Abstract: The systems and methods described herein relate to a high-throughput flow apparatus. The apparatus is used with an array of wells, and is configured to impart a predetermined shear stress on cells cultured within each of the wells of the array of wells. The apparatus includes a plurality of mechanical tips. The plurality of mechanical tips each includes a head with a hemispheroid shape. The apparatus also includes a motor associated with at least one of plurality of mechanical tips. The motor is configured to drive the plurality of mechanical tips to impart the shear stress pattern in each of the wells.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein relate to a high-throughput flow apparatus. The apparatus is used with an array of wells, and is configured to impart a predetermined shear stress on cells cultured within each of the wells of the array of wells. The apparatus includes a plurality of mechanical tips. The plurality of mechanical tips each includes a head with a hemispheroid shape. The apparatus also includes a motor associated with at least one of plurality of mechanical tips. The motor is configured to drive the plurality of mechanical tips to impart the shear stress pattern in each of the wells.

Abstract: A high-throughput flow system includes an array of wells and a separate mechanical tip positioned within each well. Each mechanical tip is separately actuated to impart a shear stress pattern. A separate sleeve may be associated with each tip for maintaining a predetermined distance between the tip and a floor of the tip's corresponding well, with each tip being rotatable within its corresponding sleeve. Alternatively, a separate post may be associated with each tip for maintaining a predetermined distance between the tip and a floor of the tip's corresponding well, with each tip being rotatable about its corresponding post.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing a captured image and, more particularly, for processing a captured image comprising a document. In one embodiment, an apparatus comprising a camera to capture documents is described. In another embodiment, a method for processing a captured image that includes a document comprises the steps of distinguishing an imaged document from its background, adjusting the captured image to reduce distortions created from use of a camera and properly orienting the document is described.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a high-throughput flow system includes an array of wells and a separate mechanical tip positioned within each well. Each mechanical tip is separately actuated to impart a shear stress pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing a captured image and, more particularly, for processing a captured image comprising a document. In one embodiment, an apparatus comprising a camera to capture documents is described. In another embodiment, a method for processing a captured image that includes a document comprises the steps of distinguishing an imaged document from its background, adjusting the captured image to reduce distortions created from use of a camera and properly orienting the document is described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing a captured image and, more particularly, for processing a captured image comprising a document. In one embodiment, an apparatus comprising a camera to capture documents is described. In another embodiment, a method for processing a captured image that includes a document comprises the steps of distinguishing an imaged document from its background, adjusting the captured image to reduce distortions created from use of a camera and properly orienting the document is described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing a captured image and, more particularly, for processing a captured image comprising a document. In one embodiment, an apparatus comprising a camera to capture documents is described. In another embodiment, a method for processing a captured image that includes a document comprises the steps of distinguishing an imaged document from its background, adjusting the captured image to reduce distortions created from use of a camera and properly orienting the document is described.

Abstract: An apparatus, latch assembly, keeper and installation method for use in slidable partition applications utilize a keeper formed of first and second angle members that are secured together in an overlapping relationship to define a U-shaped channel within which is disposed a tubular guard projection for protecting a latch from tampering by unauthorized personnel. Optional guard members may also inhibit access to the U-shaped channel when the slidable partition is engaged in a closed orientation.

Abstract: Multiplier based transconductance amplifiers utilizing the combination of FET differential input stages and Gilbert multiplier output stages are disclosed. The amplifiers provide a high input resistance, high output resistance, and wide g.sub.m adjustment range without need for output level-shifting stages. Also disclosed are various transconductance control circuits which require only a simple one-transistor voltage buffer in the feedback loop rather than the two more complex voltage amplifiers required by the prior art. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An interactive display system superimposes images of internal structures on a semi-transparent screen through which a surgeon views a patient during a medical procedure. The superimposed image is derived from image data obtained with an imaging system. An invasive device is also tracked and displayed on the semi-transparent screen. A ray extending through the invasive device can also be displayed which shows the intended path of the invasive device. The image is registered with the surgeon's view of the patient and displayed in real-time during a medical procedure. This allows the surgeon to view internal and external structures, the relation between them, the proposed path of the invasive device, and adjust the procedure accordingly. A second embodiment employs stereoscopic viewing methods to provide three-dimensional representations of the radiological images superimposed on the semi-transparent screen through which the surgeon views the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining useful consciousness and reducing the risk of injury for a subject exposed to high levels of acceleration with substantial components in the +G.sub.Z or -G.sub.Z direction while in a vehicle. It comprises a buoyancy force suit for supporting the subject with a buoyancy force, the force suit including at least two layers of flexible material, each layer being relatively impermeable to a substantially incompressible fluid having a specific gravity approximating blood being locatable in a space between the layers. A pressure helmet supports the subject's head with a gas pressure force. A Pressure Transfer System (PTS) provides pressure transfer and equalization between the suit and the pressure helmet. The PTS comprises a fluid reservoir segment and a gas reservoir segment. The fluid segment is in fluid communication with the space between the layers of the buoyancy force suit for maintaining a substantially constant fluid level within the suit at all times.

Abstract: A process is provided for the degradation of N-phosphonomethylglycine. A mixed culture of microorganisms (ATCC 55050) is attached to an inert, immobile support, and then contacted with an aqueous solution of N-phosphonomethylglycine for a sufficient time to degrade the N-phosphonomethylglycine. One of the microorganisms in the mixed culture was identified as Moraxella anatipestifer (ATCC 55051).

Abstract: A head support apparatus for protecting the head of a subject positioned in a vehicle against the detrimental effects of acceleration. Generally, the invention comprises a beam housing attachable to a support device for supporting a subject's upper body while positioned in the vehicle. The beam housing has a side opening on each side thereof and a channel formed in the interior of the housing, extending from one side opening to the opposite side opening. Beam housing support is provided for rigidly supporting the beam housing to the support device within a y-z plane defined by the intersection of a y-axis and a z-axis, but allowing rotation about an x-axis. The x, y and z axes define an orthogonal coordinate system wherein the x-axis extends through the subject's face to the back of the head, the y-axis extends laterally from ear-to-ear, and the z-axis extends vertically from the top of the head through the subject's chin.

Abstract: A flexible bladder is provided which may be positioned over the chest of a subject. The flexible bladder contains fluid having substantially the same density as the breathing gas in the subject's lungs. Pressure sensing means are connected to the flexible bladder for monitoring bladder pressure. The bladder pressure is substantially the same as the subject's lung pressure. Thus, the bladder assembly may be used for monitoring lung pressure and controlling the pressure of breathing gas to the subject.

Abstract: A method of collecting three-dimensional magnetic resonance (MR) fluid flow images from a volume of a subject and constructing a high contrast low noise two-dimensional image therefrom is accomplished by statistical calculation of voxel values along projection lines cast through a three-dimensional data volume obtained from three-dimensional MR angiography techniques, and converting the data to projection images by summing the weighted differences from the projection average of data for each voxel along a projection ray. The data are then normalized and repeated for all projection rays to obtain a set of projection values which are displayed on a two-dimensional display device.

Abstract: A digital power controller for an aircraft having a computer controlled propulsion system is disclosed. A movable handle is in electronic communication with a computer of the propulsion system. The handle is positionable is a neutral location for maintaining the aircraft at a substantially constant velocity and for resetting power command functions. The handle is also positionable in locations forward the neutral location for commanding increasing acceleration rates of the aircraft. The handle is positionable in locations aft the neutral location for commanding increasing deceleration rates of the aircraft. A switch associated with the movable handle is engagable at the forward end aft positions for commanding velocity hold and for permitting reposition of the handle to the neutral location for resetting power command functions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining useful conciousness and reducing the risk of injury for a subject exposed to high levels of acceleration while in a vehicle. A buoyancy force suit is provided for supporting the subject with a buoyancy force. The buoyancy force suit includes at least two layers of flexible material, each layer being relatively impermeable to a substantially incompressible fluid locatable in a space between the layers. The suit fits over substantially the entire subject, including the subject's neck. A fluid reservoir is provided for maintaining a constant fluid level within the buoyancy force suit during acceleration. The fluid reservoir is supported at substantially the subject's eye level for maintaining an optimal fluid pressure gradient for ensuring an efficient blood supply to the subject's brain. Means are provided for securely suspending the buoyancy suit within the vehicle.

Abstract: A seat insert insertable within the existing seat of a vehicle for maintaining a crew member of the vehicle in a forward posture during high G acceleration. An elongated head support member is provided for supporting the crew member's head during a forward leaning posture. A back plate assembly including at least one back plate is connected to the head support member for supporting the spine in its natural curvature. Means being connected to the back plate assembly are provided for pivoting the back plate assembly forward relative to the seat of the vehicle. Means are provided for transfering any G-induced weight from the spine to the back plate assembly and ultimately to the existing seat of the vehicle. The head support member is restrained in such a manner so as to maintain the crew member's head in an "eyes up" attitude during a forward lean.