Abstract: This document provides fluid handling components. For example, this document relates to taper interface connections such as, but not limited to, luer taper interface connections used to couple fluid handling components in a medical or laboratory setting. In some embodiments, the threaded connection on the male portion of the taper interface is comprised of one or two opposing tabs, rather than a 360° collar like conventional luer lock fittings. As such, the taper interface components provided herein are readily manufacturable with a lower cost than conventional fittings that have a collar. In some embodiments, the taper interface components provided herein are configured for coupling by way of a quick connection technique.

Abstract: A conditioning system includes a sample chamber capable of receiving a specimen as well as first and second specimen-holding fixtures positioned within the sample chamber and configured to apply mechanical stimulation to a specimen held by the fixtures. The system has at least one port capable of providing a fluid to the sample chamber. The chamber is sized and shaped so that it can be inserted into an imaging device which can record images of a specimen held by the fixtures.

Abstract: This document provides fluid handling components. For example, this document relates to taper interface connections such as, but not limited to, luer taper interface connections used to couple fluid handling components in a medical or laboratory setting. In some embodiments, the threaded connection on the male portion of the taper interface is comprised of one or two opposing tabs, rather than a 360° collar like conventional luer lock fittings. As such, the taper interface components provided herein are readily manufacturable with a lower cost than conventional fittings that have a collar. In some embodiments, the taper interface components provided herein are configured for coupling by way of a quick connection technique.

Abstract: A conditioning system includes a sample chamber capable of receiving a specimen as well as first and second specimen-holding fixtures positioned within the sample chamber and configured to apply mechanical stimulation to a specimen held by the fixtures. The system has at least one port capable of providing a fluid to the sample chamber. The chamber is sized and shaped so that it can be inserted into an imaging device which can record images of a specimen held by the fixtures.

Abstract: A mechanical clamping device can include at least two contact faces, a first of the contact faces configured to travel in response to an applied force, each contact face configured to contact a sample when loaded into the mechanical clamping device. The device can further include a load element configured to cause the two contact faces to apply a clamping force to the sample when loaded into the mechanical clamping device.

Abstract: A bioreactor system includes a sample chamber capable of receiving a specimen and a cover which can be placed on the chamber to enclose the specimen within the chamber. A first member is movable between (i) a closed position in which the member restricts the cover from being moved away from the chamber in a first direction, and (ii) an open position in which the member does not restrict the cover from being moved away from the chamber. When the first member is in the closed position there is a substantially liquid proof seal between the cover and the chamber.

Abstract: A programmable display device comprises a bar graph display panel having an anode, a series of spaced cathodes connected in groups representing respective phases and a reset cathode at one end of such series; and a scan control circuit for that display panel including a first programmable memory, such as, a PROM, having an output providing a clocking waveform representing a plurality of phase pulses and a reset pulse and being addressed to develop the phase pulses and reset pulse in a repeated cathode scanning cycle, a second programmable memory, desirably constituted by a plurality of PROMs and operated synchronously with the phase pulses for generating an analog ramp voltage of a slope and dynamic range determined by the second programmable memory, a comparator comparing the ramp voltage with a d.c. voltage characteristic of level of an audio or other signal to be displayed and providing a comparison output for energizing the anode in each cathode scanning cycle for an interval thereof in which such d.c.