Abstract:
Vestibular stimulation systems, control systems, doses, and methods of use are provided. Generally, the vestibular stimulation system disclosed includes a restraint system (e.g. a chair) that holds a subject in a position relative to the system. The subject can then be rotated around one, two or three rotational axes individually or simultaneously in a controlled manner. A computer system controls the vestibular system function and collects and stores data. Specific amounts or doses of stimuli can be administered. Physiological responses to various types of vestibular stimulation can then be tested and recorded.
Abstract:
A system for material excitation in microfluidic devices is described. Aspects of the invention resemble a submerged periscope when in use. A reflecting surface (20) may be provided in connection with a simple support (18). The reflecting surface (20) is used to direct a laser beam (22) along one or more microfluidic trenches or channels (6). Alternately, a reflecting surface (20) may be provided on a prism. Directing a beam (22) along multiple paths is preferably accomplished by scanning a single laser across or around the reflecting surface (20) provided. Provision may be made for at least a portion of the support (18) to be used as an electrode to assist in electrokinetically driving fluids and/or ions within the mocrofluidic device.
Abstract:
A system for material excitation in microfluidic devices is described. Aspects of the invention resemble a submerged periscope when in use. A reflecting surface (20) may be provided in connection with a simple support (18). The reflecting surface (20) is used to direct a laser beam (22) along one or more microfluidic trenches or channels (6). Alternately, a reflecting surface (20) may be provided on a prism. Directing a beam (22) along multiple paths is preferably accomplished by scanning a single laser across or around the reflecting surface (20) provided. Provision may be made for at least a portion of the support (18) to be used as an electrode to assist in electrokinetically driving fluids and/or ions within the microfluidic device.
Abstract:
The invention provides a dental device comprising a sheath for fitting over a tooth, the sheath carrying a haemostatic agent in at least one region thereof, wherein the sheath comprises a generally cylindrical body having at least a first end and a second end, at least one of said first and second ends presenting a circumferential margin carrying at least part of the haemostatic agent, and wherein the at least one end carrying at least part of the haemostatic agent is open to a cavity and the other end is closed. A method of inhibiting or preventing gingival bleeding and a method of retracting gingivae using such a device are also provided.
Abstract:
A microfabricated device, manifold system and method for electrokinetically moving biological and chemical samples including a multiplexed detection chamber for receiving a plurality of adjacent sample streams to be detected. The device includes a plurality of adjacent input channels connected to the detection chamber via an enlarged section having an expanding taper at its widest end or other shapes so that adjacent sample streams enter the detection chamber and remain discrete for a threshold distance to the detection chamber to minimize lateral diffusion.
Abstract:
A passive implantable medical device for controlling a flow of fluid through a tube within a patient includes a first component and a second component movably coupled to one another and defining a central passage configured for receiving a portion of the tube therethrough. The passive implantable medical device is configured for moving between a first configuration and a second configuration to constrict a portion of the tube. An active implantable medical device for controlling a flow of a first fluid through a tubing includes a flow control cuff comprising a stiff outer wall and a deformable inner wall which defines a central opening sized such that the tubing can extend therethrough. A pump is configured to modulate a pressure of the second fluid within the interior space to apply a constrictive force to a section of the tubing.
Abstract:
A microfluidic analytical apparatus (10) comprising a microfluidic card pairing (12) with a corresponding circuit card (14) and the circuit card pairing (12) with corresponding conductive fingers (16). The microfluidic card (12) has a plurality of channels (32) and ports (54) on a top surface of the card in a desired configuration, the ports (54) in fluid communication with the channels (32). The circuit card (14) has a plurality of conductive pins (60) projecting from a bottom surface of the card and having a configuration that corresponds to the particular configuration of the ports (54) of the microfluidic card (12) that it is paired with. The circuit card (14) is received within a holder (20) that provides that provides multiple functions. Conductive pads (18) are disposed on a top surface of the circuit card (14), the pads (18) in electrical communication with the conductive pins (60) and corresponding to a configuration of conductive fingers (16) connected to a power source to provide voltage to the microfluidic card (12) for analytical operations. Additionally, detection difficulties associates with non-uniformities present on the card surface are overcome using a detection system incorporating a compliantly mounted microscopic head.