Abstract: A flow control device includes a first tubular having an outer surface, and a second tubular arranged radially outwardly of the first tubular. The second tubular includes an inner surface portion and an outer surface portion. The inner surface portion is spaced from the outer surface of the first tubular by a gap. The second tubular includes a plurality of openings extending through the outer surface and the inner surface. A plate is moveably arranged in the gap adjacent to at least one of the plurality of openings. The plate includes a surface section spaced from the inner surface portion a selected distance.

Abstract: An automated method to control and evaluation of the operation of a lift installation, where at least one load of unknown weight is weighed by means of a weighing machine; the sum of the weights detected on site in the lift installation where the maintenance work is being performed is transmitted to a portable control console, which transmits the sum of the weights detected associated with the loads introduced to the lift cabin to a load weighing device; to receive command signals associated with the control and maintenance tasks transmitted from the portable control console, in response to operating parameters of the lift cabin loaded with the sum of the weights detected.

Abstract: A flow control device includes a housing; a choke member movably operably positioned at the housing. The member presenting a convex surface positioned to be exposed to a fluid flowing through the flow control device during use. A method for controlling flow through a flow control device.

Abstract: Media skew correction is performed by determining a leading edge skew value for the media and selecting a respective media model from a memory for a media type, each media model including a paired slope and an intercept. Based on the paired slope and intercept for the respective media model, differential velocity of a pair of aligned media feed rollers in a media feed mechanism is adjusted to correct a trailing edge skew for the media to within a desired operational window.

Abstract: A media alignment calibration system determines a slope relating a trailing edge skew value to its paired leading edge skew value and an intercept representing native skew based on a linear regression of a predetermined number of a set of paired leading and trailing edge skew values for a media type stored in a buffer. Based on the slope and intercept, a media model for the media type is updated based on the linear regression to adjust a differential velocity of a pair of aligned media feed rollers in a media feed mechanism to correct both a future native skew and future paired leading and trailing edge skew values in the buffer to within a desired operational window.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a stereotaxic frame for extremities that ensures that the extremity position is fixed and reproducible; keeping the same geometric conditions of the measurement or treatment devices regards the extremity, or part thereof, during the study or therapy. The frame comprises a positioning and fixing holder for the extremity and a measuring or treatment system, that includes a geometric locus where the measurement or treatment device is allocated, ensuring that the relative position of said device regards the region of the extremity under examination or treatment is reproducible.

Abstract: Methods of producing an aqueous formulation of an antigen-binding protein or enhancing re-oxidation of an antigen-binding protein are disclosed. The methods comprise (a) contacting an aqueous solution comprising antigen-binding protein molecules with a charged depth filter under conditions sufficient to enhance re-oxidation of the antigen-binding protein molecules and achieve a decrease in the percentage of reduced antigen-binding protein molecules, compared to the percentage of reduced antigen-binding protein molecules observed prior to step (a); and (b) optionally, measuring the amount or relative amount of reduced antigen-binding protein molecules. Formulations comprising a re-oxidized antigen-binding protein are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a load cell for measuring the tension in a supporting cable of a lifting apparatus, the load cell comprising a first body which is in mechanical contact with a supporting structure of the lifting apparatus, a second body which is in mechanical contact with supporting means of the lifting apparatus, and connection means such as a ball-and-socket joint which mechanically couples one end of the first body to the corresponding end of the second body. Deformation measuring means are used to measure the deformation caused by the exertion of force by the second body of the cell on the first body when the load cell is subjected to compression forces.

Abstract: A thermal load based automatic valve arrangement including an actuator responsive to fluid temperature flowing through the arrangement, a closure member operably connected to the actuator, and a seat receptive to the closure member to prevent or restrict fluid flow through the arrangement in a first direction when actuated while still allowing fluid flow in a second direction. A method for controlling steam movement in a production string of a SAGD installation including sensing with an actuator, temperature of fluid moving through a valve arrangement, automatically adjusting the valve arrangement pursuant to thermal load on the actuator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuously operational method for thermal hydrolysis of organic matter, which includes an impelling step in which the organic matter is conveyed, without the need to use pumps or other mechanical elements, a hydrolysis step in which the mass to be hydrolyzed is heated using live steam until reaching high temperatures in very short times and, after undergoing a first breakdown of the structure, is maintained at the hydrolysis temperature during a predetermined time, and an energy recovery step with vapors of two enthalpy levels. The invention also relates to a facility for implementing the method, which includes interconnected load and pressurization tanks in the impelling step, a quick mixer and a relief chamber in the hydrolysis step, and a decompression system with a flash chamber and an ejector that mixes the produced vapors in the recovery step.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for using Umbilical Cord Lining Stem Cells (ULSCs) to produce therapeutic factors including growth factors, cytokines, chemokines and extracellular matrix components. ULSCs are mesenchymal stem cells isolated from umbilical cord lining. They can be efficiently propagated and expanded in vitro. Under specific conditions ULSCs produce useful therapeutic factors that can be used to treat injuries and degenerative conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuously operational method for thermal hydrolysis of organic matter, which includes an impelling step in which the organic matter is conveyed, without the need to use pumps or other mechanical elements, a hydrolysis step in which the mass to be hydrolysed is heated using live steam until reaching high temperatures in very short times and, after undergoing a first breakdown of the structure, is maintained at the hydrolysis temperature during a predetermined time, and an energy recovery step with vapours of two enthalpy levels. The invention also relates to a facility for implementing the method, which includes interconnected load and pressurisation tanks in the impelling step, a quick mixer and a relief chamber in the hydrolysis step, and a decompression system with a flash chamber and an ejector that mixes the produced vapours in the recovery step.

Abstract: A flow control device having a longitudinal axis includes an outer housing having at least one fluid inlet, a multi-channel flow member positioned radially within the outer housing, a plurality of flow channels formed between the outer housing and the flow member, at least two of the plurality of flow channels having a different flow resistance rating from each other, and a radial window formed in an outlet region of each of the plurality of flow channels. The flow control device further includes a sliding sleeve positioned radially within the multi-channel flow member, the sliding sleeve including a first section of radial slots. The first section of radial slots is configured to align with a selected radial window via longitudinal movement of the sliding sleeve with respect to the multi-channel flow member.

Abstract: A flow control device includes a housing; a choke member movably operably positioned at the housing. The member presenting a convex surface positioned to be exposed to a fluid flowing through the flow control device during use. A method for controlling flow through a flow control device.

Abstract: An automated method to control and evaluation of the operation of a lift installation, where at least one load of unknown weight is weighed by means of a weighing machine; the sum of the weights detected on site in the lift installation where the maintenance work is being performed is transmitted to a portable control console, which transmits the sum of the weights detected associated with the loads introduced to the lift cabin to a load weighing device; to receive command signals associated with the control and maintenance tasks transmitted from the portable control, console, in response to operating parameters of the lift cabin loaded with the sum of the weights detected.

Abstract: A flow control device having a longitudinal axis includes an outer housing having at least one fluid inlet, a multi-channel flow member positioned radially within the outer housing, a plurality of flow channels formed between the outer housing and the flow member, at least two of the plurality of flow channels having a different flow resistance rating from each other, and a radial window formed in an outlet region of each of the plurality of flow channels. The flow control device further includes a sliding sleeve positioned radially within the multi-channel flow member, the sliding sleeve including a first section of radial slots. The first section of radial slots is configured to align with a selected radial window via longitudinal movement of the sliding sleeve with respect to the multi-channel flow member.

Abstract: The invention provides Natural Killer cells and improved methods for increasing Natural Killer cell viability, proliferation and cytotoxicity following cryopreservation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor for measuring mechanical stress which can be adapted to cables with different gauges, made up of a body with a machined area for a strain gauge and three pivots—an upper, a lower and a central pivot—which are distributed on the front surface, the upper pivot being stationary and the lower pivot being retractable, which has a central pivot attached to the body via a movable attachment which, in a mechanical manner, enables horizontal movement thereof towards either side of the body, adapting to the gauge of the cable. The movable attachment is an attachment plate to which the central pivot is connected by a thread inserted on a screw, provided at the center of the body, in a recess having front and rear openings. The screw passes through the body from side to side in the recess and is attached by a nut.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a system and method to ensure the reproducibility of the position of the feet and lower parts of the legs, during the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) studies, to obtain robust quantitative information through the time. The system comprises a device that is inserted into the radiofrequency coils of any MRI equipment. Said device comprises a foot support section, a leg support section and a base adapted to allow that the abovementioned sections be fixed in it. With this device and method, through external and internal markers, quantitative studies of the evolution of pathophysiological phenomena that affect the anatomy and physiology of the feet and lower parts of the legs are performed.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for identifying and sorting part of recycling plastic bottles and aluminum cans. The invention eases the process of sorting recyclable material at the recycle bin to avoid the sorting later in the process. After sorting the material, the recycle bin compresses the bottles or the cans to accommodate more material into the corresponding material compartment. The invention is a modular arrangement allowing ease of replacing any of the three units of the apparatus: compression, classification, and storage.