Abstract: A method of detecting liquid in animal tissue is disclosed. The method comprises providing an electromagnetic radiation generator, and applying electromagnetic radiation to a tissue region using the electromagnetic radiation generator. The characteristics of the electromagnetic radiation are selected so as to cause differential heating in a tissue region based on liquid content in the tissue region, differential expansion of matter in the tissue region, and thereby generation of ultrasound signals that vary according to the liquid content. The method also comprises providing an ultrasound detector, detecting the ultrasound signals using the ultrasound detector, and using the detected ultrasound signals to produce an indication of concentration of liquid in the tissue region and a determination as to whether a change in liquid concentration in the tissue region has occurred.

Abstract: A heat transfer system including a first heat exchange assembly, a second heat exchange assembly, and a heat transfer circuit interconnecting the first and second heat exchange assemblies, the circuit incorporating a working fluid to transfer heat between the first and second heat exchange assemblies. The heat transfer circuit preferably takes the form of a closed loop heat-pipe system. The heat transfer system is operative in a first mode where the working fluid is at or below a threshold pressure and in a second mode where the working fluid is at a higher pressure than the threshold pressure. A pressure regulating device is also provided to increase the pressure of the working fluid above the threshold pressure to effect change of operation of the heat transfer system from the first mode to the second mode. Optionally the pressure regulating device is a pressure vessel having at least one heat transfer surface.

Abstract: A method of detecting liquid in animal tissue is disclosed. The method comprises providing an electromagnetic radiation generator, and applying electromagnetic radiation to a tissue region using the electromagnetic radiation generator. The characteristics of the electromagnetic radiation are selected so as to cause differential heating in a tissue region based on liquid content in the tissue region, differential expansion of matter in the tissue region, and thereby generation of ultrasound signals that vary according to the liquid content. The method also comprises providing an ultrasound detector, detecting the ultrasound signals using the ultrasound detector, and using the detected ultrasound signals to produce an indication of concentration of liquid in the tissue region and a determination as to whether a change in liquid concentration in the tissue region has occurred.

Abstract: A material sorting system is disclosed. The system has an electrical charge device arranged to produce electrical charging conditions for substantially all particles of a material sample such that an electrical charge at least partially dependent on particle capacitance is imparted to one or more particles, and a particle delivery device operably connected to the electrical charge device and arranged to cause the one or more particles to move along a flowpath. The system also has a deflection device arranged to cause each particle to deviate from the flowpath an amount at least partially dependent on the electrical charge imparted to the particle, and a collection device in fluid communication with the deflection device. The collection device is arranged to collect the one or more particles at one or more locations corresponding to the amount of deviation of the one or more particles from the flowpath. A corresponding method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for sorting cells is provided in which two or more cells are delivered along a flow path, the two or more cells including a first type of cells having a first mechanical stiffness and at least a second type of cells having a second mechanical stiffness different from the first mechanical stiffness. A reflection surface is provided across the flow path at an oblique angle relative to the flow path and configured to reflect the cells at different reflection angles relative to the flow path dependent on the mechanical stiffness of the cells.