Abstract: Multiple emulsions with an “onion” topology are useful vehicles for drug delivery, biochemical assays, and templating materials. They can be assembled by ternary liquid phase separation using microfluidics, but the control over their design is limited because the mechanism of their creation is unknown. Here it is shown that phase separation occurs via self-similar cycles of mass transfer, spinodal decomposition or nucleation, and coalescence into multiple layers. Mapping out the phase diagram demonstrates a linear relation between concentric layer diameters, whose slope depends on the initial ternary composition and the molecular weight of the surfactant. These general rules quantitatively predict the number of droplet layers (multiplicity). Further, self-assembly routes for polymer capsules and liposomes are provided with techniques to assemble lipid-stabilized droplets with ordered internal structures.

Abstract: Multiple emulsions with an “onion” topology are useful vehicles for drug delivery, biochemical assays, and templating materials. They can be assembled by ternary liquid phase separation using microfluidics, but the control over their design is limited because the mechanism of their creation is unknown. Here it is shown that phase separation occurs via self-similar cycles of mass transfer, spinodal decomposition or nucleation, and coalescence into multiple layers. Mapping out the phase diagram demonstrates a linear relation between concentric layer diameters, whose slope depends on the initial ternary composition and the molecular weight of the surfactant. These general rules quantitatively predict the number of droplet layers (multiplicity). Further, self-assembly routes for polymer capsules and liposomes are provided with techniques to assemble lipid-stabilized droplets with ordered internal structures.

Abstract: An infusion system in which therapeutic substance from a reservoir is pumped by a bolus pump to an infusion port is disclosed. The therapeutic substance delivered by the bolus pump passes first through a passive check valve located downstream from the pump. The passive check valve opens in response to fluid pressure of the therapeutic substance. After passing through the passive check valve, the therapeutic substance passes through an active check valve located downstream from the passive check if the active check valve is actuated such that it is open. When not activated, the active check valve is closed and fluid flow through the active check valve in the downstream direction is prevented.

Abstract: Implantable drug infusion devices, systems and methods for delivering therapeutic substance to a subject that include a bulkhead and an attached reservoir formed by an elastic bladder are disclosed. When filled with therapeutic substance, the elastic bladder is elastically expanded such that the therapeutic substance is held at a pressure above ambient pressure. As the therapeutic substance is removed from the reservoir, the bladder collapses and may conform to the shape of the bulkhead surface over which it is located.

Abstract: A medical device and displacement-based over-pressurization mechanism (OPM) for use with the same. The OPM may be positioned in or along a refill passageway of the device. It may include a valve plunger having a portion in biased, abutting contact with a reservoir surface that moves as the reservoir volume changes. The reservoir surface may move between a full position and a refill position. The OPM is preferably configured to close and occlude the refill passageway when the reservoir and reservoir surface reach the full position, e.g., before reaching an overfill position. A sensor may also be provided to detect a position of the valve plunger.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the computer-implemented processing of electronic payment instructions, wherein in a first step total instruction data contained in a payment instruction are analysed in an instruction input processor and separated into payment instruction data which are needed for processing the payment instruction and accounting data which are not needed for processing the payment instruction, the payment instruction data being converted into a uniform metaformat for processing in a subsequent payment processing apparatus (payment engine) and the accounting data being stored temporarily in a data bank together with linkage instructions, in a second step the payment instruction data converted into the metaformat are processed in the subsequent payment processing device, while, for each payee, there is automatically a routing identification and a clearing identification and, depending on the clearing identification, internal preparation of the payment instruction entry, and in a third step the automat

Abstract: A digitized speech signal (600) is input to an F0 (fundamental frequency) processor that computes (610) a continuous F0 data from the speech signal. By the criterion voicing state transition (voiced/unvoiced transitions) the speech signal is presegmented (620) into segments. For each segment (630) it is evaluated (640) whether F0 is defined or not defined i.e. whether F0 is ON or OFF. In case of F0=OFF a candidate segment boundary is assumed as described above and, starting from that boundary, prosodic features are computed (650). The feature values are input into a classification tree and each candidate segment is classified thereby revealing, as a result, the existence or non-existence of a semantic or syntactic speech unit.

Abstract: A digitized speech signal (600) is input to an F0 (fundamental frequency) processor that computes (610) a continuous F0 data from the speech signal. By the criterion voicing state transition (voiced/unvoiced transitions) the speech signal is presegmented (620) into segments. For each segment (630) it is evaluated (640) whether F0 is defined or not defined i.e. whether F0 is ON or OFF. In case of F0=OFF a candidate segment boundary is assumed as described above and, starting from that boundary, prosodic features are computed (650). The feature values are input into a classification tree and each candidate segment is classified thereby revealing, as a result, the existence or non-existence of a semantic or syntactic speech unit.

Abstract: A conical depression for guiding a hypodermic needle into a desired location and having a hole at the center for limiting the maximum needle diameter that can be used to access that location. The diameter of the hole prevents access by needles having a diameter greater than the diameter of the hole. The conical depression has a smooth surface and an angle such that needles that are inserted into the conical depression misaligned with the hole will be guided to the hole without damaging the tip of the hypodermic needle.

Abstract: In a cooling system for a liquid-cooled internal combustion engine including a radiator with a water box on top of the radiator, an inlet for receiving coolant heated in the engine, an outlet for returning coolant cooled in the radiator to the engine, an expansion tank disposed in communication with the radiator and a vehicle heater with a hot coolant supply line extending from the engine to the vehicle heater, the hot coolant supply line is flow-connected to the expansion tank for venting gases from the supply line to the expansion tank.