Abstract: Embodiments provide apparatus, systems and methods for automated filling of syringes. One embodiment of an apparatus for filing of a plurality of syringes (POS) comprises a housing, a push-pull mechanism (PPM) disposed within the housing, a syringe locking mechanism (SLM) coupled to the housing, a manifold engagement fixture (MEF) mounted on the housing, a processor and a touch screen (TS) positioned on the housing. The PPM engages the POS and independently advances or retracts a plunger of each syringe. The SLM engages and constrains the POS to substantially prevent syringe motion during filling. The MEF includes a cam mechanism having a lever means (e.g., a lever arm) and is configured to detachably engage halves of a multi-port fluid manifold and bring them together to form a fluidic seal by movement of the lever arm. The TS allows for haptic input and display of information associated with operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: Embodiments provide systems and methods for transfecting cells to produce a viral vector or other selected virus. One embodiment of a method for transfecting cells to produce a selected virus includes providing a first solution comprising plasmids or other extrachromosomal DNA encoding the virus and a second solution comprising a transfection agent; the two solutions kept separate. The two solutions are then mixed to produce a transfection solution (TS) to be delivered to a cell culture medium (CCM) for transfection of cells in the medium with the plasmid DNA encoding the virus wherein the mixing is initiated responsive to a trigger event. The TS is then incubated to form transfection complexes. Subsequently, the TS is delivered to the CCM to transfect the cells in the medium wherein a viral production parameter resulting from transfection is optimized by initiating mixing of the solutions responsive to the trigger event.

Abstract: A retrofittable furnace humidifier system is provided. In various forms of the present disclosure, the system includes a chassis structure sizable to be cooperative an air filter receptacle located between a furnace box and an air supply duct. The system additionally includes a water retention panel mounted to the chassis structure. Water flows through and is retained by the retention panel. The water is absorbed by air flowing through the water retention panel into the furnace box, thereby humidifying and filtering the air. The system further includes a water supply and drain system that forms at least a portion of the chassis structure. The supply and drain provides water to and channels water away from the water retention panel.

Abstract: A fluid handling duct such as a turbine engine inlet duct 20 includes an acoustic liner 32 comprising a face sheet 34 and a backwall 38 laterally spaced from the face sheet. The backwall is offset from the face sheet by a nonuniform depth D to direct sound waves incident on the backwall in a prescribed direction relative to the face sheet. In one embodiment of the invention, the backwall comprises a ramp. In another embodiment, the backwall comprises a series of steps offset from the face sheet by different depths. The nonuniform depth of the backwall may be tailored to regulate the direction in which noise signals reflect from the backwall, thereby reducing noise propagation from the duct to the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A fluid handling duct such as a turbine engine inlet duct 20 includes an acoustic liner 32 comprising a face sheet 34 and a backwall 38 laterally spaced from the face sheet. The liner has a nonuniformly distributed acoustic impedance to direct sound waves incident on the backwall in a prescribed direction relative to the face sheet. The nonuniform impedance is spatially distributed to regulate the direction in which noise signals reflect from the backwall, thereby reducing noise propagation from the duct to the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A cooled acoustic liner useful in a fluid handling duct includes a resonator chamber 52 with a neck 56, a face sheet 86, and a coolant plenum 80 residing between the face sheet and the chamber. Coolant bypasses the resonator chamber, rather than flowing through it, resulting in better acoustic admittance than in liners in which coolant flows through the resonator chamber and neck. In one embodiment, the liner also includes a graze shield 88. Openings 40, 38 penetrate both the face sheet and the shield to establish a relatively low face sheet porosity and a relatively high shield porosity. The shielded embodiment of the invention helps prevent a loss of acoustic admittance due to fluid grazing past the liner. Another embodiment that is not necessarily cooled, includes the resonator chamber, low porosity face sheet and high porosity shield, but no coolant plenum for bypassing coolant around the resonator chamber.

Abstract: A hemming assembly and method for joining the edges of a pair of panels together includes a main die supporting edges of the two panels. The main die-containing hemming fixture can be stationary with the pre-hem and final hem dies moving, or the main die can move and the pre-hem and final hem dies can remain stationary during hemming. A pre-hem slide supporting a pre-hem tool at an angle to the tool fixture supporting both the final die holder and the slide. For table top applications, the hemming fixture uses guide mechanisms to control travel of the pre-hem slide and tool fixture. The hemming fixture is also movable with respect to an assembly drive to facilitate different hemming operations.

Abstract: A hemming assembly and method for joining the edges of a pair of panels together includes a main die supporting edges of the two panels, a pre-hem slide supporting a pre-hem tool, a final die holder supporting a final die, and at least one drive to move the tool and die for pre-hemming and final hemming, respectively. A mechanism guides the pre-hem slide first vertically for at least partial pre-hemming, and then at an angle to expose the pre-hemmed edges for final hemming. Vertical travel of the pre-hem tool against the edges produces a superior and less distorted joint, and pre-hemming and final hemming can be performed in one overall stroke. A number of assemblies can be arranged to pre-hem and final hem a number of edges.

Abstract: A hemming assembly and method for joining the edges of a pair of panels together includes a main die supporting edges of the two panels, a pre-hem slide supporting a pre-hem tool, a final die holder supporting a final die, and at least one drive to move the tool and die for pre-hemming and final hemming, respectively. A mechanism guides the pre-hem slide first vertically for at least partial pre-hemming, and then at an angle to expose the pre-hemmed edges for final hemming. Vertical travel of the pre-hem tool against the edges produces a superior and less distorted joint, and pre-hemming and final hemming can be performed in one overall stroke. A number of assemblies can be arranged to pre-hem and final hem a number of edges.

Abstract: A hemming apparatus comprises a main die configured to supports panels to be hemmed together. The main die is raised and lowered between a home position and a hemming position by a drive using a fixed cam and a moveable cam. The apparatus also includes a hemming die assembly having a pre-hemming and final hemming die block mounted on a frame. An electromechanical motor assembly drives the frame along an inclined path. Shot pins are provided to lock the frame into positions for pre-hemming and final hemming. The frame travels along ways and surfaces associated with frame travel are hand scraped to provide a precision movement of the frame for accurate and consistent hemming operations.

Abstract: As will be described in more detail hereinafter, there is disclosed herein a titanium nitride diffusion barrier layer and associated method for use in non-silicon semiconductor technologies. In one aspect of the invention, a semiconductor device includes a non-silicon active surface. The improvement comprises an ohmic contact serving to form an external electrical connection to the non-silicon active surface in which the ohmic contact includes at least one layer consisting essentially of titanium nitride. In another aspect of the invention, a semiconductor ridge waveguide laser is disclosed which includes a semiconductor substrate and an active layer disposed on the substrate. A cladding layer is supported partially on the substrate and partially on the active layer. The cladding layer includes a ridge portion disposed in a confronting relationship with the active region.