Abstract: A negative pressure containment system is configured to run in lateral air flow mode or enhanced controlled environment mode, depending on the operator's needs. A diverter assembly facilitates switching between modes by directing air into alternative air chases. In the enhanced controlled environment mode there are two concurrent air paths that eventually converge, with one path being a bypass flow that creates negative pressure in the main chamber and another path being compressed air that feeds the main chamber. In this mode it is possible to precisely control the chamber environment.

Abstract: Apparatus and techniques for laser-processing workpieces can be improved, and new functionalities can be provided. Some embodiments discussed relate to use of beam characterization tools to facilitate adaptive processing, process control and other desirable features. Other embodiments relate to laser power sensors incorporating integrating spheres. Still other embodiments relate to workpiece handling systems capable of simultaneously providing different workpieces to a common laser-processing apparatus. A great number of other embodiments and arrangements are also detailed.

Abstract: A tool includes a tool body, a tool head, and an actuator. The tool head is rotatable with respect to the tool body. The actuator can rotate together with the tool head. The actuator is movable between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the actuator and the tool head cannot rotate with respect to the tool body. In the second configuration, the actuator and the tool head can rotate with respect to the tool body.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus are disclosed relating to smart regulators and smart manifolds for welding-type systems. A smart regulator may be coupled to a fluid tank and provide information regarding the current pressure(s) and/or flow rate to a remote device and/or operator. The remote device may also determine and/or output additional information, such as, for example, remaining fluid and/or remaining time before the fluid runs out or becomes dangerously low. A smart manifold may be configured to work with several different fluid supplies. In this way, an operator may easily mix fluid types, switch between different fluid types, and/or switch between different fluid tanks.

Abstract: The present invention provides rotatable cutting tools having washers with changing thicknesses. One side of the washer has a tapered surface that increases the thickness of the washer from the inner radius towards the outer radius, resulting in a thicker portion at the outer edge of the washer. The rotatable cutting tool may also have a bit with a tapered surface. The tapered surface of the bit may be structured and arranged to engage with the tapered surface of the washer. The rotatable cutting tool may also include a holder such that the assembled rotatable cutting tool includes the washer between the bit and the holder with the bit inserted into the holder and washer.

Abstract: A decontamination system employs at least one ozone generator located within an enclosed space, at least one ozone sensor and a control system for controlling the operation of the at least one ozone. During a decontamination cycle, the at least one ozone generator is operated to disperse ozone within the enclosed space until the at least one ozone sensor indicates that a desired decontamination ozone level has been reached.

Abstract: A method of additive manufacture is disclosed. The method can include providing an enclosure surrounding a powder bed and having an atmosphere including helium gas. A high flux laser beam is directed at a defined two dimensional region of the powder bed. Powder is melted and fused within the defined two dimensional region, with less than 50% by weight of the powder particles being displaced into any defined two dimensional region that shares an edge or corner with the defined two dimensional region where powder melting and fusing occurs.

Abstract: Foam-based pneumatic actuators can be formed in a state of mechanical compression prior to actuation. An actuator includes an elastomeric foam; a coating disposed on the elastomeric foam; and an elastomer seal disposed on the coating. The coating constrains the elastomeric foam and can be configured to break or fracture when the elastomeric foam inflates. The elastomer seal can be configured to be impermeable to the actuating fluid. Such a foam actuator can be used in a cardiac compression device. These foam actuators possess increased actuation deformation and an actuation exerted force for a given inflation pressure. A large deformation can be provided from materials having low ultimate strains.

Abstract: An adjustable carriage assembly is configured to be mounted on a frame member of a weight rack and includes a moveable carriage with a plurality of rollers that engage the frame member, as well as a connection structure for connection of an articulating implement. A releasable pin is mounted on the carriage proximate to a rear of the carriage and has an arm configured for engagement to move the releasable pin. The releasable pin is moveable by axial translation between a locked position and an unlocked position to selectively engage the frame member to lock the carriage in position or permit movement of the carriage. A removable pin may be removably received through a pin hole in the carriage to extend through the passage in a direction perpendicular to a direction of axial translation of the releasable pin, to engage the frame member to prevent movement of the carriage.

Abstract: A plasmapheresis system and a method for operating a plasmapheresis system are provided by which the reservoir for the concentrated red blood cells (RCC) has a first chamber for receiving anticoagulant used for priming the separator and purging the system of air prior to the initial draw cycle and a second chamber for receiving separated red blood cells. Because the entire volume of second chamber of the RCC reservoir may now receive separated red blood cells and no AC prime volume, a greater amount of whole blood may be processed in the first draw cycle, thus resulting in a greater total volume of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) being collected during the plasmapheresis procedure.

Abstract: A belt squat attachment of the present disclosure includes an attachment bar for clipping into holes of a support rack at a height selected by a user. The attachment bar is bisected by and perpendicular to a T-bar, which supports weight horns that are located at the midpoint of the T-bar, allowing a felt load to be calculated as half of the loaded weight. The user clips a belt into the belt ring at the end of the T-bar and performs the belt squat exercise by lifting the attachment and any attached load from a resting position on the ground. The belt squat attachment rotates about the points of attachment between the attachment bar and the support rack during the exercise. Further, the belt squat attachment can be rotated to a storage position against a vertical support behind the support rack while remaining attached to the support rack, allowing the support rack to retain the same utility as prior to attachment of the belt squat attachment.

Abstract: A negative pressure wound therapy system can include a negative pressure source configured to provide, via a fluid flow path, negative pressure to a wound covered by a wound dressing. The system can include a controller. The controller can be configured to periodically activate the negative pressure source to maintain negative pressure in the fluid flow path between a low negative pressure setpoint and a high negative pressure setpoint. The controller can be configured to determine a change in a volume of the wound based on a difference between a first time and a second time at which the high negative pressure setpoint has been established in the fluid flow path, the second time being subsequent to the first time. The controller can be configured to provide indication of the change in the volume of the wound.

Abstract: Embodiments provide for card games such as blackjack that allow at least one card to be dealt from a special deck (e.g., a restricted deck) into a hand, while the remainder of the cards for that hand (and, in some embodiments, other hands involved in the game event) are dealt from a main/conventional deck. In accordance with some embodiments, the at least one card dealt from the special deck is dealt into a hand of the player while in other embodiments it is dealt into the hand of a dealer and/or an opponent player. A special deck may be a deck that includes cards configured to provide an advantage to the player (e.g., in a blackjack game, restricted deck may only include high value cards if being used for a player hand or only low value cards if being used for a dealer hand).

Abstract: A hydraulic tool includes a tool head and a moveable piston coupled to the tool head. The hydraulic tool head includes a plurality of jaws, which are operable to open and close for performing work on a workpiece. The hydraulic tool also includes a motor operable to drive the moveable piston to close the plurality of jaws to a closed position at which the work on the workpiece is completed. The hydraulic tool further includes a position sensor configured to detect when the plurality of jaws are at the closed position and responsively generate a sensor signal indicating that the plurality of jaws are at the closed position. Additionally, the hydraulic tool includes a controller configured to receive the sensor signal from the position sensor. The controller is configured to operate the motor based on the sensor signal that the controller receives from the position sensor.

Abstract: A magnetic filter cartridge for a filter assembly has an outer surface that extends between a first end and a second end, and an inner surface that defines an inner cavity. A plurality of channels extend between the outer surface and the inner surface. Each channel has a first aperture in the outer surface, a second aperture in the inner surface, and a passage wall that extends between the first aperture and the second aperture. A magnetic element is positioned within the channel between the first aperture and the second aperture and spaced from the passage wall, the magnetic element cooperating with the passage wall to define a circuitous flow path between the first aperture and the second aperture.

Abstract: A collet assembly, for an umbilical plate that connects a vehicle to a ground station prior to a launch of the vehicle, includes an active decoupler. The active decoupler includes a pin. A cuff has a central opening. The pin passes through the central opening. A plurality of fingers are pivotally coupled to the cuff. A plurality of levers are pivotally coupled to the plurality of fingers and the pin.

Abstract: A system for treating a biologically contaminated water stream to lyse pathogens within the biologically contaminated water stream is provided. The system can include a flash vessel configured to receive a biologically contaminated water stream and to separate steam from liquid in the biologically contaminated water stream, a blower configured to receive the separated steam from the flash vessel and compress the separated steam for reintroduction into the biologically contaminated water stream, a circulation pump configured to receive the separated liquid from the flash vessel and to pressurize the separated liquid into a circulation stream, a preheater exchanger configured to receive treated water from the circulation stream and preheat the biologically contaminated water stream, and a pressure drop device configured to lower the pressure of the biologically contaminated water stream prior to receipt by the flash vessel.

Abstract: Several embodiments of the methods and compositions disclosed herein relate to immune cells that are engineered to express chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) and/or genetically modified to reduce potential side effects of cellular immunotherapy. Several embodiments relate to genetic modifications to the immune cells, such as Natural Killer (NK) cells, to reduce, substantially, reduce, or eliminate expression of a marker by the immune cells that would otherwise cause them to be self-targeted by the CAR. In several embodiments, the CAR targets CD70, and in some embodiments is used for renal cell carcinoma immunotherapy.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method of and system for processing an optical fiber. The method includes the steps of drawing an optical fiber in a drawing direction along a process pathway through a coating chamber comprising an inlet and an outlet, and a coating liquid volume to coat the optical fiber; supplying the coating liquid through the inlet, the coating liquid exiting the coating chamber through the outlet; and recirculating to coating liquid exiting the coating chamber to the inlet.