Abstract: Controlling a valveless microfluidic device using rotational and pistoning motion is disclosed. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a stage to support a valveless microfluidic device, the stage having a bottom surface coupled with an extension, having a threaded portion, and defining an interior volume; a first motor including a powered rotating portion operable to engage with the threaded portion to induce a z-axis motion of the stage; a second motor including a powered rotating portion coupled with a slidable coupler, the slidable coupler engaging the interior volume to induce a second motion of the stage about the z-axis; a base defining an aperture to receive the stage; and a lid having a subset of the plurality of apertures corresponding to a subset of a plurality of apertures defined by the valveless microfluidic device upon positioning of the stage by the first motor and the second motor.

Abstract: Described embodiments include a therapeutic oxygen supply apparatus. The apparatus includes at least two components, including an intake manifold component configured to receive concentrated oxygen, a compressor component configured to compress concentrated oxygen, an oxygen tank component configured to store concentrated oxygen, a patient manifold component configured to supply concentrated oxygen, or a control structure component configured to route a flow of concentrated oxygen. A sensor circuit acquires data indicative of a respective operational state of the at least two components. A rule-based engine selects a next operational state of a component in response to (i) the acquired data indicative of the respective operational states of the at least two components and (ii) a rule database having at least one rule responsive to an objective providing a therapeutic flow of oxygen to the patient. A configuration manager circuit generates a control signal implementing the selected next operational state.

Abstract: Described embodiments include a therapeutic oxygen supply apparatus. The apparatus includes at least two components, including an intake manifold component configured to receive concentrated oxygen, a compressor component configured to compress concentrated oxygen, an oxygen tank component configured to store concentrated oxygen, a patient manifold component configured to supply concentrated oxygen, or a control structure component configured to route a flow of concentrated oxygen. A sensor circuit acquires data indicative of a respective operational state of the at least two components. A rule-based engine selects a next operational state of a component in response to (i) the acquired data indicative of the respective operational states of the at least two components and (ii) a rule database having at least one rule responsive to an objective providing a therapeutic flow of oxygen to the patient. A configuration manager circuit generates a control signal implementing the selected next operational state.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include thermal expansion actuators, systems using the same (e.g., microscopes), and methods of using the same. The thermal expansion actuators disclosed herein can include at least one beam coupled to and extending between a plurality of support portions. The thermal expansion actuators also include at least one heating element configured to heat at least a portion of the thermal expansion actuators, such as the at least one beam. The support portions are coupled to an structure (e.g., a component of a microscope) in a manner that at least partially restrains thermal expansion or contraction of the thermal expansion actuators in at least one direction when the thermal expansion actuators are heated or cooled, respectively. Restraining the thermal expansion actuators can controllably and selectively produce relative movement in the at least one beam (e.g., deflected).

Abstract: Described embodiments include a culture incubator, method, and sensor circuit. A culture incubator includes an accessible incubation compartment configured to contain a culture item at a specified incubation temperature; a phase change material having a phase transition temperature over the specified incubation temperature; and a heat transfer element in thermal communication with the phase change material and configured to transfer heat to the phase change material. A sensor circuit is configured to acquire data indicative of a phase composition state of the phase change material. A manager circuit is configured to determine a difference between the phase composition state and a target phase composition state for the phase change material. A controller circuit is configured to transfer heat to the phase change material in an amount estimated to change the phase composition state of the phase change material to the target phase composition state.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a regulated thermal transfer device for a storage container includes: a phase change material unit, the phase change material unit including one or more walls surrounding a phase-change material region, and an aperture in the one or more walls; a heat pipe with a first end positioned within the phase change material unit, and a second end; a thermoelectric unit thermally connected to the second end of the heat pipe; a heat sink connected to the thermoelectric unit, and positioned to radiate heat away from the thermoelectric unit; and an electronic controller operably connected to the thermoelectric unit; wherein the regulated thermal transfer device is of a size and shape to be positioned so that the phase change material unit is within a storage region of a temperature-stabilized storage container, and the thermoelectric unit is positioned adjacent to an external surface of the temperature-stabilized storage container.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to apparatuses and methods for storing temperature-sensitive items. More specifically, embodiments include a storage apparatus that may store the temperature-sensitive items. For example, the storage apparatus may include a storage compartment that may be maintained at a predetermined temperature or temperature range.

Abstract: Regulated cooling devices are described herein that are sized, shaped and calibrated for use with a substantially thermally sealed storage container. In some embodiments, the regulated cooling devices include a cooling region, an adiabatic region, a lid region, and an electronics unit attached to the lid region.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to apparatuses and methods for storing temperature-sensitive items. More specifically, embodiments include a storage apparatus that may store the temperature-sensitive items. For example, the storage apparatus may include a storage compartment that may be maintained at a predetermined temperature or temperature range.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and systems that may be used to alter the permeability of a biological object. In some embodiments, the methods and systems may be used to alter the permeability of a non-human embryo. In some embodiments, the methods and systems may be used to alter the permeability of an insect embryo. In some embodiments, the methods and systems may be used to alter the permeability of a mosquito embryo.

Abstract: Regulated cooling devices are described herein that are sized, shaped and calibrated for use with a substantially thermally sealed storage container. In some embodiments, the regulated cooling devices include a cooling region, an adiabatic region, a lid region, and an electronics unit attached to the lid region.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a regulated thermal transfer device for a storage container includes: a phase change material unit, the phase change material unit including one or more walls surrounding a phase-change material region, and an aperture in the one or more walls; a heat pipe with a first end positioned within the phase change material unit, and a second end; a thermoelectric unit thermally connected to the second end of the heat pipe; a heat sink connected to the thermoelectric unit, and positioned to radiate heat away from the thermoelectric unit; and an electronic controller operably connected to the thermoelectric unit; wherein the regulated thermal transfer device is of a size and shape to be positioned so that the phase change material unit is within a storage region of a temperature-stabilized storage container, and the thermoelectric unit is positioned adjacent to an external surface of the temperature-stabilized storage container.