Abstract: Disclosed is a simplified method for producing a protein hydrolysate, the method having the advantages of decreasing costs associated with energy, materials, and space as compared to that of conventional methods. A protein hydrolysate/enzyme composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a simplified method for producing a protein hydrolysate, the method having the advantages of decreasing costs associated with energy, materials, and space as compared to that of conventional methods. A protein hydrolysate/enzyme composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microfluidic system for processing biological samples comprising a transfer pipette; a platform adapted to provide at least one receiving chamber and configured to receive said transfer pipette, and a distal output chamber wherein a biological sample from the transfer pipette is dispensed into the output chamber when a centrifugal force is applied.

Abstract: An apparatus for perfusing an organ or tissue including a perfusion circuit for perfusing the organ or tissue with liquid perfusate; and an oxygenation system for oxygenating perfusate that recirculates through the perfusion circuit. The oxygenation system includes an oxygen circuit for delivering oxygen to the liquid perfusate and an air circuit for delivering ambient air to the liquid perfusate. The air may be pumped through the oxygenation system via an air pump. The air or oxygen may be bubble through the perfusate to increase oxygen levels in the perfusate. Such supplemental oxygen may beneficial during hypothermic preservation of organs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microfluidic system for processing biological samples comprising a rotary motor; a means for controlling said motor; a platform coupled to the rotary motor and adapted to provide at least one particle-washing structure and one particle receiving structure for receiving washed particles; and a detection zone for detection of particles of the sample in the particle receiving structure while the platform rotates. The invention provides a sample processing system that is both automated and prone to fewer errors than manual processing. This is accomplished using a centrifugal microfluidic platform that can process raw biological samples (e.g., blood, sputum, urine,) in order to perform high-quality bead-based immunofluorescent assays. The invention uses a simple rotary motor and custom-designed plastic disc to perform the sample preparation steps outlined above.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microfluidic system for processing biological samples comprising a transfer pipette; a platform adapted to provide at least one receiving chamber and configured to receive said transfer pipette, and a distal output chamber wherein a biological sample from the transfer pipette is dispensed into the output chamber when a centrifugal force is applied.

Abstract: Disclosed is a simplified method for producing a protein hydrolysate, the method having the advantages of decreasing costs associated with energy, materials, and space as compared to that of conventional methods. A protein hydrolysate/enzyme composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a high resolution, wide dynamic range, multi-color detection platform for microfluidic analyzers/instruments and methods. The detection platform uses multiple high gain semiconductor optical sensors for the detection of luminescence from cellular or biological samples. The digitized outputs from these sensors are combined and weighted in a signal processing unit, using pre-determined algorithms for each color, which optimize the resolution in each of these high gain semiconductor optical sensors while extending the dynamic range of the detection platform.

Abstract: A system and method for extracting and searching for design includes identifying design examples using a query system hosted on a server having one or more processors and memory. The system and method include receiving a first query, searching a design repository based on the first query to determine a result set having one or more first design examples, returning the first design examples, determining one or more first similarities among design properties in second design examples selected from the first design examples, and using the first similarities as a basis for one or more second queries. The design repository stores domain object model (DOM) trees, DOM elements, design properties, and snapshots. In some embodiments, the system and method further include adding one or more of the first design examples to a trendset and determining one or more second similarities of design properties in third design examples in the trendset.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for procedural modeling are described for generating procedural models and exploring procedural model space. Common procedural components (models, modules, and methods) and a hierarchical framework are described that may be used to construct hierarchical procedural models. A model may comprise a hierarchy of one or more modules. Each module includes a sequence of methods and an optional geometry for display. A method may be controlled by one or more parameters. The values of the parameters may be specified via curves. A module description may be condensed into a single array of values for parameters of the module. Thus, a model or module may be specified by filling in values for arrays of parameters for the sequence of methods. An interpolation technique for interpolating between models is described in which models are matched according to a cost function so that ancestry is preserved.

Abstract: A method of controlling a motorized device comprises the steps of providing a motorized device, receiving a code, checking that code, and changing the operational state of a portion of the motorized device in response to the code in certain circumstances. In one embodiment, the motorized device comprises a drive system, an activation mechanism, and a safety circuit that is in communication with the activation mechanism and at least a portion of the drive system. After receiving an unlocking code from the activation mechanism, the next step is to determine if the received unlocking code corresponds to a predetermined unlocking code. Subsequently, if the received unlocking code corresponds to the predetermined unlocking code, then the safety circuit is transitioned from a locked state to a normal operation state. Additional codes and corresponding operational states may also be incorporated into other embodiments of the method.

Abstract: The invention provides a high resolution, wide dynamic range, multi-colour detection platform for microfluidic analysers/instruments and methods. The detection platform uses multiple high gain semiconductor optical sensors for the detection of luminescence from cellular or biological samples. The digitized outputs from these sensors are combined and weighted in a signal processing unit, using pre-determined algorithms for each colour, which optimise the resolution in each of these high gain semiconductor optical sensors while extending the dynamic range of the detection platform.

Abstract: The present invention relates to therapeutic combinations comprising (a) Compound (1), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, as herein described, (b) an interferon alfa and (c) ribavirin and particular regimens for administering this combination. Compound (1) is a selective and potent inhibitor of the HCV NS3 serine protease. The present invention also relates to methods of using such therapeutic combinations for treating HCV infection or alleviating one or more symptoms thereof in a patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microfluidic system for processing biological samples comprising a rotary motor; a means for controlling said motor; a platform coupled to the rotary motor and adapted to provide at least one particle-washing structure and one particle receiving structure for receiving washed particles; and a detection zone for detection of particles of the sample in the particle receiving structure while the platform rotates. The invention provides a sample processing system that is both automated and prone to fewer errors than manual processing. This is accomplished using a centrifugal microfluidic platform that can process raw biological samples (e.g., blood, sputum, urine,) in order to perform high-quality bead-based immunofluorescent assays. The invention uses a simple rotary motor and custom-designed plastic disc to perform the sample preparation steps outlined above.

Abstract: A method of controlling a motorized device comprises the steps of providing a motorized device, receiving a code, checking that code, and changing the operational state of a portion of the motorized device in response to the code in certain circumstances. In one embodiment, the motorized device comprises a drive system, an activation mechanism, and a safety circuit that is in communication with the activation mechanism and at least a portion of the drive system. After receiving an unlocking code from the activation mechanism, the next step is to determine if the received unlocking code corresponds to a predetermined unlocking code. Subsequently, if the received unlocking code corresponds to the predetermined unlocking code, then the safety circuit is transitioned from a locked state to a normal operation state. Additional codes and corresponding operational states may also be incorporated into other embodiments of the method.

Abstract: A system for combining electrical power from two or more power sources includes first and second conversion stages (120) which receive input power from two or more power sources (110), and produce different output voltages, including DC outputs. The input power sources (110) may have different voltage, frequency, and phase characteristics, and may be DC voltages. Various embodiments are disclosed for converting and combining the input power sources (110) to provide at least a DC output voltage and an optional AC output voltage which may have different voltage, frequency, and phase characteristics than the input power sources (110). In another embodiment, a method of power conversion is disclosed.

Abstract: A safety system comprises an activation mechanism, a safety circuit, and a drive system in communication with each other. In one embodiment, the activation mechanism produces an activation signal in response to an actuation of the activation mechanism. The safety circuit operates in either a locked state or a normal operation state. In this embodiment, the safety circuit is programmed to prevent the activation signal from being communicated to the drive system when the safety circuit is operating in the locked state and to allow the activation signal to be communicated to the drive system when the safety circuit is operating in the normal operation state. The safety circuit is programmed to transition from the locked state to the normal operation state in response to receiving both an unlocking code and a follow-up signal that is received by the safety circuit within a predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for procedural modeling are described for generating procedural models and exploring procedural model space. Common procedural components (models, modules, and methods) and a hierarchical framework are described that may be used to construct hierarchical procedural models. A model may comprise a hierarchy of one or more modules. Each module includes a sequence of methods and an optional geometry for display. A method may be controlled by one or more parameters. The values of the parameters may be specified via curves. A module description may be condensed into a single array of values for parameters of the module. Thus, a model or module may be specified by filling in values for arrays of parameters for the sequence of methods. An interpolation technique for interpolating between models is described in which models are matched according to a cost function so that ancestry is preserved.

Abstract: An industrial fabric, belt or sleeve and a method of making the fabric, belt or sleeve are disclosed. The industrial fabric, belt or sleeve is produced by spirally winding strips of polymeric material, such as an industrial strapping or ribbon material, and joining the adjoining sides of the strips of material using ultrasonic welding or laser welding techniques. The fabric, belt or sleeve may then be perforated using a suitable technique to make it permeable to air and/or water.

Abstract: An industrial fabric such as an endless belt or sleeve for use in the production of nonwovens, and a method of making thereof are disclosed. The industrial fabric is produced by spirally winding strips of polymeric material, such as an industrial strapping or ribbon material, and joining the adjoining sides of the strips of material using ultrasonic welding or laser welding techniques. The fabric may then be perforated using a suitable technique to make it permeable to air and/or water.