Abstract: A vitrification assembly for cryopreserving a biological sample, including a frame, a pair of vertically oriented, horizontally opposed cold plates, a cold plate actuator coupled to the pair of cold plates configured to control a distance between the pair of cold plates, a lift assembly configured to retain and raise and lower the biological sample between the pair of cold plates, a liquid nitrogen reservoir disposed below and around a bottom portion each of the pair of cold plates for cooling the pair of cold plates and the biological sample, and a control system configured to operate the cold plate actuator and monitor a temperature of the pair of cold plates and the biological sample. In some embodiments, the vitrification assembly further includes a heater thermally coupled to the pair of cold plates and operable for warming the pair of cold plates and the biological sample during a rewarming process.

Abstract: Optical traps enable nanoscale manipulation of individual biomolecules while measuring molecular forces and lengths. Disclosed herein is a camera-based detection system that enables accurate and precise measurements of forces and interactions in a dual optical trap. Optical traps may be used to stretch and unzip DNA molecules while measuring the displacements of trapped particles from their trapping centers with sub-nanometer accuracy and precision.

Abstract: Optical traps enable nanoscale manipulation of individual biomolecules while measuring molecular forces and lengths. Disclosed herein is a camera-based detection system that enables accurate and precise measurements of forces and interactions in a dual optical trap. Optical traps may be used to stretch and unzip DNA molecules while measuring the displacements of trapped particles from their trapping centers with sub-nanometer accuracy and precision.

Abstract: A system for refueling a nuclear reactor is provided. The system includes a lower reactor vessel with a plurality of fuel rods and a plurality of control rods disposed therein, the lower reactor vessel further comprising an upper flange. An upper reactor vessel is provided which encloses a steam generator and a pressurizer, the upper reactor vessel further comprising a lower flange that matingly engages the upper flange of the lower reactor vessel. A transporter surrounds an outer surface of the upper reactor vessel, wherein the transporter is configured to translate the upper reactor vessel vertically toward and away from the lower reactor vessel and also to translate the upper reactor vessel horizontally toward or away from alignment with the lower reactor vessel.

Abstract: A system for refueling a nuclear reactor is provided. The system includes a lower reactor vessel with a plurality of fuel rods and a plurality of control rods disposed therein, the lower reactor vessel further comprising an upper flange. An upper reactor vessel is provided which encloses a steam generator and a pressurizer, the upper reactor vessel further comprising a lower flange that matingly engages the upper flange of the lower reactor vessel. A transporter surrounds an outer surface of the upper reactor vessel, wherein the transporter is configured to translate the upper reactor vessel vertically toward and away from the lower reactor vessel and also to translate the upper reactor vessel horizontally toward or away from alignment with the lower reactor vessel.