Abstract: A system and method is provided for detecting fluid low-volume and occlusion in a device using force sensing resistor (FSR) sensor. One or more force sensing resistors are positioned in communication with a fluid channel at one or more of a pump intake and pump outlet to detect pressure in the fluid channel. The pressure is detected through communication with the force sensing resistor and indicates an irregular system condition including but not limited to, fluid low-volume level and occlusion. Also provided are a fluid flow sensor (e.g., FSR or MEMS sensor) disposed relative to an embedded fluid channel in the base of a wearable medicine delivery pump.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for detecting fluid low-volume and occlusion in a device using force sensing resistor (FSR) sensor. One or more force sensing resistors are positioned in communication with a fluid channel at one or more of a pump intake and pump outlet to detect pressure in the fluid channel. The pressure is detected through communication with the force sensing resistor and indicates an irregular system condition including but not limited to, fluid low-volume level and occlusion. Also provided are a fluid flow sensor (e.g., FSR or MEMS sensor) disposed relative to an embedded fluid channel in the base of a wearable medicine delivery pump.

Abstract: A medical device for infusing medical substances has activation buttons accessible on the exterior of the device housing. Activation buttons and corresponding electrical switches within the housing are configured to prevent inadvertent activation of the buttons and therefore inadvertent operation of the switches to initiate a process such as medical substance delivery to the user. The device employs overlap of respective time traces initiated by activation of the activation buttons to determine whether activation is intended and valid. These time traces do not have to be initiated simultaneously or in any particular sequence. The activation buttons can be elastomeric overmolded buttons set within cutouts in the housing, and, when depressed, make physical contact with respective switches.

Abstract: The assay plate includes a substrate having an substrate surface and at least one raised pad extending from the substrate surface. The raised pad includes a substantially planar sample receiving surface configured for holding a sample thereon for in situ experimentation. The sample receiving surface preferably has at least one sharp edge at the junction between a sidewall coupling the sample receiving surface to the substrate surface. The sample receiving surface is preferably a circle, oval, square, rectangle, triangle, pentagon, hexagon, or octagon shape that is sized to hold a predetermined volume of the sample. A method of using the above described assay plate is also provided. Once a raised pad extending from a substrate is formed, a sample is deposited on the raised pad. Experiments are subsequently performed using the sample on the raised pad.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method, apparatus (array assembly), and system for fabricating and formulating hydrogels using combinatorial techniques; a hydrogel array fabricated using the method, apparatus, and/or system of the invention; and methods and systems for testing the properties of arrayed hydrogels, such as bulk and interfacial mechanical properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for facilitating high throughput transcellular flux testing of compounds, such as pharmaceuticals or drugs, other compounds, or compound combinations. In one embodiment, the system and methods of the present invention may be used to identify the optimal components (e.g., solvents, carriers, transport enhancers, adhesives, additives, inhibitors, or other excipients) for pharmaceutical compositions or formulations that are delivered to a patient via tissue transport, including without limitation, pharmaceutical compositions or formulations administered or delivered transcellularly, topically, and ocularly.

Abstract: The invention concerns methods, systems, and devices for screening arrays comprising hundreds, thousands, or hundreds of thousands of samples. These methods are useful to optimize, select, and discover compositions, or conditions for cost-effective freeze-drying of preparations and freezing of biologicals while maintaining structural integrity and/or viability. Such freeze-dried compositions are easily reformulated for treating or preventing diseases, the cause of the diseases, or the symptoms of the diseases. Moreover, optimized freezing of biological samples enables viable preservation of a wide variety of biologicals.

Abstract: The assay plate includes a substrate having an substrate surface and at least one raised pad extending from the substrate surface. The raised pad includes a substantially planar sample receiving surface configured for holding a sample thereon for in-situ experimentation. The sample receiving surface preferably has at least one sharp edge at the junction between a sidewall coupling the sample receiving surface to the substrate surface. The sample receiving surface is preferably a circle, oval, square, rectangle, triangle, pentagon, hexagon, or octagon shape that is sized to hold a predetermined volume of the sample. A method of using the above described assay plate is also provided. Once a raised pad extending from a substrate is formed, a sample is deposited on the raised pad. Experiments are subsequently performed using the sample on the raised pad.

Abstract: A device and method for enhancing skin piercing by microprotrusions involves pre-stretching the skin to enhance pathway formation when the microprotrusions are pressed into the skin. An expandable device includes skin engaging opposite ends that contact the skin surface so that when the device is expanded the skin is stretched. The skin is placed under a tension of about 0.01 to about 10 megapascals, preferably about 0.05 to 2 megapascals. The device has a plurality of microprotrusions which penetrate the skin while the skin is being stretched by the expanded device. Another stretching device employs suction for skin stretching.

Abstract: An improved low stress reed valve especially adapted for use as a suction or discharge valve in a reciprocating compressor or the like. The geometry and the relationship of certain key dimensions result in a substantially reduced stress on the valve, thus extending the life of such valves in normal operation.

Abstract: A high pressure mechanical face seal for prevention of leakage along a rotary shaft, wherein a rotary seal ring is mounted in a holder supported on the rotary shaft and a stationary seal ring is mounted in a plate and has a sealing face engaging the end face of the rotary seal ring. A pair of axially spaced pressure areas on the external surface of the stationary seal ring communicate with pressure lines which are appropriately valved to provide settings for high pressure, low pressure or atmospheric pressure to be exerted on either one or both of the spaced areas and provide hydrostatic loading of the stationary seal ring; resulting in a distortion of the ring to provide either a full face contact, an internal diameter contact or an external diameter contact of the seal faces.

Abstract: A sealing system for a rotatable shaft positioned in a passage extending through a housing where both static and dynamic sealing are achieved to prevent fluid leakage along the shaft from the liquid side to the air side of the seal. The system includes a helix formed either on the shaft or on the wall encompassing the shaft to provide a viscous shear pump forming a hydrodynamic seal, and a temporary face seal is provided at the air side end of the helix and adapted to effectuate sealing under static conditions and to diminish face seal contact upon rotation of the shaft.