Abstract: The invention relates to the use of encapsulates of cancer cells, in agarose coated, agarose containing beads, for isolating chemotherapeutic resistant cells which have at least one stem cell property, such as expression of OCT4. The cells thus isolated are also a feature of the invention, as is a method for screening for potential therapeutic agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tensioner apparatus for an intermediate trolley on a sliding door. Specifically, the tensioner apparatus allows control of weight distribution among a plurality of trolleys for a sliding door, such as a pole barn door. The tensioner apparatus comprises a threaded rod extending from a sliding door trolley at a first end thereof, and further having a nut and a plate on the second end thereof, and a spring extending between the plate and a sliding door beam disposed on an upper portion of the sliding door. Tightening or loosening of the nut on the threaded rod allows a user to increase or decrease, respectively, the load of the sliding door carried by the trolley. Methods of making and using the same are further provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved method for making agarose coated, agarose beads which contain cells. The method which is preferably automated, involves placing manufactured beads in a sample of mineral oil at a temperature gradient, such that the temperature drops as the bead moves through the oil. Preferably, a “trumpet tool” and a “straw tool” are employed in the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sliding door systems, apparatus and methods of using and making the same. Specifically, the present invention relates to systems for opening horizontally sliding doors on a structure, such as, for example, a barn, warehouse, hangar, or other building or structure. Moreover, the present invention relates to apparatuses for guiding horizontally-sliding doors over an opening. In addition, systems and methods of making and using the same are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sliding door systems, apparatus and methods of using and making the same. Specifically, the present invention relates to systems for opening horizontally sliding doors on a structure, such as, for example, a barn, warehouse, hangar, or other building or structure. Moreover, the present invention relates to apparatuses for providing the automatic opening of sliding doors. In addition, methods of making and using the same are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of encapsulates of cancer cells, in agarose coated, agarose containing beads, for isolating chemotherapeutic resistant cells which have at least one stem cell property, such as expression of OCT4.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of encapsulates of cancer cells, in agarose coated, agarose containing beads, for isolating chemotherapeutic resistant cells which have at least one stem cell property, such as expression of OCT4. The cells thus isolated are also a feature of the invention, as is a method for screening for potential therapeutic agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sliding door systems, apparatus and methods of using and making the same. Specifically, the present invention relates to systems for opening horizontally sliding doors on a structure, such as, for example, a barn, warehouse, hangar, or other building or structure. Moreover, the present invention relates to apparatuses for providing the automatic opening of sliding doors. In addition, methods of making and using the same are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sliding door systems, apparatus and methods of using and making the same. Specifically, the present invention relates to systems for opening horizontally sliding doors on a structure, such as, for example, a barn, warehouse, hangar, or other building or structure. Moreover, the present invention relates to apparatuses for providing the automatic opening of sliding doors. In addition, methods of making and using the same are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of encapsulates of cancer cells, in agarose coated, agarose containing beads, for isolating chemotherapeutic resistant cells which have at least one stem cell property, such as expression of OCT4.

Abstract: The invention describes the manufacture and use of secretory cell containing bead structures that are coated with agarose. The beads, which are preferably 4 mm-12 mm in diameter, and which preferably contain islets, are made of a particular agarose, i.eagarose which has a sulfate content of less than 0.2 wt % but greater than zero, a pyruvate content of 0-0.1 wt %, and a Kjeldahl nitrogen content of 0-0.04 wt %. The gels found from the agarose exhibit a gel strength of at least 1200 g/cm2 (1.0 wt % concentration), substantial absence of DNA binding in 0.07 M or less tris acetate buffer, and an EEO at 1.0 wt % agarose concentration of 0.05 or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sliding door systems, apparatus and methods of using and making the same. Specifically, the present invention relates to systems for opening horizontally sliding doors on a structure, such as, for example, a barn, warehouse, hangar, or other building or structure. Moreover, the present invention relates to apparatuses for providing the automatic opening of sliding doors. In addition, methods of making and using the same are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for evaluating a pancreas as a source of therapeutically useful islets. A scoring system is set forth whereby 5 criteria are listed. If three criteria are positive, then the pancreas is a suitable source of therapeutically useful islets.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of macrobeads which have been kept in in vitro storage for long term culture, i.e., for at least about 8 months. The macrobeads surprisingly exhibit continued efficacy in producing therapeutically useful materials. The fact that the macrobeads can be used after long term culture allows the artisan to screen the products so as to make sure that, in addition to being therapeutically useful, they remain safe as implants.

Abstract: The invention describes the manufacture and use of secretory cell containing bead structures that are coated with agarose. The beads, which are preferably 4 mm-12 mm in diameter, and which preferably contain islets, are made of a particular agarose, i.e., Seakem Gold agarose.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of macrobeads which have been kept in in vitro storage for long term culture, i.e., for at least about 8 months. The macrobeads surprisingly exhibit continued efficacy in producing therapeutically useful materials. The fact that the macrobeads can be used after long term culture allows the artisan to screen the products so as to make sure that, in addition to being therapeutically useful, they remain safe as implants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for evaluating a pancreas as a source of therapeutically useful islets. A scoring system is set forth whereby 5 criteria are listed. If three criteria are positive, then the pancreas is a suitable source of therapeutically useful islets.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved method for making agarose coated, agarose beads which contain cells. The method which is preferably automated, involves placing manufactured beads in a sample of mineral oil at a temperature gradient, such that the temperature drops as the bead moves through the oil. Preferably, a “trumpet tool” and a “straw tool” are employed in the method.