Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally provide for expanding cells in a cell expansion system. The cells may be grown in a bioreactor, and the cells may be activated by an activator (e.g., a soluble activator complex). Nutrient and gas exchange capabilities of a closed, automated cell expansion system may allow cells to be seeded at reduced cell seeding densities, for example. Parameters of the cell growth environment may be manipulated to load the cells into a particular position in the bioreactor for the efficient exchange of nutrients and gases. System parameters may be adjusted to shear any cell colonies that may form during the expansion phase. Metabolic concentrations may be controlled to improve cell growth and viability. Cell residence in the bioreactor may be controlled. In embodiments, the cells may include T cells. In further embodiments, the cells may include T cell subpopulations, including regulatory T cells (Tregs), for example.

Abstract: In one preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a system for launching and recovering one or more unmanned, underwater vehicles. The system includes a surface vessel having a generally low waterline for transporting, launching and recovering the unmanned vehicles. The system provides the ability to transport, launch and recover unmanned vehicles from either the port or starboard sides of the surface vessel, utilizing an A-frame hoist assembly which can be moved laterally in a controlled manner between the port and starboard sides of the surface vessel for lifting the unmanned vehicles, and which can be pivoted in a controlled manner to provide the launch and recovery operations.

Abstract: A system of circuit board chassis can be configured to accept different types of circuit boards or modules. In one embodiment, a first chassis is adapted to receive a first type of circuit board, and a second chassis is adapted to fit inside the first chassis in place of at least one of the circuit boards. In this embodiment, the second chassis is also adapted to receive circuit boards of a second type, enabling them to operate inside the first chassis. As a result, a system that may have been previously adapted to receive only one type of circuit board may be configured to operate with multiple types of circuit boards.

Abstract: An electrical switch comprising a helical spring, progressively compressed onto concentric annular contacts, provides a mechanism for operating a portable light or other devices, and for engaging multiple modes of operation of said device(s), for example a portable electronic flashlight.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously, quickly and gently cooking and leaching food pieces such as compacted soy bean products with a cooking liquid, such as water, at elevated temperature comprising an elongate tank for the liquid wherein the tank has a product infeed end and a product discharge end. A driven endless conveyor having an upper flight passing through the liquid in the tank carries food pieces on its upper flight through the hot liquid. There is provided a plurality of means along one or both sides of the tank for withdrawing liquid from the tank at spaced apart points along the side of the tank, means for heating the withdrawn liquid and means for returning the heated liquid to the tank at a plurality of points adjacent the center line thereof.