Abstract: A method of encapsulating a solid sample in a droplet, the method including flowing a continuous phase through a first fluid channel at a first flow rate; flowing a dispersed phase through a second fluid channel at a second flow rate, the dispersed phase including a plurality of particles, cells or beads; trapping the plurality of particles, cells or beads in a mixing region that receives the dispersed phase and the continuous phase; and reducing the first flow rate to encapsulate the trapped particles, cells or beads in droplets of the dispersed phase generated when the dispersed phase and the continuous phase exit the mixing region through an orifice.

Abstract: Implemented is an interval timer with pacer functionality (referred to herein as “interval pacer” for short), enabling a user to work out to a given pace and then automatically switches to a resting period when the pre-set pace is complete. The interval pacer may be an instantiated application on a user’s computing device, such as a smartphone, smartwatch, head-mounted display (HMD) device, etc., or may be a standalone application instantiated on a dedicated computing device specifically designed for the interval pacer application. The interval pacer application is adapted to enhance previous interval timer applications by providing a customizable pacer option which is virtually a fully customizable solution for a user to have an individualized exercise plan. In addition, the interoperation of the pacer with the interval timer enriches workout sessions by pushing the user to stick with the user-set pace for the user-designated period.

Abstract: A method of encapsulating a solid sample in a droplet, the method including flowing a continuous phase through a first fluid channel at a first flow rate; flowing a dispersed phase through a second fluid channel at a second flow rate, the dispersed phase including a plurality of particles, cells or beads; trapping the plurality of particles, cells or beads in a mixing region that receives the dispersed phase and the continuous phase; and reducing the first flow rate to encapsulate the trapped particles, cells or beads in droplets of the dispersed phase generated when the dispersed phase and the continuous phase exit the mixing region through an orifice.

Abstract: A method is provided for managing a social network of devices. The method provides a non-transitory memory, a network interface, and a social network application. Network-connected local devices create user accounts in the social network and populate a user profile listing device characteristics. Some examples of device characteristics include model and serial number. A central server is then able to access the user profiles in the social network, and cross-reference user profiles to a first device characteristic. The central server sends queries via the social network to selected local devices matching the first device characteristic and receives responses to the queries via the social network from the selected local devices. Further, the central server may maintain a database, stored in a central non-transitory memory, of queries and responses cross-referenced to the local devices. A system is also provided for managing devices using a social networking application.

Abstract: A microfluidic droplet system that employs flow-focusing methods to generate droplets of desired sizes for encapsulating particles, cells or beads. The microfluidic droplet system can comprise an air cavity that can be vibrated to reduce trapping of cells or beads in flow-focusing regions of the microfluidic droplet systems thereby increasing the encapsulation efficiency of the cells/beads.

Abstract: A method is provided for managing a social network of devices. The method provides a non-transitory memory, a network interface, and a social network application. Network-connected local devices create user accounts in the social network and populate a user profile listing device characteristics. Some examples of device characteristics include model and serial number. A central server is then able to access the user profiles in the social network, and cross-reference user profiles to a first device characteristic. The central server sends queries via the social network to selected local devices matching the first device characteristic and receives responses to the queries via the social network from the selected local devices. Further, the central server may maintain a database, stored in a central non-transitory memory, of queries and responses cross-referenced to the local devices. A system is also provided for managing devices using a social networking application.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to systems and methods for providing non-subscriber access to a digital asset and, in particular, to methods and systems for providing non-subscriber access to a digital asset while providing provider protection. A temporary guest credential may be generated that may allow access to a limited workspace on a resource server. The temporary guest credentials may expire after a guest-account duration limit.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to systems and methods for providing non-subscriber access to a digital asset and, in particular, to methods and systems for providing non-subscriber access to a digital asset while providing provider protection. A temporary guest credential may be generated that may allow access to a limited workspace on a resource server. The temporary guest credentials may expire after a guest-account duration limit.

Abstract: A method of forming a layer of a hard, abrasion, and corrosion-resistant hydrogenated carbon (C:H) material on a substrate surface comprises steps of: (a) providing a vacuum chamber including a carbon sputtering target in the interior space thereof; (b) providing a substrate in the chamber interior space, a surface of the substrate the sputtering target; (c) supplying the vacuum chamber with at least one hydrocarbon gas and at least one inert gas at separately controllable flow rates and applying a sufficient negative potential to the carbon target to generate a plasma in said interior space to deposit a layer of the C:H material on the substrate surface by a process comprising simultaneous sputtering of the carbon sputtering target and plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) of carbon and hydrogen from the hydrocarbon gas, wherein: step (c) includes separately controlling the flow rates of each of the hydrocarbon and inert gases such that the amount of C atoms in the C:H which are contributed b

Abstract: A non-arcing bias rail assembly for supplying an electrical bias potential to a moving workpiece/substrate holder, comprising an elongated metal strip adapted for mounting along a wall of a workpiece/substrate treatment apparatus and having a surface bounded by first and second opposed, laterally extending side edges; a bracket comprised of an electrically insulating material and including a first portion mounted on the surface adjacent to and extending along a portion of the first side edge, and a second portion forming an upstanding wall extending perpendicularly from the first portion and including a surface facing the second side edge of the metal strip; an electrically conductive bias contact spring assembly mounted on the upstanding wall of the bracket facing the second side edge; and electrically insulated wire means electrically connected to the bias contact spring assembly for supplying an electrical bias potential.

Abstract: A flash chromium capping layer is deposited on a magnetic layer for improved corrosion resistance, reduced poisoning due to the absence of a protective overcoat or presence of discontinuities in a protective overcoat, and for reduced media noise do to inter-granular exchange coupling. Embodiments include depositing a flash chromium layer having a thickness up to about 10 Å on an upper magnetic layer and depositing an overlying lubricant topcoat. An optional protective overcoat, such as a carbon-containing protective overcoat, can also be deposited on the chromium capping layer. The chromium capping layer forms a protective oxide coating where exposed, as due to the absence of or at discontinuities in the protective overcoat.