Abstract: A processor arranged to compress neural network activation data comprising an input module for obtaining neural network activation data. The processor also comprises a block creation module arranged to split the neural network activation data into a plurality of blocks; and a metadata generation module for generating metadata associated with at least one of the plurality of blocks. Based on the metadata generated a selection module selects a compression scheme for each of the plurality of blocks, and a compression module for applying the selected compression scheme to the corresponding block to produce compressed neural network activation data. An output module is also provided for outputting the compressed neural network activation data.

Abstract: Systems, including methods and apparatus, for growing viable monoclonal colonies, identifying them as monoclonal after their viability has been demonstrated, and picking and placing them into a target environment. The methods may include plating cells at low density in a well, capturing at a first time shortly after plating a series of vertically spaced-apart images of the well showing locations of the cells, capturing at a second, later time images of the same well showing locations of candidate cell colonies, determining a likelihood that the candidate colonies are monoclonal based on information in the first set of images, and, based on the likelihood, picking candidate colonies using a picking head for transfer to a target environment.

Abstract: A low-temperature storage device includes an inner vessel, an outer vessel about the inner vessel, a thermal insulation layer between the inner vessel and the outer vessel, and a single heat exchanger in thermal communication with an interior of the inner vessel and adapted to be connected to at least one of an evaporator in a closed-loop refrigeration circuit and an open-loop evaporator for an externally-supplied cryogen. The inner vessel can be a vacuum-insulated vessel, and the heat exchanger can be an internal heat exchanger including at least two fluid circuits: a first circuit with one external connection and one internal connection into the inner vessel and the second circuit with two external connections.

Abstract: A cryogenic freezer features a dewar defining a storage space. A reservoir is positioned within or adjacent to the storage space and is configured to contain a cryogenic liquid with a headspace above the cryogenic liquid in a reservoir interior space that is sealed with respect to the storage space. A refrigeration module is in heat exchange relationship with the reservoir. A sensor is configured to determine a temperature or pressure within the reservoir. A system controller is connected to the sensor and the refrigeration module and configured so that the refrigeration module is adjusted to provide additional cooling to the reservoir when a pressure or temperature within the headspace increases.

Abstract: A cryogenic freezer features a dewar defining a storage space. A reservoir is positioned within or adjacent to the storage space and is configured to contain a cryogenic liquid with a headspace above the cryogenic liquid in a reservoir interior space that is sealed with respect to the storage space. A refrigeration module is in heat exchange relationship with the reservoir. A sensor is configured to determine a temperature or pressure within the reservoir. A system controller is connected to the sensor and the refrigeration module and configured so that the refrigeration module is adjusted to provide additional cooling to the reservoir when a pressure or temperature within the headspace increases.

Abstract: An apparatus for cryostorage and manipulation of a plurality of container units includes a cryochamber having a cryo-access port. The cryochamber is electrically cooled at cryogenic temperatures. A unit holder is located inside the cryochamber and is configured to hold a plurality of container units. A user access area is provided for selectively permitting access to a chosen container unit by an authenticated user who has been authenticated by the apparatus. A motive grasper is provided for selectively removing the chosen container unit from the cryochamber through the cryo-access port, and selectively placing the chosen container unit into the user access area.

Abstract: An apparatus for cryostorage and manipulation of a plurality of container units includes a cryochamber having a cryo-access port. The cryochamber is electrically cooled at cryogenic temperatures. A unit holder is located inside the cryochamber and is configured to hold a plurality of container units. A user access area is provided for selectively permitting access to a chosen container unit by an authenticated user who has been authenticated by the apparatus. A motive grasper is provided for selectively removing the chosen container unit from the cryochamber through the cryo-access port, and selectively placing the chosen container unit into the user access area.

Abstract: A low-temperature storage device includes an inner vessel, an outer vessel about the inner vessel, a thermal insulation layer between the inner vessel and the outer vessel, and a single heat exchanger in thermal communication with an interior of the inner vessel and adapted to be connected to at least one of an evaporator in a closed-loop refrigeration circuit and an open-loop evaporator for an externally-supplied cryogen. The inner vessel can be a vacuum-insulated vessel, and the heat exchanger can be an internal heat exchanger including at least two fluid circuits: a first circuit with one external connection and one internal connection into the inner vessel and the second circuit with two external connections.

Abstract: An apparatus for cryostorage and manipulation of a plurality of container units includes a cryochamber having a cryo-access port. The cryochamber is electrically cooled at cryogenic temperatures. A unit holder is located inside the cryochamber and is configured to hold a plurality of container units. A user access area is provided for selectively permitting access to a chosen container unit by an authenticated user who has been authenticated by the apparatus. A motive grasper is provided for selectively removing the chosen container unit from the cryochamber through the cryo-access port, and selectively placing the chosen container unit into the user access area.

Abstract: A cryocooler is described that can include a pressure wave generator, and a refrigeration device (for example, a cold-head), which can be used to liquefy a gas when the gas is exposed to a surface of the refrigeration device. The pressure wave generator can include one or more motors. Each motor can include a stator, and at least one electrical coil wound around a portion of the stator. The electrical coil can generate a reversing magnetic field when alternating electric current is passed through the electrical coil. The motor can further include a pressurized container that can be placed within the space enclosed by the stator, and a piston that can be placed inside the pressurized container. The stators can be placed external to the pressurized container. The piston is made by combining magnets that have opposite and transverse polarities, and are combined adjacently on a common reciprocating axis.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein relates to a spin pump that includes a combination of a compressor and a vacuum pump on respective pistons extending from a common crankshaft in a rotating housing. Related methods, apparatuses, systems, techniques and articles are also described.

Abstract: A cryogenic freezer features a dewar defining a storage space. A reservoir is positioned within or adjacent to the storage space and is configured to contain a cryogenic liquid with a headspace above the cryogenic liquid in a reservoir interior space that is sealed with respect to the storage space. A refrigeration module is in heat exchange relationship with the reservoir. A sensor is configured to determine a temperature or pressure within the reservoir. A system controller is connected to the sensor and the refrigeration module and configured so that the refrigeration module is adjusted to provide additional cooling to the reservoir when a pressure or temperature within the headspace increases.

Abstract: A cryocooler is described that can include a pressure wave generator, and a refrigeration device (for example, a cold-head), which can be used to liquefy a gas when the gas is exposed to a surface of the refrigeration device. The pressure wave generator can include one or more motors. Each motor can include a stator, and at least one electrical coil wound around a portion of the stator. The electrical coil can generate a reversing magnetic field when alternating electric current is passed through the electrical coil. The motor can further include a pressurized container that can be placed within the space enclosed by the stator, and a piston that can be placed inside the pressurized container. The stators can be placed external to the pressurized container. The piston is made by combining magnets that have opposite and transverse polarities, and are combined adjacently on a common reciprocating axis.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein relates to a spin pump that includes a combination of a compressor and a vacuum pump on respective pistons extending from a common crankshaft in a rotating housing. Related methods, apparatuses, systems, techniques and articles are also described.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein relates to a spin pump that includes a combination of a compressor and a vacuum pump on respective pistons extending from a common crankshaft in a rotating housing. Related methods, apparatuses, systems, techniques and articles are also described.

Abstract: A method of making a plurality of foldable, collapsible window shades from a continuously moving strip of material. The method described herein is directed to a variety of methods of handling and processing preforms generated from the strip of material in order to ensure continuous movement of the strip of material during the process.

Abstract: A shutter-blind system for windows is provided. The system includes a plurality of rotatable parallel louvers. Each louver is rotatable about an axis offset from its center of gravity. The system further includes a resisting member coupled to a louver located at a lower end of the plurality of louvers, the center of gravity of the louvers with the offset axis pulling against the resisting member to maintain tension in the collapsible linkages. All of the louvers of the plurality of louvers are rotated in a substantially matched rotation in response to rotation of the lower louver. All of the louvers are held in position in response to the force of gravity on the offset louvers acting against the resisting member.

Abstract: A control circuit of an oxygen concentrator maintains pressure within a compressor of the oxygen concentrator. The control circuit includes a microprocessor that controls functioning of a controller based on two or more of: a user-adjustable flow rate of oxygen delivered by the oxygen concentrator to a user, an ambient temperature, and an ambient pressure. The functioning of the controller further controls the adsorption of various gases by sieve beds of the oxygen concentrator to produce oxygen enriched gas.

Abstract: A fabric for a window shade, a window shade including the fabric and a related method are disclosed. The fabric may include a relaxed condition in which the fabric is translucent or at least partially opaque; and at least one stretched condition caused by application of a tension in a single linear direction, wherein a degree of transparency of the fabric depends on an extent of the tension, The fabric exhibits substantially no dimension change other than in the single linear direction in response to tension. A roller shade for a window may include a roller including a position selectable, retraction system operatively coupled thereto; and the fabric on the roller.