Abstract: An electro-mechanical device includes a payload of a magnet affixed to a mirror, and a coil assembly. The coil assembly has a body with wound electrically conducting wires and a payload aperture through which the payload travels. When voltage is applied to the coil assembly, current through the coil assembly generates a magnetic field resulting in a net upward force on the magnet that accelerates the payload to travel upward through the payload aperture for the mirror to block an optical pulse. As the magnet travels through the payload aperture, due to a magnetization direction of the magnet and a magnetic field in an upper portion of the coil assembly, the magnet experiences a net deceleration force that arrests the payload.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide filtration for concentrating analytes, such as bacteria or exosomes, of a biological sample, such as blood or urine. The technology may employ membrane devices that implement one or more tangential flow filtration processes such as in stages. An example membrane device may typically include a membrane having sides and ends. The membrane may selectively permit constituent(s) of the sample to pass through while retaining other constituents at one side. An input chamber of the device may include an inlet near one end and an outlet near the other end, and that may permit a tangential flow of the sample along the first side surface, and a trans-membrane passing of constituent(s). An output chamber of the device may be configured at the second side surface to receive the passing constituents. Such devices may be provided in a kit to facilitate targeting of a desired biological analyte concentration.

Abstract: A blood separation device that allows high quality plasma to be generated using a single power source. The device includes a housing with an inlet port adapted to receive the blood sample, a first chamber having a first chamber flow channel in fluid communication with the inlet port, a second chamber having a second chamber flow channel, a separation member disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber. In some embodiments, the blood separation device detects or tests for the presence of a substance, such as an antigen or an antibody.

Abstract: Tissue dissociators configured to disrupt a biological tissue sample are provided. Aspects of the tissue dissociators according to certain embodiments include a blade holder having a blade and a sample holder that includes a tissue actuator having a distal end pliable stopper where the tissue actuator is configured to be displaced along a longitudinal axis with the sample holder. Also provided are methods of dissociating a biological tissue sample with the tissue dissociators, as well as kits including the tissue dissociators.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical device includes a payload of a magnet affixed to a mirror, and a coil assembly. The coil assembly has a body with wound electrically conducting wires and a payload aperture through which the payload travels. When voltage is applied to the coil assembly, current through the coil assembly generates a magnetic field resulting in a net upward force on the magnet that accelerates the payload to travel upward through the payload aperture for the mirror to block an optical pulse. As the magnet travels through the payload aperture, due to a magnetization direction of the magnet and a magnetic field in an upper portion of the coil assembly, the magnet experiences a net deceleration force that arrests the payload.

Abstract: Tissue dissociators configured to disrupt a biological tissue sample are provided. Aspects of the tissue dissociators according to certain embodiments include a blade holder having a blade and a sample holder that includes a tissue actuator having a distal end pliable stopper where the tissue actuator is configured to be displaced along a longitudinal axis with the sample holder. Also provided are methods of dissociating a biological tissue sample with the tissue dissociators, as well as kits including the tissue dissociators.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical shutter is described. The fast operation is based on a coil operated via a current, where the coil can move within a set of magnets to provide opening and closing of a shutter. The shutter can comprise a mirror connected to the coil, so that the mirror can be moved into the path of an optical beam. The mirror can block the beam light in the closed state, and allow the beam light in the open state.

Abstract: A second terminal sends a request to initiate a communication session with a first terminal to a server. The server signals the first terminal to initiate the communication session. The first terminal determines an offset amount based upon the redirection timer information. The offset amount is added to or subtracted from a redirection timer value to determine a modified redirection timer value that takes into account time that elapses between messaging exchanged between the server and the first terminal that affects the first terminal determination of an amount of time remaining in a redirection timer of the server such that the determined modified redirection timer value is equal in value or substantially equal in value to the amount of time remaining in the redirection timer of the server.

Abstract: A second terminal sends a request to initiate a communication session with a first terminal to a server. The server signals the first terminal to initiate the communication session. The first terminal determines an offset amount based upon the redirection timer information. The offset amount is added to or subtracted from a redirection timer value to determine a modified redirection timer value that takes into account time that elapses between messaging exchanged between the server and the first terminal that affects the first terminal determination of an amount of time remaining in a redirection timer of the server such that the determined modified redirection timer value is equal in value or substantially equal in value to the amount of time remaining in the redirection timer of the server.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical shutter is described. The fast operation is based on a coil operated via a current, where the coil can move within a set of magnets to provide opening and closing of a shutter. The shutter can comprise a mirror connected to the coil, so that the mirror can be moved into the path of an optical beam. The mirror can block the beam light in the closed state, and allow the beam light in the open state.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for clamping one or more cables is provided comprising a first component and a second component, wherein the first and second components each have a main body, a cut out region, and a connector region; and wherein the two components are removably coupled by connecting together their respective connector and cut out regions. The clamping force to the cables can be determined solely by finger pressure, which permits the user to have excellent tactile feedback to safely clamp a cable bundle. The apparatus is compatible with mass production injection molding and can be used for applications requiring UHV compatibility.

Abstract: A thermally sprayed gas heater comprises a gas flow apparatus that propels a gas through a housing; and a thermally sprayed heater bonded to a surface of the apparatus, the heater positioned to heat the gas flow in the housing. In other aspects, a heater system for a turbulent flow gas duct comprises a duct having a gas flow channel, the channel having a shaped surface providing turbulent gas flow in the channel, and a thermally sprayed heater positioned to heat the gas flow in the channel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for clamping one or more cables is provided comprising a first component and a second component, wherein the first and second components each have a main body, a cut out region, and a connector region; and wherein the two components are removably coupled by connecting together their respective connector and cut out regions. The clamping force to the cables can be determined solely by finger pressure, which permits the user to have excellent tactile feedback to safely clamp a cable bundle. The apparatus is compatible with mass production injection molding and can be used for applications requiring UHV compatibility.

Abstract: An assembly and method is disclosed for providing an interlocking angular end joint. The interlocking angular end joint is capable of providing a virtually invisible end joint and comprises at least a first board capable of being longitudinally ripped from lumber to a predetermined width, at least a first angle cut at a predetermined angle into at least one end portion relative to the longitudinal length of the first board, and at least a first interlocking member capable of being machined into at least one end portion of the first board.

Abstract: An electric grill is provided having a grate, a first electrical insulator layer located above the grate, a heater layer deposited on a top surface of the first electrical insulator layer, and a top layer located over the heater layer for protecting the heater layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating fluid and a method for providing the same is provided. Generally, the system contains a metallic core; a dielectric layer thermally sprayed on the core; a resistive heater layer thermally sprayed on the dielectric layer; a metallic layer portion located at ends of the resistive heater layer; and a source of power providing said power via said metallic layer portion.

Abstract: A heating apparatus assembly and method are provided for heating a surface. The heating apparatus contains a substrate with a multiplicity of heating elements disposed upon at least one surface of the substrate where each element is individually controllable.

Abstract: The present invention features a metallic resistive heater and uses thereof. The resistive heater includes a metallic component that is electrically conductive (i.e., has low resistivity) and an oxide, nitride, carbide, and/or boride derivative of the metallic component that is electrically insulating (i.e., has high resistivity). The resistivity is controlled in part by controlling the amount of oxide, nitride, carbide, and boride formation during the deposition of the metallic component and the derivative.