Abstract: A capacitive sensor system configured to measure capacitance, including a sample volume, a sample capacitive sensor configured to measure the capacitance of the sample volume without physical contact between the sample capacitive sensor and the sample volume, a control capacitive sensor, a differential sensing subsystem configured to measure a control sensor volume using the control capacitive sensor, and electrical circuitry connected to both the control capacitive sensor and the sample capacitive sensor.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides, among other things, a method of cryopreserving and thawing cells that results in the thawed cells having high cellular viability and functionality post-thawing. In some embodiments, a large-scale method of cryopreserving cells is provided, the method comprising: (a) contacting the cells with a cryopreservation medium; (b) cooling the cells to ?80° C. at a controlled rate to minimize latent heat of fusion; and (c) storing the cells in liquid nitrogen vapor phase, thereby cryopreserving the immune cells.

Abstract: Fracture-induced composite sensors and methods of their fabrication are disclosed. The sensors can be used as strain sensors, piezo-resistive sensors, piezo-capacitive sensors, and non-contact displacement wearable sensors.

Abstract: Fracture-induced composite sensors and methods of their fabrication are disclosed. The sensors can be used as strain sensors, piezo-resistive sensors, piezo-capacitive sensors, and non-contact displacement wearable sensors.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for concentrating particles (e.g., bacteria, viruses, cells, and nucleic acids) suspended in a liquid. Electric-field-induced forces urge the particles towards a first electrode immersed in the liquid. When the particles are in close proximity to (e.g., in contact with) the first electrode, the electrode is withdrawn from the liquid and capillary forces formed between the withdrawing electrode and the surface of the liquid immobilize the particles on the electrode. Upon withdrawal of the electrode from the liquid, the portion of the electrode previously immersed in the liquid has particles immobilized on its surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-shake flow-limiting cutoff valve, comprising a flow stop valve, a cutoff valve and a check structure. Said flow stop valve comprises a valve body, a valve seat, a piston and a biasing component. The check structure is arranged downstream said flow stop valve to prevent fluid from flowing back. In case of a sudden excessive water flow, the flow stop valve is closed under impact of excessive water pressure to block the water flow. At this time, since the liquid flow in the pipeline is suddenly blocked, the liquid flow remaining in a pipeline downstream the flow stop valve tends to form a reverse flow to impact the flow stop valve, thus shaking the flow stop valve, which may further lead to insufficient close or damage of the flow stop valve.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for concentrating particles (e.g., bacteria, viruses, cells, and nucleic acids) suspended in a liquid. Electric-field-induced forces urge the particles towards a first electrode immersed in the liquid. When the particles are in close proximity to (e.g., in contact with) the first electrode, the electrode is withdrawn from the liquid and capillary forces formed between the withdrawing electrode and the surface of the liquid immobilize the particles on the electrode. Upon withdrawal of the electrode from the liquid, the portion of the electrode previously immersed in the liquid has particles immobilized on its surface.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for concentrating particles (e.g., bacteria, viruses, cells, and nucleic acids) suspended in a liquid. Electric-field-induced forces urge the particles towards a first electrode immersed in the liquid. When the particles are in close proximity to (e.g., in contact with) the first electrode, the electrode is withdrawn from the liquid and capillary forces formed between the withdrawing electrode and the surface of the liquid immobilize the particles on the electrode. Upon withdrawal of the electrode from the liquid, the portion of the electrode previously immersed in the liquid has particles immobilized on its surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-shake flow-limiting cutoff valve, comprising a flow stop valve, a cutoff valve and a check structure. Said flow stop valve comprises a valve body, a valve seat, a piston and a biasing component. The check structure is arranged downstream said flow stop valve to prevent fluid from flowing back. In case of a sudden excessive water flow, the flow stop valve is closed under impact of excessive water pressure to block the water flow. At this time, since the liquid flow in the pipeline is suddenly blocked, the liquid flow remaining in a pipeline downstream the flow stop valve tends to form a reverse flow to impact the flow stop valve, thus shaking the flow stop valve, which may further lead to insufficient close or damage of the flow stop valve.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for concentrating particles (e.g., bacteria, viruses, cells, and nucleic acids) suspended in a liquid. Electric-field-induced forces urge the particles towards a first electrode immersed in the liquid. When the particles are in close proximity to (e.g., in contact with) the first electrode, the electrode is withdrawn from the liquid and capillary forces formed between the withdrawing electrode and the surface of the liquid immobilize the particles on the electrode. Upon withdrawal of the electrode from the liquid, the portion of the electrode previously immersed in the liquid has particles immobilized on its surface.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for concentrating particles (e.g., bacteria, viruses, cells, and nucleic acids) suspended in a liquid. Electric-field-induced forces urge the particles towards a first electrode immersed in the liquid. When the particles are in close proximity to (e.g., in contact with) the first electrode, the electrode is withdrawn from the liquid and capillary forces formed between the withdrawing electrode and the surface of the liquid immobilize the particles on the electrode. Upon withdrawal of the electrode from the liquid, the portion of the electrode previously immersed in the liquid has particles immobilized on its surface.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for concentrating particles (e.g., bacteria, viruses, cells, and nucleic acids) suspended in a liquid. Electric-field-induced forces urge the particles towards a first electrode immersed in the liquid. When the particles are in close proximity to (e.g., in contact with) the first electrode, the electrode is withdrawn from the liquid and capillary forces formed between the withdrawing electrode and the surface of the liquid immobilize the particles on the electrode. Upon withdrawal of the electrode from the liquid, the portion of the electrode previously immersed in the liquid has particles immobilized on its surface.

Abstract: Novel methods, compositions, and devices for achieving optimal cooling of living cells during cryopreservation are disclosed. In one aspect, the method comprises gradually cooling the cell to a first predetermined temperature, followed by rapidly cooling the cell to a second predetermined temperature. In another aspect, a device is described for achieving a desired cooling rate for a cell, comprising a first container for holding a cell, a second container for holding the first container, and optionally a frame for holding the first container in a spaced apart relationship with the second container. The method of the invention comprises placing cells into the first container, placing the first container in the second container and sealing the second container, and placing the second container in a suitable cooling device. In yet another aspect, novel cryoprotectant compositions are provided comprising conventional cryoprotectant plus one or more high molecular weight cryoprotectants.

Abstract: A filter module utilizing a nano-porous ceramic membrane is provided for various applications including, but not limited to, enhanced hemodialysis performance, the removal (or separation) of cryoprotectant from biological materials, the separation of blood components (e.g., plasmapheresis), and controlling the concentration of cells in a biological fluid solution.

Abstract: Novel methods and devices for removing cryoprotectant from cryoprotectant-containing liquids, and from cells residing therein, are disclosed. In one aspect, the method comprises passing the cryoprotectant-containing liquid through at least one semipermeable hollow fiber membrane contained in a hollow module in a first direction, while passing a liquid which is substantially free of cryoprotectant through the hollow module in a second direction to remove cryoprotectant across a diffusion gradient. In another aspect, a device is described for removing cryoprotectant from a liquid, comprising a hollow module with at least one semipermeable hollow fiber membrane therein for accomplishing such counter-current diffusion removal of cryprotectant. A software program is also provided for predicting optimal flow rates through the device of the invention, thereby allowing optimal cryoprotectant removal regardless of the cryoprotectant used or the material from which the semipermeable hollow fiber membrane is fabricated.

Abstract: A heating and cooling apparatus to be applied to an object to control the temperature of the object. A number of thermoelectric modules are adapted to be positioned in contact with the object in a pattern. A voltage source is adapted to apply a voltage to the thermoelectric modules to cause a temperature change in each thermoelectric module so as to control the temperature of the object in accordance with the pattern and with the voltage applied to thermoelectric modules.

Abstract: A heating and cooling apparatus to be applied to an object to control the temperature of the object. A number of thermoelectric modules are adapted to be positioned in contact with the object in a pattern. A voltage source is adapted to apply a voltage to the thermoelectric modules to cause a temperature change in each thermoelectric module so as to control the temperature of the object in accordance with the pattern and with the voltage applied to thermoelectric modules.

Abstract: A mathematical model, the membranes and devices based upon that model to optimize protocols for the addition or removal of cryoprotectant to or from biological cells, and a method to observe the biological cells and obtain the data to implement the models. This disclosure describes the use of four equations to predict optimal protocols to add or remove cryoprotectant to or from biological cells. The equations particularly require experimentally found data, specific to cell-type and species, regarding the osmotic tolerance of the cells, where osmotic tolerance refers to the cells ability to shrink or swell to various changes in osmolality without injury. The equations further require the cryoprotectant permeability coefficient and the water permeability coefficient of the particular cells' plasma membrane.

Abstract: A mathematical model, and membranes and devices based upon that model, to optimize protocols for the addition or removal of cryoprotectant to or from biological cells. This disclosure describes the use of four equations to predict optimal protocols to add or remove cryoprotectant to or from biological cells. The equations particularly require experimentally found data, specific to cell-type and species, regarding the osmotic tolerance of the cells, where osmotic tolerance refers to the cells ability to shrink or swell to various changes in osmolality without injury. The equations further require the cryoprotectant permeability coefficient and the water permeability coefficient of the particular cells' plasma membrane. These coefficients are found with experimental data of the knetic volume change of the cell-type to a known concentration and temperature of cryoprotectant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for placement of a gastric line in the digestive tract of a patient. A guide element is either formed integrally with the end of a gastric line or it is formed separately to be fixed on the end segment of a gastric line to reduce the flexibility of the gastric line segment and facilitate the positioning of the gastric line in a patient's digestive tract. The guide element is provided with means for slideably engaging a previously positioned transepiglottal guide line so that the guide element when engaged with the guide line, can be pushed down the guide line to position the gastric line in an esophageal or post-esophageal position. An optional mouthpiece is provided to receive and guide the gastric tube toward the middle of the posterior oral pharynx during insertion and to protect the gastric line from the biting surfaces of the teeth and maintain its position in the mouth after insertion.