Abstract: A culture module is contemplated that allows the perfusion and optionally mechanical actuation of one or more microfluidic devices, such as organ-on-a-chip microfluidic devices comprising cells that mimic at least one function of an organ in the body. A method for pressure control is contemplated to allow the control of flow rate (while perfusing cells) despite limitations of common pressure regulators. The method for pressure control allows for perfusion of a microfluidic device, such as an organ on a chip microfluidic device comprising cells that mimic cells in an organ in the body, that is detachably linked with said assembly, so that fluid enters ports of the microfluidic device from a fluid reservoir, optionally without tubing, at a controllable flow rate.

Abstract: A culture module is contemplated that allows the perfusion and optionally mechanical actuation of one or more microfluidic devices, such as organ-on-a-chip microfluidic devices comprising cells that mimic at least one function of an organ in the body. A method for pressure control is contemplated to allow the control of flow rate (while perfusing cells) despite limitations of common pressure regulators. The method for pressure control allows for perfusion of a microfluidic device, such as an organ on a chip microfluidic device comprising cells that mimic cells in an organ in the body, that is detachably linked with said assembly, so that fluid enters ports of the microfluidic device from a fluid reservoir, optionally without tubing, at a controllable flow rate.

Abstract: “VINASSE TREATMENT PROCESS BY FLOTATION IN FLOW”, more precisely, it is a vinasse treatment process, by high performance flowing flotation system in industrial plants' facilities, resulting in obtaining concentrated vinasse sludge and treated vinasse, being said process comprised by vinasse treatment, which consists of treatment steps performed inside flotation tank, which comprises succession of coagulation systems and basins, flocculation, combined with aeration and oxygenation, in addition to a system of nano and micro bubbles in flotation basin, in which vinasse naturally flows into its storage tank, being said process results in formation of surface sludge and treated vinasse.

Abstract: Process of sewage treatment in a continuous, linear and flexible channel, through a modified aerobic biological reactor system, or transformation of an existing anaerobic biological reactor into a modified aerobic biological reactor, coupled with a modified flexible flotation/decantation system, intended for the sewage treatment, to be carried out in a treatment plant, in a continuous, linear and flexible channel, using, as preliminary treatment, a garbage grid and a sandbox, to remove these debris, followed by a primary treatment, where the sewage receives the primary treatment inside an aerobic reactor—modified MBBR, or inside a pond aerated, facultative or anaerobic, transformed into an aerobic reactor—modified MBBR, or even inside an anaerobic reactor—UASB transformed into an aerobic reactor—modified MBBR, followed by a secondary treatment.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system and method for transitioning a database from one computer environment to another according to a standard workflow. An individual issues a command relating to transition to the system, and a transition management processor selects an associated sequence of technical transition processes according to a dynamic, best practices workflow. Each such process is performed by a corresponding module in the system, which is first configured by the processor according to which environment the command pertains. Some of the modules may be built-in, while some of the modules may be provided by third parties, including the database vendor. After each module performs its respective process, it generates a report, and when all modules have completed the processor transmits to the individual a response based on the produced reports, e.g. as a webpage.

Abstract: Process of sewage treatment in a continuous, linear and flexible channel, through a modified aerobic biological reactor system, or transformation of an existing anaerobic biological reactor into a modified aerobic biological reactor, coupled with a modified flexible flotation/decantation system, intended for the sewage treatment, to be carried out in a treatment plant, in a continuous, linear and flexible channel, using, as preliminary treatment, a garbage grid and a sandbox, to remove these debris, followed by a primary treatment, where the sewage receives the primary treatment inside an aerobic reactor—modified MBBR, or inside a pond aerated, facultative or anaerobic, transformed into an aerobic reactor—modified MBBR, or even inside an anaerobic reactor—UASB transformed into an aerobic reactor—modified MBBR, followed by a secondary treatment.

Abstract: “COVERS OR COMPONENTS FOR CELL PHONES OR OTHER DIGITAL DEVICES FEATURING PHYSICAL CRYPTOGRAPHY TO FORWARD AND RECEIVE ENCRYPTED MESSAGES ON A TAMPER-PROOF BASIS”, more precisely, the present utility model addresses the use of physical cryptography for sending and receiving messages via cell phones or other digital devices (1), which allows messaging between two or more users, in a completely secure manner, without the possibility of message tampering or reading by third parties, since the decoding of the forwarded message takes place by overlaying (30) on the cell phone device or digital device (1) a key image cover (20) matching the forwarded matrix image (10).

Abstract: Disclosed are a system and method for transitioning a database from one computer environment to another according to a standard workflow. An individual issues a command relating to transition to the system, and a transition management processor selects an associated sequence of technical transition processes according to a dynamic, best practices workflow. Each such process is performed by a corresponding module in the system, which is first configured by the processor according to which environment the command pertains. Some of the modules may be built-in, while some of the modules may be provided by third parties, including the database vendor. After each module performs its respective process, it generates a report, and when all modules have completed the processor transmits to the individual a response based on the produced reports, e.g. as a webpage.

Abstract: “VINASSE TREATMENT PROCESS BY FLOTATION IN FLOW”, more precisely, it is a vinasse treatment process, by high performance flowing flotation system in industrial plants' facilities, resulting in obtaining concentrated vinasse sludge and treated vinasse, being said process comprised by vinasse treatment, which consists of treatment steps performed inside flotation tank, which comprises succession of coagulation systems and basins, flocculation, combined with aeration and oxygenation, in addition to a system of nano and micro bubbles in flotation basin, in which vinasse naturally flows into its storage tank, being said process results in formation of surface sludge and treated vinasse.

Abstract: A system for implementation or de-pollution and revitalization of artificial or natural lakes, inserted in land block and street structures around them, aiming at modulation in the artificial or natural lakes, insertion of dividing walls made of vinyl curtain, land dykes, concrete walls, or any other way, dividing the artificial or natural lake in isolated places, so there is no contact between the water of each module, considering that each module can be used for different activities, such as bathing, water sports, fishing, etc., considering that the water of the artificial or natural lake is de-polluted through the portable or the stationary treatment unit and preferably, conditioned into containers.

Abstract: A system for implementation or de-pollution and revitalization of artificial or natural lakes, inserted in land block and street structures around them, aiming at modulation in the artificial or natural lakes, insertion of dividing walls made of vinyl curtain, land dykes, concrete walls, or any other way, dividing the artificial or natural lake in isolated places, so there is no contact between the water of each module, considering that each module can be used for different activities, such as bathing, water sports, fishing, etc., considering that the water of the artificial or natural lake is de-polluted through the portable or the stationary treatment unit and preferably, conditioned into containers.

Abstract: A foldable chair is disclosed herein. The chair is made from a plurality of back, seat and intermediate members. The back members are joined along the top. The seat members are joined along the front. The other end of the back and seat members are joined to opposite ends of the intermediate members to from hinged joints that allow the chair to be folded and unfolded. Leg members extend from at least two of the back members and at least one of the seat members. The inner seat width of the chair is approximately equal to the length of the back of the chair. The members not functioning as leg members are sized to minimize the outward force on the joints during opening and closing of the chair. Tip prevention members, adjustment techniques and a headrest are also disclosed.

Abstract: A flexible coupling device including a flexible metal rod or wire within a flexible tube which can be removably secured through the aligned bores of the pieces. The pieces are held in a fixed longitudinal relationship using the axial tension created by the flexible coupling device while still permitting relative rotation between each of the pieces. The flexible metal rod or wire is secured through various mechanism which include radial angular ridges in the interior of the flexible tube and a retaining post having radial angular ridges that interlock with the ridges in the flexible tube such that, as the post is inserted into the flexible tube, the post ridges and the tube ridges interlock to secure the flexible tube. In addition, radial angular ridges on the exterior of the flexible rod interlock with a retaining post having an interior bore with corresponding radial angular ridges as the flexible rod is inserted into the retaining post.

Abstract: An article of knock-down furniture that can be easily assembled by an end-user comprises a plurality of pieces and contact joint arrangements that prevent unwanted separation of the pieces, while permitting the pieces to rotate and flex relative to each other. The contact joint arrangements also have lateral flexibility to permit the pieces to be coupled and shaped into a contour. The contact joint arrangement has a flexible tube that is extended through a continuous bore through each of the pieces. A hanger bolt is threaded into each end of the tube. A cap nut is threaded onto each hanger bolt and is in bearing contact with the end pieces. Each of the cap nuts are tightened against the end surface of the end pieces in order to place the tube in tension. The pieces are, consequently, held in longitudinal compression between the two cap nuts, while remaining free to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the tube.

Abstract: A pivot hinge has two pivot members for engaging bores in two parts to be rotatably coupled to each other. Each pivot member has a first portion sized for insertion into one of the bores. Either a single continuous rib or a plurality of rib segments are formed on the outer surface of the first portion for gripping the inner surface of the bore. Either one or both of the pivot members has a second portion which provides a thrust bearing between the two joined parts. The two pivot members are coupled to each other by a bearing which allows each member to rotate independent of the other and a releasable lock mechanism which, when engaged, prohibits lateral separation of the two pivot members and, when disengaged, permits separation of the two members to allow separation of the parts.

Abstract: An article of knock-down furniture that can be easily assembled by an end-user comprises a plurality of pieces and contact joint arrangements that prevent unwanted separation of the pieces, while permitting the pieces to rotate and flex relative to each other. The contact joint arrangements also have lateral flexibility to permit the pieces to be coupled and shaped into a contour. The contact joint arrangement has a flexible tube that extends through a continuous bore through each of the pieces. A threaded fastener is threaded into each end of the tube and tightened against the end surface of the end pieces in order to place the tube in tension. The pieces are, consequently, held in longitudinal compression between the two threaded fasteners, while remaining free to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the tube. In one embodiment, a screw assembly is threaded into the tube through a hole or notch cut near one end of the tube.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention a fastener assembly comprises a first and second bushing that are each inserted into respective parts to be coupled. The first bushing has a bearing post member extending from its mating face. The bearing post member has two circumferential locking flanges spaced along its length. The second bushing member has an axially-extending opening to receive the bearing post member. The opening has two reduced diameter sections situated to coincide with the circumferential locking flanges when the bearing post member is inserted into the opening. The reduced diameter sections are in snap-fit engagement with the circumferential locking flanges to resist separation of the first and second bushing members.

Abstract: A pivot fastener construction useful in coupling two parts. The pivot fastener prevents unwanted separation of the parts coupled while permitting the parts to rotate relative to each other. The blind pivot fastener has bushing members which can be secured in fixed relationship to the parts coupled by threading, press fitting, expansion fitting or the like. The advantages of the construction may be utilized in both assembled and unassembled pivot fasteners. By changing specific aspects of the design, such as assembled/unassembled, means of securing the bushing members, use of a separate bearing post member, etc. the specific construction may be altered in response to specific application needs.

Abstract: An article of furniture includes frame members, a seat member supported on the frame member, a concealed joint for pivotally coupling two frame members to each other, and an attachment for coupling the seat to the frame members. The two frame members include truncated bores for concealing the joint. The pivotal joint includes a pair of connecting members which are received in the truncated bores in fixed relationship to the frame members. Each connecting member has an opening for receiving a bearing member. A retainer is inserted through the bearing member and engages both connecting members to prevent lateral separation of the frame members. Each connecting member is independently rotatable on the bearing member.

Abstract: A swing according to the present invention includes a pair of side frame members, a sling forming at least one seat well and seat back, a first suspension system for supporting the sling from the side frame members and for adjusting the depth of the seat well and the length of the seat back, and a second suspension system for pivotally supporting the side frame members from an overhead support structure and for adjusting the inclination of the side frame members to recline the seat assembly. The second suspension system includes a pair of elongated support strands, each having its ends connected to one of the side frame members, a pair of pulleys, each for rotatably receiving one of the strands, and adjustment blocks movably carried on each strand for establishing strand lengths between the side frame members and the pulleys to raise and lower the ends of the side frame members and maintain a desired angle of inclination thereof.