Abstract: An analyte sensing system is provided that utilizes separate and decoupled equilibrium and measurement chambers for improved sensitivity and stability. The system and method are particularly suited for monitoring of CO2 levels in oceans or other bodies of water.

Abstract: A noninvasive remote parameter sensor and sensing method is provided that is particularly suited for the remote monitoring of skin temperature. The sensor and sensing method utilize luminescence-based sensors that are non-toxic and non-irritating to the skin. The sensor preferably utilizes one or more types of fluorophores that are embedded in a soft hydrogel. The sensor is illuminated with excitation light, and temperature is monitored by detecting and analyzing the emission light from the fluorophores. Because a soft hydrogel is used, the sensor can be gently wiped off the skin at the conclusion of temperature measurements.

Abstract: A bioprocessing system for protein manufacturing is provided that is compact, integrated and suited for on-demand production and delivery of therapeutic proteins to patients. The system can also be used for efficient on-demand production of any type of protein.

Abstract: A manicure table provides a ventilated and filtered venue for removing debris and odor that are generated in the manicuring process. The manicure table employs table geometry to establish optimally low air flow through functional components that remove debris and odor.

Abstract: A fluorescence based sensor system that provides improved signal-to-noise over prior systems is provided. The system includes a fluorescence based sensing medium that is contained a recessed cavity with reflective sides that allow for more uniform excitation of the fluorescence based sensing medium by the excitation light.

Abstract: A low cost sensing system that can measure both chlorophyll concentration and turbidity is provided. The system is an optical system that utilizes at least three light sensors for measuring side-scattered and forward scattered light, as well as fluorescence. The system is able to take optical density measurements, steady state fluorescence measurements and maximum fluorescence measurements, and can be configured for wireless control and data transmission. The system may also be housed in one or more fluidtight housings so as to make it submersible.

Abstract: A noninvasive remote parameter sensor and sensing method is provided that is particularly suited for the remote monitoring of skin temperature. The sensor and sensing method utilize luminescence-based sensors that are non-toxic and non-irritating to the skin. The sensor preferably utilizes one or more types of fluorophores that are embedded in a soft hydrogel. The sensor is illuminated with excitation light, and temperature is monitored by detecting and analyzing the emission light from the fluorophores. Because a soft hydrogel is used, the sensor can be gently wiped off the skin at the conclusion of temperature measurements.

Abstract: A remote parameter sensing system is provide that includes a gel sensor, a light source, a detector and a controller 140. The gel sensor is in contact with a surface where the parameter is to be measured, and is preferably a gel that is embedded with a chemical that emits light 160 (via, for example, fluorescence) when it is excited by excitation light from the light source at an appropriate excitation frequency. The chemical properties of the gel sensor are such that at least one characteristic of the emission light (such as, for example, emission intensity) varies as a function of variations in the parameter being measured. The system is particularly suited for use as remote body temperature sensing system in incubators and radiant warmers for infant and neonatal care.

Abstract: A low cost sensing system that can measure both chlorophyll concentration and turbidity is provided. The system is an optical system that utilizes at least three light sensors for measuring side-scattered and forward scattered light, as well as fluorescence. The system is able to take optical density measurements, steady state fluorescence measurements and maximum fluorescence measurements, and can be configured for wireless control and data transmission. The system may also be housed in one or more fluidtight housings so as to make it submersible.

Abstract: A fluorescence based sensor system that provides improved signal-to-noise over prior systems is provided. The system includes a fluorescence based sensing medium that is contained a recessed cavity with reflective sides that allow for more uniform excitation of the fluorescence based sensing medium by the excitation light.

Abstract: An anatomically approximate prosthetic heart valve includes dissimilar flexible leaflets, dissimilar commissures and/or a non-circular flow orifice. The heart valve may be implanted in the mitral position and have one larger leaflet oriented along the anterior aspect so as to mimic the natural anterior leaflet. Two other smaller leaflets extend around the posterior aspect of the valve. A basic structure providing peripheral support for the leaflets includes two taller commissures on both sides of the larger leaflet, with a third, smaller commissure between the other two leaflets. The larger leaflet may be thicker and/or stronger than the other two leaflets. The base structure defines a flow orifice intended to simulate the shape of the mitral annulus during the systolic phase. For example, the flow orifice may be elliptical.

Abstract: Improved, adaptable tissue-type heart valves and methods for their manufacture are disclosed wherein a dimensionally stable, pre-aligned tissue leaflet subassembly is formed and its peripheral edge clamped between and attached to an upper shaped wireform and a lower support stent. A variety of adaptable structural interfaces including suture rings, flanges, and conduits may be attached to the support stent with or without an outlet conduit disposed about the wireform to provide a tissue-type heart valve adaptable for use in either a natural heart or in mechanical pumping devices. The methods include forming individual leaflets with a template and using the template to attach the leaflets together to form a tissue leaflet subassembly. The template and leaflets include a straight edge terminating in oppositely directed tabs, and a curvilinear cusp edge extending opposite the straight edge.

Abstract: A donor heart valve sizer and method of sizing to increase the quality and yield of, and decrease the expense of fabricating, prosthetic heart valves. The sizer includes an axially-extending sizing portion sized to fit within the lumen of a donor heart valve. The sizing portion may be conical such that a resistance to further insertion is felt when the exterior of the sizing portion contacts the annulus of the valve. A measuring bracket attached to the sizing portion includes a scale aligned with the sizing portion that indicates the final expected valve size based on the position of the fresh donor valve on the sizing portion. The measuring bracket includes regions of acceptable valve sizes, and may also include regions of unacceptable valve sizes. A method of sizing includes utilizing the sizer in the slaughterhouse to reduce the overall number of valves shipped to the valve assembly facility to obtain a particular valve size.

Abstract: An expandable annuloplasty ring which may either expand spontaneously, in situ, as the patient grows or be expanded by surgical intervention by balloon dilatation. The distensible annuloplasty ring of the invention may be usable in pediatric patients whose growth, subsequent to surgical implantation of the ring, will necessitate subsequent enlargement of the ring to accommodate growth of the annulus. The ring may include relatively expandable segments to enable the enlargement thereof. The ring segments may include engaging teeth which cooperate with notches or slots formed in the tubes to provide some resistance to ring distention, while preventing collapse of the ring in the opposite direction. The teeth may be of different sizes or shapes to regulate the amount of force needed to expand the ring at different stages of the patient's growth.

Abstract: An aortic valve sizing obturator apparatus for employment in determining the correct size of an aortic annulus. The apparatus includes a cylindrical obturator body with a flange member formed thereabout. At least the under surface of the flange member is of a non-planar, multi-curvate configuration to thereby be complimentary in shape to the annulus of an aortic valve when seated in the annulus during size determination. Within the cylindrical obturator body can be disposed a handle connector to which a handle can be attached during placement of the obturator apparatus within an annulus. The present invention also includes methodology for determining the size of an aortic valve annulus by employing a plurality of differently-sized aortic valve sizing obturators defined above and individually seating them sequentially within the aortic annulus until an obturator that reflects annulus size is located.

Abstract: A lid holder for holding a cookware lid having handling means in an inclined position on a horizonal surface. The holder comprises a body having a portion which is shaped, in the form of an upwardly facing recess and/or an upward protrusion, to engage the handling means of the lid with the lid leaning against the body. A separate support may be provided for supporting the body of the lid holder on a wall.