Abstract: Devices are provided for separating and focusing analytes, comprising a separation chamber and electrodes separated from the separation chamber by a membrane. The electrodes are operative to generate an electric field in the separation chamber. Molecular sieve in the separation chamber is operative to shift the location at which a stationary focused band of the analyte forms under a given set of focusing process parameters. Methods are provided for separating and focusing charged analytes, comprising introducing a first fluid comprising at least one charged analyte into the separation chamber of a device as just described, applying an electric field gradient to the separation chamber to focus the charged analyte at a location in the separation chamber.

Abstract: Fluid-handling methods and devices for ultrasonic manipulation of fluid-borne particles comprise a fluid-handling manifold and an ultrasonic particle manipulator defining an ultrasonic cavity within the manifold. Fluid-borne particles introduced into the manifold are manipulated by controlling ultrasonic standing waves at the ultrasonic cavity. Cavities having non-uniform configurations, asymmetric standing waves and/or multiple ultrasonic cavities within the manifold are operative to control the movement of the fluid-borne particles, optionally including collecting and holding such particles, transferring particles through an intersection from one channel to another, etc. Solid phase extraction (SPE) particles, biological particles and other fluid-borne particles can be manipulated within the fluid-handling manifold.

Abstract: An NMR system comprises an NMR probe comprising multiple NMR detection sites. Each of the multiple NMR detection sites comprises a sample holding void and an associated NMR microcoil. The NMR system further comprises a controllable fluid router operative to direct fluid sample to the multiple NMR detection sites.

Abstract: A fluid separation conduit cartridge comprising a fluid separation conduit is disclosed. In certain embodiments the fluid separation conduit is potted to provide operation at increased pressures. In other embodiments, the fluid separation conduit cartridge has one or more memory units. The memory units are operative to store data such as, for example, cartridge usage and test results.

Abstract: A fluid separation conduit cartridge that is operative to encrypt, decrypt, transmit and receive information is disclosed. The conduit cartridge encrypts information sent to an analytical system or an operating facility in communication with the conduit cartridge and can decrypt encrypted information received from an analytical system or an operating facility in communication with the conduit cartridge.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming microstructures in the surface of polymeric web materials for use as optical memory substrates. The microstructures may be formed by laminating a hot stamper to a web of material with a selective time/temperature profile. The stamper may be heated to melt flow the surface of the web and stabilize before separation. The stamper may be carried by a support that is independent of the press. The web of polymeric material may be provided with a flow enhancer to improve image formation. Also described herein are methods and apparatus for making optical memory modules, such as disks, which include novel stampers, coating applicators, and finishing systems.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming microstructures in the surface of polymeric web materials for use as optical memory substrates. The microstructures may be formed by laminating a hot stamper to a web of material with a selective time/temperature profile. The stamper may be heated to melt flow the surface of the web and stabilize before separation. The stamper may be carried by a support that is independent of the press. The web of polymeric material may be provided with a flow enhancer to improve image formation. Also described herein are methods and apparatus for making optical memory modules, such as disks, which include novel stampers, coating applicators, and finishing systems.

Abstract: The present invention discloses processes for an embossing thin films that uniformly anneals the full cross section of a web of polymeric material, stabilizes the hot web while the web cools, bonds/laminates the embossed area of the web to a carrier and allows a cycle time of 10 seconds or less, preferably 3 seconds or less. Embodiments of the process incorporates a thermal embossing process to bond/laminate the polymeric web to the carrier concurrent with the embossing of the polymeric web and transfers the hot embossed web from the embossing, which allows an unembossed area of web to enter the embossing zone. This process is applicable to continuous roll-to-roll as well as intermittent motion platen embossing configurations and may be used to replicate information and/or track structure for an optical memory disk on one surface of the web. Embodiments of the present invention are particularly useful for embossing thin webs having a thickness of 600 ?m or less, preferably 125 ?m or less.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming microstructures in the surface of polymeric web materials for use as optical memory substrates. The microstructures may be formed by laminating a hot stamper to a web of material with a selective time/temperature profile. The stamper may be heated to melt flow the surface of the web and stabilize before separation. The stamper may be carried by a support that is independent of the press. The web of polymeric material may be provided with a flow enhancer to improve image formation. Also described herein are methods and apparatus for making optical memory modules, such as disks, which include novel stampers, coating applicators, and finishing systems.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming microstructures in the surface of polymeric web materials for use as optical memory substrates. The microstructures may be formed by laminating a hot stamper to a web of material with a selective time/temperature profile. The stamper may be heated to melt flow the surface of the web and stabilize before separation. The stamper may be carried by a support that is independent of the press. The web of polymeric material may be provided with a flow enhancer to improve image formation. Also described herein are methods and apparatus for making optical memory modules, such as disks, which include novel stampers, coating applicators, and finishing systems.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing wings includes a fixture that holds wing panels for drilling and edge trimming by accurate numerically controlled machine tools using original numerical part definition records, utilizing spatial relationships between key features of detail parts or subassemblies as represented by coordination features machined into the parts and subassemblies, thereby making the parts and subassemblies intrinsically determinant of the dimensions and contour of the wing. Spars are attached to the wing panel using the coordination holes to locate the spars accurately on the panel in accordance with the original engineering design, and in-spar ribs are attached to rib posts on the spar using accurately drilled coordination holes in the ends of the rib and in the rib post. The wing contour is determined by the configuration of the spars and ribs rather than by any conventional hard tooling which determines the wing contour in conventional processes.

Abstract: A method of provisioning a gateway (80) is provided in a telecommunications network including a circuit-switched network (90) and a packet-switched network (70). The gateway (80) bridges calls between the circuit-switched network (90) and the packet-switched network (70). The method includes: receiving a registration message from consumer premises equipment (CPE) (60), the message including an address for the CPE (60) on the packet-switched network (70); determining a directory number (DN) for the CPE (60); placing a probe call to the determined DN over the circuit-switched network (90); receiving a call from the circuit-switched network (90), the call being terminated at a call reference value (CRV); recognizing the received call received from the circuit-switched network (90) as the probe call; capturing the CRV at which the probe call is terminated; and, associating the captured CRV with the address for the CPE (60).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the continuous manufacturing of optical memory or optical memory substrates, and/or optical disks, which includes supplying a web of material to a substrate forming apparatus, embossing a microform image onto a polymeric film, such as an information track structure for an optical device, onto one or both sides of the web with a flat stamper and punching a hole through the web during the embossing. During the embossing, the polymeric material is heated to above the glass transition temperature (Tg). A flat stamper limits the potential for warp in the web, particularly when the web is stabilized in the stamp zone. The disclosed invention is particularly useful in the production of optical disk substrates, such as polycarbonate, having a thickness of 0.6 mm or less.

Abstract: An NMR system comprises an NMR probe comprising multiple NMR detection sites. Each of the multiple NMR detection sites comprises a sample holding void and an associated NMR microcoil. The NMR system further comprises a controllable fluid router operative to direct fluid sample to the multiple NMR detection sites.

Abstract: An NMR system comprises an NMR probe comprising multiple NMR detection sites. Each of the multiple NMR detection sites comprises a sample holding void and an associated NMR microcoil. The NMR system further comprises a controllable fluid router operative to direct fluid sample to the multiple NMR detection sites.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the continuous manufacturing of optical memory or optical memory substrates, and/or optical disks, which includes supplying a web of polymeric material between two mating platens, melt-forming at least one microform image, such as an information track structure for an optical device, into the web with a substantially flat stamper, heating a substantial portion of the melt formed cross section of the web of polymeric material to the melt flow temperature (Tf) of the polymeric material. The invention discloses several embodiments for melt-forming an information structure and depositing several layers onto information structure to produce an optical memory device.

Abstract: Fluid processing apparatus comprises a fluid-handling manifold comprising a manifold body having at least a first fluid duct and a second fluid duct. The first and second fluid ducts are in fluid communication with each other at a microfluidic junction of the fluid-handling manifold. The manifold body further comprises a transducer operative to generate ultrasonic acoustic traveling wave radiation into fluid in the microfluidic junction from an active surface toward a non-reflective boundary of the microfluidic junction. The microfluidic junction is operative to pass fluid received from the first and second duct, with micro-mixing effected by the traveling wave radiated into the junction during the fluid flow.

Abstract: An optical recording medium includes a crystallizing layer for enhancing the crystallization of a phase change memory layer, an energy storage layer for aiding the state transformations of a phase change memory layer, and/or a modifying element for increasing absorption and contrast at short wavelengths. An optical data storage and retrieval system containing same. Also a light-plasmon coupling lens including an optically transparent substrate having a light incident surface and a light-plasmon coupling surface opposite the light incident surface. The light-plasmon coupling surface including at least a set of circular concentric peaks/valleys which form a Fourier sinusoidal pattern in the radial direction of the circular concentric peaks/valleys. A conformal layer of metal is deposited on the light-plasmon coupling surface of the substrate and has aperture at the center of thereof through which plasmons are transmitted.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming microstructures in the surface of polymeric web materials for use as optical memory substrates. The microstructures may be formed by laminating a hot stamper to a web of material with a selective time/temperature profile. The stamper may be heated to melt flow the surface of the web and stabilize before separation. The stamper may be carried by a support that is independent of the press. The web of polymeric material may be provided with a flow enhancer to improve image formation.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and system for implementing prioritized communications in a computer system. The present invention is implemented on a computer system having a microprocessor and a plurality of peripheral devices coupled to the computer system. The system of the present invention determines a first priority level and determines a second priority level. The system of the present invention receives a bandwidth allocation request from a software process to transfer data at the first priority level between two or more peripheral devices. The system subsequently allocates a first priority data transfer bandwidth between the devices in response to the request and performs a first data transfer between the devices using the first priority data transfer bandwidth. In addition, the system of the present invention performs a second data transfer between other devices using a second priority data transfer bandwidth. The second data transfer occurs at a second priority level.