A method and device for fabricating vascular networks in for tissue engineering. The vascular network is embedded in a porous scaffold and is created from a sacrificial wax template, according to one embodiment. A extrusion-based three dimensional printer is used to create the template, wherein the printer utilizes an extruder incorporating a mixer to maintain the consistency of the extrudate.

A device and a method for accurately discharging a fixed amount of a liquid, the liquid containing solid particles, in a state that the solid particles are dispersed in the liquid material. The device includes a first reservoir, a first air pressure supply pipe, a metering portion having a metering hole, a plunger moving back and forth in the metering hole, a nozzle, a switching valve having a first position and a second position, a plunger driver, and a switching valve driver. The discharge device further includes a second reservoir, a second air pressure supply pipe, a branch portion provided in an upper portion of the metering hole and having a branch flow path, and an opening/closing mechanism that establishes or cuts off communication between the second reservoir and the metering hole. A discharge method is carried out using the discharge device.

A system for providing a single serving of a frozen confection, wherein the system comprises a pod comprising at least one ingredient for providing a single serving of a frozen confection; the system cools the pod; the system introduces water into the pod; the system simultaneously stirs the contents of the pod while scraping at least one wall of the pod to prevent a build-up of the frozen confection on the at least one wall of the pod; and the system ejects the frozen confection out of the pod.

A device and methods mix polymethylmethacrylate bone cement and/or store the starting components of the bone cement. The device comprising: a cartridge with an internal space for mixing the bone cement that is closed on one side by means of a mobile dispensing plunger; a monomer container for a monomer liquid and/or a connector for attachment of a monomer container for a monomer liquid such that the monomer container can be opened appropriately in the device such that the monomer liquid flows from the monomer container into the device; a connecting conduit through which the monomer liquid can be guided into the internal space of the cartridge. A first hollow cylinder is connected to the connecting conduit and a second hollow cylinder is connected, via a vacuum conduit, to the internal space of the cartridge, whereby a pumping plunger is shiftable axially in the first hollow cylinder and is arranged in the first hollow cylinder and a vacuum plunger that is shiftable axially in the second hollow cylinder is arranged in the second hollow cylinder, whereby the pumping plunger and the vacuum plunger may be moved simultaneously.

Bone cement applicators and methods for application of a bone cement dough, the applicators and methods comprise a tubular cartridge with an internal space, a dispensing plunger for expelling the starting components through an opening of the cartridge opposite from the dispensing plunger, wherein the dispensing plunger is mobile in longitudinal direction in the internal space of the cartridge. The applicators and methods further comprise a hose, an application opening, a three-way valve operable from outside and arranged or arrangeable in the hose or on a side of the hose facing the cartridge, and a collecting container arranged on the three-way valve. The three-way valve is designed and arranged or arrangeable in the applicator such that it, being in a first position, provides a fluid connection between the application opening and the opening of the cartridge and closes a feed-through to the collecting container and, being in a second position, provides a fluid connection between the application opening and the collecting container and closes a passage to the opening of the cartridge.

A bone cement applicator comprising a cartridge with an internal space. The cartridge has a head with a dispensing opening for expulsion of bone cement, a first thread, a dispensing plunger, a threaded tube having a counter thread engaging the first thread, a receptacle mobile in the threaded tube, and a mixing rod with a mixer fastened to it and arranged in the internal space of the cartridge. The mixing rod is detachably connected to the receptacle and is guided through a feedthrough in the dispensing plunger and is supported in the feedthrough so as to be axially mobile. When detached from the receptacle, the mixing rod can be pushed into the receptacle when the receptacle is propelled in the direction of the cartridge head. A method is also disclosed for production of a bone cement using the bone cement applicator.

A bone cement applicator comprising a cartridge with an internal space. The cartridge has a head with a dispensing opening for expulsion of bone cement, a dispensing plunger, a receptacle mobile in the cartridge, and a mixing rod with a mixer fastened to it and arranged in the internal space of the cartridge. The mixing rod is detachably connected, on a side opposite from the mixer, to a front side of the receptacle that faces the cartridge head. When the mixing rod is detached from the receptacle and the receptacle is propelled in the direction of the cartridge head the mixing rod can be pushed into the receptacle. A method is also disclosed for production of a bone cement using the bone cement applicator.

Provided is a carbon dioxide fluidity control device comprising, a sample preparation tank, a high-pressure stirring unit, a reciprocating plunger pump and a booster pump, wherein the stirring unit comprises one or more high-pressure stirring tanks, each provided with an atomizing spray probe and a piston, wherein a discharge port of the sample preparation tank is connected to the atomizing spray probe via a plunger pump, which is connected to the piston to push the piston to reciprocate; the booster pump is connected to the high-pressure stirring tanks to provide supercritical carbon dioxide to the high-pressure stirring tank; and a discharge port of the high-pressure stirring tanks is connected to an oilfield well group. Provided is a carbon dioxide fluidity control method using the device, comprising mixing surfactants and nanoparticles with heated carbon dioxide, and injecting a microemulsion of supercritical carbon dioxide and nano-silicon dioxide into an oilfield well group.

A manual mixer serves to facilitate mixing and agitating materials for use during surgery. The manual mixer includes a mixing assembly and an actuation assembly for actuating the mixing assembly. The mixing assembly includes at least a paddle portion and a plunger portion. The plunger portion is simultaneously capable of rotational movement with the paddle portion and movement upwardly or downwardly along the paddle portion. Rotation of the paddle portion serves to facilitate mixing and agitating of the materials, and downward movement of the plunger portion serves to facilitate dispensing of the materials from the manual mixer.

Systems and methods operable to produce a first beverage and produce a second food or beverage include a machine that includes a first nest and a second nest. The machine includes a brewing system operable to heat water and cause the heated water to flow through first ingredients to produce the first beverage and a refrigeration system operable to cool second ingredients to produce the second food or beverage. The machine includes a thermal battery thermally connected to the brewing system and the refrigeration system, the thermal battery operable to (i) store thermal energy produced by the refrigeration system when producing the second food or beverage and (ii) transfer thermal energy to the brewing system to assist in heating the water for producing the first beverage.