Abstract: A fluid trap apparatus includes an inlet configured to receive a flow of composite fluid into the apparatus. The composite fluid contains at least a first fluid and a second fluid. An outer wall defines an interior chamber. A flow diffuser is interposed within the interior chamber. The flow diffuser directs the flow of the composite fluid to circulate through the interior chamber. The first fluid and the second fluid separate as the composite fluid circulates through the interior chamber. A method of separating a first fluid from a second fluid includes introducing a flow of composite fluid into a separate chamber. A pressure gradient is created within the separation chamber. A flow diffuser is interposed in a flow path between an inlet and an outlet. The flow diffuser directs the flow of the composite fluid within the separation chamber. The first fluid and the second fluid are separated.

Abstract: A fluid trap apparatus includes an inlet configured to receive a flow of composite fluid into the apparatus. The composite fluid contains at least a first fluid and a second fluid. An outer wall defines an interior chamber. A flow diffuser is interposed within the interior chamber. The flow diffuser directs the flow of the composite fluid to circulate through the interior chamber. The first fluid and the second fluid separate as the composite fluid circulates through the interior chamber. A method of separating a first fluid from a second fluid includes introducing a flow of composite fluid into a separate chamber. A pressure gradient is created within the separation chamber. A flow diffuser is interposed in a flow path between an inlet and an outlet. The flow diffuser directs the flow of the composite fluid within the separation chamber. The first fluid and the second fluid are separated.

Abstract: The present invention is a cryopreservation device that has the ability to track and record preserved specimens using an integrated electronics system. The cryopreservation device stores specimens within a preservation chamber. A sealing cap encloses the preservation chamber. The integrated electronics system is embedded within a base attachment. The base attachment can be retrofitted into the cryopreservation device using a mechanical locking system and a recessed surface and cavity within the cryopreservation device. The mechanical locking system secures the base attachment into the cryopreservation device using multiple spring-loaded barbs and locking receptacles. The base attachment inserts within the recessed surface and cavity. The integrated electronics system uses a control block to operate a plurality of sensors and to attain time dependent specimen data. The specimen data is saved within a storage device.

Abstract: A fluid trap apparatus includes an inlet configured to receive a flow of composite fluid into the apparatus. The composite fluid contains at least a first fluid and a second fluid. An outer wall defines an interior chamber. A flow diffuser is interposed within the interior chamber. The flow diffuser directs the flow of the composite fluid to circulate through the interior chamber. The first fluid and the second fluid separate as the composite fluid circulates through the interior chamber. A method of separating a first fluid from a second fluid includes introducing a flow of composite fluid into a separate chamber. A pressure gradient is created within the separation chamber. A flow diffuser is interposed in a flow path between an inlet and an outlet. The flow diffuser directs the flow of the composite fluid within the separation chamber. The first fluid and the second fluid are separated.

Abstract: A fluid trap apparatus includes an inlet configured to receive a flow of composite fluid into the apparatus. The composite fluid contains at least a first fluid and a second fluid. An outer wall defines an interior chamber. A flow diffuser is interposed within the interior chamber. The flow diffuser directs the flow of the composite fluid to circulate through the interior chamber. The first fluid and the second fluid separate as the composite fluid circulates through the interior chamber. A method of separating a first fluid from a second fluid includes introducing a flow of composite fluid into a separate chamber. A pressure gradient is created within the separation chamber. A flow diffuser is interposed in a flow path between an inlet and an outlet. The flow diffuser directs the flow of the composite fluid within the separation chamber. The first fluid and the second fluid are separated.

Abstract: A fluid trap apparatus includes an inlet configured to receive a flow of composite fluid into the apparatus. The composite fluid contains at least a first fluid and a second fluid. An outer wall defines an interior chamber. A flow diffuser is interposed within the interior chamber. The flow diffuser directs the flow of the composite fluid to circulate through the interior chamber. The first fluid and the second fluid separate as the composite fluid circulates through the interior chamber. A method of separating a first fluid from a second fluid includes introducing a flow of composite fluid into a separate chamber. A pressure gradient is created within the separation chamber. A flow diffuser is interposed in a flow path between an inlet and an outlet. The flow diffuser directs the flow of the composite fluid within the separation chamber. The first fluid and the second fluid are separated.

Abstract: The present invention is a cryopreservation device that has the ability to track and record preserved specimens using an integrated electronics system. The cryopreservation device stores specimens within a preservation chamber. A sealing cap encloses the preservation chamber. The integrated electronics system is embedded within a base attachment. The base attachment can be retrofitted into the cryopreservation device using a mechanical locking system and a recessed surface and cavity within the cryopreservation device. The mechanical locking system secures the base attachment into the cryopreservation device using multiple spring-loaded barbs and locking receptacles. The base attachment inserts within the recessed surface and cavity. The integrated electronics system uses a control block to operate a plurality of sensors and to attain time dependent specimen data. The specimen data is saved within a storage device.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a housing defining an aperture, a passageway, and a branch passage. The branch passage extends from the aperture and intersects and communicates with the passageway. The branch passage is disposed at an angle greater than 90 degrees with respect to the passageway. A piston is disposed at least partially within the branch passage and is movable from a first position to a second position. The piston allows communication between the passageway and the aperture when the piston is in the first position, and the piston blocks communication between the passageway and the aperture when the piston is in the second position. An angled seal may be positioned around the piston.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a housing defining an aperture, a passageway, and a branch passage. The branch passage extends from the aperture and intersects and communicates with the passageway. The branch passage is disposed at an angle greater than 90 degrees with respect to the passageway. A piston is disposed at least partially within the branch passage and is movable from a first position to a second position. The piston allows communication between the passageway and the aperture when the piston is in the first position, and the piston blocks communication between the passageway and the aperture when the piston is in the second position. An angled seal may be positioned around the piston.

Abstract: A tissue grasping device is disclosed having a distal end and a proximal end and a central axis extending from end to end. Three tissue engaging tines are located at the distal end, two of which are rotatable, and one of which is spaced from the other two and slidable lengthwise of the plicator. The tines are parallel to one another and to the main axis of the plicator. Actuating mechanism in the form of rack and pinion mechanisms rotate the rotatable tines relative to one another, to grip a portion of the tissue. The non-rotatable times space the portion of the tissue being operated on from the rotatable tine. A push-pull knob mechanism or a thumb-operated lever is employed at the proximal end of the plicator to slide the non-rotatable tine lengthwise of the device to position it in and out of its operating position.

Abstract: A tissue grasping device is disclosed having a distal end and a proximal end and a central axis extending from end to end. Three tissue engaging tines are located at the distal end, two of which are rotatable, and one of which is spaced from the other two and slidable lengthwise of the plicator. The tines are parallel to one another and to the main axis of the plicator. An actuating mechanism in the form of a rack and pinion mechanism rotate the rotatable tines relative to one another, to grip a portion of the tissue. The non-rotatable tines space the portion of the tissue being operated on from the rotatable tine. A knob mechanism is employed at the proximal end of the plicator to slide the non-rotatable tine lengthwise of the device to position it in and out of its operating position.