Abstract: A method for sanitation and preservation of foodstuffs includes the following steps. A container containing a foodstuff is provided. A non-thermal plasma is introduced to an interior of the container. The container is sealed.

Abstract: Embodiments of an implantable device for delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient include a reservoir configured to contain a liquid comprising the therapeutic agent, and a cannula in fluid communication with the reservoir. The cannula is shaped to facilitate insertion thereof into a patient's eyeball.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a polyacrylamide or derivative thereof, such as poly-N-isopropyl acrylamide (pNIPAM) for use in the closure of wounds. Also provided is a composition comprising a polyacrylamide or derivative thereof in an amount effective for closing a wound, at least in part, and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. The a polyacrylamide or derivative thereof may be used in the composition according to the invention in various concentrations and may be combined with other therapeutic compounds. In another embodiment, a method for treating a wound with the compounds and compositions described herein is provided. The method comprises administering to a mammal a polyacrylamide or derivative thereof in an amount effective to close at least a part of a wound.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for storing and providing acetylene. A storage vessel contains both a porous filler material and an ionic liquid based solvent. Acetylene is dissolved into the solvent, and stored inside the storage vessel. The solvent contains no acetone or dimethylformamide.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the purification and distribution of acetylene. Acetylene is removed from an acetylene storage device, and provided to a purifier where solvent is removed. The purified acetylene is then provided to a semiconductor processing tool.

Abstract: A flexible circuit electrode array comprising: a polymer base layer; metal traces deposited on said polymer base layer, including electrodes suitable to stimulate neural tissue; a polymer top layer deposited on said polymer base layer and said metal traces; and a central opening in the area of the metal traces. A flexible circuit electrode array comprising: a polymer base layer; metal traces deposited on said polymer base layer, including electrodes suitable to stimulate neural tissue; a polymer top layer deposited on said polymer base layer and said metal traces; and a soft polymer filling an attachment point. A flexible circuit electrode array comprising: a polymer base layer; metal traces deposited on said polymer base layer, including electrodes suitable to stimulate neural tissue; a polymer top layer deposited on said polymer base layer and said metal traces; and a hump to avoid a touching of the flexible electrode array and the optic nerve.

Abstract: An implantable device for delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient is provided. The device includes a reservoir configured to contain a liquid comprising the therapeutic agent. The device further includes a cannula in fluid communication with the reservoir. The cannula has an outlet configured to be in fluid communication with the patient. The device further includes a first electrode and a second electrode, at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is planar. The device further includes a material in electrical communication with the first and second electrodes. A voltage applied between the first electrode and the second electrode produces gas from the material, the gas forcing the liquid to flow from the reservoir to the outlet.

Abstract: The invention is a retinal prosthesis with an inductive coil mounted to the side of the eye by means of a strap around the eye. This allows for close coupling to an external coil and movement of the entire implanted portion with movement of the eye ball.

Abstract: The invention is a retinal prosthesis with an inductive coil mounted to the side of the eye by means of a strap around the eye. This allows for close coupling to an external coil and movement of the entire implanted portion with movement of the eye ball.

Abstract: The invention is a retinal prosthesis with an inductive coil mounted to the side of the eye by means of a strap around the eye. This allows for close coupling to an external coil and movement of the entire implanted portion with movement of the eye ball.

Abstract: A valve member is secured within a valve device to facilitate flow of fluid from a cylinder to a fluid flow line. The valve member includes a hollow plug with a chamber, an inlet end and an outlet end, and an elastomeric sealing member disposed within the chamber. The sealing member includes lip portions that engage with each other to provide a fluid tight seal preventing fluid from flowing through the sealing member and hollow plug when a pressure at the outlet end of the hollow plug is greater than the pressure at the inlet end of the hollow plug. The lip portions are configured to flex away from each other to open the sealing member and permit fluid to flow through the hollow plug when a suitable pressure differential is established across the valve member and the pressure at the inlet end of the hollow plug is greater than the pressure at the outlet end of the hollow plug.

Abstract: A valve device that is securable to a cylinder includes a housing with a central passage in fluid communication with a first connection port that connects with a cylinder, and a second connection port including a passage that is in fluid communication with the central passage. The second connection port is configured to connect with a fluid flow line. A valve member is disposed within the second connection port and includes a movable member that engages with a seat to provide a fluid tight seal for the valve member in a closed position. The movable member is configured to be moved away from the seat so as to open the valve member and permit fluid to flow from the central passage of the valve housing around the movable member and through the second connection port while substantially preventing a backflow of fluids from a location external to the valve housing into the central passage.

Abstract: The invention is a retinal prosthesis with an inductive coil mounted to the side of the eye by means of a strap around the eye. This allows for close coupling to an external coil and movement of the entire implanted portion with movement of the eye ball.

Abstract: A gas mixing and delivery system includes a first gas supply vessel including a first gas stored at a first pressure, a second gas supply vessel including a second gas stored at a second pressure, and a mixing vessel connected to each of the first and second gas supply vessels. The system further includes a buffer tank connected to the mixing vessel to receive a gas mixture including the first and second gases delivered from the mixing vessel. The buffer tank is configured to connect with a process tool. The system is further configured to produce a gas mixture including the first and second gases by facilitating delivery of the first and second gases into the mixing vessel, mixing the first and second gases in the mixing vessel and delivering the gas mixture from the mixing vessel to the buffer tank via a forcing gas that is at a pressure greater than the first pressure.

Abstract: A purification and delivery system delivers a high-pressure fluid (e.g., carbon dioxide) to a process area and includes a fluid supply tank with a fluid in a liquid state. A purification section is provided in the system and includes at least one purification unit to remove at least one component from the fluid, and a high-pressure pump is disposed downstream from the fluid supply tank and proximate the process area. The high-pressure pump pressurizes the fluid to a process pressure that is greater than the pressure of the fluid within the fluid supply tank. By providing the high-pressure pump proximate the process area, the distance at which high-pressure fluid must be transported while maintaining required operating temperatures and pressures is minimized.

Abstract: The invention is a retinal prosthesis with an inductive coil mounted to the side of the eye by means of a strap around the eye. This allows for close coupling to an external coil and movement of the entire implanted portion with movement of the eye ball.

Abstract: A fluid purification and recovery system includes a buffer section configured to receive a fluid delivered from a process station, where the fluid pressure is maintained within the buffer section within a predetermined range and the fluid is maintained within the buffer section in at least one of a gas state, a liquid state and a supercritical state. The system further includes a purification section disposed downstream from the buffer section to receive the fluid from the buffer section, where the purification section includes at least one purification unit that separates at least a portion of at least one component from the fluid. In one embodiment, the fluid is maintained in at least one of a liquid state and a supercritical state in both the buffer section and the purification section. In addition, the buffer section delivers the fluid to the purification with minimal or substantially no fluctuations in pressure.