Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes a structure that defines at least a transition interior, the structure including electrically-conductive materials, the structure defining first and second openings to the transition interior, the first opening configured to be open toward a first interior, of a first waveguide, which is a laminated waveguide, and the second opening configured to be open toward a second interior, of a second waveguide, the second interior being defined by an electrically-conductive structure of the second waveguide, whereby an electromagnetic wave is capable of being propagated via the transition interior, from one of the first and second interiors to the other of the first and second interiors, wherein content of the first interior has a dielectric constant that differs from a dielectric constant of content of the second interior, and the second waveguide is made not via lamination on a same substrate as the first waveguide.

Abstract: A control system for a variable displacement compressor uses a mechanical valve to minimize energy consumption in an air conditioning system. The control system can also provide instantaneous indications to the vehicle controller of air conditioning power consumption to avoid engine loading. Controls are also used to contain oil within the compressor and to minimize its presence downstream of the compressor into the gas cooler and evaporator parts of the system.

Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle air-conditioning system for cooling an interior of a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle air conditioning system has a compressor coupled to an electronic control valve.

Abstract: Electroporation is performed in a controlled manner in either individual or multiple biological cells or biological tissue by monitoring the electrical impedance, defined herein as the ratio of current to voltage in the electroporation cell. The impedance detects the onset of electroporation in the biological cell(s), and this information is used to control the intensity and duration of the voltage to assure that electroporation has occurred without destroying the cell(s). This is applicable to electroporation in general. In addition, a particular method and apparatus are disclosed in which electroporation and/or mass transfer across a cell membrane are accomplished by securing a cell across an opening in a barrier between two chambers such that the cell closes the opening. The barrier is either electrically insulating, impermeable to the solute, or both, depending on whether pore formation, diffusive transport of the solute across the membrane, or both are sought.

Abstract: Electroporation is performed in a controlled manner in either individual or multiple biological cells or biological tissue by monitoring the electrical impedance, defined herein as the ratio of current to voltage in the electroporation cell. The impedance detects the onset of electroporation in the biological cell(s), and this information is used to control the intensity and duration of the voltage to assure that electroporation has occurred without destroying the cell(s). This is applicable to electroporation in general. In addition, a particular method and apparatus are disclosed in which electroporation and/or mass transfer across a cell membrane are accomplished by securing a cell across an opening in a barrier between two chambers such that the cell closes the opening. The barrier is either electrically insulating, impermeable to the solute, or both, depending on whether pore formation, diffusive transport of the solute across the membrane, or both are sought.

Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle air-conditioning system for cooling an interior of a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle air conditioning system has a compressor coupled to an electronic control valve.

Abstract: A swashplate type compressor that includes one or more pistons having an extra support surface for receiving a side load is provided. In a first preferred embodiment of the piston, a rotational restrictor that overlaps the head region is utilized as the extra support surface. In a second preferred embodiment, a support projection, separate from the head region, is utilized as the extra support surface. The extra support surface of the piston of the present invention receives a portion of the side load exerted on the piston, thereby relieving some of stress applied to the head region.

Abstract: An air conditioning system for cooling a vehicle passenger compartment is disclosed. The system includes an air duct, a refrigerant circuit, a variable displacement compressor, and a controller. The air duct directs air conditioned air into the vehicle passenger compartment. The refrigerant circuit circulates a refrigerant, wherein a first portion of the circuit is exposed to the air duct and a second portion of the circuit is exposed to air external of the vehicle passenger compartment. The variable displacement compressor is in fluid communication with the refrigerant circuit, wherein the compressor has a control valve for regulating refrigerant flow between a compressor crankcase and a compressor discharge chamber and between the compressor crankcase and a compressor suction chamber. The controller in electrical communication with the variable displacement compressor for controlling refrigerant flow and a displacement of the compressor by actuating the control valves.

Abstract: The compositions and methods are provided that enhance the selection of transgenic plants having two T-DNA molecules integrated into a plant genome at different physical and genetic loci. The compositions are DNA constructs that comprise novel arrangements of T-DNA molecules containing genes of interest, positive selectable marker genes, and conditional lethal genes. The methods disclosed herein comprises transforming a plant cell to comprise the DNA constructs of the present invention, regenerating the plant cell into a plant and identifying independant transgene loci, where the selectable marker genes or transgenic elements can be segregated in the progeny.

Abstract: A variable displacement swash plate type compressor which incorporates a lubricant pump coupled to one end of the drive shaft of the compressor, wherein the lubricant pump provides positive lubricant flow within the compressor and facilitates the lubrication of compressor components.

Abstract: Electroporation is performed in a controlled manner in either individual or multiple biological cells or biological tissue by monitoring the electrical impedance, defined herein as the ratio of current to voltage in the electroporation cell. The impedance detects the onset of electroporation in the biological cell(s), and this information is used to control the intensity and duration of the voltage to assure that electroporation has occurred without destroying the cell(s). This is applicable to electroporation in general. In addition, a particular method and apparatus are disclosed in which electroporation and/or mass transfer across a cell membrane are accomplished by securing a cell across an opening in a barrier between two chambers such that the cell closes the opening. The barrier is either electrically insulating, impermeable to the solute, or both, depending on whether pore formation, diffusive transport of the solute across the membrane, or both are sought.

Abstract: An electrical current is created across an electrically conductive medium comprising a cell which may be part of a tissue of a living organism. A first electrical parameter which may be current, voltage, or electrical impedance is measured. A second electrical parameter which may be current, voltage or a combination of both is then adjusted and/or analyzed. Adjustments are carried out to facilitate analysis and/or obtain a desired degree of electroporation. Analysis is carried out to determine characteristics of the cell membrane and/or tissue.

Abstract: A variable displacement swash plate type compressor which incorporates a lubrication passage formed in a cylinder block and crankcase, and a spray nozzle disposed at the crankcase end of the lubrication passage. The lubrication passage provides fluid communication between an oil sump and the spray nozzle, and the spray nozzle causes lubricating oil to be efficiently distributed as a fine mist or spray to the crank chamber. The lubrication passage and spray nozzle maximize the flow of refrigerant gas and lubricating oil to the crank chamber under all operating conditions providing cooling and lubrication to the internal moving components within the crankcase.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the Agrobacterium-mediated germline genetic transformation of soybean. The method is based on Agrobacterium-mediated gene delivery to individual cells in a freshly germinated soybean meristem, which cells can be induced directly to form shoots that give rise to transgenic plants. This method does not involve callus-phase tissue culture and is rapid and efficient.

Abstract: A method of determining information about cell viability and other characteristics relating to cell membrane permeability is disclosed. The method involves determining the effect of a cell on current flow and relating that effect to a known standard which standard may be a known healthy cell and thereby deducing the viability of the cell being tested. The cells being tested can be subjected to different environmental conditions such as surrounding chemicals, temperature, pH and pressure to determine the effects of such conditions on cell viability and/or cell permeability. The cell being tested can be in a cell suspension, grown on s ubstarte, in tissue in vitro or in tissue in vivo. The method provides substantially instantaneous results and need not include the use of dyes or other markers.

Abstract: A swashplate type compressor that includes one or more pistons having an extra support surface for receiving a side load is provided. In a first preferred embodiment of the piston, a rotational restrictor that overlaps the head region is utilized as the extra support surface. In a second preferred embodiment, a support projection, separate from the head region, is utilized as the extra support surface. The extra support surface of the piston of the present invention receives a portion of the side load exerted on the piston, thereby relieving some of stress applied to the head region.

Abstract: A variable displacement swash plate type compressor which incorporates a lubrication passage formed in a cylinder block and crankcase, and a spray nozzle disposed at the crankcase end of the lubrication passage. The lubrication passage provides fluid communication between an oil sump and the spray nozzle, and the spray nozzle causes lubricating oil to be efficiently distributed as a fine mist or spray to the crank chamber. The lubrication passage and spray nozzle maximize the flow of refrigerant gas and lubricating oil to the crank chamber under all operating conditions providing cooling and lubrication to the internal moving components within the crankcase.

Abstract: Electroporation is performed in a controlled manner in either individual or multiple biological cells or biological tissue by monitoring the electrical impedance, defined herein as the ratio of current to voltage in the electroporation cell. The impedance detects the onset of electroporation in the biological cell(s), and this information is used to control the intensity and duration of the voltage to assure that electroporation has occurred without destroying the cell(s). This is applicable to electroporation in general. In addition, a particular method and apparatus are disclosed in which electroporation and/or mass transfer across a cell membrane are accomplished by securing a cell across an opening in a barrier between two chambers such that the cell closes the opening. The barrier is either electrically insulating, impermeable to the solute, or both, depending on whether pore formation, diffusive transport of the solute across the membrane, or both are sought.

Abstract: A variable displacement swash plate type compressor which incorporates a lubrication passage formed in the drive shaft, wherein the lubrication passage provides fluid communication between a discharge chamber and a crank chamber. The lubrication passage maximizes the low of refrigerant gas and lubricating oil to the crank chamber under all operating conditions providing cooling and lubrication to the internal moving components in the crank chamber. The lubrication passage facilitates the efficient flow of lubricating oil from the discharge chamber to the crank chamber.

Abstract: Images created by electrical impedance tomography (EIT) are used to adjust one or more electrical parameters and obtain a desired degree of electroporation of cells in tissue. The parameters include current, voltage and a combination thereof. The cells are subjected to conditions such that they become permeabilized but are preferably not subjected to conditions which result in irreversible pore formation and cell death. The electroporation can analyze cell membranes, diagnose tissues and the patient as well as to move materials into and out of cells in a controlled manner.