Abstract: Passive pressure sensors for use in a shunt valve system or other intracranial implants, for measurement of intracranial pressure of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain cavity. Such a pressure sensor implant can be very simple, e.g., including only a micro-membrane configured as a diaphragm, formed of a biocompatible polymer or other material (e.g., PMMA, PDMS, PEEK, polyimide or a biocompatible hydrogel), and an associated air cavity, without any required electronic components. The diaphragm, or air cavity are configured to exhibit changes in response to changes in CSF pressure, which can be detected through ultrasound readout. Ultrasound query at specific frequencies can be used to track such changes which can be correlated to intracranial pressure. Such an ultrasound readout is completely remote, taken from outside the patient's body, without requiring any electronics, wires, etc. for connection to the implant.

Abstract: A system for enhanced conveying of flexible packages includes a packaging system, an inflation system, and a conveying system. The packaging system is configured to place an object in a flexible package. The inflation system is configured to insert a gas into the flexible package. The packaging system is further configured to seal an edge of the flexible package in an inflated state with the object and the inserted gas inside the flexible package. The conveying system is configured to convey the flexible package while the flexible package is substantially in the inflated state. The flexible package is configured to permit gas to escape the flexible package at a controlled flow rate such that the flexible package remains substantially in the inflated state while being conveyed by the conveying system and the flexible package transitions to being substantially in a deflated state after being conveyed by the conveying system.

Abstract: A machine for converting sheet stock material into void fill material comprises an improved, angled inlet chute, an outlet chute, and an internal drive assembly comprising a motor and power transmission system for rotating a plurality of opposed crush wheels that pull the sheet stock from the inlet chute and push the void fill material to the outlet chute in a downstream direction. The internal drive assembly comprises a frame securing a motor and a first power transmission set to rotate a drive axle and a first set of crush wheels. The assembly comprises a subframe securing a driven axle and a second set of crush wheels that are rotated by a second power transmission set. The subframe is pivotably attached to the frame at a pivot point that allows the driven axle to pivot away from the drive axle at least partly in upstream and downstream directions.

Abstract: A system for enhanced conveying of flexible packages includes a packaging system, an inflation system, and a conveying system. The packaging system is configured to place an object in a flexible package. The inflation system is configured to insert a gas into the flexible package. The packaging system is further configured to seal an edge of the flexible package in an inflated state with the object and the inserted gas inside the flexible package. The conveying system is configured to convey the flexible package while the flexible package is substantially in the inflated state. The flexible package is configured to permit gas to escape the flexible package at a controlled flow rate such that the flexible package remains substantially in the inflated state while being conveyed by the conveying system and the flexible package transitions to being substantially in a deflated state after being conveyed by the conveying system.

Abstract: A system for enhanced conveying of flexible packages includes a packaging system (12, 212), an inflation system (280), and a conveying system (250). The packaging system is configured to place an object in a flexible package. The inflation system is configured to insert a gas into the flexible package. The packaging system is further configured to seal an edge of the flexible package in an inflated state with the object and the inserted gas inside the flexible package. The conveying system is configured to convey the flexible package while the flexible package is substantially in the inflated state. The flexible package is configured to permit gas to escape the flexible package at a controlled flow rate such that the flexible package remains substantially in the inflated state while being conveyed by the conveying system and the flexible package transitions to being substantially in a deflated state after being conveyed by the conveying system.

Abstract: A machine for converting sheet stock material into void fill material comprises an improved, angled inlet chute, an outlet chute, and an internal drive assembly comprising a motor and power transmission system for rotating a plurality of opposed crush wheels that pull the sheet stock from the inlet chute and push the void fill material to the outlet chute in a downstream direction. The internal drive assembly comprises a frame securing a motor and a first power transmission set to rotate a drive axle and a first set of crush wheels. The assembly comprises a subframe securing a driven axle and a second set of crush wheels that are rotated by a second power transmission set. The subframe is pivotably attached to the frame at a pivot point that allows the driven axle to pivot away from the drive axle at least partly in upstream and downstream directions.

Abstract: A system for enhanced conveying of flexible packages includes a packaging system (12, 212), an inflation system (280), and a conveying system (250). The packaging system is configured to place an object in a flexible package. The inflation system is configured to insert a gas into the flexible package. The packaging system is further configured to seal an edge of the flexible package in an inflated state with the object and the inserted gas inside the flexible package. The conveying system is configured to convey the flexible package while the flexible package is substantially in the inflated state. The flexible package is configured to permit gas to escape the flexible package at a controlled flow rate such that the flexible package remains substantially in the inflated state while being conveyed by the conveying system and the flexible package transitions to being substantially in a deflated state after being conveyed by the conveying system.

Abstract: A machine for converting sheet stock material into void fill material comprises an improved, angled inlet chute, an outlet chute, and an internal drive assembly comprising a motor and power transmission system for rotating a plurality of opposed crush wheels that pull the sheet stock from the inlet chute and push the void fill material to the outlet chute in a downstream direction. The internal drive assembly comprises a frame securing a motor and a first power transmission set to rotate a drive axle and a first set of crush wheels. The assembly comprises a subframe securing a driven axle and a second set of crush wheels that are rotated by a second power transmission set. The subframe is pivotably attached to the frame at a pivot point that allows the driven axle to pivot away from the drive axle at least partly in upstream and downstream directions.

Abstract: A system for assembling a packaging assembly of a box and a frame (i) a conveyor for transporting the box along a path of travel in an inverted position with the front and rear closure flaps extending in an open configuration, (ii) an adhesive application station for applying adhesive to the front and rear closure flaps in selected regions, and (iii) a compression station downstream from the adhesive application station to compress (1) the front panel flap to the front closure flap and (2) the rear panel flap to the rear closure flap in the selected regions.

Abstract: A sample compressor applies pressure to a sample collector and a sample application zone of a test strip to transfer a sample from the sample collector and a binding partner of an analyte to the sample application zone in a lateral flow device. At least one of the binding partners of the analyte is not located on the test strip prior to use of the lateral flow device. The test strip may be a universal test strip with no molecule that specifically binds the analyte is located on the test strip. The sample compressor may be a universal sample compressor also with no molecule that specifically binds the analyte on the sample compressor. The lateral flow device may also include one or more enhancement elements, where the enhancement elements bind to the analyte sandwich to increase a detection signal in the test zone.

Abstract: A sealing machine having a movable carriage assembly which utilizes a counterbalance and two servo motors is disclosed. The counterbalance allows high throughput operation without excessive mechanical vibration. The use of two servo motors allows independent control of the horizontal movement of the movable carriage assembly and the vertical movement of the jaws. The use of two servo motors also allows adaptation to articles or packages of various dimensions. In some embodiments, an optical sensor is used to detect the position of the package to be sealed, and the movement of the movable carriage assembly and the jaw is altered based on the detected position.

Abstract: A sealing machine having a movable carriage assembly which utilizes a counterbalance and two servo motors is disclosed. The counterbalance allows high throughput operation without excessive mechanical vibration. The use of two servo motors allows independent control of the horizontal movement of the movable carriage assembly and the vertical movement of the jaws. The use of two servo motors also allows adaptation to articles or packages of various dimensions. In some embodiments, an optical sensor is used to detect the position of the package to be sealed, and the movement of the movable carriage assembly and the jaw is altered based on the detected position.

Abstract: A sealing machine adapted to support a plurality of different heating/sealing/cutting mechanisms, including tubular heaters and heated cutting blades, is disclosed. The sealing machine utilizes a common interface and mounting system for all side sealers. In addition, in some embodiments, the control system within the sealing machine is adapted to monitor and control the temperature of these various mechanisms automatically so as to create proper seals.

Abstract: A sample compressor applies pressure to a sample collector and a sample application zone of a test strip to transfer a sample from the sample collector and a binding partner of an analyte to the sample application zone in a lateral flow device. At least one of the binding partners of the analyte is not located on the test strip prior to use of the lateral flow device. The test strip may be a universal test strip with no molecule that specifically binds the analyte is located on the test strip. The sample compressor may be a universal sample compressor also with no molecule that specifically binds the analyte on the sample compressor. The lateral flow device may also include one or more enhancement elements, where the enhancement elements bind to the analyte sandwich to increase a detection signal in the test zone.

Abstract: A tubular heating element which is resistant to damage caused by foreign material is disclosed. The tubular heating element is pivotably attached to the side sealing machine at its leading (upstream) edge. The trailing (downstream) edge of the tubular heating element is moved by means of a compressible force, such as an air cylinder. In this way, the air in the cylinder pushes the tubular heating element downward into the plane of the film. However, a foreign object located on the film can overcome the force of the air cylinder, thereby lifting the tubular heating element out of the path of the film.

Abstract: A sample compressor applies pressure to a sample collector and a sample application zone of a test strip to transfer a sample from the sample collector and a binding partner of an analyte to the sample application zone in a lateral flow device. At least one of the binding partners of the analyte is not located on the test strip prior to use of the lateral flow device. The test strip may be a universal test strip with no molecule that specifically binds the analyte is located on the test strip. The sample compressor may be a universal sample compressor also with no molecule that specifically binds the analyte on the sample compressor. The lateral flow device may also include one or more enhancement elements, where the enhancement elements bind to the analyte sandwich to increase a detection signal in the test zone.

Abstract: A thin sealing device which is resistant to damage caused by foreign material is disclosed. The thin sealing device has an internal heating element. The thin sealing device has a blunt edge, which has a radius smaller than that of the heating element. A thermocouple is placed in a cavity near this blunt edge to monitor the temperature at the point of sealing. In some embodiments, the thin sealing device is pivotably attached at its leading (upstream) edge. The trailing (downstream) edge of the thin sealing device is moved by means of a compressible force, such as an air cylinder. In this way, the air in the cylinder pushes the thin sealing device downward into the plane of the film. However, a foreign object located on the film can overcome the force of the air cylinder, thereby lifting the thin sealing device out of the path of the film.

Abstract: The problems associated with the prior art have been overcome by the present invention, which describes a device for spooling selvage as it is cut by a side-sealing machine. The device includes a two part core, which is held together by a friction fitting, such as a keyless bushing. The two parts of the core are shaped so that as the selvage is wound onto the core, it exerts both a radial and axial force on the core. This axial force provides the force needed to separate the two parts of the core when the bushing is removed. Various shaped core parts may be used, and various friction fittings are also envisioned.

Abstract: A tubular heating element which is resistant to damage caused by foreign material is disclosed. The tubular heating element is pivotably attached to the side sealing machine at its leading (upstream) edge. The trailing (downstream) edge of the tubular heating element is moved by means of a compressible force, such as an air cylinder. In this way, the air in the cylinder pushes the tubular heating element downward into the plane of the film. However, a foreign object located on the film can overcome the force of the air cylinder, thereby lifting the tubular heating element out of the path of the film.

Abstract: A sealing machine adapted to support a plurality of different heating/sealing/cutting mechanisms, including tubular heaters and heated cutting blades, is disclosed. The sealing machine utilizes a common interface and mounting system for all side sealers. In addition, in some embodiments, the control system within the sealing machine is adapted to monitor and control the temperature of these various mechanisms automatically so as to create proper seals.