Here we present retrieval of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells by density-gradient medium based centrifugation for subsequent analysis of the leukocytes on an integrated microfluidic "Lab-on-a-Disc" cartridge. Isolation of white blood cells constitutes a critical sample preparation step for many bioassays. Centrifugo-pneumatic siphon valves are particularly suited for blood processing as they ...

In this paper, a comparative study was carried out to evaluate the real-time performance of fuzzy proportional-integral plus fuzzy proportional-derivative (Fuzzy PI + Fuzzy PD) controller with the real-time performance of Conventional PI for a liquid-level process experiment. The process considered for this experiment shows highly nonlinear behavior due to equal percentage pneumatic control val...

In this study, we successfully designed and tested a new micropump that utilizes an active check valve and bottom-protruding structure to achieve sample transportation. We performed theoretical analyses and numerical simulations to determine the optimal location of the active check valve. We also experimentally analyzed variations in the generated flow rate with respect to the pneumatic frequen...

BACKGROUND Aortic stenosis (AS) is increasingly diagnosed in current aging society. Echocardiography is the most important tool in the assessment of AS and its severity. However, load-dependency of Doppler measurement could affect the accuracy of AS severity assessment. We tried to evaluate the impact of afterload on the assessment of AS severity by modification of afterload using pneumatic com...

This review examines compressed air receiver tanks (CARTs) for the improved energy efficiency of various pneumatic systems such as (CAS), storage (CAESs), propulsion (PPSs), drive (PDSs), servo drives (PSDs), brake (PBSs), and vehicles (CAVs). The basic formulas indicators used in a CART calculation selection are included. New scientific research by authors on measurements based tank methods, n...

In minimally invasive surgery, tactile feedback is lacking. A tactile display, consisting of a matrix of micro-actuators, represents tactile sensations on the fingertip. Miniaturising powerful, dynamic and accurate actuators with a sufficient stroke and bandwidth is a considerable challenge. The use of pneumatics is promising due to the potential for high power density. This paper discusses a p...

Walking on rough terrains still remains a challenge that needs to be addressed for biped robots because the unevenness on the ground can easily disrupt the walking stability. This paper proposes a novel foot system with passively adjustable stiffness for biped robots which is adaptable to small-sized bumps on the ground. The robotic foot is developed by attaching eight pneumatic variable stiffn...