Abstract: A micro or nano electromechanical relay device (10) comprising a source electrode (204) an electrically conductive beam (202) comprising an arcuate portion (12a) coupled to the source electrode by an arm portion, first and second drain electrodes (DE1, DE2) and first and second actuator electrodes (AE1, AE2). The arc of the arcuate portion defines a beam axis (BA). The arcuate portion is mounted for pivotal movement about a pivot axis (PA) which is coaxial or generally coaxial with the beam axis.

Abstract: A device receives virtual network function (VNF) data identifying a VNF to be implemented in a network and configures the VNF data with hardware and software requirements for deploying the VNF in a non-production environment, wherein configuring the VNF data with the hardware and software requirements generates a configured VNF. The device deploys the configured VNF in the non-production environment and performs one or more tests on the configured VNF deployed in the non-production environment. The device receives one or more test results based on performing the one or more tests on the configured VNF, and updates the configured VNF, based on the one or more test results, to generate an updated VNF. The device causes the updated VNF to be deployed in the network.

Abstract: A micro or nano electromechanical relay device (10) comprising a source electrode (204) an electrically conductive beam (202) comprising an arcuate portion (12a) coupled to the source electrode by an arm portion, first and second drain electrodes (DE1, DE2) and first and second actuator electrodes (AE1, AE2). The arc of the arcuate portion defines a beam axis (BA). The arcuate portion is mounted for pivotal movement about a pivot axis (PA) which is coaxial or generally coaxial with the beam axis.

Abstract: A device receives virtual network function (VNF) data identifying a VNF to be implemented in a network and configures the VNF data with hardware and software requirements for deploying the VNF in a non-production environment, wherein configuring the VNF data with the hardware and software requirements generates a configured VNF. The device deploys the configured VNF in the non-production environment and performs one or more tests on the configured VNF deployed in the non-production environment. The device receives one or more test results based on performing the one or more tests on the configured VNF, and updates the configured VNF, based on the one or more test results, to generate an updated VNF. The device causes the updated VNF to be deployed in the network.

Abstract: A electromechanical relay device (100) comprising a source electrode (102), a beam (104) mounted on the source electrode at a first end and electrically coupled to the source electrode; a first drain electrode (112) located adjacent a second end of the beam, wherein a first contact (110) on the beam is arranged to be separated from a second contact (112) on the first drain electrode when the relay device is in a first condition; a first gate electrode (106 arranged to cause the beam to deflect, to electrically couple the first contact and the second contact such that the device is in a second condition; and wherein the first and second contacts are each coated with a layer of nanocrystalline graphite.

Abstract: A electromechanical relay device (100) comprising a source electrode (102), a beam (104) mounted on the source electrode at a first end and electrically coupled to the source electrode; a first drain electrode (112) located adjacent a second end of the beam, wherein a first contact (110) on the beam is arranged to be separated from a second contact (112) on the first drain electrode when the relay device is in a first condition; a first gate electrode (106 arranged to cause the beam to deflect, to electrically couple the first contact and the second contact such that the device is in a second condition; and wherein the first and second contacts are each coated with a layer of nanocrystalline graphite.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for equilibrating a chromatography column including the steps of (i) providing a mobile phase; and (ii) passing the mobile phase through a packed chromatography column; wherein the mobile phase includes two liquids, the proportions of which change as it is passed through the column. Also discussed are automated aspects of the method, as well as a system capable of performing such method.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for equilibrating a chromatography column including the steps of (i) providing a mobile phase; and (ii) passing the mobile phase through a packed chromatography column; wherein the mobile phase includes two liquids, the proportions of which change as it is passed through the column. Also discussed are automated aspects of the method, as well as a system capable of performing such method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a phase separation element and a phase separation device comprising such a phase separation element, which may be used for separating a biphasic aqueous and organic liquid system irrespective of which liquid is heavier.

Abstract: A modified solid-support for use as a supported reagent for use in reduction reactions, including reductive amination comprising a solid-support having an tetrasubstituted ammonium cation species ionically bonded to a borohydride anion species extending therefrom having the general formula: wherein P is a solid-support, S is a spacer group selected from the group consisting of alkylene, {including —(CH2)n—}, alkyleneoxy {including -0(CH2)n—}, alkylenethio {including —S(CH2)n—} and alkylenecarboxy, {including —O(O)C—(CH2)n—}, n=2-16. R1, R2, R3 and R are each independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, haloalkyl and aryl. Y equals 1, 2 or 3. H is hydrogen or deuterium.