abstract: Microgel particles for use in a three-dimensional cell growth medium are described. The microgel particles may be swellable and may have properties conducive to improved function and health of cells distributed within the three-dimensional cell growth medium. Related compositions, systems, and methods are also described. Also provided is a plurality of microgel particles and a liquid cell culture medium, wherein the microgel particles are swelled with the liquid cell culture medium to form a granular gel. Also provided is a method of preparing a three-dimensional cell growth medium is disclosed. The method may comprise: mixing a plurality of microgel particles, such as those described above, in a liquid cell culture medium. Also provided is a method of placing cells in a three-dimensional cell growth medium is disclosed. Also provided is a method of synthesizing a protein is disclosed.

Abstract: A variable radius cam mechanism is configured for use in a weight lifting apparatus. The variable radius cam mechanism includes a disk configured to rotate about an axis. The cam mechanism includes a cable guide coupled to the disk and defining a path for a cable and a radial tangent distance between the cable and the axis. The cam mechanism further includes one or more actuators coupled to the disk and the cable guide and configured to move the cable guide relative to the disk to change the radial tangent distance during rotation about the axis. The cam mechanism includes a controller programmed to operate the one or more actuators to cause the one or more actuators to move the cable guide to change the radial tangent distance thereby changing a force transferred through the cam mechanism.

Abstract: A variable radius cam mechanism is configured for use in a weight lifting apparatus. The variable radius cam mechanism includes a disk configured to rotate about an axis. The cam mechanism includes a cable guide coupled to the disk and defining a path for a cable and a radial tangent distance between the cable and the axis. The cam mechanism further includes one or more actuators coupled to the disk and the cable guide and configured to move the cable guide relative to the disk to change the radial tangent distance during rotation about the axis. The cam mechanism includes a controller programmed to operate the one or more actuators to cause the one or more actuators to move the cable guide to change the radial tangent distance thereby changing a force transferred through the cam mechanism.

Abstract: A weight training apparatus includes a telescoping pivot arm comprised of a concentric arrangement of an outer tube and an inner tube and configured to pivot about an axis and receive a weight at a predetermined position. The weight training apparatus further includes an actuator attached to the telescoping pivot arm and configured to cause relative motion between the inner tube and the outer tube to change a length between the predetermined position and the axis. The weight training apparatus further includes a sensor configured to output a signal indicative of an angular position of the telescoping pivot arm about the axis and a controller programmed to operate the actuator to cause the length to change based on the signal to achieve a target resistance profile.

Abstract: An organic microgel system as support material for 3D printing of soft materials such as silicone and methods for manufacturing and using the organic microgel system are disclosed. In some embodiments, the organic microgel system comprises a plurality of microgel particles formed by blending a di-block copolymer and a tri-block copolymer in an organic solvent. The organic microgel system may allow high precision 3D printing of silicone objects with complex shapes.

Abstract: A weight training apparatus includes a telescoping pivot arm comprised of a concentric arrangement of an outer tube and an inner tube and configured to pivot about an axis and receive a weight at a predetermined position. The weight training apparatus further includes an actuator attached to the telescoping pivot arm and configured to cause relative motion between the inner tube and the outer tube to change a length between the predetermined position and the axis. The weight training apparatus further includes a sensor configured to output a signal indicative of an angular position of the telescoping pivot arm about the axis and a controller programmed to operate the actuator to cause the length to change based on the signal to achieve a target resistance profile.

Abstract: A calibration system is provided for calibrating acoustic transducers such as phased array acoustic transducers and time of flight acoustic transducers. In one embodiment, a calibration block is provided with predetermined calibration features defined therein. The calibration block may be provided with guide surfaces or engagement surfaces utilized to position the transducers accurately with respect to the calibration features so that the same acoustic scanning views are consistently produced. In one embodiment, the guide surfaces define a recessed region for acoustic couplant. The outputs can be combined to produce an image and compared to a known image to verify that the acoustic transducers are all oriented properly and calibrated for operation.

Abstract: A calibration system is provided for calibrating acoustic transducers such as phased array acoustic transducers and time of flight acoustic transducers. In one embodiment, a support frame for a plurality of acoustic transducers may be used to calibrate the transducers simultaneously. The support frame is modular and can be customized with respect to its overall configuration, the number of transducers, and the placement of the transducers. Groups of transducers may be added or removed as well as individual transducers. The outputs of the acoustic transducers are collected as the acoustic transducers are simultaneously moved and/or positioned. The outputs can be combined to produce an image and compared to a known image to verify that the acoustic transducers are all oriented properly and calibrated for operation.

Abstract: A calibration system is provided for calibrating acoustic transducers such as phased array acoustic transducers and time of flight acoustic transducers. In one embodiment, a calibration block is provided with predetermined calibration features defined therein. The calibration block may be provided with guide surfaces or engagement surfaces utilized to position the transducers accurately with respect to the calibration features so that the same acoustic scanning views are consistently produced. In one embodiment, the guide surfaces define a recessed region for acoustic couplant. The outputs can be combined to produce an image and compared to a known image to verify that the acoustic transducers are all oriented properly and calibrated for operation.

Abstract: A low-profile, flag quick-connect terminal connector assembly where the connector, when assembled, is completely insulated. The electrically-conductive, metallic connector has a transition with an industry-standard crimp at one end and a contact at the other. The contact floor and pair of opposed retention rails form a tab slot that is perpendicular to, centered on, and offset from the transition. The rigid plastic insulator covers the connector so that no part of the connector is outside of the insulator. The insulator provides a pre-lock mechanism where the contact is inside and the crimp is outside, and a locking mechanism where the connector is entirely within the insulator.