Abstract: Methods of ejecting droplets containing a non-Newtonian fluid by an acoustic droplet ejector can include applying a tone burst of focused acoustic energy to a fluid reservoir containing a non-Newtonian fluid at sufficient amplitude to effect droplet ejection according to a tone burst pattern. The tone burst pattern may include three discrete tone burst segments, the first tone burst segment having greater duration than the second and third segments, and third segment having greater duration than the second segment. The exact durations and amplitudes of the tone burst segments can be tuned to influence the ejection properties.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of flexible catheters comprising one or more flexibility regions. In one embodiment, a catheter comprises an elongate body having a proximal segment and a distal segment; a first lumen defined by the elongate body and configured for drainage of a liquid from a bodily region; and a plurality of flexibility regions on or in the distal segment of the elongate body. The plurality of flexibility regions, collectively, is configured to passively bend anteriorly. Further, at least one of the plurality of flexibility regions has a defined percent volume of material removed and a defined cut depth percentage. The features and arrangement of the flexibility regions described herein result in the catheter requiring reduced force during insertion into a bodily lumen.

Abstract: Provided herein are, inter alia, biological manufacturing and downstream purification processes.

Abstract: Provided herein are, inter alia, biological manufacturing and downstream purification processes.

Abstract: Provided herein are, inter alia, biological manufacturing and downstream purification processes.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of flexible catheters comprising one or more flexibility regions. In one embodiment, a catheter comprises an elongate body having a proximal segment and a distal segment; a first lumen defined by the elongate body and configured for drainage of a liquid from a bodily region; and a plurality of flexibility regions on or in the distal segment of the elongate body. The plurality of flexibility regions, collectively, is configured to passively bend anteriorly. Further, at least one of the plurality of flexibility regions has a defined percent volume of material removed and a defined cut depth percentage. The features and arrangement of the flexibility regions described herein result in the catheter requiring reduced force during insertion into a bodily lumen.

Abstract: Provided herein are, inter alia, biological manufacturing and downstream purification processes.

Abstract: Provided herein are, inter alia, biological manufacturing and downstream purification processes.

Abstract: Provided herein are, inter alia, biological manufacturing and downstream purification processes.

Abstract: Provided herein are, inter alia, biological manufacturing and downstream purification processes.

Abstract: Provided herein are, inter alia, biological manufacturing and downstream purification processes.

Abstract: Provided herein are, inter alia, biological manufacturing and downstream purification processes.

Abstract: Methods of ejecting droplets containing a non-Newtonian fluid by an acoustic droplet ejector can include applying a tone burst of focused acoustic energy to a fluid reservoir containing a non-Newtonian fluid at sufficient amplitude to effect droplet ejection according to a tone burst pattern. The tone burst pattern may include three discrete tone burst segments, the first tone burst segment having greater duration than the second and third segments, and third segment having greater duration than the second segment. The exact durations and amplitudes of the tone burst segments can be tuned to influence the ejection properties.

Abstract: A method of determining the volume or height of fluid in a reservoir is provided. A first burst of focused acoustic energy is used to raise temporarily a protuberance on a free surface of the fluid. A second burst of acoustic energy is directed to the free surface of the fluid. Echoes from the second burst of acoustic energy are detected. The detected echoes are employed to compute the height of the fluid.

Abstract: A method of determining the volume or height of fluid in a reservoir is provided. A first burst of focused acoustic energy is used to raise temporarily a protuberance on a free surface of the fluid. A second burst of acoustic energy is directed to the free surface of the fluid. Echoes from the second burst of acoustic energy are detected. The detected echoes are employed to compute the height of the fluid.

Abstract: A junction is made between a first microfluidic substrate (12) having an elongate component (303) protruding from it and a second microfluidic substrate (22) having a corresponding conduit (261). Each of the substrates has a pair of alignment features, for example planar orthogonal surfaces (13, 15; 23, 25) or grooves (141, 151; 241, 251) in opposite sides of the substrate. The substrates are placed on an alignment jig 6 having location features (63, 65) corresponding to the alignment features. The elongate component can be surrounded by a compressible gasket 40). The substrates are pushed towards each other so that the elongate component enters the conduit and the gasket, if any, is compressed. A fluid-tight junction results so long as the substrates are maintained in the necessary position, either by permanent means, or, if a junction which can be disassembled is needed, by maintaining pressure between the substrates.

Abstract: A method of determining the volume or height of fluid in a reservoir is provided. A first burst of focused acoustic energy is used to raise temporarily a protuberance on a free surface of the fluid. A second burst of acoustic energy is directed to the free surface of the fluid. Echoes from the second burst of acoustic energy are detected. The detected echoes are employed to compute the height of the fluid.

Abstract: A junction is made between a first microfluidic substrate (12) having an elongate component (303) protruding from it and a second microfluidic substrate (22) having a corresponding conduit (261). Each of the substrates has a pair of alignment features, for example planar orthogonal surfaces (13, 15; 23, 25) or grooves (141, 151; 241, 251) in opposite sides of the substrate. The substrates are placed on an alignment jig 6 having location features (63, 65) corresponding to the alignment features. The elongate component can be surrounded by a compressible gasket 40). The substrates are pushed towards each other so that the elongate component enters the conduit and the gasket, if any, is compressed. A fluid-tight junction results so long as the substrates are maintained in the necessary position, either by permanent means, or, if a junction which can be disassembled is needed, by maintaining pressure between the substrates.

Abstract: A junction is made between a first microfluidic substrate (12) having an elongate component (303) protruding from it and a second microfluidic substrate (22) having a corresponding conduit (261). Each of the substrates has a pair of alignment features, for example planar orthogonal surfaces (13,15; 23,25) or grooves (141,151; 241, 251) in opposite sides of the substrate. The substrates are placed on an alignment jig 6 having location features (63, 65) corresponding to the alignment features. The elongate component can be surrounded by a compressible gasket 40). The substrates are pushed towards each other so that the elongate component enters the conduit and the gasket, if any, is compressed. A fluid-tight junction results so long as the substrates are maintained in the necessary position, either by permanent means, or, if a junction which can be disassembled is needed, by maintaining pressure between the substrates.

Abstract: A junction is made between a first microfluidic substrate (12) having an elongate component (303) protruding from it and a second microfluidic substrate (22) having a corresponding conduit (261). Each of the substrates has a pair of alignment features, for example planar orthogonal surfaces (13,15; 23,25) or grooves (141,151; 241, 251) in opposite sides of the substrate. The substrates are placed on an alignment jig 6 having location features (63, 65) corresponding to the alignment features. The elongate component can be surrounded by a compressible gasket 40). The substrates are pushed towards each other so that the elongate component enters the conduit and the gasket, if any, is compressed. A fluid-tight junction results so long as the substrates are maintained in the necessary position, either by permanent means, or, if a junction which can be disassembled is needed, by maintaining pressure between the substrates.