Abstract: A system for controlling an electrostatically induced liquid spray includes an electrostatic spray device for generating a liquid spray from a liquid sample; a spray current sensing means placed in relation to the spray device and configured to generate a current output signal that represents a current of the liquid spray; and a mechanism that receives the current output signal and compares it to a pre-selected current value, with a difference between the two representing a control signal that is sent to one of (1) a pump that regulates the flow rate of the liquid sample and (2) a power supply to regulate an electric field associated with the spray device that generates the liquid spray according to a set level of current.

Abstract: Microfluidic nozzle array devices are provided with the body of each device having at least one nozzle extending outwardly from one surface of the body. The microfluidic nozzle array devices are fabricated using an injection molding process and find particular utility in a wide range of applications, including but not limited to nanospray/electrospray applications, mass spectrometer applications, optical spectrometry applications, spotting applications (i.e., DNA or protein array), etc. Manufactured nozzles can include sealed nozzle apexes which are subsequently opened by focusing energy from an energy source on the sealed apex resulting in the opening of the nozzle channel.

Abstract: In one aspect, a microfluidic device includes a substrate with a top surface and a raised channel architecture in which at least one channel is formed and defined across a top surface of the substrate and between raised side walls such that a floor of the channel is coplanar with the top surface. The device has a cover positioned over the substrate in alignment with the substrate and including a seal portion that is sealingly received between the raised side walls so as to seal the at least one channel. In addition, the device includes a column packing material disposed within the at least one channel between the raised side walls prior to sealing the at least one channel by merely only inserting the seal portion of the cover within the at least one channel between the raised side walls.