Abstract: This invention refers to a grain flaking modular system, a grain flaking system, and a method that produces a grain flake within a predetermined specification. The grain flaking modular system comprises: valves (124); a PLC (130) connected to the valves (124); and an external optimization unit (140) connected to the PLC (130), wherein the external optimization unit (140) is configured to define a pressure reference (A). The grain flaking system (100) comprises: flaking rollers (110); and a programmable logic controller, PLC (PLC), configured to: obtain a pressure reference (A), and control a flaking pressure through the pressure reference (A) obtained. The grain flaking method comprises: obtaining (210) the pressure reference; applying (220) a flaking pressure to a flow of grains, wherein the flaking pressure is defined through the pressure reference obtained; and adjusting (230) the pressure reference.

Abstract: A collection device for a biological sample to capture target compounds such as viruses or other pathogens or particles for testing from within the sample and move the captured target compound to a separate chamber for subsequent processing. The collection device can include an openable substance blister including capture particles located in a cup interior. Capture particles can attract and bind the target compounds from the sample. An extraction tube extracts any nucleic acid from the target compound for storage or subsequent amplification and testing to confirm presence of known microorganisms. The extraction tube can comprise a heat-deformable material and can be connected to a microfluidic cartridge for further processing of nucleic acid including, amplification and detection. The microfluidic cartridge includes valves and a plurality of chambers for amplification.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for generating optimized search results is disclosed. The computer-implemented method includes receiving a search input from a user, wherein the search input includes a search query and additional search criteria. The computer-implemented method further includes generating a search query pattern based, at least in part, on the search input. The computer-implemented method further includes determining an initial set of search results based on the search query pattern. The computer-implemented method further includes filtering the initial set of search results to determine a filtered subset of search results from the initial set of search results.

Abstract: A collection device for a biological sample to capture target compounds such as viruses or other pathogens or particles for testing from within the sample and move the captured target compound to a separate chamber for subsequent processing. The collection device can include an openable substance blister including capture particles located in a cup interior. Capture particles can attract and bind the target compounds from the sample. An extraction tube extracts any nucleic acid from the target compound for storage or subsequent amplification and testing to confirm presence of known microorganisms. The extraction tube can comprise a heat-deformable material and can be connected to a microfluidic cartridge for further processing of nucleic acid including, amplification and detection. The microfluidic cartridge includes valves and a plurality of chambers for amplification.

Abstract: A collection device for a biological sample to capture target compounds such as viruses or other pathogens or particles for testing from within the sample and move the captured target compound to a separate chamber for subsequent processing. The collection device can include an openable substance blister including capture particles located in a cup interior. Capture particles can attract and bind the target compounds from the sample. An extraction tube extracts any nucleic acid from the target compound for storage or subsequent amplification and testing to confirm presence of known microorganisms. The extraction tube can comprise a heat-deformable material and can be connected to a microfluidic cartridge for further processing of nucleic acid including, amplification and detection. The microfluidic cartridge includes valves and a plurality of chambers for amplification.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a tissue sample including a retaining member having a first tissue engaging surface and at least one biasing element, the first tissue engaging surface being moveably attached to the retaining member by said biasing element; and a base having a second tissue engaging surface and configured to engage the retaining member to form an interior area with the first and second tissue engaging surfaces facing each other, wherein the at least one biasing element urges the first tissue engaging surface toward the second tissue engaging surface to retain the tissue sample therebetween in the interior area.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a tissue sample including a retaining member having a first tissue engaging surface and at least one biasing element, the first tissue engaging surface being moveably attached to the retaining member by said biasing element; and a base having a second tissue engaging surface and configured to engage the retaining member to form an interior area with the first and second tissue engaging surfaces facing each other, wherein the at least one biasing element urges the first tissue engaging surface toward the second tissue engaging surface to retain the tissue sample therebetween in the interior area.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a tissue sample including a retaining member having a first tissue engaging surface and at least one biasing element, the first tissue engaging surface being moveably attached to the retaining member by said biasing element; and a base having a second tissue engaging surface and configured to engage the retaining member to form an interior area with the first and second tissue engaging surfaces facing each other, wherein the at least one biasing element urges the first tissue engaging surface toward the second tissue engaging surface to retain the tissue sample therebetween in the interior area.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a tissue sample having a retaining member with a first tissue engaging surface and at least one biasing element. The first tissue engaging surface is moveably attached to the retaining member. The apparatus also has a base comprising a second tissue engaging surface which is configured to engage the retaining member to form an interior area with the first and second tissue engaging surfaces facing each other. The apparatus also has a retracting member connected to the retaining member which is configured to retract the first tissue engaging surface and compress the biasing element to form a gap between the tissue sample and one of the first tissue engaging surface and the second tissue engaging surface.

Abstract: A method for treating a tissue sample including placing at least one tissue sample on an cassette which has: a retaining member, a base and at least one biasing element; placing the at least one tissue sample in the tissue cassette; attaching the base and the retaining member to retain the tissue sample; processing the tissue sample in the tissue cassette with one or more solvents; and embedding the tissue sample in a paraffin to form an portion of paraffin in which the tissue sample is embedded in the tissue cassette, wherein the embedding comprises adding molten paraffin to the interior area of the tissue cassette and allowing the paraffin to become solid.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a tissue sample including a retaining member having a first tissue engaging surface and at least one biasing element, the first tissue engaging surface being moveably attached to the retaining member by said biasing element; and a base having a second tissue engaging surface and configured to engage the retaining member to form an interior area with the first and second tissue engaging surfaces facing each other, wherein the at least one biasing element urges the first tissue engaging surface toward the second tissue engaging surface to retain the tissue sample therebetween in the interior area.

Abstract: A method for treating a tissue sample including placing at least one tissue sample on an cassette which has: a retaining member, a base and at least one biasing element; placing the at least one tissue sample in the tissue cassette; attaching the base and the retaining member to retain the tissue sample; processing the tissue sample in the tissue cassette with one or more solvents; and embedding the tissue sample in a paraffin to form an portion of paraffin in which the tissue sample is embedded in the tissue cassette, wherein the embedding comprises adding molten paraffin to the interior area of the tissue cassette and allowing the paraffin to become solid.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a tissue sample having a retaining member with a first tissue engaging surface and at least one biasing element. The first tissue engaging surface is moveably attached to the retaining member. The apparatus also has a base comprising a second tissue engaging surface which is configured to engage the retaining member to form an interior area with the first and second tissue engaging surfaces facing each other. The apparatus also has a retracting member connected to the retaining member which is configured to retract the first tissue engaging surface and compress the biasing element to form a gap between the tissue sample and one of the first tissue engaging surface and the second tissue engaging surface.

Abstract: In order to manufacture an integrated optical circuit, a first mask is formed on a first region of a substrate and defines the shape of at least one optical device (such as a waveguide). A second mask is formed on a second region of the substrate and corresponds to an optical structure (such as a periodic array structure or photonic crystal) to be formed in a second region of the substrate distinct from the first region. The first mask and the second mask are each made of a material which substantially resists a predetermined etching gas. The second mask may formed, patterned, and etched without adversely affecting the characteristics of the first mask.

Abstract: In order to manufacture an integrated optical circuit, a first mask is formed on a first region of a substrate and defines the shape of at least one optical device (such as a waveguide). A second mask is formed on a second region of the substrate and corresponds to an optical structure (such as a periodic array structure or photonic crystal) to be formed in a second region of the substrate distinct from the first region. The first mask and the second mask are each made of a material which substantially resists a predetermined etching gas. The second mask may formed, patterned, and etched without adversely affecting the characteristics of the first mask.