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: 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 cassette comprising: a first reservoir arranged to couple to a first actuator for imparting flow to a cell-containing solution in a first direction through a filter; a second reservoir arranged to couple to a second actuator for imparting flow to a cell-containing solution in a second direction through the filter; the filter being in fluid communication with the first and second reservoirs, and when connected to a filtration unit is in further fluid communication to a sample inlet, and a sample outlet; wherein, the cassette is disposable and housed by a connector being removeably adjoinable to the filtration unit, the filtration unit comprising the first and second actuators and one or more valves.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system includes a connecting rod, a rod bending device, and a plurality of bone screws. The connecting rod includes an elongate round portion, an elongate head portion and a neck portion connecting the elongate round portion with the elongate head portion. The rod bending device includes an elongate body defining an aperture configured and dimensioned to receive the connecting rod therethrough in a single orientation. The bone screws include a housing portion and a screw shaft distally extending from the housing portion. The housing portion includes an inner housing and an outer housing slidably surrounding at least a portion of the inner housing. The inner housing defines a slot configured and dimensioned to releasably secure the elongate round portion of the connecting rod therein. The outer housing is movable relative to the inner housing between an unlocked state and a locked state.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system includes a connecting rod, a rod bending device, and a plurality of bone screws. The connecting rod includes an elongate round portion, an elongate head portion and a neck portion connecting the elongate round portion with the elongate head portion. The rod bending device includes an elongate body defining an aperture configured and dimensioned to receive the connecting rod therethrough in a single orientation. The bone screws include a housing portion and a screw shaft distally extending from the housing portion. The housing portion includes an inner housing and an outer housing slidably surrounding at least a portion of the inner housing. The inner housing defines a slot configured and dimensioned to releasably secure the elongate round portion of the connecting rod therein. The outer housing is movable relative to the inner housing between an unlocked state and a locked state.

Abstract: A method for remotely detecting whether a subject is alive, comprising the steps of determining a calibration spectral signature for light reflectance from living skin, normalizing the calibration spectral signature values to the calibration reflectance value at a reference wavelength, storing the normalized calibration spectral signature, determining a subject spectral signature of the light reflectance of a region of skin of the subject whose liveness is to be determined, normalizing the subject spectral signature values to the subject reflectance value at the reference wavelength, comparing the normalized subject spectral signature with the normalized calibration spectral signature for at least one wavelength, generating a subject liveness signal based on the comparison of the normalized subject spectral signature with the normalized calibration spectral signature, and emitting the subject liveness signal.

Abstract: Methods of forming supple tissue dressing assemblies from hydrophilic polymer sponge structures, such as chitosan, by uniformly cooling the sponge structure and freezer from above freezing to below freezing. The supple tissue dressing assemblies are characterized by suppleness or multi-dimensional flexibility. The assemblies can be flexed, bent, folded, twisted, and even rolled upon itself before and during use, without creasing, cracking, fracturing, otherwise compromising the integrity and mechanical and/or therapeutic characteristics of the assemblies.

Abstract: A method for remotely detecting whether a subject is alive, comprising the steps of determining a calibration spectral signature for light reflectance from living skin, normalizing the calibration spectral signature values to the calibration reflectance value at a reference wavelength, storing the normalized calibration spectral signature, determining a subject spectral signature of the light reflectance of a region of skin of the subject whose liveness is to be determined, normalizing the subject spectral signature values to the subject reflectance value at the reference wavelength, comparing the normalized subject spectral signature with the normalized calibration spectral signature for at least one wavelength, generating a subject liveness signal based on the comparison of the normalized subject spectral signature with the normalized calibration spectral signature, and emitting the subject liveness signal.

Abstract: A frequency addressable ignitor control device utilizes electronic bandpass filters tuned to a unique center frequency and bandwidth for each ignitor. Energy generated by the system's controller comprises one or more narrow pulses whose center frequency corresponds to one or more bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies and sufficient energy for activation. A plurality of bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies are connected in parallel in the system. The controller generates electrical pulses of different frequencies transferred to the plurality of bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies via a two wire ignitor bus. Bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies whose filter allows sufficient energy to pass to an ignitor bridge element initiates the ignitor's explosive charge.

Abstract: A frequency addressable ignitor control device utilizes electronic bandpass filters tuned to a unique center frequency and bandwidth for each ignitor. Energy generated by the system's controller comprises one or more narrow pulses whose center frequency corresponds to one or more bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies and sufficient energy for activation. A plurality of bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies are connected in parallel in the system. The controller generates electrical pulses of different frequencies transferred to the plurality of bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies via a two wire ignitor bus. Bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies whose filter allows sufficient energy to pass to an ignitor bridge element initiates the ignitor's explosive charge.

Abstract: A frequency addressable ignitor control device utilizes electronic bandpass filters tuned to a unique center frequency and bandwidth for each ignitor. Energy generated by the system's controller comprises one or more narrow pulses whose center frequency corresponds to one or more bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies and sufficient energy for activation. A plurality of bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies are connected in parallel in the system. The controller generates electrical pulses of different frequencies transferred to the plurality of bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies via a two wire ignitor bus. Bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies whose filter allows sufficient energy to pass to an ignitor bridge element initiates the ignitor's explosive charge. The controller generates energy to the ignitor with appropriate sequence of frequencies and delays resulting in the desired detonation of appropriate individual bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies in the desired sequential order each with the desired delays.

Abstract: A frequency addressable ignitor control device utilizes electronic bandpass filters tuned to a unique center frequency and bandwidth for each ignitor. Energy generated by the system's controller comprises one or more narrow pulses whose center frequency corresponds to one or more bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies and sufficient energy for activation. A plurality of bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies are connected in parallel in the system. The controller generates electrical pulses of different frequencies transferred to the plurality of bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies via a two wire ignitor bus. Bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies whose filter allows sufficient energy to pass to an ignitor bridge element initiates the ignitor's explosive charge. The controller generates energy to the ignitor with appropriate sequence of frequencies and delays resulting in the desired detonation of appropriate individual bandpass filter/ignitor assemblies in the desired sequential order each with the desired delays.

Abstract: A smart ignitor control system has communications output electronic circuitry and communications input electronic circuitry. The communications output electronic circuitry generates output serial clock, data, and handshaking signals for communication with a master ASIC that is adapted to communicate with a smart ignitor. The communications input electronic circuitry inputs data and handshaking signals from a master ASIC. Smart ignitors are in circuit communication with the master ASIC via an ignitor bus. Optionally, additional circuitry digitizes analog voltages and waveforms from the ignitor bus and transmits the digitized data to an electronic information processor.

Abstract: An airbag deployment controller has a plurality of sensors interposed between a rigid member and a seat pan member such that the weight supported by a portion of the seat cushion which the rigid member underlies is transferred from the rigid member to the seat pan via said sensors. The sensors sense the magnitude of the force transferred therethrough. A device processes signals from the sensors to determine the weight that the portion of the seat cushion which the rigid member underlies is bearing. The signal processing device controls the activation and operation of an airbag as a function of the presence and weight of a seat occupant. Optionally, the tension on a seat belt may also be sensed and processed as a parameter for controlling the deployment of an airbag.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the temperature and pressure in a well bore is used in connection with a submersible pump disposed in the well bore and electrically energized by a power conductor suspended in the well bore. A plurality of resistors and a plurality of pressure sensitive switches are disposed in the well bore along with a temperature sensitive circuit element. A constant current source at the surface provides a dc sensing signal that is superimposed on the power cable. A single voltage reading taken at the surface provides a measure of both temperature and pressure in the well bore.

Abstract: A seal assembly of the mechanical face seal type has features to reduce leakage across the faces. The seal assembly includes a stationary seal ring through which a rotating shaft passes. A rotating seal ring is mounted around the shaft for rotation therewith. A spring urges the rotating seal ring into contact with the stationary seal ring. A plurality of concentric, nonintersecting grooves are placed on the face of the stationary seal ring to enhance sealing.

Abstract: An electrical cable has features that allow its use in wells containing oil, water and gas, for use with submersible pumps. The cable has a number of conductors. Each conductor is surrounded by an insulating layer of oil and brine resistant thermosetting material. The insulating layer is permeable to gas. A polymeric jacket is extruded around all of the conductors, separating the conductors from each other and in direct physical contact with the insulating layers. Perforations are placed in the jacket at regular intervals. During rapid depressurization, gas absorbed in the insulating layers is able to flow freely from the cable by means of the perforations in the jacket. The jacket has sufficient strength to prevent rupturing of the insulating layers during depressurization.

Abstract: Electrical conductors having suitable combinations of coatings and coverings are disclosed which have the ability to inhibit low molecular weight hydrocarbon well fluids when under pressure and withstand high proportions of gassy hydrocarbons under pressure without undergoing rupture failure.

Abstract: Electrical conductors having an insulation layer comprising a thermosetting elastomeric composition capable of imbibing low molecular weight hydrocarbon well fluids when under pressure and rapidly desorbing the fluids when pressure is removed, and surrounded by a confining braid layer are able to withstand use in gassy oil wells without consequent depressurization-caused rupture failures. Armored electrical cables formed from these insulated conductors without an elastomeric jacketing are suitable for use in powering electric motors in oil wells that have particularly high proportions of gassy hydrocarbons under pressure without undergoing rupture failure.

Abstract: Electrical cables having conductors, each provided with an insulation layer comprising a thermosetting elastomeric composition capable of imbibing low molecular weight well fluids when under pressure and rapidly desorbing the fluids when pressure is relieved which is surrounded by a confining braid layer, the insulated and braid-covered conductors being surrounded by a perforated outer armor formed of high temperature polyolefin, are able to withstand the environment within corrosive, gassy oil wells without corrosion of the armor and without undergoing depressurization-caused rupture failures.