Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a three-dimensional cell and tissue culture system for the female reproductive tract. In particular provided herein the system includes individual female reproductive cultures in a dynamic microfluidic setting or integrated using a microfluidic microphysiologic system. In some embodiments, the present invention provides ex-vivo female reproductive tract integration in a three dimensional (3D) microphysiologic system.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a three-dimensional cell and tissue culture system for the female reproductive tract. In particular provided herein the system includes individual female reproductive cultures in a dynamic microfluidic setting or integrated using a microfluidic microphysiologic system. In some embodiments, the present invention provides ex-vivo female reproductive tract integration in a three dimensional (3D) microphysiologic system.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a three-dimensional cell and tissue culture system for the female reproductive tract. In particular provided herein the system includes individual female reproductive cultures in a dynamic microfluidic setting or integrated using a microfluidic microphysiologic system. In some embodiments, the present invention provides ex-vivo female reproductive tract integration in a three dimensional (3D) microphysiologic system.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a three-dimensional cell and tissue culture system for the female reproductive tract. In particular provided herein the system includes individual female reproductive cultures in a dynamic microfluidic setting or integrated using a microfluidic microphysiologic system. In some embodiments, the present invention provides ex-vivo female reproductive tract integration in a three dimensional (3D) microphysiologic system.

Abstract: An ultrasound calibration phantom comprises a portion including at least one fiducial structure having a selected geometric arrangement; a portion adapted for mechanical coupling of the ultrasound calibration phantom to a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) stepper; and a guide for at least one surgical instrument, the guide being mechanically coupled to the fiducial structure and/or to the TRUS stepper at a selected pose relative to the fiducial structure. A calibration method uses the calibration phantom and provides automatic, intraoperative calibration of ultrasound imaging systems. The invention is useful in ultrasound-guided clinical procedures.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a three-dimensional cell and tissue culture system for the female reproductive tract. In particular provided herein the system includes individual female reproductive cultures in a dynamic microfluidic setting or integrated using a microfluidic microphysiologic system. In some embodiments, the present invention provides ex-vivo female reproductive tract integration in a three dimensional (3D) microphysiologic system.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a three-dimensional cell and tissue culture system for the female reproductive tract. In particular provided herein the system includes individual female reproductive cultures in a dynamic microfluidic setting or integrated using a microfluidic microphysiologic system. In some embodiments, the present invention provides ex-vivo female reproductive tract integration in a three dimensional (3D) microphysiologic system.

Abstract: An ultrasound calibration phantom comprises a portion including at least one fiducial structure having a selected geometric arrangement; a portion adapted for mechanical coupling of the ultrasound calibration phantom to a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) stepper; and a guide for at least one surgical instrument, the guide being mechanically coupled to the fiducial structure and/or to the TRUS stepper at a selected pose relative to the fiducial structure. A calibration method uses the calibration phantom and provides automatic, intraoperative calibration of ultrasound imaging systems. The invention is useful in ultrasound-guided clinical procedures.

Abstract: An improved drop/turn target is easier to construct and operate than existing drop/turn targets. The drop/turn target may be adjusted for wear, and may easily be configured to operate in a variety of different modes. The drop/turn target may also be raised or lowered during operation and may be automatically reset for subsequent use.

Abstract: Transrectal ultrasound guided transperineal low dose-rate brachytherapy has been emerged as one of the definitive treatments of low-risk prostate cancer. Ultrasound has been an excellent tool in guiding the implant needles with respect to prostate anatomy, yet it cannot show reliably the location of radioactive seeds after they are released in the prostate. Intraoperative C-arm fluoroscopy can show the implanted seeds, but it cannot detect prostate anatomy. Intra-operative fusion of these two complementary modalities offers significant clinical benefit by allowing for real-time optimization of the brachytherapy implant as the procedure progresses in the operating room. Disclosed is a system and method for mitigating this problem and providing registration of seeds seen by fluoroscopy with live prostate anatomy visualized by transrectal ultrasound.

Abstract: A continuous pneumatic tobacco conveyance system is described which automatically controls the rate at which tobacco is fed into the conveyance system and automatically controls the velocity of the tobacco which is pneumatically conveyed. The system utilizes a plurality of programmable logic controllers for analyzing the velocity of the tobacco in the system and the amount of tobacco required and currently existent in cigarette making machine. The system compensates for correct airflow and velocity of the tobacco in the pneumatic piping by controlling the rate at which tobacco is fed into the conveyance system and controlling the airflow required to move the tobacco at a continuous velocity by adjusting a flow control valve attached to a vacuum source.

Abstract: A controller for a three-wheel turbocharger is shown for receiving input parameters including: throttle or rack position, manifold absolute pressure, airflow (either mass or volume), and engine RPM. The controller may also use an accumulator. The operating parameters are used by the controller to control the amount of hydraulic fluid applied to the third hydraulic turbine wheel of the turbocharger through various operational modes including: pump bypass, power transfer, lugging or override, and accumulator charging modes. The controller is designed so that power transfer may be overridden when engine load sensed by manifold absolute pressure or airflow or throttle position is reduced.

Abstract: A turbocharger having a variable nozzle vane assembly to be used in association with an engine. A nozzle ring having a plurality of rotatable vanes mounted thereto defining an annular passageway within the turbine housing through which exhaust gas passes upstream of a turbine. Included is a means for rotating the plurality of vanes and a means for preventing binding of the components during thermal cycling.

Abstract: A turbocharger having a variable nozzle vane assembly to be used in association with an engine. A nozzle ring having a plurality of rotatable vanes mounted thereto defining an annular passageway within the turbine housing through which exhaust gas passes upstream of a turbine. Included is a means for rotating the plurality of vanes and a means for preventing binding of the components during thermal cycling.

Abstract: A turbocharger having a variable nozzle vane assembly to be used in association with an engine. A nozzle ring having a plurality of rotatable vanes mounted thereto defining an annular passageway within the turbine housing through which exhaust gas passes upstream of a turbine. Included is a means for rotating the plurality of vanes and a means for preventing binding of the components during thermal cycling.

Abstract: A seal system for sealing passage of a rotatable shaft through a wall separating adjacent regions subject to differential fluid pressures. The system comprises a flange on the wall circumferentially spaced from the shaft. A ring rotatable with the shaft includes an axially extending enlargement concentrically about the flange in engagement with the wall for slinging fluid away from the wall opening. A drain gutter radially outwardly from the enlargement collects fluid draining down the wall, and guides the same away from above the wall opening.

Abstract: A system for mounting thin transparent membrane material over the interior of a window to provide an insulating effect. An elongate narrow retainer molding is positioned along the peripheral frame portion of the window. This molding includes a narrow base portion having a flat surface intended for adhesive and permanent attachment to the frame. Integrally formed with the base portion are two side components which extend upwardly to a top surface which is shaped concavely to define a receiving region. Detents are formed in these side portions which extend over a centrally disposed groove. A beading of circular cross-section is urged with the peripheral portion of the membrane into the centrally disposed groove to provide a non-adhesive form of fixation of the membrane to the retainer molding.