Abstract:
A pneumatically actuated pumping device contains three or more tubular bladders enclosed in rigid jackets and interconnected through openings at both ends forming a common internal pumping channel. Every tubular bladder is enclosed in a separate coaxial jacket, equipped with a special pressure port to assure an access to the internal volume between the jacket and the bladder. Each combination of the bladder and the jacket represents one actuating segment of the pumping device. An independent pneumatic controller distributes a predetermined pattern of a pressure and vacuum pulses through the pressure port and into the enclosed volume between the jacket and the bladder of each individual segment, providing for a selective collapse of the bladders. Every actuating segment, while collapsing, produces either a bidirectional propelling or valving action. The properly selected sequence of distribution of the pressure and vacuum pulses assures a corresponding closing and opening of actuating segments, providing a desired pumping action in a chosen direction with a preselected speed and pressure. Restoration of the collapsed bladders is assured by the resilience of the bladder material, and can be additionally assisted by providing a pulse of negative pressure into the volume between the bladder and the jacket.
Abstract:
The present invention teaches apparatus (511) and methods for screening the effect of test formulations on the barrier properties of a membrane (212), that are especially beneficial when skin is used as the test membrane (212). The apparatus (511) and methods enable more efficient measurements of skin permeabilization, of the permeation of molecular or particulate entities through skin, and of the absorption and adsorption by skin of ingredients in fluid formulations, together with screening of exfoliation of material from the exterior of the stratum corneum. The apparatus (511) provide for fluid contact to the skin from both donor and receptor sides, for measurements of skin electrical response in the presence of test formulations, of permeation and permeation enhancement, for the depth profiling of test formulation constituents through the skin, of stratum corneum component disruption, and of loss of material from the stratum corneum.
Abstract:
A liquid dispenser that uses rotary motion to create a relative movement between one or more dispensing elements and one or more receivers is disclosed. The dispensing elements are fluidically coupled to one or more reservoirs, which contain ingredients that are to be dispensed by the dispensing elements into one or more receivers. The receivers are disposed on a receiver support structure that is located beneath the dispensing elements. In some embodiments, the dispenser operates according to a quasi-continuous dispensing protocol or quasi-simultaneous dispensing protocol, or both quasi-continuous and quasi-simultaneous dispensing protocol.
Abstract:
A system and for creating multiple mixtures is disclosed. The illustrative system described herein includes dispensing elements that are moved into alignment with various receivers (or vice versa) to deliver ingredients. In some embodiments, the system requires only one dispensing element (e.g., valve, nozzle, orifice, etc.) per ingredient dispensed, irrespective of the number of receivers in the system. In accordance with the principles of this invention, the system is operated such that a plurality of ingredients are incrementally added to the receivers. Incremental addition is performed in such a way that, from the “perspective” of the mixture being formed, the ingredients are added quasi-continuously (i.e., a near-continuous flow of an ingredient) or quasi-simultaneously (i.e., all ingredients are added at nearly the same time), or both.
Abstract:
A fluid-handling system capable, in various embodiments, of storing, mixing, and dispensing fluids, and also regulating the flow of fluids. The system includes a cartridge having a non-expandable housing, and a bladder within the housing. In some variations, a drive-liquid is introduced into a region between the housing and the bladder, which causes fluid contained within the bladder to dispense. In some other variations, the drive-liquid is introduced into the bladder, which causes the bladder to expand and expel fluid that is contained with the housing.
Abstract:
A hand-held, single-channel dispenser/aspirator is disclosed. The present dispenser/aspirator comprises a body portion for gripping the dispenser and a head portion. In some embodiments, the head portion includes a valve, a liquid conduit and a removable liquid reservoir. The liquid conduit places the liquid reservoir and the dispensing valve in fluid communication. A gas conduit received by the body portion of the dispenser is operable to pressurize the fluid reservoir, or draw a partial vacuum therein. Controls located on the body portion operate the dispenser. The liquid reservoir is advantageously disposed near the valve, so that a relatively short length of liquid conduit is required to operatively connect the reservoir and the dispensing valve, thereby improving the accuracy of the dispensing operation.
Abstract:
In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method and an article for segregating solid support media or other solids, from liquid, while at the same time maintaining such solids and liquid in intimate contact as may be required for various processing or chemical operations. In an illustrative embodiment, the present article comprises a filter pocket plate consisting of a plate with a plurality holes. A foraminous material projects through each hole in the plate such that a “pocket” is formed within each hole. In use, the aforedescribed filter pocket plate engages a vessel having one or more wells suitable for retaining liquid and for receiving the filter pockets. The filter pockets contain a solid material that is to be exposed to the liquid in the well. After exposure is complete, the solid material is readily removed from the liquid by simply disengaging the filter pocket plate, which retains the solid support media, from the vessel, which retains the liquid. In some embodiments, the present invention includes disengagement means for automatically removing the filter pocket plate from a cooperating vessel.
Abstract:
An article comprising a Z-axis positioning stage is disclosed. The Z-axis positioning stage includes at least one collapsible/expandable cell or cavity that is defined within a region bounded by a lower and a movable upper surface and a side wall depending therefrom. Means for collapsing/expanding the cavity is operatively connected to the cavity. During collapse of the cavity, the upper surface drops towards the lower surface. During expansion of the cavity, the upper surface rises away from lower surface. The upper surface thus functions as a movable stage, which is capable of moving an object placed thereon in a vertical direction (i.e., along the z-axis).
Abstract:
A hand held, manually operated paper folding device, made out of thin, high density material, divided into four sections by specially introduced flexible joints. Three of the sections are similar and together equal the size of a standard paper sheet which is placed on top of these sections prior to the folding process. The fourth section is about 1/8" narrower, which allows it to be folded on top of the adjacent third section, providing means to accommodate, align and hold paper sheets between the third and the forth sections, while also permitting the following folding of all three equal sections in a zig zag fashion, generating within one motion, buckling, formation of two sharp creases and the uniform triple folding of all inserted paper sheets. The inherent springiness of the folded paper sheets and the paper sheet folding device itself assures the release of all paper sheets after the completion of the folding process and release of the paper sheet folding device.
Abstract:
Laser therapeutic apparatus irradiates an area of cutaneous and/or subcutaneous physical injury, with a pulsed laser wave, producing healing and pain reduction. A pulsed laser beam of desired frequency is produced by reducing the output of an oscillator via a frequency multiplier which is varied in accordance with the off-nominal frequency deviation desired, if any. The rate multiplier output wave is divided down to a selected frequency and, after amplification, generates pulsed lasing energy.In accordance with varying aspects of the instant invention, a plurality of output lasing units, and optical diffusing lenses, are provided for controlled irradiation of an entire injured area. Circuitry is also provided for detecting pulsed infrared light.