Abstract:
Controlling a valveless microfluidic device using rotational and pistoning motion is disclosed. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a stage to support a valveless microfluidic device, the stage having a bottom surface coupled with an extension, having a threaded portion, and defining an interior volume; a first motor including a powered rotating portion operable to engage with the threaded portion to induce a z-axis motion of the stage; a second motor including a powered rotating portion coupled with a slidable coupler, the slidable coupler engaging the interior volume to induce a second motion of the stage about the z-axis; a base defining an aperture to receive the stage; and a lid having a subset of the plurality of apertures corresponding to a subset of a plurality of apertures defined by the valveless microfluidic device upon positioning of the stage by the first motor and the second motor.
Abstract:
Designs of improved canisters for animal semen straw storage in Dewars with cryogenic liquid are described. In some embodiments, the canisters include a layer of cryogen-absorbent material and an inner layer of thermally conductive material including apertures oriented and positioned to direct cryogen vapor into the interior of the container.
Abstract:
In some embodiments, a medicinal carrier device includes: one or more sections of thermal insulation positioned to form an internal space with an adjacent first side region and an adjacent second side region; a first panel including a first phase change material positioned within the first side region of the internal space, the first side region of a size and shape to firmly contain an integral number of portable cold packs in thermal contact with the first panel; and a second panel including a second phase change material positioned within the second side region of the internal space, the second side region of a size and shape to firmly contain an integral number of portable cold packs in thermal contact with the second panel.
Abstract:
Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to systems and methods for determining if a fluid is present in a body region. The systems and methods include using ultrasound systems having operational parameters that provide ultrasound echo maps having high resolution B-line artefacts.
Abstract:
In some embodiments, a thermosiphon configured for use within a temperature-regulated storage device includes: a condenser region, including a plurality of evenly spaced condenser channels with horizontally symmetrical bifurcated branches connected to an adiabatic channel, each of the plurality of condenser channels connected at a top position to an upper channel; an evaporator region, including a plurality of evaporator channels, wherein each of the plurality of evaporator channels has a flow channel formed in a serpentine channel pattern and each subunit of the serpentine channel pattern is attached to a vapor return channel at a top of the subunit, and wherein the evaporator region has at least one lowest position connected directly to a vapor return channel; and an adiabatic region including at least one adiabatic channel connecting the evaporator channels and the condenser channels.
Abstract:
Embodiments disclosed herein include thermal expansion actuators, systems using the same (e.g., microscopes), and methods of using the same. The thermal expansion actuators disclosed herein can include at least one beam coupled to and extending between a plurality of support portions. The thermal expansion actuators also include at least one heating element configured to heat at least a portion of the thermal expansion actuators, such as the at least one beam. The support portions are coupled to an structure (e.g., a component of a microscope) in a manner that at least partially restrains thermal expansion or contraction of the thermal expansion actuators in at least one direction when the thermal expansion actuators are heated or cooled, respectively. Restraining the thermal expansion actuators can controllably and selectively produce relative movement in the at least one beam (e.g., deflected). For example, the thermal expansion actuators can be heated or cooled to controllably and selectively deflect the beam in 1 µm displacements or less.
Abstract:
Generally, this disclosure relates to a temperature-stabilized and/or temperature-controlled storage container. In an embodiment, the storage container may include e a temperature-control regulator or assembly that may control the temperature in the interior space of the temperature-stabilized storage container.
Abstract:
A canister for liquid cryogen storage comprises a cylindrical cup with a circular side wall and a bottom wall, a series of apertures in the circular side wall, and a flange affixed to an interior surface of the circular side wall at a position adjacent to the apertures.
Abstract:
In some embodiments, a refrigeration device includes: walls substantially forming a liquid-impermeable container configured to hold phase change material internal to a refrigeration device; at least one active refrigeration unit including a set of evaporator coils positioned within an interior of the liquid-impermeable container; walls substantially forming a storage region; and a heat transfer system including a first group of vapor-impermeable structures with a hollow interior connected to form a condenser in thermal contact with the walls substantially forming a liquid-impermeable container, a second group of vapor-impermeable structures with a hollow interior connected to form an evaporator in thermal contact with the walls substantially forming a storage region, and a connector with a hollow interior affixed to both the condenser and the evaporator, the connector forming a liquid and vapor flow path between the hollow interior of the condenser and the hollow interior of the evaporator.
Abstract:
Residence devices as well as their related methods of manufacture and use are generally provided. In some embodiments, a residence device includes a plurality of self-assembling structures that assemble in vivo to form an aggregate structure. Each structure of the plurality of structures includes a first side and a first attachment point that attaches to a second attachment point on another structure of the plurality of structures. The aggregate structure may be sized and shaped to maintain an in vivo position relative to an internal orifice of a subject. The attachment between the first and second attachment points may degrade after a period of time.