Abstract: A system is configured to perfuse one or more organs and/or associated tissues while monitoring the physiological function, testing medical devices or therapies, or both. The system includes a pump, a container, a fluid circuit, a platform, and at least one actuator. The pump is configured to generate a flow of a fluid. The container defines an interior cavity and is configured to receive at least one organ or tissue and maintain at least one environmental condition associated with the at least one organ or tissue within the interior cavity. The fluid circuit is configured to fluidically couple the pump to the at least one organ or tissue. The platform is operably coupled to the container. The at least one actuator is configured to move the platform to mimic at least one biological movement associated with the at least one organ or tissue.

Abstract: This invention relates to a confinement device for growing larvae or aquatic organisms in general, which allows the diversification of aquaculture. The device is modular and stackable. This invention relates particularly to a confinement device that makes it possible to keep larvae from multiple marine/aquatic organisms in confinement in their natural environment for them to undergo metamorphosis, maturation and settling of larvae that will subsequently become juveniles or seed for an industrial pre-fattening stage. The device also allows confining aquatic organisms in general, facilitating their development in culture. This invention also relates to a cultivation system and method comprising the use of said confinement device.

Abstract: A system and device that measures a specimen's surface profile by passing a bright white light source through a series of lenses which generate repeatable chromatic focal shift variations of wavelengths of white light for Z axis measurements. The movement of the sensor along an X-Y raster pattern is controlled by a X-directional and Y-directional scanner used in combination with X and Y actuators. The system and device translate the chromatic focal shifts into digital data which may then be used to both control the position of the lenses along the surface of the specimen and generate a 3D topographical images of the specimens being profiled.

Abstract: A system and device that measures a specimen's surface profile by passing a bright white light source through a series of lenses which generate repeatable chromatic focal shift variations of wavelengths of white light for Z axis measurements. The movement of the sensor along an X-Y raster pattern is controlled by a X-directional and Y-directional scanner used in combination with X and Y actuators. The system and device translate the chromatic focal shifts into digital data which may then be used to both control the position of the lenses along the surface of the specimen and generate a 3D topographical images of the specimens being profiled.

Abstract: A method for automated parameter and selection testing based on known characteristics of the sample being tested. The method may utilize a software interface that proposes testing parameters based on the characteristics of the sample. The software interface may first guide the client through a series of questions or prompts, specifying the sample under test and may inquire information such as: the type of material, thickness, type of coating, and roughness level. The user may then decide what type of test to perform and the type of indenter from the list prescribed by executable instructions. In various embodiments, the method may, based on the indenter chosen, include a preliminary test to evaluate the depth versus load measurements or maximum load, so that the parameters may be adjusted for the primary test.

Abstract: A camera enabled navigation system for a material testing apparatus, comprising: a camera; a movable stage; a display; an interface device; a processor; a data storage; and a sensor head. The movable stage may receive a sample, an image of which is captured by the camera to create a field of view. The navigation system allows for adjusting the field of view of the displayed and magnified surface of the sample. The navigation movements are smooth, intuitive, and take into consideration current magnification, maximum movement speed, cursor position. The system also allows the user to navigate a larger stitched image.

Abstract: A method for calculating an indenter area function and quantifying a deviation from the ideal shape of an indenter. The method preferably comprises the steps of: (1) providing a material testing apparatus, an indenter, and a sample; (2) performing one (or very few indentation tests) across a range of loads by applying the indenter to the sample; (3) collecting load data; (4) calculating Martens hardness data (5) normalizing the depth data and Martens hardness data; and (6) analyzing the load data to detect the amount of deviation in the indenter's area function. Preferably, when applying the indenter to the sample, the loading rate will be performed very slowly at low loads. The loading rate will then preferably accelerate as the load increases. This will generally allow the load application tester to produce repeatable data at low loads and a full range test in a reasonably short time.

Abstract: The present invention is a nano wear testing apparatus, which preferably includes a linear motor, nano module assembly, piezoelectric member, load cell, tip mounting shaft, stage, and speaker coil. The linear motor preferably repositions the nano module assembly in close contact to the surface of a test sample, which is generally attached to the stage. The piezoelectric member moves the load cell and tip mounting shaft near the surface of the sample, and the load cell detects a contact load defined in the software application. The piezoelectric member continues to increase the load until the predetermined load for the test is reached. Once reached, the speaker coils shifts the stage at a frequency and stroke length set in the software application. During the test, the load cell and piezoelectric table continuously adjusts to keep a constant load during the test. Once the test is finished, the speaker coil stops and the load is then removed. Generally, load and depth data is recorded during the test.

Abstract: A method and a plant to remove metals by biosorption from mining or industrial effluents comprising: (a) subject the effluent to at least one first stage of pre-treatment, selecting among: precipitation by pH rising, solvent extraction or solvent extraction on emulsified membranes in order to reduce its load of metals to a concentration level that allows it to be treated by the next stage of biosorption, and (b) subject the liquid that has been previously in the stage of pre-treatment to a second stage of continuous metals removal by biosorption.

Abstract: A method and a plant to remove metals by biosorption from mining or industrial effluents comprising: (a) subject the effluent to at least one first stage of pre-treatment, selecting among: precipitation by pH rising, solvent extraction or solvent extraction on emulsified membranes in order to reduce its load of metals to a concentration level that allows it to be treated by the next stage of biosorption, and (b) subject the liquid that has been previously in the stage of pre-treatment to a second stage of continuous metals removal by biosorption.

Abstract: A method and a plant to remove metals by biosorption from mining or industrial effluents comprising: (a) subject the effluent to at least one first stage of pre-treatment, selecting among: precipitation by pH rising, solvent extraction or solvent extraction on emulsified membranes in order to reduce its load of metals to a concentration level that allows it to be treated by the next stage of biosorption, and (b) subject the liquid that has been previously in the stage of pre-treatment to a second stage of continuous metals removal by biosorption.

Abstract: A method and a plant to remove metals by biosorption from mining or industrial effluents comprising: (a) subject the effluent to at least one first stage of pre-treatment, selecting among: precipitation by pH rising, solvent extraction or solvent extraction on emulsified membranes in order to reduce its load of metals to a concentration level that allows it to be treated by the next stage of biosorption, and (b) subject the liquid that has been previously in the stage of pre-treatment to a second stage of continuous metals removal by biosorption.