Abstract: A device for and a method of monitoring the healing status of a fractured bone in a person's limb is disclosed. The external fixation device may include one or more rods or struts that incorporate strain gauges designed to measure the mechanical forces on the strut when force is applied to the fractured bone. The mechanical force data may be collected by an electronic module and transmitted to a computer for statistical analysis. The device may also include a foot insole sensor for measuring the foot plantar force to normalize the data collected by an external fixation device attached to a person's leg. The method of measuring the healing status of a fractured bone includes measuring the changes in mechanical forces exerted on the one or more struts, and based on the measurements, estimating the healing status of the bone.

Abstract: A device for and a method of monitoring the healing status of a fractured bone in a person's limb is disclosed. The external fixation device may include one or more rods or struts that incorporate strain gauges designed to measure the mechanical forces on the strut when force is applied to the fractured bone. The mechanical force data may be collected by an electronic module and transmitted to a computer for statistical analysis. The device may also include a foot insole sensor for measuring the foot plantar force to normalize the data collected by an external fixation device attached to a person's leg. The method of measuring the healing status of a fractured bone includes measuring the changes in mechanical forces exerted on the one or more struts, and based on the measurements, estimating the healing status of the bone.

Abstract: Various embodiments include methods and systems for reducing false-particle counts in a water-based condensation particle counter (CPC). One embodiment of a method includes delivering water into multiple wicks used for transporting separate portions of an aerosol sample flow, with the wicks extending from a wick stand on a first end to a flow joiner on a second end, combining particles from the separate portions of the aerosol sample flow into a single aerosol stream within the flow joiner prior to transporting the combined aerosol sample stream into a particle detection chamber within the CPC, sensing an excess volume of water delivered to the wicks, collecting the excess volume of water in a collection reservoir, and after receiving a signal corresponding to the excess volume of water, draining the excess volume of water from the collection reservoir. Other methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments include methods of reducing false-particle counts in a water-based condensation particle counter (CPC). One embodiment of a method includes delivering water into one or more wicks, sensing an excess volume of water delivered to the wicks, collecting the excess volume of water into a collection reservoir, and draining the excess volume of water from the collection reservoir. Other methods and apparatuses are disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments include methods of reducing false-particle counts in a water-based condensation particle counter (CPC). One embodiment of a method includes delivering water into one or more wicks, sensing an excess volume of water delivered to the wicks, collecting the excess volume of water into a collection reservoir, and draining the excess volume of water from the collection reservoir. Other methods and apparatuses are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for collecting and analyzing bioaerosols, including exhaled breath aerosol from a subject. The collection system comprises an inlet portion configured to receive a gaseous fluid containing water vapor and aerosol particles. A primary passage for gaseous fluid flow is in fluid communication with the inlet portion and configured to channel the gaseous fluid flow therethrough. An outlet portion is in fluid communication with the primary passage. A sample collection region is provided, which is configured to receive from the outlet portion aerosol particles from the gaseous fluid, wherein the aerosol particles are impacted onto a layer of ice.

Abstract: Various embodiments include methods of reducing false-particle counts in a water-based condensation particle counter (CPC). One embodiment of a method includes delivering water into one or more wicks, sensing an excess volume of water delivered to the wicks, collecting the excess volume of water into a collection reservoir, and draining the excess volume of water from the collection reservoir. Other methods and apparatuses are disclosed.

Abstract: An individualized preoperative planning system for fracture fixation constructs provides fracture assessment before automatically performing finite element simulations to generate biomechanics associated with a large number of fracture fixation construct design alternatives. Data visualization utilizing multivariate plots or surrogate modeling based on the simulation results are then provided to surgeons enabling surgeons to view, adjust and optimize their fracture fixation construct designs.

Abstract: A device for and a method of monitoring the healing status of a fractured bone in a person's limb is disclosed. The external fixation device may include one or more rods or struts that incorporate strain gauges designed to measure the mechanical forces on the strut when force is applied to the fractured bone. The mechanical force data may be collected by an electronic module and transmitted to a computer for statistical analysis. The device may also include a foot insole sensor for measuring the foot plantar force to normalize the data collected by an external fixation device attached to a person's leg. The method of measuring the healing status of a fractured bone includes measuring the changes in mechanical forces exerted on the one or more struts, and based on the measurements, estimating the healing status of the bone.

Abstract: An individualized preoperative planning system for fracture fixation constructs provides fracture assessment before automatically performing finite element simulations to generate biomechanics associated with a large number of fracture fixation construct design alternatives. Data visualization utilizing multivariate plots or surrogate modeling based on the simulation results are then provided to surgeons enabling surgeons to view, adjust and optimize their fracture fixation construct designs.

Abstract: Various embodiments include methods of reducing false-particle counts in a water-based condensation particle counter (CPC). One embodiment of a method includes delivering water into one or more wicks, sensing an excess volume of water delivered to the wicks, collecting the excess volume of water into a collection reservoir, and draining the excess volume of water from the collection reservoir. Other methods and apparatuses are disclosed.

Abstract: This technology relates to the enlargement by water condensation in a laminar flow of airborne particles with diameters of the order of a few nanometers to hundreds of nanometers to form droplets with diameters of the order of several micrometers. The technology presents several advanced designs, including the use of double-stage condensers. It has application to measuring the number concentration of particles suspended in air or other gas, to collecting these particles, or to focusing these particles.

Abstract: A system and a method is described herein for the collection of small particles in a concentrated manner, whereby particles are deposited onto a solid surface or collected into a volume of liquid. The collected samples readily interface to any of a number of different elemental, chemical, or biological or other analysis techniques.

Abstract: This technology relates to the enlargement by water condensation in a laminar flow of airborne particles with diameters of the order of a few nanometers to hundreds of nanometers to form droplets with diameters of the order of several micrometers. The technology presents several advanced designs, including the use of double-stage condensers. It has application to measuring the number concentration of particles suspended in air or other gas, to collecting these particles, or to focusing these particles.

Abstract: This technology relates to the enlargement by water condensation in a laminar flow of airborne particles with diameters of the order of a few nanometers to hundreds of nanometers to form droplets with diameters of the order of several micrometers. The technology presents several advanced designs, including the use of double-stage condensers. It has application to measuring the number concentration of particles suspended in air or other gas, to collecting these particles, or to focusing these particles.

Abstract: A system and a method is described herein for the collection of small particles in a concentrated manner, whereby particles are deposited onto a solid surface or collected into a volume of liquid. The collected samples readily interface to any of a number of different elemental, chemical, or biological or other analysis techniques.

Abstract: A pulse width modulated solenoid system having low noise characteristics is described. Noise reduction is primarily achieved by separating the solenoid device from the insulator and the manifold housing through the use of rubber isolators and multiple sets of o-rings, thus preventing metal to metal contact. Additional noise reduction is achieved by encapsulating all of the solenoids, using the insulator, the cover plate, the housing, and the screen carrier. Noise levels are also further reduced by minimizing the impact force of the armature against the sleeve by allowing fluid to vent into the upper area of the sleeve, thus causing a dampening effect.

Abstract: This technology relates to the enlargement by water condensation in a laminar flow of airborne particles with diameters of the order of a few nanometers to hundreds of nanometers to form droplets with diameters of the order of several micrometers. The technology presents several advanced designs, including the use of double-stage condensers. It has application to measuring the number concentration of particles suspended in air or other gas, to collecting these particles, or to focusing these particles.

Abstract: Technology is presented for the high efficiency concentration of fine and ultrafine airborne particles into a small fraction of the sampled airflow by condensational enlargement, aerodynamic focusing and flow separation. A nozzle concentrator structure including an acceleration nozzle with a flow extraction structure may be coupled to a containment vessel. The containment vessel may include a water condensation growth tube to facilitate the concentration of ultrafine particles. The containment vessel may further include a separate carrier flow introduced at the center of the sampled flow, upstream of the acceleration nozzle of the nozzle concentrator to facilitate the separation of particle and vapor constituents.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus for sealing a substrate transfer passage in a chamber are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus for sealing a substrate transfer passage in a chamber includes an elongated door member having a convex sealing face and a backside. In another embodiment, a chamber having an apparatus for sealing a substrate transfer passage is provided that includes a chamber body having an interior volume, at least one substrate access defined through the chamber body configured to allow passage of a large area substrate therethrough, and a door member having a convex sealing face moveable between a first position that covers the substrate transfer port and a second position clear of the substrate transfer port. In yet another embodiment, the chamber body may be a load lock chamber.