Abstract: This disclosure describes methods and apparatuses for creating or using a fibrous cell substrate that is formed in a mold using temperature and wettability gradients and that upon which cells can be grown. The disclosed method can include utilizing a temperature gradient and a wettability gradient within a mold to form a porous cell substrate. In particular, the temperature and wettability gradients control nucleation and growth of crystals within the cell substrate solution to form parallel layers of cell substrate. The crystals can be sublimated by freeze drying and the porous cell substrate is seeded. More specifically, the disclosed method includes using pressure and an increased cell mixture viscosity to seed cells deep within the cell substrate. This disclosure also describes an apparatus for forming the structured porous cell substrate.

Abstract: This disclosure describes methods and apparatuses for creating or using a fibrous cell substrate that is formed in a mold using temperature and wettability gradients and that upon which cells can be grown. The disclosed method can include utilizing a temperature gradient and a wettability gradient within a mold to form a porous cell substrate. In particular, the temperature and wettability gradients control nucleation and growth of crystals within the cell substrate solution to form parallel layers of cell substrate. The crystals can be sublimated by freeze drying and the porous cell substrate is seeded. More specifically, the disclosed method includes using pressure and an increased cell mixture viscosity to seed cells deep within the cell substrate. This disclosure also describes an apparatus for forming the structured porous cell substrate.

Abstract: This disclosure describes methods and apparatuses for creating or using a fibrous cell substrate that is formed in a mold using temperature and wettability gradients and that upon which cells can be grown. The disclosed method can include utilizing a temperature gradient and a wettability gradient within a mold to form a porous cell substrate. In particular, the temperature and wettability gradients control nucleation and growth of crystals within the cell substrate solution to form parallel layers of cell substrate. The crystals can be sublimated by freeze drying and the porous cell substrate is seeded. More specifically, the disclosed method includes using pressure and an increased cell mixture viscosity to seed cells deep within the cell substrate. This disclosure also describes an apparatus for forming the structured porous cell substrate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for sensing acceleration according to various aspects of the present invention comprises a non-rigid membrane and a switching latch electrically coupled to the membrane. The membrane is responsive to acceleration forces and is configured to produce a signal as a result of deflections in the membrane caused by acceleration. The signal is transmitted to the switching latch causing a change in state of the switching latch. This change in state allows a second signal to be sent to an activating device such as a squib.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for sensing acceleration according to various aspects of the present invention comprises a non-rigid membrane and a switching latch electrically coupled to the membrane. The membrane is responsive to acceleration forces and is configured to produce a signal as a result of deflections in the membrane caused by acceleration. The signal is transmitted to the switching latch causing a change in state of the switching latch. This change in state allows a second signal to be sent to an activating device such as a squib.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an angle station 3 for lateral angular displacement of an endless conveyor belt 2 in a conveyor system. The angle station 3 comprises a belt guide in the form of a multiplicity of guide rollers 22 mounted on a roller support. The guide rollers 22 are arranged in an axially and laterally extending array, so as to define a generally continuously curved support for a conveyor belt 2 in use of the angle station 3. The roller support comprise an elongate support member 24 provided with a plurality of roller support elements 26 mounting roller mounting members 28 which are arranged along a plurality of axially spaced substantially helical pathways C, D, E, F. The roller support elements 26 project from the elongate support member 24 and the elongate support member 24 is laterally offset and spaced from a common longitudinal axis of the helical pathways for the roller mounting members 28 so that the space radially inwards of the helical pathway is substantially unobstructed.