Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for treating a subject are described herein. In some embodiments, an applicator for selectively affecting a subject's subcutaneous tissue is provided. The applicator can include: a housing; a treatment cup mounted in the housing, wherein the treatment cup defines a tissue-receiving cavity and includes a temperature-controlled surface; at least one thermal device coupled to the treatment cup and configured to receive energy via a flexible connector coupled to the applicator and to cool the temperature-controlled surface; an at least one vacuum port coupled to the treatment cup and configured to provide a vacuum to draw the subject's tissue into the tissue-receiving cavity and against at least a portion of a treatment area of the temperature-controlled surface to selectively damage and/or reduce the subject's subcutaneous tissue.

Abstract: Cryogenic analysis systems are provided that can include: a cryogenic fluid source component; an analysis component; and a thermal connection assembly operably engaged with both the cryogenic fluid source component and the analysis component to provide disengagement or engagement of the cryogenic fluid source component to/from the analysis component while maintaining the cooling status of the cryogenic fluid source component. Methods for performing sample analysis under cryogenic conditions are provided, the methods comprising: providing an analysis component; providing a cryogenic fluid source component having cryogenic fluid in a cold state; operably engaging the analysis component and the cryogenic fluid source component; preparing a sample for analysis within the analysis component; and while maintaining the cryogenic fluid in the cold state, disengaging the cryogenic fluid source component from the analysis component.

Abstract: The present application provides a bottling facility for filling a refillable package. The bottling facility may include a filler for filling the refillable package, a radio frequency identification tag positioned on the refillable package, a radio frequency identification reader, and a data processing system in communication with the radio frequency identification reader. The radio frequency identification reader identifies the radio frequency identification tag when the refillable package is refilled and the data processing system tracks the number of times the refillable package is refilled.

Abstract: The present application provides a bottling facility for filling a refillable package. The bottling facility may include a filler for filling the refillable package, a radio frequency identification tag positioned on the refillable package, a radio frequency identification reader, and a data processing system in communication with the radio frequency identification reader. The radio frequency identification reader identifies the radio frequency identification tag when the refillable package is refilled and the data processing system tracks the number of times the refillable package is refilled.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for removing heat from subcutaneously disposed lipid-rich cells are disclosed. In selected embodiments, suction and/or heat removal sources are coupled to an applicator. The applicator includes a flexible portion and a rigid portion. The rigid portion includes a thermally conductive plate and a frame coupling the thermally conductive plate and the flexible portion. An interior cavity of the applicator is in fluid communication with the suction source, and the frame maintains contiguous engagement between the heat removal source and the thermally conductive plate.

Abstract: Thermal transfer line assemblies as well as methods for manufacturing thermal transfer line assemblies, and methods for transferring thermal energy are provided. In at least one embodiment a thermal transfer line assembly is provided that can include: a vacuum housing; a suspension support housing within the vacuum housing; a thermal conduit within the suspension support housing; in at least one cross section, a continuous outer void between the vacuum housing and the suspension support housing, an inner void between the suspension support housing and the thermal conduit; and a suspension system within the inner void and coupled to the suspension support housing but mechanically disconnected from the thermal conduit.

Abstract: Cryogenic analysis systems are provided that can include: a cryogenic fluid source component; an analysis component; and a thermal connection assembly operably engaged with both the cryogenic fluid source component and the analysis component to provide disengagement or engagement of the cryogenic fluid source component to/from the analysis component while maintaining the cooling status of the cryogenic fluid source component. Methods for performing sample analysis under cryogenic conditions are provided, the methods comprising: providing an analysis component; providing a cryogenic fluid source component having cryogenic fluid in a cold state; operably engaging the analysis component and the cryogenic fluid source component; preparing a sample for analysis within the analysis component; and while maintaining the cryogenic fluid in the cold state, disengaging the cryogenic fluid source component from the analysis component.

Abstract: Cryocooler assemblies are provided that can include: a first mass operatively engaged with a pumphouse configured to generate mechanical responses; a second mass operably engaged with the first mass; and an assembly between the first and second mass, the assembly configured to allow movement of the first mass in relation to the second mass. Assemblies can include a coldhead operatively engaged with a chamber configured to retain cryofluid; and a first thermally conductive mass thermally engaged with the cryofluid. Methods can include: generating a mechanical response about a first mass within a cryocooler assembly operatively engaged with a pumphouse; suspending the second mass in relation to the first mass of the assembly; and operatively engaging the second mass as a cold source for a sample chamber. Additional methods can include operatively engaging at least cryofluid of a cryocooler with one or more thermally conductive masses.

Abstract: Systems and methods facilitate sensing and tallying defecation events of subjects, such as participants in clinical trials for treatments for treating digestive diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and chronic constipation. Systems and methods may also be used by individual patients for sensing and tallying defecation events, and resulting data may be reviewed by a healthcare provider when evaluating patient gastrointestinal health and/or treatments.

Abstract: Cryocooler assemblies are provided that can include: a first mass configured to generate mechanical responses; a second mass operably engaged with the first mass; and an assembly between the first and second mass, the assembly configured to allow movement of the first mass in relation to the second mass. Methods for isolating mechanical responses within a cryocooler assembly are provided. The methods can include: generating a mechanical response about a first mass within a cryocooler assembly; suspending the first mass in relation to a second mass of the assembly; and operatively engaging the second mass as a cold source for the cryocooler assembly.

Abstract: An air-boom spreader has a hopper for containing particulate material, a metering device having a plurality of sluices, a plurality of outlets transversely spaced-apart on a boom in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the spreader, and a plurality of air lines connecting the plurality of sluices to the plurality of outlets for conveying the particulate material in an air stream from the plurality of sluices to the plurality of outlets. The spreader has more than twice as many outlets as sluices, and the plurality of outlets has an innermost outlet, an outermost outlet and at least three other outlets between the innermost outlet and the outermost outlet whereby each of the innermost outlet and the outermost outlet are supplied with half as much of the particulate material as each of the at least three other outlets.

Abstract: Variable temperature analytical instruments and components are provided that can include: first and second conduits both configured to receive fluid from a cryofluid source and provide same to an analysis component; and a housing about the conduits wherein the housing is configured to maintain a vacuum about the conduits. Methods for maintaining temperatures within variable temperature analytical instruments are also provided. The methods can include dynamically providing fluid from a cryofluid source through at least one of two conduits housed within a vacuum, to an analysis component.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for removing heat from subcutaneously disposed lipid-rich cells are disclosed. In selected embodiments, suction and/or heat removal sources are coupled to an applicator. The applicator includes a flexible portion and a rigid portion. The rigid portion includes a thermally conductive plate and a frame coupling the thermally conductive plate and the flexible portion. An interior cavity of the applicator is in fluid communication with the suction source, and the frame maintains contiguous engagement between the heat removal source and the thermally conductive plate.

Abstract: Variable temperature analytical instruments are provided that can include: a mobile component comprising a cold source; a substantially fixed analysis component; and an interface configured to couple the mobile component with the analysis component. Variable temperature analytical instruments are also provided that can include: a mobile analysis component; a substantially fixed component comprising a cold source; and an interface configured to couple the mobile component with the analysis component. Variable temperature analytical instruments are also provided that can include: a cold source in thermal communication with an analysis component; and at least one pressure barrier defining a plurality of discrete masses maintained at different temperatures between the cold source and the analysis component.

Abstract: A user (e.g., a CMC scientist) identifies a change in CMC data for a regulated product, service, or system provided by an organization. A change assessment engine provides a recommendation for regulatory impact reporting. The recommendation may include a rationale and supporting evidence. The recommendation may identify the markets where the product, service, or system is registered, an indication of potential reportability in that market, specific health authority regulations that apply, and direct linkages into an internal regulatory knowledge repository of the organization. The change assessment engine may drive a user interface that guides users through the process in a consistent and repeatable manner.

Abstract: The present application provides a bottling facility for filling a refillable package. The bottling facility may include a filler for filling the refillable package, a radio frequency identification tag positioned on the refillable package, a radio frequency identification reader, and a data processing system in communication with the radio frequency identification reader. The radio frequency identification reader identifies the radio frequency identification tag when the refillable package is refilled and the data processing system tracks the number of times the refillable package is refilled.

Abstract: A thermally conductive phase-change composition includes a mixture of 5 to 25 weight percent thermoplastic polymer; 20 to 45 weight percent phase-change material; and 30 to 65 weight percent thermally conductive particles, wherein weight percent is based on the total weight of the composition and totals 100 weight percent, and wherein thermal conductivity of the composition is at least 3.0 W/m-K at a temperature below the transition temperature of the phase change material and thermal conductivity of the composition is at least 2.0 W/m-K at a temperature above the transition temperature of the phase change material, wherein thermal conductivity is determined in accordance with ASTM E1530. The phase-change compositions are reworkable and can be easily and cleanly removed from a device for maintenance and repair and repositioned without causing damage to the device.

Abstract: A method of controlling spread pattern of a particulate material broadcasted by a spinner spreader involves permitting particulate material to flow through a plurality of sluices situated in a particulate material path between a bin and a rotatable disc of a spinner spreader. Each sluice receives a portion of the particulate material and delivers the portion of particulate material to a radial and/or angular position on the rotatable disc. The radial and/or angular position on the rotatable disc to which the portion of particulate material from at least one of sluices is delivered is adjusted by longitudinally translating the at least one independently moveable sluice independent of all other sluices of the plurality of sluices to change position of the at least one independently moveable sluice relative to the rotating disc thereby changing the spread pattern of the particulate material broadcasted by the rotatable disc.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for removing heat from subcutaneously disposed lipid-rich cells are disclosed. In selected embodiments, suction and/or heat removal sources are coupled to an applicator. The applicator includes a flexible portion and a rigid portion. The rigid portion includes a thermally conductive plate and a frame coupling the thermally conductive plate and the flexible portion. An interior cavity of the applicator is in fluid communication with the suction source, and the frame maintains contiguous engagement between the heat removal source and the thermally conductive plate.

Abstract: A treatment system for cooling subcutaneous lipid-rich cells in a human subject includes an applicator and a control unit. The treatment system has a cooling mode for cooling tissue and a heating mode for warming tissue. The control unit includes a circulation circuit in fluid communication with the applicator, a chiller apparatus configured to chill fluid from the applicator circulation circuit, and a heater apparatus to warmed fluid from the applicator circulation circuit. The control unit mixes the chilled fluid and/or the warmed with fluid in the applicator circulation circuit control the temperature of the fluid circulated in the applicator.