Abstract: A culture module is contemplated that allows the perfusion and optionally mechanical actuation of one or more microfluidic devices, such as organ-on-a-chip microfluidic devices comprising cells that mimic at least one function of an organ in the body. A method for pressure control is contemplated to allow the control of flow rate (while perfusing cells) despite limitations of common pressure regulators. The method for pressure control allows for perfusion of a microfluidic device, such as an organ on a chip microfluidic device comprising cells that mimic cells in an organ in the body, that is detachably linked with said assembly, so that fluid enters ports of the microfluidic device from a fluid reservoir, optionally without tubing, at a controllable flow rate.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds useful in treating or preventing inflammation acne, bacterial conditions and promoting the appearance of healthy skin and compositions including these compounds.

Abstract: This invention provides a vision system that is arranged to compensate for optical drift that can occur in certain variable lens assemblies, including, but not limited to, liquid lens arrangements. The system includes an image sensor operatively connected to a vision system processor, and a variable lens assembly that is controlled (e.g. by the vision processor or another range-determining device) to vary a focal distance thereof. A positive lens assembly is configured to weaken an effect of the variable lens assembly over a predetermined operational range of the object from the positive lens assembly. The variable lens assembly is located adjacent to a front or rear focal point of the positive lens. The variable lens assembly illustratively comprises a liquid lens assembly that can be inherently variable over approximately 20 diopter. In an embodiment, the lens barrel has a C-mount lens base.

Abstract: Determining dimensions of an object can include determining a distance between the object and an imaging device, and an angle of an optical axis of the imaging device. One of more features of the object can be identified in an image of the object. The dimensions of the object can be determined based upon the distance, the angle, and the one or more identified features.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a printed circuit board assembly comprising a thermoelectric device at least partially embedded within the printed circuit board assembly are provided. The thermoelectric device is configured to adjust a temperature of the printed circuit board assembly based on the measurements of one or more sensors coupled to the printed circuit board assembly. Additionally, a control circuit is coupled to the at least one thermoelectric device and the one or more sensors, wherein the control circuit is configured to control the at least one thermoelectric device, and wherein the control circuit is configured to monitor a temperature set point at one or more target locations in the printed circuit board assembly.

Abstract: A culture module is contemplated that allows the perfusion and optionally mechanical actuation of one or more microfluidic devices, such as organ-on-a-chip microfluidic devices comprising cells that mimic at least one function of an organ in the body. A method for pressure control is contemplated to allow the control of flow rate (while perfusing cells) despite limitations of common pressure regulators. The method for pressure control allows for perfusion of a microfluidic device, such as an organ on a chip microfluidic device comprising cells that mimic cells in an organ in the body, that is detachably linked with said assembly, so that fluid enters ports of the microfluidic device from a fluid reservoir, optionally without tubing, at a controllable flow rate.

Abstract: Method of preparing a botanical extract that includes contacting a raw botanical with a solvent having a dielectric constant ranging from about 2.3 to about 25 and allowing the mixture to reside for a sufficient time to obtain a crude extract; filtering out remaining raw botanical and evaporating the solvent from the crude extract under reduced pressure to obtain a dried crude extract; washing the dried crude extract with a polar solvent having a dielectric constant of no less than 30, heating the resulting mixture, and allowing to cool to ambient; collecting a filtrate from the above cooled mixture; washing the collected filtrate with a non-polar solvent having a dielectric constant of no more than 2.0; and filtering and drying the mixture to obtain the botanical extract.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for detecting and acquiring one or more in-focus images of one or more barcodes within the field of view of an imaging device. A measurement process measures depth-of-field of barcode detection. A plurality of nominal coarse focus settings of a variable lens allow sampling, in steps, of a lens adjustment range corresponding to allowable distances between the one or more barcodes and the image sensor, so that a step size of the sampling is less than a fraction of the depth-of-field of barcode detection. An acquisition process acquires a nominal coarse focus image for each nominal coarse focus setting. A barcode detection process detects one or more barcode-like regions and respective likelihoods. A fine focus process fine-adjusts, for each high-likelihood barcode, the variable lens near a location of the barcode-like regions. The process acquires an image for decoding using the fine adjusted setting.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a parameter representative of a height (H) of an upper surface of a material stacked in a coke oven with respect to a reference plane (P) is provided. The method includes the following steps: providing a sensor located above the upper surface at an operation distance (D1) from the reference plane, the sensor and the material forming a capacitor having a capacitance, obtaining at least one capacitance signal representative of said capacitance, obtaining at least one distance signal (S2) using the capacitance signal, the distance signal being representative of a distance (D2) between the sensor and the upper surface along a vertical direction (Z), and obtaining said parameter representative of the height using the distance signal and the operation distance. A process for controlling a filling rate of the coke oven, a system for implementing the method, and a coke oven including the system are also provided.

Abstract: An elevator car (2) comprising a passenger compartment defining an interior space (4) surrounded by sidewalls (62, 63, 64) and at least one car door; and at least one lighting arrangement (11) configured to illuminate the interior space (4). Said lighting arrangement (11) is associated with a ventilation system (18) configured to ventilate the interior space (4) even in a situation where the car door is closed.

Abstract: An electronic system for a fluid property sensor comprises a fluid printed circuit board adapted to analyze a property of a fluid, an external connector, and an intermediate printed circuit board. The intermediate printed circuit board is electrically connected between the fluid printed circuit board and the external connector.

Abstract: This invention provides a vision system that is arranged to compensate for optical drift that can occur in certain variable lens assemblies, including, but not limited to, liquid lens arrangements. The system includes an image sensor operatively connected to a vision system processor, and a variable lens assembly that is controlled (e.g. by the vision processor or another range-determining device) to vary a focal distance thereof. A positive lens assembly is configured to weaken an effect of the variable lens assembly over a predetermined operational range of the object from the positive lens assembly. The variable lens assembly is located adjacent to a front or rear focal point of the positive lens. The variable lens assembly illustratively comprises a liquid lens assembly that can be inherently variable over approximately 20 diopter. In an embodiment, the lens barrel has a C-mount lens base.

Abstract: The invention provides a compression device for the limb of a mobile patient. The device includes an inflatable sleeve adapted to surround the limb; a conduit attached to the sleeve for delivering fluid to the sleeve; and a portable, wearable controller attached to the conduit that generates and controls the flow of fluid in the device.

Abstract: Systems and methods interconnect cell culture devices and/or fluidic devices by transferring discrete volumes of fluid between devices. A liquid-handling system collects a volume of fluid from at least one source device and deposits the fluid into at least one destination device. In some embodiments, a liquid-handling robot actuates the movement and operation of a fluid collection device in an automated manner to transfer the fluid between the at least one source device and the at least one destination device. In some cases, the at least one source device and the at least one destination device are cell culture devices. The at least one source device and the at least one destination device may be microfluidic or non-microfluidic devices. In some cases, the cell culture devices may be microfluidic cell culture devices. In further cases, the microfluidic cell culture devices may include organ-chips.

Abstract: Determining dimensions of an object can include determining a distance between the object and an imaging device, and an angle of an optical axis of the imaging device. One of more features of the object can be identified in an image of the object. The dimensions of the object can be determined based upon the distance, the angle, and the one or more identified features.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a parameter representative of a height (H) of an upper surface of a material stacked in a coke oven with respect to a reference plane (P) is provided. The method includes the following steps: providing a sensor located above the upper surface at an operation distance (D1) from the reference plane, the sensor and the material forming a capacitor having a capacitance, obtaining at least one capacitance signal representative of said capacitance, obtaining at least one distance signal (S2) using the capacitance signal, the distance signal being representative of a distance (D2) between the sensor and the upper surface along a vertical direction (Z), and obtaining said parameter representative of the height using the distance signal and the operation distance. A process for controlling a filling rate of the coke oven, a system for implementing the method, and a coke oven including the system are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for detecting and acquiring one or more in-focus images of one or more barcodes within the field of view of an imaging device. A measurement process measures depth-of-field of barcode detection. A plurality of nominal coarse focus settings of a variable lens allow sampling, in steps, of a lens adjustment range corresponding to allowable distances between the one or more barcodes and the image sensor, so that a step size of the sampling is less than a fraction of the depth-of-field of barcode detection. An acquisition process acquires a nominal coarse focus image for each nominal coarse focus setting. A barcode detection process detects one or more barcode-like regions and respective likelihoods. A fine focus process fine-adjusts, for each high-likelihood barcode, the variable lens near a location of the barcode-like regions. The process acquires an image for decoding using the fine adjusted setting.

Abstract: A machine, program product, and method for enabling interoperable and low-latency networking among service devices.

Abstract: This provides an ID reader, typically configured for handheld operation, which integrates three types of illumination into a compact package that generates robust performance and resistance to harsh environmental conditions, such as dust and moisture. These illumination types include, direct (diffuse) light, low-angle light and polarized light. The ID reader includes a sealed reader module assembly having the illuminators in combination with an imager assembly (optics and image sensor) at its relative center. Additionally, also an on-axis aimer and a variable focus system with liquid lens have been integrated in this module and is placed on axis using a mirror assembly that includes a dichroic filter. As the optimal distance to read a code with low-angle light is typically shorter than the optimal distance to use the polarized illumination a variable (e.g. liquid) lens can adjust the focus of the reader to the optimal distance for the selected illumination.

Abstract: A movable car mounted governor assembly for an elevator car is provided. The assembly includes a chassis releasably mounted to an upright of an elevator car and a governor operationally mounted to the chassis. The chassis is configured to move from a first position to a second position relative the upright, wherein in the first position the chassis is fixedly secured to the upright and in the second position the chassis is not fixedly secured to the upright.