Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of expanding immune cells for immunotherapy using artificial antigen presenting cells (aAPCs) having on their surface antibodies or ligands that bind molecules of both the T cell activation pathway and T cell costimulation pathway. The disclosed aAPCs can also secrete antibodies that bind molecules of the T cell inhibitory pathway. For example, anti-CD3 scFv on the surface of the aAPCs can bind and activate T cells, while anti-CD28 scFv and 4-1BBL on the surface of the aAPCs can provide dual co-stimulation for the T cells resulting in decreased levels of the markers CD25, TIM3, LAG3, and PD1. For example, blocking PD1/PDL1 ligation can limit suppression that is mediated by the tumor microenvironment. This is a less costly and more efficient alternative to peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and cytokine treatments that result in better quality T cell for adoptive transfer back into patients.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a gate driver with voltage boosting capabilities. In some embodiments, the gate driver may comprise a charge pump that includes capacitor(s) and switch(es). Responsive a logic low input signal, the gate driver may bypass the capacitor(s) to allow the input digital signal to drive the gating signal directly. Conversely, responsive to a logic high input signal, the gate driver may couple the capacitor(s) in series with the input digital signal to generate a boosted gating signal. In some embodiments, the gate driver may comprise an inductor-capacitor resonant circuit to create a doubled output gating signal with respect to the input digital signal. In some embodiments, the resonant gate driver may include an additional voltage boosting capability that can be selectively enabled to compensate for a voltage drop during the signal transfer from the input to the output.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a flyback converter with a series-parallel mode (SPM) active clamp. The active clamp, coupled in parallel with the primary coil, may include a clamp switch, two or more snubber capacitors, and associated diodes. The active clamp may be configured to absorb and retain the leakage energy from the leakage inductance of the flyback converter. The clamp switch may be turned on selectively as the primary switch approaches one of a plurality peak values to adjust frequencies of the switching devices. With the active clamp circuit, the flyback converter may first re-capture the leakage energy in the active clamp circuit and then recover it back to the power source.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of producing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells using substrates, such as artificial antigen presenting cells, containing on a surface a a heparin binding domain (HBD), anti-CD3 single chain antibodies, anti-CD28 single chain antibodies (scFv), and optionally anti-41BBL antibodies. Anti-CD3 and Anti-CD28 scFvs bind and activate expanding T cells ex vivo, while the Heparin Binding Domain binds the viral vector, thereby bringing the T cells into close proximity with virus for effective gene transfer. This is a less costly, renewable, modifiable, and efficacious alternative to coated beads and RetroNectin® for gene transfer.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a gate driver with voltage boosting capabilities. In some embodiments, the gate driver may comprise a charge pump that includes capacitor(s) and switch(es). Responsive a logic low input signal, the gate driver may bypass the capacitor(s) to allow the input digital signal to drive the gating signal directly. Conversely, responsive to a logic high input signal, the gate driver may couple the capacitor(s) in series with the input digital signal to generate a boosted gating signal. In some embodiments, the gate driver may comprise an inductor-capacitor resonant circuit to create a doubled output gating signal with respect to the input digital signal. In some embodiments, the resonant gate driver may include an additional voltage boosting capability that can be selectively enabled to compensate for a voltage drop during the signal transfer from the input to the output.

Abstract: A load communication device and method is provided, that identifies and transmits to a PSU the load requirement to operate a load device that is powered by the PSU, by analyzing the characteristics of current applied to the load device by a given input voltage generated by the PSU. The load communication device is configured to transmit between the PSU and the load device solely over the 2 wire cable that extends between the PSU and the load device.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a flyback converter with a series-parallel mode (SPM) active clamp. The active clamp, coupled in parallel with the primary coil, may include a clamp switch, two or more snubber capacitors, and associated diodes. The active clamp may be configured to absorb and retain the leakage energy from the leakage inductance of the flyback converter. The clamp switch may be turned on selectively as the primary switch approaches one of a plurality peak values to adjust frequencies of the switching devices. With the active clamp circuit, the flyback converter may first re-capture the leakage energy in the active clamp circuit and then recover it back to the power source.

Abstract: A new and useful method and inductive circuit is provided that provides a resonant transition control that involves shorting the winding of an inductor or transformer to delay the natural ringing transition. The present invention provides for controlling the natural ring of an inductive circuit has a choke that stores and releases energy, a switch device having a closed state in which it causes the choke to store energy and another switch device having a closed state in which it causes the choke to release energy. The inductive circuit is configured with parasitic capacitance that would normally produce natural ringing when energy in the choke has been substantially released. The invention is characterized in that it provides for shorting the choke to trap and hold current and pause the natural ringing until power is directed to the inductive circuit to release shorting of the choke and initiate storage of energy in the choke.

Abstract: A load communication device and method is provided, that identifies and transmits to a PSU the load requirement to operate a load device that is powered by the PSU, by analyzing the characteristics of current applied to the load device by a given input voltage generated by the PSU. The load communication device is configured to transmit between the PSU and the load device solely over the 2 wire cable that extends between the PSU and the load device.

Abstract: A DC-DC switching converter device (101), in particular a quarter-brick or eighth-brick device having an industry standard pin out, comprises a pulse-width modulation circuit (132) for driving a power converting switch, a trim connector (109) for adjusting an output voltage of the device, where the device (101) is designed such that the pulse-width modulation circuit (132) is synchronizable to an external oscillator by an external synchronization signal applied to the trim connector. A DC-DC converting circuit comprises a plurality of DC-DC switching converters (101) featuring trim connectors (109) for adjusting output voltages of the converters (101), whereby the converters (101) are connected such that they share a common input bus. It further features a system EMI (electromagnetic interference) filter common to all the DC-DC switching converters (101) and an external oscillator delivering an external synchronization signal to the plurality of DC-DC switching converters (101).

Abstract: A low profile magnetic element used in cooperation with a multilayer printed circuit board has two or more core arms penetrating the board from one outer surface to the other and a series of magnetic core elements, at least one on each side of the board, bridging pairs of the core arms to form a closed, unbranched flux path. Series-connected windings form a transformer primary and are wound on the core arms that penetrate the board. Parallel-connected windings form a transformer secondary and are also wound on the core arms. The series-connected windings and the parallel-connected windings may be buried windings printed on internal surfaces of the multilayer board. The connected in series primary windings all have the same number of turns and the parallel-connected secondary windings all have the same number of turns. The parallel secondary windings are connected in current additive fashion to afford a high current transformer output.

Abstract: A DC-DC switching converter device (101), in particular a quarter-brick or eighth-brick device having an industry standard pin out, comprises a pulse-width modulation circuit (132) for driving a power converting switch, a trim connector (109) for adjusting an output voltage of the device, where the device (101) is designed such that the pulse-width modulation circuit (132) is synchronizable to an external oscillator by an external synchronization signal applied to the trim connector. A DC-DC converting circuit comprises a plurality of DC-DC switching converters (101) featuring trim connectors (109) for adjusting output voltages of the converters (101), whereby the converters (101) are connected such that they share a common input bus. It further features a system EMI (electromagnetic interference) filter common to all the DC-DC switching converters (101) and an external oscillator delivering an external synchronization signal to the plurality of DC-DC switching converters (101).

Abstract: A low profile magnetic element used in cooperation with a multilayer printed circuit board has two or more core arms penetrating the board from one outer surface to the other and a series of magnetic core elements, at least one on each side of the board, bridging pairs of the core arms to form a closed, unbranched flux path. Series-connected windings form a transformer primary and are wound on the core arms that penetrate the board. Parallel-connected windings form a transformer secondary and are also wound on the core arms. The series-connected windings and the parallel-connected windings may be buried windings printed on internal surfaces of the multilayer board. The connected in series primary windings all have the same number of turns and the parallel-connected secondary windings all have the same number of turns. The parallel secondary windings are connected in current additive fashion to afford a high current transformer output.

Abstract: For use with an asymmetrical half-bridge power converter having a primary switching circuit coupled to a primary winding of a transformer and a rectifier coupled to a secondary winding of the transformer, a reverse recovery circuit a method of operation thereof. In one embodiment, the reverse recovery circuit includes an inductor that reduces current spikes in the primary switching circuit caused by a reverse recovery phenomenon associated with the rectifier. The reverse recovery circuit also includes a diode, coupled to the inductor, that clamps a voltage across the rectifier.

Abstract: For use with an asymmetrical half-bridge power converter having a primary switching circuit coupled to a primary winding of a transformer and a rectifier coupled to a secondary winding of the transformer, a reverse recovery circuit a method of operation thereof. In one embodiment, the reverse recovery circuit includes an inductor that reduces current spikes in the primary switching circuit caused by a reverse recovery phenomenon associated with the rectifier. The reverse recovery circuit also includes a diode, coupled to the inductor, that clamps a voltage across the rectifier.

Abstract: An inverse assembler and converter acquire binary code during inverse assembly of compiled programming code for a software application. A memory image file is generated during compiling of the programming code and a converter is used to trigger a physical address in a memory bus via a logic analyzer. A triggered logical address in the compiled programming code is determined. The triggered logical address is input into the converter. Trigger commands are provided to the logic analyzer that are used to trigger a physical address where binary code is stored in memory. The trigger commands are supplied to the logic analyzer and the memory bus is triggered. The physical address is acquired and converted into a logical address. The memory image file is searched for the logical address. The binary code is acquired from the memory image file at the logical address. The binary code corresponds to only machine code instructions performed during execution of the software application.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in one embodiment, a system for providing fuel to a backup electrical fuel cell. In this particular embodiment, the system includes a sealed fuel container having a pierceable membrane with a container seal associated therewith, an acerate tube proximate the pierceable membrane, and an actuator. The actuator is coupled to the acerate tube and automatically drives the acerate tube through the pierceable membrane to provide fluid communication from the fuel container to the fuel cell in response to a failure of a primary electrical power system. The container seal is configured to form a seal about the acerate tube when the acerate tube pierces the pierceable membrane to prevent unnecessary loss of fuel, such as methanol, from the container. In alternative embodiments, the system may also include the primary power system and a backup electrical fuel cell that is electrically coupled to the primary power system.

Abstract: A circuit for, and method of, reducing a preload current required to maintain a duty cycle of an asymmetrical DC/DC converter and a DC/DC converter incorporating the circuit or the method. In one embodiment, the circuit includes an auxiliary inductor, coupled in series with an output capacitor of the converter in an output current doubler thereof, that reduces ripple current in the output current doubler and thereby maintains the duty cycle.

Abstract: There is provided an integrated exclusion filter and pressurizing device which prevents leakage of unfiltered fluid across the interface area between a rotating filtering apparatus and non-rotating bulkhead. The exclusion filter utilized is of the type which utilizes Boundary Layer Momentum Transfer methodology to achieve filtration, and which includes a cylindrical stack of substantially flat annular plates. A pressurizing device is utilized downstream from the exclusion filter to repressurize filtered fluid and direct the filtered fluid toward the interface area. Either all the filtered fluid or only a portion may be repressurized, and some of the filtered fluid may be directed toward the bulkhead itself to aid pressurization by creating a local stagnation region. The pressurizing device may utilize flow diverting vanes in a housing, including blowers, pumps, compressors, and fans.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an enhanced exclusion filter having a cylindrical stack of substantially identical annular disks and a central rotating element. Each annular disk engages the rotating element by at least one strut which extends inward from the inner perimeter of the annular disk toward the central axis of the cylindrical stack. Protuberances extend from the annular disks and engage depressions in adjacent annular disks to maintain the spacing between adjacent annular disks. Dimples extending through the annular disks may be utilized to form a depression on one surface of an annular disk and a protuberance on the opposite surface of the annular disk. The annular disks are angularly offset by a fixed amount from the adjacent annular disks so that rough vane surfaces are formed by the struts of the annular disks. Preferably a pattern of substantially identical angular offsets is used.