Abstract: A removable cartridge to be used in a system for extracting and detecting nucleic acids from heterogeneous samples includes a plurality of reservoirs defining at least a first wash buffer reservoir for holding a first wash buffer and a microfluidic assembly configured to attach to the plurality of reservoirs. The microfluidic assembly includes at least one sample reservoir and a nucleic acid extraction matrix in fluid communication to an automated sample preparation (ASP) reservoir through a first flow channel defined by the microfluidic assembly. An assay chamber is in fluid communication with a third flow channel and with the waste reservoir through a fourth flow channel such that a labeled nucleic acid-containing sample flows through the assay chamber and then to the waste reservoir, wherein vibration-driven mixing agitates fluids while present in the assay chamber. Finally, a nucleic acid-detecting microarray module is positioned in the assay chamber.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for adjusting a voltage applied to a transistor based on a change in an electrical characteristic. In one aspect, a system includes an array of display elements each including an electrical element having a first terminal and a transistor. Each electrical element is capable of at least a first and a second configuration based on an electrical state of the transistor. A current sensor is capable of sensing a current through at least one of the transistors. A compensation circuit compares the current with a reference current and provides at least one adjustment signal. A display driver provides an update voltage based on the at least one adjustment signal, and also provides a data signal for each of the display elements. The electrical state of each of the transistors is based on the update voltage and the data signal.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for dissipating charge buildup within a display element with a conductive layer. The conductive layer is maintained in electrical contact with a fluid within the display element. The fluid, in turn, remains in contact with light modulators within the display elements. Any charge buildup that may be caused by the filling of the fluid during fabrication of the display device, or during operation of the light modulators can be dissipated by the conductive layer. Thus, by dissipating the charge buildup, the conductive layer reduces or eliminates electrostatic forces due to the charge buildup that may affect the operability of the light modulators. The display can include conductive spacers in an active display region of the display and a spacer-free region that allows the substrates to deform while retaining an electrical connection between the conductive layer and the spacers in the active display region.

Abstract: Systems, methods and methods of manufacture for, among other things, a MEMS display that has a substrate with a first and a second array of apertures. The first and second arrays are, typically, formed on the substrate so that the arrays are adjacent and define a field boundary line that may extend between the two arrays and along a width of the substrate. In at least one array, the apertures that are proximate the field boundary line are placed at locations on the substrate to reduce differences in luminance between one portion of the display and another portion of the display.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a plurality of electromechanical systems (EMS) devices disposed on a first surface defined by a face of a substrate. Each EMS device includes a component which is movable in a plane that is substantially parallel to the first surface. The apparatus also includes a second surface positioned proximate to the substrate such that the plurality of EMS devices are located between the first surface and the second surface. In addition, each EMS device includes at least one anti-stiction projection positioned between the movable component and the second surface.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for providing multiple dielectric coatings for a shutter assembly. The multiple dielectric coatings include an outer dielectric coating and one or more inner dielectric coatings. The outer dielectric coating has an electrical trap density that is lower than electrical trap densities of the one or more inner dielectric coatings. The lower electrical trap density reduces the amount of charge buildup over various surfaces of the shutter assembly. This reduction in charge buildup also reduces electrostatic forces that may cause incorrect operation of the shutter assembly.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for incorporating tip-gap adjustment features (TGAF) in actuators of shutter assemblies. The TGAF are incorporated into a drive beam of the actuator during the formation of the shutter assembly over a mold. The TGAF are configured such that they develop a mechanical stress or stress gradient. When the shutter assembly is released from the mold, the stress or stress gradient in the TGAF bend the drive beam such that a tip-gap between the drive beam and a load beam of the actuator is reduced. The reduced tip-gap, in turn, reduces an actuation voltage needed to actuate the shutter assembly.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for controlling pixels of a display apparatus. An apparatus including a plurality of pixels can be controlled by a control matrix. The control matrix includes for each pixel a first transistor that has a first threshold voltage and a second transistor that has a second threshold voltage. A single data interconnect provides a common data voltage to the first and second transistors to control the states of corresponding first and second light modulators.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for displaying images. One such apparatus includes a substrate, an elevated aperture layer (EAL) defining a plurality of apertures formed therethrough, a plurality of anchors for supporting the EAL over the substrate and a plurality of display elements positioned between the substrate and the EAL. Each of the display elements may correspond to at least one respective aperture of the plurality of apertures defined by the EAL. Each display element also includes a movable portion supported over the substrate by a corresponding anchor supporting the EAL over the substrate. In some implementations, one or more light dispersion elements may be disposed in optical paths passing through the apertures defined by the EAL.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for incorporating tip-gap adjustment features (TGAF) in actuators of shutter assemblies. The TGAF are incorporated into a drive beam of the actuator during the formation of the shutter assembly over a mold. The TGAF are configured such that they develop a mechanical stress or stress gradient. When the shutter assembly is released from the mold, the stress or stress gradient in the TGAF bend the drive beam such that a tip-gap between the drive beam and a load beam of the actuator is reduced. The reduced tip-gap, in turn, reduces an actuation voltage needed to actuate the shutter assembly.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for providing multiple dielectric coatings for a shutter assembly. The multiple dielectric coatings include an outer dielectric coating and one or more inner dielectric coatings. The outer dielectric coating has an electrical trap density that is lower than electrical trap densities of the one or more inner dielectric coatings. The lower electrical trap density reduces the amount of charge buildup over various surfaces of the shutter assembly. This reduction in charge buildup also reduces electrostatic forces that may cause incorrect operation of the shutter assembly.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a plurality of electromechanical systems (EMS) devices disposed on a first surface defined by a face of a substrate. Each EMS device includes a component which is movable in a plane that is substantially parallel to the first surface. The apparatus also includes a second surface positioned proximate to the substrate such that the plurality of EMS devices are located between the first surface and the second surface. In addition, each EMS device includes at least one anti-stiction projection positioned between the movable component and the second surface.