Abstract: A laminated sprinkler needle for introduction of liquids into an animal and extraction of fluids from an animal comprising a substrate, a micromachined photoresist layer, and a microporous layer is described. The structure is of simple construction and fabrication and provides much higher flow rates than standard hollow cannula.

Abstract: An IV infusion system capable of detecting infiltration/extravasation events is described. Flow rate changes due to venous pressure variations are measured; infiltration/extravasation events are detected when these flow rate patterns are altered when infusion is not into a vein.

Abstract: A non-contact fluid flow monitor that enables a two component system comprised of a removable conduit and reusable flow rate sensor is described. The monitor is capable of measuring fluid flow velocity and the dimensions of the removable conduit thereby calculating a true volumetric flow rate. The monitor is further capable of determining the refractive index of the fluid thereby verifying that the fluid flowing through the conduit has this expected property.

Abstract: A device includes a plurality of microneedles for abrading the stratum corneum of the skin to form a plurality of grooves in the tissue having a controlled depth and width. The microneedles have a length of about 5-250 microns and generally about 5-200 microns. The device is rubbed over the skin to prepare an abraded site after which a transdermal delivery or sampling device is applied to the abraded delivery site. The abrasion increases the permeability of the skin and the rate of delivery and extraction of a substance without pain or irritation to the patient.

Abstract: A device, preferably a micro-device, is molded from a plastic material by injection molding, compression molding or embossing. A microabrader can be molded having microneedles for abrading the stratum corneum of the skin to form an abraded site in the tissue for enhancing drug delivery. The micro-device is molded using a mold assembly having a silicon molding surface. The silicon molding surface can include a recess corresponding to the desired shape and length of the microneedles. The silicon molding surface enables micron and submicron size features to be molded from polymeric materials without the polymeric material adhering to the mold surface. Micro-devices having molded features having micron and submicron dimensions can be rapidly produced without the use of a release agent.

Abstract: A compensating fluid supply system that is capable of near real time adjustment of the timing of a pumping action of a positive displacement pump is disclosed. The geometrical characteristics of a flow tube and a velocity of a moving stream are used to measure individual pumping actions. Based on the actual measured volume of fluid supplied with a pumping action and the desired supply rate of the fluid supply system, the timing of future pumping actions is determined.

Abstract: A device for the measurement of analytes in a body fluid including a support with an upper surface, a layer adhered to the upper surface, the layer being of a hardenable material wherein at least one microfluidic channel has been etched after the layer is at least partially hardened, and a semipermeable membrane at least partially covering the layer.

Abstract: A self-calibrating monitoring system based on microdialysis for measurement of a body analyte is disclosed. In one embodiment, perfusate containing a known concentration of body analyte is mixed with an enzyme solution after passing through a microdialysis needle and instead of passing through the microdialysis needle to measure the body analyte and to calibrate the analysis chamber that measures the body analyte.

Abstract: A device and method for accurate delivery of a liquid is described. The device comprises a flow channel through which the liquid flows. During manufacture or at some other point prior to the delivery of the liquid, the flow channel is characterized in terms of one or more properties of flow of a liquid through the channel. This characterization is stored in such a way that the flow channel characterization is available to the liquid delivery device at time of use. At time of use, the liquid delivery system reads the stored flow channel characterization and uses the stored flow channel characterization for safe and accurate delivery of the liquid.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring the flow of a liquid along a conduit are disclosed. A heat source applies thermal energy to a portion of a liquid flowing along a conduit thereby elevating its temperature. A light source generates a first beam that passes through the liquid in the conduit downstream from the position of application of the thermal energy and an optical detector receives this beam in combination with a second beam that is not passed through the liquid in the conduit and measures a change in intensity of a combined beam. The time required for the heated portion of the liquid to move from the point of application of thermal energy to the point at which the beam passes through the liquid is measured. This measured time, along with the distance of separation of the heat source and the optical sensing means permits calculation of the velocity of the liquid in the conduit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring the flow of a fluid along a passageway are disclosed. A heat source applies thermal energy to a portion of the fluid thereby elevating its temperature and decreasing its density. An optical sensing means measures a change in a property of illumination directed through the passageway caused by the change in the density of the heated portion of fluid. The time required for the heated portion of the liquid to move from the point of application of thermal energy to the point of optical sensing is measured. This measured time, and the distance of separation of the source of heat and the optical sensor permits calculation of the fluid velocity in the passageway.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pellets comprising fibers impregnated with resin. The pellets incorporate a mixed lubricant sizing composition comprising at least one cationic lubricant and at least one non-ionic lubricant. These pellets may be consolidated to form fiber reinforced resin composites.

Abstract: A process for making a composite article comprising providing a coating composition comprising a silane, optional pH modifying agent, and optional lubricant, wherein the silane is compatible with one or more ROMP catalysts used to initiate ring opening metathesis polymerization of the cycloolefin resins; coating fibers with the coating composition; contacting the coated fiber with an uncured cycloolefin resin catalyzed using one or more ROMP catalysts used to form a resin and reinforcing fiber material mixture; and curing the resin and reinforcing fiber material mixture to form the composite article.