Abstract: Various gel electrophoretic assemblies and techniques are disclosed for providing unique isoelectric focusing (IEF) strategies. Several particular systems, assemblies and methods are provided that significantly reduce processing time, enable the use of reduced operating voltages, and produce analytical results with improved resolution.

Abstract: A sample manipulator that utilizes electrostatic traveling waves to selectively displace one or more samples deposited on its face is disclosed. The sample manipulator enables an operator to perform a wide variety of processes upon the deposited samples. Also disclosed are strategies for separating two or more samples, focusing a sample, and passing a reagent through a sample, all conducted on the face of the sample manipulator.

Abstract: A piezoelectric thick film element array includes at least one piezoelectric element structure having a thickness between 10 ?m to 100 ?m formed by a deposition process. The at least one piezoelectric element is patterned during the deposition process, and includes a first electrode deposited on a first surface of the piezoelectric elements structure, and a second electrode deposited on a second surface of the piezoelectric element structure. In a further embodiment, several devices are provided using a piezoelectric element or an array having a piezoelectric element structure with a thickness of between 10 ?m to 100 ?m formed by a deposition process. These devices include microfluidic ejectors, transducer arrays and catheters.

Abstract: A method of producing at least one piezoelectric element includes depositing a piezoelectric ceramic material onto a surface of a first substrate to form at least one piezoelectric element structure. Then an electrode is deposited on a surface of the at least one piezoelectric element structure. Next, the at least one piezoelectric element structure is bonded to a second substrate, the second substrate being conductive or having a conductive layer. The first substrate is then removed from the at least one piezoelectric element structure and a second side electrode is deposited on a second surface of the at least one piezoelectric element structure. A poling operation is performed to provide the at least one piezoelectric element structure with piezoelectric characteristics.

Abstract: A multi-electrode piezoelectric diaphragm structure includes a diaphragm, piezoelectric material located on the diaphragm, which is defined as having a first area, and a second area. The first area of the piezoelectric is poled in a first direction, and the second area of the piezoelectric is poled in a second direction. The poled first direction is in a Z-axis of the piezoelectric and the poled second direction is in a Radial axis of the piezoelectric. A first electrode is positioned in the first area, on the first surface, of the piezoelectric. A second electrode is positioned in the second area, on the first surface, of the piezoelectric. A third electrode is located on a second surface of the piezoelectric.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present exemplary embodiment, an energy generation device is provided. A base is fixedly secured to a source of mechanical energy of an oscillatory nature. At least one mass is movably suspended relative to the base. First and second members movably suspend the at least one mass relative to the base. The first and second flexible members convert mechanical energy from oscillations emitted by the source of mechanical energy into electrical signals.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present application, a piezoelectric diaphragm structure includes a diaphragm, with a piezoelectric material located on the diaphragm. The piezoelectric material is being poled in a radial direction to the piezoelectric material, wherein the poling direction is in-plane with the piezoelectric material. An inter-digitated electrode grid is positioned on a first surface of the piezoelectric material, the inter-digitated electrode grid including a plurality of electrodes configured to selectively receive positive and negative voltage. The application of the positive and negative voltages generate electric fields in the piezoelectric material, at least a portion of which are in-plane with the piezoelectric material, resulting in an actuation of the piezoelectric material, causing a length change of the piezoelectric material in the Radial direction.

Abstract: A system and method of operation for a piezoelectric transducer is described which utilizes a mesa structure interposed between a piezoelectric material element and a chamber diaphragm. The system can be used as a sensor where a net motion to the diaphragm causes a net charge equal to the sum of the charges on each piezoelectric diaphragm. Alternatively, the system can be used as an actuator wherein an applied voltage causes movement of the piezoelectric transducer and the chamber diaphragm.

Abstract: A system and method of operation for a piezoelectric transducer is described which utilizes a mesa structure interposed between a piezoelectric material element and a chamber diaphragm. The mesa structure may further comprise a series of mesa openings at least partially filled with adhesive and mesa grooves. The system can be used as a sensor where a net motion to the diaphragm causes a net charge equal to the sum of the charges on each piezoelectric diaphragm. Alternatively, the system can be used as an actuator wherein an applied voltage causes movement of the piezoelectric transducer and the chamber diaphragm.

Abstract: A system and method of operation is described which utilizes an array of piezoelectric actuators distributed over the surface of a diaphragm. In one embodiment, the piezoelectric actuator array is used to cause a net motion of the diaphragm equal to the sum of the motions of each individual sub-chamber diaphragm. The system can be used as a sensor where a common motion applied to the sub-chamber diaphragm causes a net charge equal to the sum of the charges on each piezoelectric diaphragm.

Abstract: A key chain for retaining objects is provided comprising a rigid curved member with two ends, a chain attached to each of the ends of the curved member, a stop carried on the chain for preventing movement of the object past the stop, and a removable retaining member.

Abstract: Various traveling wave grids and electrophoretic systems, and electrode assemblies using such grids, are disclosed. A configuration in which a voltage potential is used to load a biomolecule sample against a grid is disclosed. A unique strategy of using multiple, reconfigurable grids in such systems is also described. The strategy involves initially conducting a broad protein separation and then selectively tailoring one or more grids, and conducting one or more secondary processing operations. Related strategies and specific methods are additionally disclosed for separating samples of biomolecules and components thereof using the noted systems, assemblies, and grids.

Abstract: An electrophoretic cell configuration and related method are disclosed that employ oppositely directed traveling electrical waves. The waves travel across the cell and samples undergoing separation. Various strategies are used to selectively direct the movement and arrangement of the samples and resulting sample patterns.

Abstract: Various gel electrophoretic assemblies and techniques are disclosed for providing unique isoelectric focusing (IEF) strategies. Several particular systems, assemblies and methods are provided that significantly reduce processing time, enable the use of reduced operating voltages, and produce analytical results with improved resolution.

Abstract: A method of producing at least one piezoelectric element includes depositing a piezoelectric ceramic material onto a surface of a first substrate to form at least one piezoelectric element structure. Then an electrode is deposited on a surface of the at least one piezoelectric element structure. Next, the at least one piezoelectric element structure is bonded to a second substrate, the second substrate being conductive or having a conductive layer. The first substrate is then removed from the at least one piezoelectric element structure and a second side electrode is deposited on a second surface of the at least one piezoelectric element structure. A poling operation is performed to provide the at least one piezoelectric element structure with piezoelectric characteristics.

Abstract: A system and method of operation for a piezoelectric transducer is described which utilizes a mesa structure interposed between a piezoelectric material element and a chamber diaphragm. The mesa structure may further comprise a series of mesa openings at least partially filled with adhesive and mesa grooves. The system can be used as a sensor where a net motion to the diaphragm causes a net charge equal to the sum of the charges on each piezoelectric diaphragm. Alternatively, the system can be used as an actuator wherein an applied voltage causes movement of the piezoelectric transducer and the chamber diaphragm.

Abstract: A system and method of operation for a piezoelectric transducer is described which utilizes a mesa structure interposed between a piezoelectric material element and a chamber diaphragm. The system can be used as a sensor where a net motion to the diaphragm causes a net charge equal to the sum of the charges on each piezoelectric diaphragm. Alternatively, the system can be used as an actuator wherein an applied voltage causes movement of the piezoelectric transducer and the chamber diaphragm.

Abstract: A system and method of operation is described which utilizes an array of piezoelectric actuators distributed over the surface of a diaphragm. In one embodiment, the piezoelectric actuator array is used to cause a net motion of the diaphragm equal to the sum of the motions of each individual sub-chamber diaphragm. The system can be used as a sensor where a common motion applied to the sub-chamber diaphragm causes a net charge equal to the sum of the charges on each piezoelectric diaphragm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a key chain for retaining objects comprising a rigid curved member with two ends, a chain attached to each of the ends of the curved member, a stop carried on the chain for preventing movement of the object past the stop, and a removable retaining member.

Abstract: An integrated printhead package for acoustic ink printing includes a plurality of layers. Each of the layers is stacked against one of the other layers. A reservoir is defined within the layers and contains a first fluid. One of the layers forms a plate for covering an open side of the reservoir. The plate has apertures for passing the first fluid from the reservoir to an exterior area. A passage, formed by at least one of the stacked layers, communicates with the reservoir and the exterior area. The first fluid passes through the passage. At least one of a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor are located within the layers. The pressure sensor and temperature sensor measures a pressure and temperature, respectively, of the first fluid.