Abstract: Systems and methods for improved flow properties in fluidic and microfluidic systems are disclosed. The system includes a microfluidic device having a first microchannel, a fluid reservoir having a working fluid and a pressurized gas, a pump in communication with the fluid reservoir to maintain a desired pressure of the pressurized gas, and a fluid-resistance element located within a fluid path between the fluid reservoir and the first microchannel. The fluid-resistance element includes a first fluidic resistance that is substantially larger than a second fluidic resistance associated with the first microchannel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improved flow properties in fluidic and microfluidic systems are disclosed. The system includes a microfluidic device having a first microchannel, a fluid reservoir having a working fluid and a pressurized gas, a pump in communication with the fluid reservoir to maintain a desired pressure of the pressurized gas, and a fluid-resistance element located within a fluid path between the fluid reservoir and the first microchannel. The fluid-resistance element includes a first fluidic resistance that is substantially larger than a second fluidic resistance associated with the first microchannel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improved flow properties in fluidic and microfluidic systems are disclosed. The system includes a microfluidic device having a first microchannel, a fluid reservoir having a working fluid and a pressurized gas, a pump in communication with the fluid reservoir to maintain a desired pressure of the pressurized gas, and a fluid-resistance element located within a fluid path between the fluid reservoir and the first microchannel. The fluid-resistance element includes a first fluidic resistance that is substantially larger than a second fluidic resistance associated with the first microchannel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improved flow properties in fluidic and microfluidic systems are disclosed. The system includes a microfluidic device having a first microchannel, a fluid reservoir having a working fluid and a pressurized gas, a pump in communication with the fluid reservoir to maintain a desired pressure of the pressurized gas, and a fluid-resistance element located within a fluid path between the fluid reservoir and the first microchannel. The fluid-resistance element includes a first fluidic resistance that is substantially larger than a second fluidic resistance associated with the first microchannel.

Abstract: Described herein are fluid-flow control devices for transferring a fluid from a place to another and/or controlling a fluid flow. In some embodiments, fluid-flow control devices described herein can be used as pumping devices to transfer a fluid by peristaltic motion and/or as valve devices to control fluid flow for various applications, e.g., in a microfluidic platform.

Abstract: An organomimetic device includes a microfluidic device that can be used to culture cells in its microfluidic channels. The organomimetic device can be part of dynamic system that can apply mechanical forces to the cells by modulating the microfluidic device and the flow of fluid through the microfluidic channels. The membrane in the organomimetic device can be modulated mechanically via pneumatic means and/or mechanical means. The organomimetic device can be manufactured by the fabrication of individual components separately, for example, as individual layers that can be subsequently laminated together.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improved flow properties in fluidic and microfluidic systems are disclosed. The system includes a microfluidic device having a first microchannel, a fluid reservoir having a working fluid and a pressurized gas, a pump in communication with the fluid reservoir to maintain a desired pressure of the pressurized gas, and a fluid-resistance element located within a fluid path between the fluid reservoir and the first microchannel. The fluid-resistance element includes a first fluidic resistance that is substantially larger than a second fluidic resistance associated with the first microchannel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improved flow properties in fluidic and microfluidic systems are disclosed. The system includes a microfluidic device having a first microchannel, a fluid reservoir having a working fluid and a pressurized gas, a pump in communication with the fluid reservoir to maintain a desired pressure of the pressurized gas, and a fluid-resistance element located within a fluid path between the fluid reservoir and the first microchannel. The fluid-resistance element includes a first fluidic resistance that is substantially larger than a second fluidic resistance associated with the first microchannel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improved flow properties in fluidic and microfluidic systems are disclosed. The system includes a microfluidic device having a first microchannel, a fluid reservoir having a working fluid and a pressurized gas, a pump in communication with the fluid reservoir to maintain a desired pressure of the pressurized gas, and a fluid-resistance element located within a fluid path between the fluid reservoir and the first microchannel. The fluid-resistance element includes a first fluidic resistance that is substantially larger than a second fluidic resistance associated with the first microchannel.

Abstract: A microscopy system for monitoring of one or more specimens includes a plurality of microscope blades, each microscope blade having at least one objective, at least one illuminator, and at least one detector. The microscopy system also includes a plurality of carriages, each carriage being connected to one or more of the microscope blades, and one or more actuators configured to drive the plurality of carriages along one or more axes, at least some of the plurality of carriages having at least partially overlapping ranges of motion along at least one of the one or more axes. The microscopy system also includes a master controller configured to drive each of the carriages, using the actuator(s), along the one or more axes.

Abstract: Described herein are fluid-flow control devices for transferring a fluid from a place to another and/or controlling a fluid flow. In some embodiments, fluid-flow control devices described herein can be used as pumping devices to transfer a fluid by peristaltic motion and/or as valve devices to control fluid flow for various applications, e.g., in a microfluidic platform.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for testing and mounting a PCB in a device. A PCB may be placed on one or more standoffs so that a head portion of the standoff protrudes from one or more apertures of the PCB. A push-pin type standoff cap may then be placed on the protruding heads to mechanically restrain the PCB to the standoffs. Furthermore, one or more cables may be coupled with the standoff caps to provide power or test signals to one or more connector pads on the PCB. Therefore, the standoff caps provide a system for aligning, retaining, connecting, terminating, and testing printed circuit boards.

Abstract: A method of spraying a liquid cosmetic composition onto the surface of the human body comprising: (i) mechanically pressurising a free-flowing liquid cosmetic composition to a pressure of from 1.0 to less than 5.0 MPa; (ii) passing said composition through a swirl chamber, and (iii) expelling said composition through a 100 to 200 micron outlet nozzle onto the surface of the human body.

Abstract: A container which is adhered, in an inverted orientation, to a vertical surface (such as a wall or other vertical surface) of a kitchen, sink, or bath room by a stretch release adhesive, wherein said stretch release adhesive is resistant or substantially resistant to water and humidity, which container comprises: a) one or more side surfaces, an end surface and a surface comprising an orifice; b) a self-sealing valve which covers said orifice; c) a construction or coating that is resistant or substantially resistant to external corrosion; and wherein said container is dispensed by hand through the application of a force whose principal component acts perpendicularly or approximately perpendicularly to the vertical surface; is described.

Abstract: A domestic spray device comprising a liquid reservoir (1), a continuous feed gas pump (3) with a control means (5) for activation thereof, and a means of transferring liquid (2) from the liquid reservoir (1) to a nozzle unit (12), the nozzle unit (12) comprising a means of forming a film of liquid, a means of injecting bubbles of gas into said film of liquid, said gas being forced into the nozzle unit (12) by the continuous feed gas pump (3), and a section of hardware defining an exit orifice (19) for the spray generated.

Abstract: A container which is adhered, in an inverted orientation, to a vertical surface (such as a wall or other vertical surface) of a kitchen, sink, or bath room by a stretch release adhesive, wherein said stretch release adhesive is resistant or substantially resistant to water and humidity,

Abstract: A specially adapted kit apparatus (10) and method for delivering a cosmetic composition (12) to human skin which provides enhanced skin benefit efficacy. The kit includes the cosmetic composition and a massage applicator apparatus (14). The method consists of massaging a cosmetic composition into human skin using the specially adapted kit (10).

Abstract: A specially adapted kit apparatus and method for delivering a cosmetic composition to human skin, preferably a flowable antiperspirant or deodorant composition, which provide enhanced antiperspirant and deodorant effects. The kit includes a cosmetic composition and a massage applicator apparatus. The method consists of massaging a cosmetic composition into human skin using the specially adapted kit.