Abstract: Described herein are encapsulation devices that include an inner layer, an outer layer, a cell containment layer positioned between the inner and outer layer, and structural elements disposed within the cell containment layer to separate the inner and outer layers by a separation distance. The structural elements define reservoir spaces for the retention of a biological moiety (such as cells) therein. The structural elements maintain a separation distance both under external compressive forces and under internal expansive forces, such as undergoing a geometric change in the encapsulation device or during crushing and subsequent expansion of the cell encapsulation device. In some embodiments, a reinforcing layer is positioned between the inner layer and the cell containment layer. In addition, the encapsulation device may include at least one configuration element. Methods of placing encapsulation devices in a body conduit intra-luminally, extra-luminally, and via an open surgical procedure are also disclosed.

Abstract: There are disclosed several embodiments of dewars each of which include an insulated apparatus for storing and delivering a liquid cryogen and a capacitance gauge for measuring the liquid level of cryogen. A process for rapidly filling the vessel with cryogen is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for storing and delivering a liquid cryogen. The apparatus is a dewar having a rotating liquid cryogen intake, a rotating gas supply/vent, and a rotating capacitance gauge. The rotating capacitance gauge comprises two elongated plates having outer edges shaped concentrically with the inner profile of the dewar on both ends that are electrically isolated from but fastened to one another with a small gap therebetween and electrical leads to the exterior of the dewar.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for storing and delivering a liquid cryogen. The apparatus is a dewar having a rotating liquid cryogen intake, a rotating gas supply vent, and a rotating capacitance gauge. Also disclosed is a system and a process employing the system for liquefying a gas to produce a liquid cryogen in the dewar wherein the gas is subcritically cooled and then condensed in the pressure vessel of the dewar.