All The Claims

1. A backup pneumatic water pressure device, comprising:
a water tank connected between a water supply and plumbing lines providing water service to a building structure, the water service relying upon a primary water pressure at the water supply, the water tank being pressurized and having an internal air bladder;
an air compressor connected to the air bladder, the air compressor being operated automatically when the primary water pressure is interrupted to pressurize the air bladder, the water pressure being controlled dynamically by automatically operating the air compressor when a water pressure within the tank is less than a preset lower pressure limit, the air compressor ceasing operation when the water pressure within the tank is greater than a preset upper pressure limit, and automatically relieving pressure from the air bladder when the primary water pressure is restored, thereby restoring water in the water tank;
a power supply for the air compressor; and
a check valve between the water supply and the water tank to maintain pressure in the water tank provided by operation of the air compressor when there is a loss of water pressure from the water supply.
2. A backup pneumatic water pressure device as in claim 1, wherein the water pressure is measured by a pressure sensor switch connected to the water tank and integrated within a control unit operable to apply power from the independent power supply to the air compressor.
3. A backup pneumatic water pressure device as in claim 1, further comprising one or more additional pressure tanks connected in series.
4. A backup pneumatic water pressure device as in claim 3, wherein each of the pressure tanks is controlled by its own control unit.
5. A backup pneumatic water pressure device as in claim 3, wherein a single control unit controls each of the pressure tanks.
6. A backup pneumatic water pressure device, comprising:
a water tank connected between a water supply and plumbing lines providing a water service, the water service relying upon a primary water pressure at the water supply;
means for automatically pressurizing the tank to maintain the water service through the plumbing lines when the primary water pressure is interrupted, said pressurizing means providing dynamic control of said backup pneumatic water pressure; and
means for relieving the pressure applied by said pressurizing means when the primary water pressure at the water supply is restored, thereby restoring water in the water tank.
7. A backup pneumatic water pressure device as in claim 6, wherein said pressuring means further comprises:
an inflatable air bladder inside the water tank;
an air compressor for inflating the air bladder; and
means for powering the air compressor automatically, responsive to interruption in the primary water pressure.
8. A backup pneumatic water pressure device as in claim 7, wherein the means for powering the air compressor comprises a storage battery.
9. A backup pneumatic water pressure device as is claim 7, further comprising means for recharging the storage battery.
10. A backup pneumatic water pressure device as in claim 9, wherein the recharging means is a solar power generator.
11. A backup pneumatic water pressure device as in claim 7, wherein said relieving and restoring means further comprises:
means for sensing restoration of the primary water pressure;
means for disconnecting the air compressor from power responsive to said sensing means; and
means for opening a relief valve attached to the air bladder in response to said sensing means.
12. A backup pneumatic water pressure device as in claim 11, wherein said sensing means is a relay connected to a power outlet in a building structure housing the backup water pressure device.
13. A backup pneumatic water pressure device as in claim 7, wherein said powering means is adapted to turn the air compressor on when a pressure in the water tank is less than a pre-set lower limit and turn the air compressor off when the pressure in the water tank is greater than a pre-set upper limit.
14. A backup pneumatic water pressure device as in claim 13, wherein the pre-set lower limit and the pre-set upper limit are adjusted to limit a cycling strain on the air compressor.
15. A backup pneumatic water pressure device as in claim 13, wherein the air compressor is sized in relation to a capacity of the water tank and in relation to an estimated water usage demand to limit a cycling strain on the air compressor.
16. A backup pneumatic water pressure device as in claim 6, further comprising means for detecting said interruption in the primary water pressure.
17. A backup pneumatic water pressure device as in claim 16, wherein said interruption detection means is a relay connected to a power outlet in a building structure housing the backup water pressure device.
18. A backup pneumatic water pressure device as in claim 6, further comprising one or more additional pressure tanks connected in series.
19. A backup pneumatic water pressure device as in claim 18, wherein each of the pressure tanks is controlled by its own control unit.
20. A backup pneumatic water pressure device as in claim 18, wherein a single control unit controls each of the pressure tanks.
21. A backup pneumatic water pressure device as in claim 6, wherein the water service is provided to a hose bib.
22. A backup pneumatic water pressure device as in claim 21, wherein the water service to the hose bib is provided via a building structure.
23. A backup pneumatic water pressure device as in claim 21, wherein the water supply is provided by a well pump.
24. A backup pneumatic water pressure device as in claim 6, wherein the water service is provided to a building structure.
25. A backup pneumatic water pressure device as in claim 24, wherein the water service at the building structure is available on demand to water outlets including faucets, toilets, appliances and hose bibs.
26. A backup pneumatic water pressure device as in claim 25, wherein water service to the hose bibs is shut off during a backup emergency.
27. A backup pneumatic water pressure device as in claim 6, wherein the water supply is provided by one of the group comprising a well pump, public water utility, and community water system.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. An exhaust system comprising:
an exhaust system area in which condensate accumulates and in which accumulation of condensate may take place depending on operating states andor environmental parameters;
a heating means with a heating device positioned in the area in which condensate accumulates, wherein the heating device heats andor evaporates accumulated condensate.
2. An exhaust system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the heating device has at least one heat-conducting element transmitting heat from an area of the exhaust system with a temperature higher than the temperature of the area in which condensate accumulates to said area in which condensate accumulates.
3. An exhaust system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the heating device is an electrically heatable heating device.
4. An exhaust system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the heating device includes a Peltier element.
5. An exhaust system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said heating device includes a memory element equipped with a temperature-dependent shape memory, the memory element assuming at least two different geometric states depending on the temperature of at least the memory element.
6. An exhaust system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the heating device is arranged inside andor outside at the exhaust system andor such that the heating device passes through at least one wall of the exhaust system.
7. An exhaust system in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least one heating device is arranged in a flow path through which exhaust gas flows andor in a secondary area of the exhaust system, through which no exhaust gas flows.
8. An exhaust system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the exhaust system has an insulation arranged on the outside andor on the inside in at least one area in which condensate accumulates.
9. An exhaust system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the exhaust system has a splash guard arranged on the outside of the area in which condensate accumulates.
10. An exhaust system in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least one heating device is designed such that it is controlled as a function of at least one operating state and at least one environmental parameter.

1. An automated method for monitoring an automated centrifuge apparatus during a cell preparation procedure, the method comprising:
conducting a set of status checks during the cell preparation procedure wherein the status checks relate to a plurality of centrifuge tubes installable at a rotor assembly of the automated centrifuge apparatus;
monitoring an index location at the automated centrifuge apparatus with a sensing module of the automated centrifuge apparatus during the cell preparation procedure;
determining whether individual status checks in the set of status checks are satisfied based on a status of individual centrifuge tubes of the plurality of centrifuge tubes positionable at the index location; and
indicating a fault condition in response to a determination that at least one of the status checks in the set of status checks is not satisfied.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the status checks include at least one of:
a centrifuge tube presence check that automatically determines whether centrifuge tubes have been installed at respective centrifuge tube positions of the rotor assembly before cell suspension is dispensed at the tube positions of the rotor assembly;
a fill level check that automatically determines whether individual centrifuge tubes of the plurality of centrifuge tubes contain a predetermined amount of cell suspension before pelletizing cells in the cell suspension; and
a return to vertical check that automatically determines whether individual centrifuge tubes of the plurality of centrifuge tubes have returned to a substantially vertical orientation after cell pelletization.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein the centrifuge tube presence check includes:
indexing individual tube positions of the rotor assembly to the index location wherein the tube position indexed to the index location is an indexed tube position;
directing a laser beam at the index location using the sensing module such that the laser beam is reflected when a centrifuge tube is installed at the indexed tube position and such that the laser beam is not reflected when a centrifuge tube is not installed at the indexed tube position;
determining that a centrifuge tube is installed at the indexed tube position when the laser beam is reflected;
determining that a centrifuge tube is not installed at the indexed tube position when the laser beam is not reflected; and
determining that the centrifuge tube presence check is not satisfied in response to a determination that a centrifuge tube is not installed at at least one tube position of the rotor assembly.
4. The method of claim 3 further comprising:
conducting a balance check in response to a determination that a centrifuge tube is not installed at at least one tube position of the rotor assembly;
determining that the centrifuge tube presence check is satisfied in response to a determination that the automated centrifuge apparatus is balanced; and
determining that the centrifuge tube presence check is not satisfied in response to a determination that the automated centrifuge apparatus is not balanced.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein the balance check includes:
automatically determining whether zero, one, two, or three centrifuge tubes are installed at the rotor assembly of the automated centrifuge apparatus;
automatically identifying the tube positions of the rotor assembly at which respective centrifuge tubes are installed;
automatically determining that the automated centrifuge apparatus is balanced in response to a determination that two centrifuge tubes are installed at the rotor assembly at diagonally opposite tube positions;
automatically determining that the automated centrifuge apparatus is not balanced in response to a determination that two centrifuges tubes are installed at the rotor assembly at adjacent tube positions; and
automatically determining that the automated centrifuge apparatus is not balanced in response to a determination that zero, one, or three centrifuge tubes are installed at the rotor assembly.
6. The method of claim 2 wherein the fill level check includes:
spinning the rotor assembly of the automated centrifuge apparatus at a relatively slow speed such that a centrifuge tube filled to a first level and installed at the rotor assembly pivots to an angled orientation relative to a vertical orientation and such that a centrifuge tube filled to a second level less than the first level and installed at the rotor assembly does not pivot to the angled orientation;
directing a laser beam at the index location using the sensing module such that the centrifuge tube filled to the first level does not reflect the laser beam as the centrifuge tube filled to the first level travels through the index location and such that the centrifuge tube filled to the second level reflects the laser beam as the centrifuge tube filled to the second level travels through the index location;
determining that one of the centrifuge tubes is filled to the first level when the centrifuge tube does not reflect the laser beam while traveling through the index location;
determining that one of the centrifuge tubes is filled to the second level when the centrifuge tube reflects the laser beam while traveling through the index location; and
determining that the fill level check is not satisfied in response to a determination that at least one of the centrifuge tubes is filled to the second level.
7. The method of claim 2 wherein the return to vertical check includes:
indexing individual centrifuge tubes of the plurality of centrifuge tubes installed at respective tube positions of the rotor assembly to the index location;
directing a laser beam at the index location using the sensing module such that a vertically-oriented centrifuge tube reflects the laser beam when positioned at the index location and a non-vertically-oriented centrifuge tube does not reflect the laser beam when positioned at the index location;
determining that one of the centrifuge tubes is a vertically-oriented centrifuge tube when the laser beam is reflected while the centrifuge tube is positioned at the index location;
determining that one of the centrifuge tubes is a non-vertically-oriented centrifuge tube when the laser beam is not reflected while the centrifuge tube is positioned at the index location; and
determining that the return to vertical check is not satisfied in response to a determination that at least one of the centrifuge tubes is a non-vertically-oriented centrifuge tube.
8. An automated centrifuge apparatus for conducting a cell preparation procedure, the automated centrifuge apparatus comprising:
a rotor assembly configured to support a plurality of centrifuge tubes installable at a plurality of tube positions wherein the plurality of tube positions are indexable to an index location;
a sensing module configured to monitor the index location during a set of status checks wherein the status checks relate to the plurality of centrifuge tubes; and
wherein logic signals generated by the sensing module are used to automatically determine whether the status checks are satisfied.
9. The automated centrifuge apparatus of claim 8 wherein the rotor assembly includes:
a rotor that defines the plurality of tube positions;
a plurality of collars respectively attached to the rotor at respective tube positions wherein the collars are pivotable relative to the rotor and configured to receive and support respective centrifuge tubes; and
a plurality of pivot restrictors positioned on the rotor at respective tube positions wherein the pivot restrictors limit the collars to a predetermined pivot angle during rotation of the rotor assembly.
10. The automated centrifuge apparatus of claim 9 wherein:
the pivot restrictors each include a pair of mechanical stops that limit the collars to the predetermined pivot angle; and
each mechanical stop in the pair of mechanical stops includes a chamfer that engages a lower surface of the collars when the collars pivot during rotation of the rotor assembly such that movement of the collars beyond the predetermined pivot angle is restricted.
11. The automated centrifuge apparatus of claim 10 wherein the predetermined pivot angle is between approximately 32 degrees and approximately 40 degrees.
12. The automated centrifuge apparatus of claim 10 wherein the individual centrifuge tubes in the plurality of centrifuge tubes include:
a cylindrical upper portion;
a conical lower portion adjoining the cylindrical upper portion and comprising an upper tapering region, a vertical transition region positioned below the upper tapering region, and a lower tapering region positioned below the vertical transition region; and
an interior pocket formed at the conical lower portion and defined by the vertical transition region and the lower tapering region, wherein the interior pocket collects cells during cell pelletization such that the cells are positioned away from a pipettor when the pipettor is inserted into the centrifuge tube.
13. The automated centrifuge apparatus of claim 8 wherein the status checks include at least one of:
a centrifuge tube presence check that automatically determines whether centrifuge tubes have been installed at respective centrifuge tube positions of the rotor assembly before cell suspension is dispensed at the tube positions of the rotor assembly;
a fill level check that automatically determines whether individual centrifuge tubes of the plurality of centrifuge tubes contain a predetermined amount of cell suspension before pelletizing cells in the cell suspension; and
a return to vertical check that automatically determines whether individual centrifuge tubes of the plurality of centrifuge tubes have returned to a substantially vertical orientation after cell pelletization.
14. The automated centrifuge apparatus of claim 13 wherein:
the sensing module includes an upper sensor and a lower sensor;
the upper sensor is configured to conduct the centrifuge tube presence check; and
the lower sensor is configured to conduct the fill level check and the return to vertical check.
15. The automated centrifuge apparatus of claim 13 wherein the automated centrifuge apparatus is configured to:
index individual tube positions of the rotor assembly to the index location;
direct a laser beam at the index location using the sensing module such that the laser beam is reflected when a centrifuge tube is installed at the indexed tube position and such that the laser beam is not reflected when a centrifuge tube is not installed at the indexed tube position; and
generate a logic signal using the sensing module when the laser beam is reflected wherein the logic signal indicates that a centrifuge tube is installed at the indexed tube position.
16. The automated centrifuge apparatus of claim 13 further comprising a rotary actuator configured to spin the rotor assembly at a relatively slow speed such that an adequately-filled centrifuge tube installed at the rotor assembly pivots to an angled orientation relative to a vertical orientation and such that an inadequately-filled centrifuge tube installed at the rotor assembly does not pivot to the angled orientation and wherein:
the sensing module is configured to direct a laser beam at the index location such that an adequately-filled centrifuge tube does not reflect the laser beam as the adequately-filled centrifuge tube travels through the index location and such that an inadequately-filled centrifuge tube reflects the laser beam as the inadequately-filled centrifuge tube travels through the index location; and
the sensing module is configured to generate a logic signal when the laser beam is reflected wherein the logic signal indicates that at least one of the centrifuge tubes of the plurality of centrifuge tubes is an inadequately-filled centrifuge tube.
17. The automated centrifuge apparatus of claim 13 further comprising a rotary actuator configured to index individual centrifuge tubes of the plurality of centrifuge tubes installed at respective tube locations of the rotor assembly to the index position and wherein:
the sensing module is configured to direct a laser beam at the index location such that a vertically-oriented centrifuge tube reflects the laser beam when positioned at the index location and a non-vertically-oriented centrifuge tube does not reflect the laser beam when positioned at the index location; and
the sensing module is configured to generate a logic signal when the laser beam is reflected wherein the logic signal indicates that at least one of the centrifuge tubes of the plurality of centrifuge tubes is a non-vertically-oriented centrifuge tube.
18. A centrifuge tube for use in an automated centrifuge apparatus during a cell preparation procedure, the centrifuge tube comprising:
a cylindrical upper portion;
a conical lower portion adjoining the cylindrical upper portion; and
an interior pocket formed at the conical lower portion wherein the interior pocket collects cells during cell pelletization such that the cells are positioned away from a pipettor when the pipettor is inserted into the centrifuge tube.
19. The centrifuge tube of claim 18 wherein:
the conical lower portion comprises an upper tapering region, a vertical transition region positioned below the upper tapering region, and a lower tapering region positioned below the vertical transition region;
the interior pocket is defined by the vertical transition region and the lower tapering region;
an interior diameter of the centrifuge tube tapers in the upper tapering region toward the vertical transition region;
the interior diameter is substantially uniform in the vertical transition region; and
the interior diameter tapers in the lower tapering region down from the vertical transition region.
20. The centrifuge tube of claim 19 wherein:
a centrifuge tube wall defines the cylindrical upper portion and the conical lower portion;
the centrifuge tube wall has a first thickness at the upper tapering region of the conical lower portion and a second thickness at the lower tapering region of the conical lower portion; and
the second thickness is less than the first thickness.
The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. A computer-implemented method comprising:
defining a first virtual object included within a first storage target within a backend data array, wherein the first virtual object includes a first ready state indicator and a LUN;
defining at least a second virtual object included within at least a second storage target within the backend data array, wherein the second virtual object includes at least a second ready state indicator, wherein the first virtual object and the second virtual object are configured as one or more state machines;
grouping the first virtual object and the second virtual object within a group virtual object to allow for batch processing and control of the first virtual object and at least the second virtual object, and
determining, in response to the grouping, a status for the group virtual object based upon the first ready state indicator, the second ready state indicator and a group ready state indicator, wherein the group ready state indicator is configured to allow a user or application to determine the status for the group virtual object.
2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 further comprising:
communicating the status for the group virtual object to one or more users of the group virtual object.
3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 further comprising:
automating one or more tasks to be executed on at least one of the first virtual object and the at least a second virtual object.
4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 wherein the one or more tasks are chosen from the group consisting of:
combining one or more LUNs;
backing up one or more LUNs;
restoring one or more LUNs; and
taking a snapshot of one or more LUNs.
5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first virtual object and the at least a second virtual object includes a LUN.
6. A computer program product residing on a non-transitory computer readable medium having a plurality of instructions stored thereon which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising:
defining a first virtual object included within a first storage target within a backend data array, wherein the first virtual object includes a first ready state indicator and a LUN;
defining at least a second virtual object included within at least a second storage target within the backend data array, wherein the second virtual object includes at least a second ready state indicator, wherein the first virtual object and the second virtual object are configured as one or more state machines;
grouping the first virtual object and the second virtual object within a group virtual object to allow for batch processing and control of the first virtual object and at least the second virtual object, and
determining, in response to the grouping, a status for the group virtual object based upon the first ready state indicator, the second ready state indicator and a group ready state indicator, wherein the group ready state indicator is configured to allow a user or application to determine the status for the group virtual object.
7. The computer program product of claim 6 further comprising instructions for:
communicating the status for the group virtual object to one or more users of the group virtual object.
8. The computer program product of claim 6 further comprising instructions for:
automating one or more tasks to be executed on at least one of the first virtual object and the at least a second virtual object.
9. The computer program product of claim 6 wherein the one or more tasks are chosen from the group consisting of:
combining one or more LUNs;
backing up one or more LUNs;
restoring one or more LUNs; and
taking a snapshot of one or more LUNs.
10. The computer program product of claim 6 wherein at least one of the first virtual object and the at least a second virtual object includes a LUN.
11. A computing system including at least one processor and at least one memory architecture coupled with the at least one processor, wherein the computing system is configured to perform operations comprising:
defining a first virtual object included within a first storage target within a backend data array, wherein the first virtual object includes a first ready state indicator and a LUN;
defining at least a second virtual object included within at least a second storage target within the backend data array, wherein the second virtual object includes at least a second ready state indicator, wherein the first virtual object and the second virtual object are configured as one or more state machines;
grouping the first virtual object and the second virtual object within a group virtual object to allow for batch processing and control of the first virtual object and at least the second virtual object, and
determining, in response to the grouping, a status for the group virtual object based upon the first ready state indicator, the second ready state indicator and a group ready state indicator, wherein the group ready state indicator is configured to allow a user or application to determine the status for the group virtual object.
12. The computing system of claim 11 further configured to perform operations comprising:
communicating the status for the group virtual object to one or more users of the group virtual object.
13. The computing system of claim 11 further configured to perform operations comprising:
automating one or more tasks to be executed on at least one of the first virtual object and the at least a second virtual object.
14. The computing system of claim 11 wherein the one or more tasks are chosen from the group consisting of:
combining one or more LUNs;
backing up one or more LUNs;
restoring one or more LUNs; and
taking a snapshot of one or more LUNs.
15. The computing system of claim 11 wherein at least one of the first virtual object and the at least a second virtual object includes a LUN.