Project Gallery

The Tyler Calibration System is an elegant tool for the rapid, precise fixation of Leksell frames onto patients undergoing gamma knife treatment or stereotactic neurosurgery. The device streamlines the process, minimizing discomfort for the patient and significantly reducing the time and staff required to attach the stereotactic frame.

Device for the in situ examination and quantitative analysis of gas exchange across synthetic and natural membranes.

Ultrasonic positive pressure generator for the production of size-constrained (1 – 5 μm) aerosols from liquid solutions and nanocrystalline suspensions together with an analytical system for assessing the degree of microscopic particulate contamination present in the aerosol.

Computer-controlled device for the high-resolution measurement of surface tension, viscosity and adhesive properties of liquids derived from damaged environmental sites as a means to monitor remediation efforts.

Biofilms consist of millions of sessile bacterial cells in mats many thousands of layers deep, completely encased in a dense polysaccharide complex that renders them virtually impervious to antibiotics and chemical poisons (biocides). Biofilm related problems cost industry billions of dollars annually by corroding pipes and plugging systems, resulting in equipment failures, environmental damage and lost revenue. Tyler biofilm devices (TACT Tools) monitor growth and provide benchmarks for the treatment and control of biofilms in industrial infrastructures.

Microprocessor and computer-controlled devices of various designs for the manipulation of enzyme assays and remote handling of biohazardous substances.

Multiple-stage axial compression column array. As many as 10 independently packed columns may be joined in a linear array with zero void volume maintained through dynamic compression driven by the liquid medium in high pressure liquid chromatography.

Hydraulic/mechanical machines for creating the flared “bell” end form and gasket channel in 30″, 36″ and 42″ diameter heavy wall PVC pipe as well as in smaller pipe diameters.

A reactor capable of driving chemical- and enzyme-mediated reactions with high precision. The reaction chamber accommodates 96 microfuge tubes or a single 96-well microtitre plate for complex cyclic reactions such as PCR amplification of DNA. Fully programmable temperature ramps and stable setpoints are accomplished using computer control of  dual high speed air turbines.

Tissue culture assemblies and tools for the compartmented growth and manipulation of nerve cells in culture using Campenot methodologies.  This technique promotes the bidirectional extension of neurites from cell bodies along protein tracks into sealed chambers or compartments, in a process that mirrors the natural behavior of neural cells in the body. Such compartmentalized cells offer the opportunity for detailed microscopic and biochemical analysis of subcellular signalling and communication.

Extraction chamber for the purification of Islets of Langerhans from whole pancreatic tissue, and an array of infusion cells designed to assess biochemical activity of isolated islet cells in vitro, prior to cryopreservation and reflux implantation. These have been used in clinical trials to reverse insulin-dependent diabetes. This project also led to the development of temperature controlled microscope stages of various designs (liquid recirculation, Peltier, and liquid nitrogen/Joule heat balance) for the precise control of biological specimen temperature from -100° C to +60° C.

Past projects include an array of low-reflectance configurable retractors for pediatric and adult micro-neurosurgery, and a novel shunt system to redirect excess intracranial pressure and cerebrospinal fluid into the Calvarial diploë of the skull through the process of intraosseous infusion for the clinical treatment of hydrocephalics.  Another clinical project is an annular stapler designed for gastro-intestinal and bowel resection, requiring no incision in healthy tissue for extracting the device following resection.

A high speed turbine under digital PID control generates both laminar and turbulent airflow throughout a 16 liter chamber to yield extremely fast ramp and equilibrium rates for nucleic acid hybridization assays. High precision platinum RTD thermal sensing ensures accurate ramp and maintenance temperatures. The ability to change and lock in temperatures rapidly permits hybridization and washing steps even at widely different temperatures may be carried out quickly, efficiently and safely in a single incubator.

Controlled environment experimental chamber for nuclear magnetic resonance imaging of the brain.

Orthotic and Prosthetic joints (knees, elbows, wrists), couplings and actuators to replace amputated limbs. Machined completely from medical grade stainless steel, the joints feature axial needle bearing arrays for reliable performance under extreme conditions.

The solid state SSF-600 fluorimeter was developed as an affordable, compact unit featuring unparalleled detection sensitivity for the types of fluorescence assays used everyday by molecular biologists. Designed especially for the 520nm to 600nm fluorescence shift of ethidium bromide and bis-ethidium fluorophores, the SSF-600 is ideal for high precision analysis of DNA used in molecular cloning. The SSF-520 is similar to the SSF-600, but configured specifically to detect the pico green fluorescence shift. The SSF-520 uses a cylindrical microcuvette (5 x 50mm) with an assay volume of only 200 microliters.

Laser-injected nuclear magnetic resonance probe for the analysis of chemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization. The device permits the mapping of surface topology at the atomic level in viral particles and viroids.

Multiple projects involving the re-engineering of wheelchairs and other mobility assisting devices to provide features not available commercially.

Multiwell solid phase peptide synthesis system for the production of peptide libraries. The synthesizer features an integral automated dispensing system for washing, deprotection, N-terminal acetylation and cleavage.  It accommodates parallel combinations of reagents and solvents using a unique reaction block nitrogen pressurization system, eliminating the need for mechanical valves. As many as 100 peptides can be produced in a single run, with cycle times as short as 60 minutes. A unique 5-channel peristaltic pump system means safe, low-pressure delivery of reagents and minimal potential for cross contamination.

An ergonomic and fully adjustable infant restrainer seat, training bench and stroller for severely disabled children.  The system consists of a lightweight chair with integral cushions conforming to the child’s body, a modular base capable of positioning the chair at any angle for feeding, playing and sleeping, and a mobile module for installation into a conventional stroller or car seat.

Controlled turbulent-flow chamber with multiple ports for the introduction of therapeutic nanocrystalline elemental silver aerosols into the lungs as a novel, rapid treatment for tuberculosis, in which biofilms of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infect the alveolar surfaces of the lung. Such organized biofilms harbor drug-tolerant cells and are notoriously hard to cure, requiring months or even years of treatment using standard protocols.