Abstract: The tensile force sensor comprises at least one strain gauge in a tension piece comprising a central rectilinear segment and two folds at an angle, significantly thicker than the central rectilinear segment. The strain gauge is arranged in said central rectilinear segment in such a manner that a traction force on the fastening ends of the tension piece results in a U-shaped buckling of the central rectilinear segment. The invention also comprises a processing module connected to the strain gauge, adapted to detect and process as data the elastic deformations caused in the central rectilinear segment by the longitudinal stresses generated by traction on the fastening ends of the tension piece. The invention allows a portable and low cost wireless sensor to be produced.

Abstract: The tensile force sensor comprises at least one strain gauge in a tension piece comprising a central rectilinear segment and two folds at an angle, significantly thicker than the central rectilinear segment. The strain gauge is arranged in said central rectilinear segment in such a manner that a traction force on the fastening ends of the tension piece results in a U-shaped buckling of the central rectilinear segment. The invention also comprises a processing module connected to the strain gauge, adapted to detect and process as data the elastic deformations caused in the central rectilinear segment by the longitudinal stresses generated by traction on the fastening ends of the tension piece. The invention allows a portable and low cost wireless sensor to be produced.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices used to recognize the extent and deepness of infarcted tissue, such as chronic myocardial infarcted tissue. This applies to the heart tissue, but can also be used to assess cicatricial processes in other organs. Examples include injecting pulses of alternating current at a broadband of frequencies while measuring the voltage signal continuously (at a very high sampling rate) to obtain the electrical impedance (Z(f,t)) during the entire cardiac cycle. The impedance measurements may be taken using an intracavitary electrocatheter.

Abstract: Devices and methods for stimulating mechanically or electromechanically stem cell monolayer and 3D cultures for tissue engineering applications are disclosed. A bracket is proposed to be used in a disposable stimulation device. A disposable stimulation device is also proposed for accommodating a cell culture in a flexible area. Finally, an apparatus is proposed to mechanically extend the disposable stimulation device to induce mechanical stimulation. Additionally, a pair of electrodes placed at two opposing sides of the flexible area creates an electric field to induce electrical stimulation. Accordingly, a method to stimulate electromechanically a cell culture is proposed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device which are used to obtain and maintain multiple biological cultures, with environmental parameters similar to those of larger bioreactors (from 1 L) and with a degree of measurement automation similar to that currently obtained using microplates (1-2 mL). The aforementioned environmental parameters include at least the following: measurement and control of temperature, agitation and aeration, measurement and control of pH and dissolved oxygen and measurement of the biomass.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device which are used to obtain and maintain multiple biological cultures, with environmental parameters similar to those of larger bioreactors (from 1 L) and with a degree of measurement automation similar to that currently obtained using microplates (1-2 mL). The aforementioned environmental parameters include at least the following: measurement and control of temperature, agitation and aeration, measurement and control of pH and dissolved oxygen and measurement of the biomass.

Abstract: A method of obtaining physical and/or chemical characteristics of a biological medium, comprising submitting said medium to at least two currents Ii of different strength and frequency fi, by means of a first group of electrodes, measuring the voltage drop Ui in said medium by means of a second group of electrodes, positioning a first element of the first group of electrodes and a second element of the second group of electrodes in a first zone of said medium, and positioning a third element of the first group of electrodes and a fourth element of the second group of electrodes in a second zone of said medium.

Abstract: Apparatus and procedure for measuring volumes and global and segmental corporal composition in human beings, by means of measuring the electrical impedance at various frequencies, determining in this manner, the ratio between the intracellular water and the extracellular water volumes, the contents of total and extracellular water in each segment and the contents of the segmental lean mass. The apparatus is made up of a computer (11) which controls an electronic box (12), fed through a feeding source (14), various electrodes (13) coming out from said electronic box (12) which are placed on the body under research.