Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to improved methods, structures and systems for interfacing microfluidic devices with ancillary systems that are used in conjunction with such devices. These systems typically include control and monitoring systems (620) for controlling the performance of the processes carried out within the device, e.g., monitoring and controlling environmental conditions and monitoring results of the processes performed, e.g., detection.

Abstract: To provide an apparatus for fluorine gas generation and supply that is disposed in the gas supply system of a semiconductor processing system and that in the event of abnormalities in the apparatus enables back up by a safe and inexpensive structure. An apparatus 30 for the generation and supply of gas is disposed in the gas supply system of a semiconductor processing system. This apparatus 30 contains an electrolytic cell 34 that generates fluorine gas and a cylinder 62 that holds a substitute gas selected from the group consisting of nitrogen fluoride, sulfur fluoride, and chlorine fluoride. The electrolytic cell 34 and cylinder 62 are connected to a gas switching section 56 that selectively supplies a gas utilization section with fluorine gas from the electrolytic cell 34 or with substitute gas from the cylinder 62.

Abstract: Analytical systems and methods that use a modular interface structure for providing an interface between a sample substrate and an analytical unit, where the analytical unit typically has a particular interface arrangement for implementing various analytical and control functions. Using a number of variants for each module of the modular interface structure advantageously provides cost effective and efficient ways to perform numerous tests using a particular substrate or class of substrates with a particular analytical and control systems interface arrangement. Improved optical illumination and detection system for simultaneously analyzing reactions or conditions in multiple parallel microchannels are also provided.

Abstract: A container is provided for shipping and storing a pre-wetted and preconditioned microfluidic “sipper” chip. The container contains both dry compartments and wet compartments. A base contains a fluid-filled reservoir configured to house the capillaries. The opening of the reservoir is sealed with an O-ring. The plastic mount of the chip rests on the base in a dry compartment. The upper surface of the chip contains several wells containing fluid. A gasket is provided with plugs configured to be disposed within and seal the wells. Alternatively, the wells are first sealed with a foil film adhered to the well openings with an adhesive and a gasket is disposed between the foil and a cover, which is removably attached to the base. When the cover is closed, the gasket and O-ring seal the wet compartments to prevent leakage and to slow evaporation.

Abstract: In a system for operation or handling of a laboratory microchip (41) for chemical processing or analysis, the microchip (41) is mounted in a first physical unit (42). The microchip (41) is arranged on a mounting plate, such that it is readily accessible from the top and thus the fitting and removal of the microchip is considerably simplified. Furthermore, the first physical unit (42) comprises an optical device (43) for contactless detection of the results of the chemical processes conducted on the microchip. The supply systems necessary for the operation of the microchip are arranged in a module unit that has a separable connection with a second physical unit. The proposed modular layout enables ease of interchangeability of the required supply systems and thus, overall, ease of adaptability of the proposed system for various types of microchips.

Abstract: Laminates having microfluidic structures disposed between sheets of the laminate are provided. The microfluidic structures are raised on a sheet of laminate, typically by printing the structure on the sheet. Printing methods include Serigraph, ink-jet, intaligo, offset printing and thermal laser printing.

Abstract: A new ultra light weight, spring action, stand system for supporting a golf bag is provided. According to one aspect of the present invention, the stand system includes a top bracket, a pair of legs, a guide, a wire form, and a footplate. The top bracket is configured for coupling to a top portion of a golf bag. The pair of legs may be pivotably coupled to the top bracket. The guide is for coupling to a bottom portion of the golf bag to restrain lateral movement of the wire form, for example. The wire form is slidably coupled through the guide and engages the legs. The actuation of the wire form moves the legs from a retracted position to an extended position. Finally, the footplate is pivotably mounted to the wire form and is positioned to have a contact point with the ground for actuating the wire form that is behind the plane of the legs.

Abstract: A new ultra light weight, spring action, stand system for supporting a golf bag is provided. According to one aspect of the present invention, the stand system includes a top bracket, a pair of legs, a guide, a wire form, and a footplate. The top bracket is configured for coupling to a top portion of a golf bag. The pair of legs may be pivotably coupled to the top bracket. The guide is for coupling to a bottom portion of the golf bag to restrain lateral movement of the wire form, for example. The wire form is slidably coupled through the guide and engages the legs. The actuation of the wire form moves the legs from a retracted position to an extended position. Finally, the footplate is pivotably mounted to the wire form and is positioned to have a contact point with the ground for actuating the wire form that is behind the plane of the legs.

Abstract: Laminates having microfluidic structures disposed between sheets of the laminate are provided. The microfluidic structures are raised on a sheet of laminate, typically by printing the structure on the sheet. Printing methods include Serigraph, ink-jet, intaligo, offset printing and thermal laser printing.

Abstract: A new ultra light weight, spring action, stand system for supporting a golf bag is provided. According to one aspect of the present invention, the stand system includes a top bracket, a pair of legs, a guide, a wire form, and a footplate. The top bracket is configured for coupling to a top portion of a golf bag. The pair of legs may be pivotably coupled to the top bracket. The guide is for coupling to a bottom portion of the golf bag to restrain lateral movement of the wire form, for example. The wire form is slidably coupled through the guide and engages the legs. The actuation of the wire form moves the legs from a retracted position to an extended position. Finally, the footplate is pivotably mounted to the wire form and is positioned to have a contact point with the ground for actuating the wire form that is behind the plane of the legs.