Abstract:
A microf luidic device for analyzing a sample of interest is provided. The tnicrof luidic device can comprise a microfluidic device body, wherein the microf luidic device body comprises a sample preparation area (101), a nucleic acid amplification area (102), a nucleic acid analysis area (103), and a network of fluid channels. Each of the sample preparation area (101), the nucleic acid amplification area (102) and the nucleic acid analysis area (103) are fluidly interconnected to at least one of the other two areas by at least one of the fluid channels. Using the microfluidic device, sample preparation can be combined with amplification of a biologically active molecule, and a suitable biological sample can be provided for analysis and/or detection of a molecule of interest. The small-scale apparatus and methods provided are easier, faster, less expensive, and equally efficacious compared to larger scale equipment for the preparation and analysisof a biological sample.
Abstract:
An oscillatory angular rate MEMS sensor is described for sensing rotation about the "Z-axis". Embodiments are either coupled-mass tuning-fork or single oscillating-mass in nature. The sensor includes mechanical and electrical function integration, and is preferably manufactured by a unique MEMS fabrication process.
Abstract:
A reconfigurable modular microfluidic system, providing a microfluidic breadboard platform for the formation of fluidic network and fluidic sealing upon a system assembly. Modular microfluidic elements or "chips" are arranged on a precisely machined alignment base to form a fluidic network, with fluid connections provided directly from chip-to-chip at overlapping corners. Fluidic access to external devices is possible at every fluid connection and through special ingress/egress chips. By maintaining a largely planar layout, optical access is provided for detecting or visualization for every chip. The assembly may be covered by a perforated cover plate.
Abstract:
A method for etching an ultra-shallow channel includes using an etch process that is selective for one material with minimum etching of a different material in order to achieve a very precise channel depth in the different material. Channels as shallow as 10nm can be fabricated in silicon with precisions of 5nm or better using the method. Stepped channels can be fabricated where each segment is a different depth, with the segments being between 10nm and 1000nm in depth. The method is applied to creat a fluidic channel which includes a channel substrate to which is bonded a lid substrate to confine fluids to the fluidic channels so fabricated.
Abstract:
A sensor having a proximal end and a distal end includes an anchor, a proof mass, a fixed finger, and a movable finger. The anchor is disposed at the proximal end. The proof mass is coupled to the anchor and disposed at a first distance from the anchor. The fixed finger and the movable finger are coupled to the anchor and disposed at a second distance from the anchor at the distal end. The fixed and movable fingers are configured to measure a first capacitance area. A ratio of the first distance over the second distance is between about 0.2 to about 0.6. The ratio is configured to deflect the movable finger at least about 1 m relative to the fixed finger.
Abstract:
A sensor apparatus includes a base, a tap, a channel, and a gate. The tap is adjacent the base and electrically coupled to the base. The channel is between the tap and the base. The gate is adjacent the channel and electrically coupled to the channel. The gate is separated from the channel by a gap. At least a portion of a charge flow in the channel is substantially parallel or antiparallel to an electric field between the gate and the channel. A triode capacitor system includes a channel region, a gate region, and a processor. The gate region is separated from the channel region by a gap. The processor is coupled to a base contact, a tap contact, and a gate contact and configured to measure a distance of the gap based on a potential difference between the base contact and the tap contact.
Abstract:
In an embodiment, a micro-electromechanical device can include a substrate, a beam, and an isolation joint. The beam can be suspended relative to a surface of the substrate. The isolation joint can be between a first portion and a second portion of the beam, and can have a non-linear shape. In another embodiment, a micro-electromechanical device can include a substrate, a beam, and an isolation joint. The beam can be suspended relative to a surface of the substrate. The isolation joint can be between a first portion and a second portion of the beam. The isolation joint can have a first portion, a second portion, and a bridge portion between the first portion and the second portion. The first and second portions of the isolation joint can each have a seam and a void, while the bridge portion can be solid.
Abstract:
In an embodiment, a micro-electromechanical device can include a substrate, a beam, and an isolation joint. The beam can be suspended relative to a surface of the substrate. The isolation joint can be between a first portion and a second portion of the beam, and can have a non-linear shape. In another embodiment, a micro-electromechanical device can include a substrate, a beam, and an isolation joint. The beam can be suspended relative to a surface of the substrate. The isolation joint can be between a first portion and a second portion of the beam. The isolation joint can have a first portion, a second portion, and a bridge portion between the first portion and the second portion. The first and second portions of the isolation joint can each have a seam and a void, while the bridge portion can be solid.
Abstract:
The systems and methods described herein include a microfluidic chip having a plurality of microfeatures interconnected to provide a configurable fluid transport system for processing at least one reagent. Inserts are provided to removably interfit into one or more of the microfeatures of the chip, wherein the inserts include sites for interactions with the reagent. As will be seen from the following description, the microfluidic chip and the inserts provide an efficient an accurate approach for conducting parallel assays.
Abstract:
A system (10) and method detect freefall associated with an object that is spinning or tumbling as it falls. Two tri-axis accelerometers (14, 16) provide inputs to an algorithm (28) that detects the freefall of a spinning object that would not otherwise be detected by a conventional freefall detection system, due to the centrifugal and centripetal forces being placed on the falling object as it spins. The system can be used to detect the freefall of portable devices with onboard memory or hard disk drives, allowing the devices to have time to park the read/write head and reduce the potential of losing data that can be damaged by impact. This freefall detection system may be applied to such portable devices as notebook computers, PDAs, MP3 players, digital cameras, mobile phones and even automobiles.