Abstract: An apparatus and method is described for seeding and culturing cells on a sample. The apparatus includes a chamber in which the volume of the chamber may be adjusted without compromising the seal or sterility of the chamber. The apparatus enables the seeding of cells in a reduced volume and culturing of cells in an increased volume. Further, the apparatus enables application of forces, strains and torques to a sample during seeding, culturing or transportation of the sample.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is described for seeding and culturing cells on a sample. The apparatus includes a chamber in which the volume of the chamber may be adjusted without compromising the seal or sterility of the chamber. The apparatus enables the seeding of cells in a reduced volume and culturing of cells in an increased volume. Further, the apparatus enables application of forces, strains and torques to a sample during seeding, culturing or transportation of the sample.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled and instrumented bioreactor for conditioning tissue engineered medical products. The microprocessor control providing measurement and control of the tissue displacement and subsequent determination of material and growth properties. The microprocessor control providing adaptive adjustment of the applied conditions to provide optimal tissue growth.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled and instrumented bioreactor for conditioning intravascular tissue engineered medical products. One bioreactor design including an integrated pump to provide a relatively small volume of fluid nutrient. The microprocessor control providing measurement and control of the fluid flow and tissue displacement and subsequent determination of material properties. One design includes a flexible joint providing motion of the treated tissue in the axial, bending and torsional direction.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled and instrumented bioreactor for conditioning tissue engineered medical products. The microprocessor control providing measurement and control of the tissue displacement and subsequent determination of material and growth properties. The microprocessor control providing adaptive adjustment of the applied conditions to provide optimal tissue growth.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled and instrumented bioreactor for conditioning intravascular tissue engineered medical products. One bioreactor design including an integrated pump to provide a relatively small volume of fluid nutrient. The microprocessor control providing measurement and control of the fluid flow and tissue displacement and subsequent determination of material properties. One design includes a flexible joint providing motion of the treated tissue in the axial, bending and torsional direction.

Abstract: A portable device for measuring the shear properties of a material specimen under applied dynamic circumferential forces against the specimen perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said specimen. The device may further apply a dynamic force against an end of the specimen. The device includes clamps that hold the specimen at its proximal and distal end, wherein the circumferential force applied to the specimen is affectively applied between the two clamps. The temperature of the specimen may be held constant by controlling the temperature within an environmental chamber through the use of a closed loop PID control system. The force against the specimen is dynamically loaded by a dynamic load reaction frame consisting of a shear load actuator and load reaction structure. A microprocessor-based controller operates the dynamic load reaction frame under closed loop control.

Abstract: A grip for holding soft materials is described wherein the gripping surface of the grip is cooled by a thermo-electric cooler. The grip of the present invention includes grip members having opposed gripping surfaces that contact the soft material. The grip does not require use of cryogenic materials and is suitable for use in contact with fluids at body temperature. The temperature of the grip can be easily controlled.

Abstract: A portable device for measuring the shear properties of a material specimen under applied dynamic circumferential forces against the specimen perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said specimen. The device may further apply a dynamic force against an end of the specimen. The device includes clamps that hold the specimen at its proximal and distal end, wherein the circumferential force applied to the specimen is affectively applied between the two clamps. The temperature of the specimen may be held constant by controlling the temperature within an environmental chamber through the use of a closed loop PID control system. The force against the specimen is dynamically loaded by a dynamic load reaction frame consisting of a shear load actuator and load reaction structure. A microprocessor-based controller operates the dynamic load reaction frame under closed loop control.

Abstract: A portable device for measuring the shear properties of compacted asphalt mixes under applied dynamic loading conditions. The device includes first and second material retaining members which form a material receiving pocket for containing the compacted asphalt mix. The first and second material retaining members are connected via flexure assemblies which allow movement of the first and second material retaining members only along the longitudinal axis of the compacted asphalt mix. A dynamic load is applied to the flexures, thereby creating a shear condition parallel to the longitudinal axis of the compacted mix. The temperature of the asphalt mix may be held constant by controlling the temperature within an environmental chamber through the use of a closed loop PID control system.The specimen is dynamically loaded by a dynamic loading frame consisting of a servo pneumatic actuator and load reaction structure. A microprocessor-based controller operates the dynamic loading frame under closed loop control.

Abstract: A physiological simulation device for measuring compliance conditions of a prosthesis, such as stents, grafts and stent-grafts, under simulated physiologic loading conditions. The prosthesis is positioned within a fluid conduit of the fatigue tester, wherein the fluid conduit is filled with a saline solution or other fluid approximating the physiological condition to be tested. The fluids are forced through the fluid conduit from both ends of the fluid conduit in a pulsating fashion at a high frequency, thereby simulating systolic and diastolic pressures. The temperature of the fluid is maintained at a specific (37.degree. C.) temperature via a closed loop PID control system. The fluids are pulsated by a pulse generation system consisting of a voice coil drive motor connected to a bellows assembly. Use of a linear drive motor increases the number of cycles per minute to which the prosthesis may be subjected.