Abstract: Automated methods and devices that facilitate iterative staining of biological samples from imaging applications are provided. The methods include the steps of providing a small volume flow cell containing a biological sample, applying a stain to the biological sample, combining at least two precursor reagents to form an activated destaining agent and wherein the activated destaining agent decomposition rate is greater than or similar to the destaining reaction rate, flowing the destaining agent over the biological sample at a flow rate that is greater than the decomposition rate of the activated destaining agent, and releasing the sample from the flow cell wherein the integrity of the sample is intact. The process of staining, combining and flowing may be iteratively repeated.

Abstract: A microfluidic device with a vertical injection aperture is provided. The microfluidic device comprises a separation channel, an injection aperture disposed adjacent to and in fluid communication with the separation channel. The microfluidic device further comprises a semi-permeable filter disposed adjacent to the injection aperture, wherein the filter is configured to preconcentrate a sample in the injection aperture to form a preconcentrated sample plug during an injection operation, and wherein the sample plug flows downwardly from the injection aperture to the separation channel during an electrophoresis operation.

Abstract: A non-invasive array-based hemodynamic monitoring system on chip is disclosed. The non-invasive array-based hemodynamic monitoring system on chip comprises a CMOS MEMS pressure sensor array, a readout circuit, and a signal control system. The CMOS MEMS pressure sensor array is configured to sense a pulse wave of a blood vessel. The readout circuit is coupled with each of the CMOS compatible MEMS pressure sensors and is configured to read the pulse wave and transformed the pulse wave into a voltage signal. The signal control system is coupled with each of the readout circuit, and is configured to estimate a wave velocity according to the voltage signal.

Abstract: A low power preconcentrator for use in micro gas analysis, such as gas chromatography, and a system that employs the preconcentrator is disclosed. The preconcentrator includes a reservoir that comprises a heater membrane and elements coated at least partially with an adsorbent, and ports for receiving and discharging an analyte in communication with the reservoir. At least a portion of the reservoir (e.g., a cap) is made of a material having a thermal conductivity less than about 100 W/(m·K) and/or the heater membrane is made of a material that has a temperature difference less than about 75° C. when heated. The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiment(s), and it is recognized that equivalents, alternatives, and modifications, aside from those expressly stated, are possible and within the scope of the appending claims.

Abstract: Methods and systems for injecting a sample during electrophoresis, that generally comprise: loading a sieving matrix through a first end of a separation channel; having the an end of the sieving matrix at a set distance from the intersection of the separation channel and a loading channel; pressure loading a sample through the loading channel and filling an empty portion of the separation channel; applying an electric field across the separation channel while flowing a washing buffer through the loading channel; and injecting a portion of the sample into the separation channel, wherein the portion of the sample injected is of a size that is determined by a distance between the end of the sieving matrix and the intersection of the loading and separation channels.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) based current & magnetic field sensor includes a MEMS-based magnetic field sensing component having a capacitive magneto-MEMS component, a compensator and an output component for sensing magnetic fields and for providing, in response thereto, an indication of the current present in a respective conductor to be measured. In one embodiment, first and second mechanical sense components are electrically conductive and operate to sense a change in a capacitance between the mechanical sense components in response to a mechanical indicator from a magnetic-to-mechanical converter.

Abstract: A method for making a testable sensor assembly is provided. The method includes forming a first sensor array on a first substrate having a first side and a second side, wherein the first sensor array is formed on the first side of the first substrate, coupling a first semiconductor wafer having a first side and a second side to the first sensor array, wherein the first side of the first semiconductor wafer is coupled to the first sensor array, thinning one of the second side of the first substrate or the second side of the first semiconductor wafer, and testing the first sensor array to identify operational and non-operational units in the testable sensor assembly before integration of the sensor assembly with interface electronics.

Abstract: A touch screen device includes a touch screen panel having a key input area and defining a plurality of touch-sensitive keys at the key input area, a control module operatively linking with the touch screen panel, and a security key inputting system operatively linked to the control module. The control module displays a plurality of input characters at the touch-sensitive keys respectively in such a manner that when one of the touch-sensitive keys is contacted, the control module identifies the corresponding input character being selected as an input data. The security key inputting system is arranged for randomly re-arranging the input characters at different touch-sensitive keys respectively, wherein the input characters are alternately displayed at the touch-sensitive keys for preventing the input characters from being read by memorization of fixed location.

Abstract: Methods and systems for injecting a sample during electrophoresis, that generally comprise: loading a sieving matrix through a first end of a separation channel; having the an end of the sieving matrix at a set distance from the intersection of the separation channel and a loading channel; pressure loading a sample through the loading channel and filling an empty portion of the separation channel; applying an electric field across the separation channel while flowing a washing buffer through the loading channel; and injecting a portion of the sample into the separation channel, wherein the portion of the sample injected is of a size that is determined by a distance between the end of the sieving matrix and the intersection of the loading and separation channels.

Abstract: A microchip for capillary electrophoresis is provided. The microchip comprises an injection channel and a separation channel configured to receive a sample through a sample well disposed on a first end of the separation channel; wherein the injection channel and the separation channel intersect to form a ‘T’ junction. The microchip further comprises a first valve disposed adjacent to the ‘T’ junction and on the separation channel and a second valve disposed at the ‘T’ junction. The second valve is a two-way valve. A sample plug is injected into an area between the ‘T’ junction and a second end of the separation channel.

Abstract: Electrophoresis systems and methods comprise an electrophoresis device, wherein the electrophoresis device comprises a loading channel, an injection channel, and a separation channel. The loading channel is in fluid communication with a first and second sample port. The injection channel is connected to the loading channel to form a first intersection. The separation channel is connected to the injection channel to form a second intersection and in fluid communication with a first and second reservoir, and wherein the injection channel is in fluid communication with a third reservoir. The electrophoresis system further comprises electrodes coupled to the first sample port and the third reservoir, and the first reservoir and the second reservoir, respectively, that are adapted to move the sample into the loading channel towards the third reservoir and form a sample plug in the second intersection, and to further move the sample plug into the separation channel towards the second reservoir.

Abstract: Electrophoresis systems and methods comprise an electrophoresis device, wherein the electrophoresis device comprises a loading channel, an injection channel, and a separation channel. The loading channel is in fluid communication with a first and second sample port. The injection channel is connected to the loading channel to form a first intersection. The separation channel is connected to the injection channel to form a second intersection and in fluid communication with a first and second reservoir, and wherein the injection channel is in fluid communication with a third reservoir. The electrophoresis system further comprises electrodes coupled to the first sample port and the third reservoir, and the first reservoir and the second reservoir, respectively, that are adapted to move the sample into the loading channel towards the third reservoir and form a sample plug in the second intersection, and to further move the sample plug into the separation channel towards the second reservoir.

Abstract: Electrophoresis systems and methods comprise an electrophoresis device, wherein the electrophoresis comprises a loading channel, a separation channel, and an injection channel. The loading channel is in fluid communication with a first and second sample port. The separation channel is connected to the loading channel to form a first intersection, and an injection channel connected to the separation channel to form a second intersection and in fluid communication with a first reservoir, and wherein the separation channel is in fluid communication with a second reservoir. The electrophoresis system further comprises two electrodes coupled to the first sample port and the first reservoir, and the first sample port and the second reservoir, respectively, that are adapted to move the sample into the loading channel towards the first reservoir and form a sample plug in the separation channel, and to further move the sample plug into the separation channel towards the second reservoir.

Abstract: Methods and microfluidic devices for generating and manipulating sample droplets, wherein the devices comprise, a plurality of fluid channels, at least one of which is a sample channel for carrying a fluidic sample material, that is in fluid communication with the carrier fluid channel via an orifice; and an actuated flow interrupter adapted to force a predetermined amount of the sample fluid from the sample channel through the orifice into the carrier fluid channel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present techniques provide systems and methods for isolating particular classes of biological molecules, for example, proteins or nucleic acids, from mixtures of biological components. The methods use solutions that react with the biological molecules to enhance their adsorption by substrates, allowing contaminants to be washed away from the targeted molecules. Embodiments include automated systems that can be used to implement the technique with no or minimal intervention. Other embodiments include separation column technologies that may be used in the techniques.

Abstract: Automated methods and devices that facilitate iterative staining of biological samples from imaging applications are provided. The methods include the steps of providing a small volume flow cell containing a biological sample, applying a stain to the biological sample, combining at least two precursor reagents to form an activated destaining agent and wherein the activated destaining agent decomposition rate is greater than or similar to the destaining reaction rate, and flowing the destaining agent over the biological sample at a flow rate that is greater than the decomposition rate of the activated destaining agent. The process of staining, combining and flowing may be iteratively repeated. Also disclosed herein are devices for iterative staining of biological samples comprising a flow cell, in fluid communication with a premixer, wherein the volume capacity of the premixer is smaller than about five times the volume capacity of the flow cell.

Abstract: An optofluidic device is provided. The device includes a cladding region having a first refractive index, and a channel defined by the cladding region such that the cladding region forms an inner surface or an interface of the channel. The channel is configured to house one or more of a liquid, a solid, a gas, a colloidal, or a suspension sample, wherein the sample has a second refractive index, where the channel is configured to guide radiation, and where the first refractive index is lower than the second refractive index.

Abstract: An optofluidic device is provided. The device includes a cladding region having a first refractive index, and a channel defined by the cladding region such that the cladding region forms an inner surface or an interface of the channel. The channel is configured to house one or more of a liquid, a solid, a gas, a colloidal, or a suspension sample, wherein the sample has a second refractive index, where the channel is configured to guide radiation, and where the first refractive index is lower than the second refractive index.

Abstract: A microchip for electrophoresis is provided. The microchip comprises an injection channel and a separation channel configured to receive a sample through a sample well. The injection channel and the separation channel form a ‘T’ junction. The microchip comprises a first electrode disposed at a first end of the separation channel, a second electrode disposed in front of the ‘T’ junction and adjacent to the first electrode, a third electrode disposed at a first end of the injection channel and a fourth electrode disposed at a second end of the separation channel. A portion of the sample is injected and separated into an area between the ‘T’ junction and the fourth electrode.

Abstract: A microfluidic chip comprising a separation channel configured to receive a sieving matrix and a buffer and an injection channel in fluid communication with the separation channel. The injection channel is configured to receive a sample using a capillary force and a portion of the sample injects into the separation channel electro-kinetic force exerted on the sample.