Abstract: Methods for distinguishing particles in a fluid sample are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes acquiring a background SIMI image and a background brightfield image of a membrane filter while the membrane filter is free of a fluid sample, introducing a fluid sample onto the membrane filter, acquiring a SIMI image and a brightfield image of filtered particles resting on the membrane filter, distinguishing between the filtered particulates and the membrane filter based on the background SIMI image, generating a particle mask based on the SIMI image, and detecting beads via the particle mask. Methods for distinguishing particulates include distinguishing between viable and non-viable cell populations, distinguishing between cellular and non-cellular particulates, distinguishing between biological and non-biological particulates, distinguishing between first and second protein types, determining stability of monoclonal antibody drugs, identifying beads in a cell therapy, and detecting bacteria.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel Penicillium strains, the production of novel Penicillium strains, and the use of novel Penicillium strains in various end applications.

Abstract: Containers having a portioned amount of a cleaning composition located in an internal volume are provided for cleaning a portion of a beverage making machine. The external size and configuration of the container is designed to fit within a carrier in a single (or multi-) serve beverage making machine. The container is insertable in the carrier in the place of a beverage making pod, cup, cartridge or the like. Following placement of the container in the carrier, the beverage making machine may be operated to perform a regular brew cycle or a specialized cleaning cycle in which water is introduced to the internal volume of the container and cleaning solution is released from the container, optionally under pressure, to contact and clean internal surfaces of the container carrier.

Abstract: A cable includes an outer jacket of polyethylene surrounding a plurality of conductive wires. Each one of the plurality of insulated conductive wires comprises a conductive core and an insulating layer surrounding the conductive core, the insulating layer being made of cross-linked polyethylene.

Abstract: A cable and corresponding method for making a cable are provided. The cable includes an outer jacket of polyethylene surrounding a plurality of conductive wires. Each one of the plurality of insulated conductive wires comprises a conductive core and an insulating layer surrounding the conductive core, the insulating layer being made of cross-linked polyethylene.

Abstract: Planar ceramic membrane assembly comprising a dense layer of mixed-conducting multi-component metal oxide material, wherein the dense layer has a first side and a second side, a porous layer of mixed-conducting multi-component metal oxide material in contact with the first side of the dense layer, and a ceramic channeled support layer in contact with the second side of the dense layer.

Abstract: A pressure vessel is provided for housing electronic components in an underwater environment and permitting connection of the components to signal transmission elements of a signal cable. The pressure vessel comprises a hollow steel shell defining an interior chamber adapted to house the electronic components. A layer of thermal-sprayed aluminum covers the shell. The shell has an opening adapted to pass the signal transmission elements into the interior chamber. A seal adapted to sealingly surround the transmission elements is disposed in the opening in the shell so that an outer peripheral surface of the seal contacts an inner peripheral surface of the opening in the shell for preventing moisture penetration into the interior chamber. The seal may be formed of epoxy and the outer peripheral surface have a plurality of compressible o-rings disposed in axially-spaced circumferential grooves for contacting the inner peripheral surface of the opening in the shell.

Abstract: A cable seal and method for sealing a cable termination is provided for sealing the passage of a cable into a cable-receiving structure. The seal includes a first plurality of o-rings disposed along a length of the cable adjacent the cable-receiving structure and a first length of heat-shrinkable tube which fits over the cable and o-rings for compressive engagement with the cable and o-rings to prevent moisture penetration between an inner surface of the first tube and the outer surface of the cable. A second plurality of o-rings is disposed over the first heat-shrinkable tube adjacent the first plurality of o-rings.

Abstract: A handheld tool for installing flexible metal ties includes a gun-shaped housing having a grip and a barrel portion. When a trigger adjacent the grip is squeezed, a tensioning and cutoff mechanism in the barrel tensions the tie and cuts it off after a predetermined tension is achieved. In order to achieve the substantially higher tensions that are desirable in metal, rather than plastic, ties, the barrel portion of the housing is reinforced with a member that surrounds the forward portion of the barrel portion. The reinforcing member is preferably formed of a rigid member and stiffens the barrel portion of the housing to enable it to resist the tensioning forces applied to the metal tie by the tensioning and cutoff mechanism.

Abstract: A power assisted system for tensioning and cutting off flexible cable ties includes a handheld unit coupled to a remote power unit by a flexible pull-cable. A trigger on the handheld unit signals the remote power unit to pull the pull-cable and thereby actuate the tool. A tie gripping and tensioning mechanism is provided in the handheld unit as is a cutoff mechanism that automatically cuts off the cable tie tail when the desired tension is achieved. Because operating power is provided by the remote unit, the handheld unit can be made small and lightweight without sacrificing power. Control signals are communicated from the handheld unit to the remote unit through wires carried alongside the pull-cable within a common sheath. Alternatively, the control signals can be communicated through the pull-cable itself.