Abstract: A sensing and analysis system, method, and network that make use of a very portable and compact sensor unit and a physically separate electronic unit that serves to power and control the sensor unit, process and optionally display the output of the sensor unit, and transmit the sensor output to other locations, such as over a network. The sensor unit includes a housing, a sensing element within the housing and responsive to an input, and electronic circuitry within the housing and in communication with the sensing element to produce an electrical output based on an output signal generated by the sensing element. A communication providing device delivers instructions generated by the electronic unit to the sensor unit and delivers the electrical output from the sensor unit to the electronic unit.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for assessing properties of a fluid. The device utilizes a microtube capable of different vibration modes for promoting certain performance and/or structural aspects of the device. The microtube is supported by a base so as to be spaced apart from a substrate surface. The microtube has a peripheral portion surrounding the base, arms supporting the peripheral portion from the base, and a continuous internal microchannel having at least first and second microchannel portions. Each microchannel portion defines a separate flow route, and each flow route originates at the base, continues through a portion of the peripheral portion, and returns to the base. The first and second microchannel portions are fluidically connected to inlet and outlet ports, respectively, within the base. Vibration of the microtube is induced and sensed by driving and sensing elements. Fluid properties are determined from outputs of the sensing elements.

Abstract: A method and device for assessing rheological properties of a fluid, including lubricity and viscosity. The invention utilizes a tube into which the fluid is introduced, and relies on tracking the movement of the fluid through the tube either alone or with one or more particles intentionally introduced into the fluid to assess the rheological properties of the fluid. The method and device generally entail flowing the fluid and the optional suspended particle through a passage within the tube, and assessing a rheological property of the fluid within the tube by tracking the movement of the fluid and/or particle through the portion relative to the flow of the fluid through the portion.

Abstract: A process for producing a tube suitable for microfluidic devices. The process uses first and second wafers, each having a substantially uniform doping level. The first wafer has a first portion into which a channel is etched partially therethrough between second and third portions of the first wafer. The first wafer is then bonded to the second wafer so that a first portion of the second wafer overlies the first portion of the first wafer and encloses the channel to define a passage. The second wafer is then thinned so that the first portion thereof defines a thinned wall of the passage. Second and third portions of the second wafer and part of the second and third portions of the first wafer are then removed, and the thinned wall defined by the second wafer is bonded to a substrate such that the passage projects over a recess in the substrate surface. The second and third portions of the first wafer are then removed to define a tube with a freestanding portion.

Abstract: A device and method capable of sensing the presence of biochem agents, and preferably also capable of delivering precise amounts of one or more antidotes to treat a victim exposed to the agents. The device includes a freestanding tube portion having an internal passage containing a substance selective to a chemical or biological agent so that matter accumulates within the freestanding tube portion when a fluid drawn through the tube portion contains the agent. When vibrated at resonance, the resonant frequency of the tube portion is indicative of the accumulation of matter and thereby the presence of the agent to which the substance is selective. The device then preferably delivers precise amounts of one or more appropriate antidotes to treat the victim. The device is a sufficiently small and lightweight unit to permit being carried by an individual.

Abstract: A process for producing a tube suitable for microfluidic devices. The process uses a uniformly-doped first material having a first portion into which a channel is etched partially through the first material between second and third portions of the first material. The first material is then bonded to a second material so that a first portion of the second material overlies the first portion of the first material and encloses the channel to define a passage. The second and third portions of the second material and part of the second and third portions of the first material are then removed, and the first portion of the second material is bonded to a substrate such that the passage projects over a recess in the substrate surface. The second and third portions of the first material are then removed to define a tube with a freestanding portion.

Abstract: An anchor and procedure for placing a medical implant, such as for monitoring physiological parameters. The anchor includes a central body in which a medical implant can be received. Arms and members extend radially from first and second ends, respectively, of the central body. Each member defines a leg extending toward distal portions of the arms to provide a clamping action. The anchor and its implant are placed by coupling first and second guidewires to first and second portions of the anchor, placing an end of a delivery catheter in a wall where implantation is desired, inserting the anchor in the catheter with the guidewires to locate the anchor within the wall, deploying the arms of the anchor at one side of the wall followed by deployment of the members at the opposite side of the wall, and thereafter decoupling the guidewires from the anchor.

Abstract: An anchor and procedure for placing a medical implant, such as for monitoring physiological parameters. The anchor includes a central body in which a medical implant can be received. Arms and members extend radially from first and second ends, respectively, of the central body. Each member defines a leg extending toward distal portions of the arms to provide a clamping action. The anchor and its implant are placed by coupling first and second guidewires to first and second portions of the anchor, placing an end of a delivery catheter in a wall where implantation is desired, inserting the anchor in the catheter with the guidewires to locate the anchor within the wall, deploying the arms of the anchor at one side of the wall followed by deployment of the members at the opposite side of the wall, and thereafter decoupling the guidewires from the anchor.

Abstract: A fluid system installed on a vehicle and a method for assessing a property of a fluid flowing in the fluid system. The fluid system and method entail flowing at least a portion of the fluid through a passage within a freestanding portion of a micromachined tube supported above a substrate so as to define a gap therebetween, vibrating the freestanding portion of the micromachined tube at a resonant frequency thereof, sensing the movement of the freestanding portion of the micromachined tube so as to measure at least one of the vibration frequency and deflection of the freestanding portion relative to the substrate and produce therefrom at least one output corresponding to at least one of the mass flow rate, specific gravity, and density of the portion of the fluid flowing through the passage, and then using the output to compute the property of the fluid.

Abstract: A micromachined fluid sensing device and a method for its fabrication. The sensing device incorporates a bypass passage, preferably an integral bypass passage within the device, that enables a volume of fluid to be delivered to the device, with a limited portion of the fluid passing through a passage within the device in which one or more properties of the fluid are sensed, such as but not limited to density, specific gravity, and chemical concentrations. The device is suitable for monitoring the fuel concentration in a fuel mixture for a fuel cell.

Abstract: A system for non-invasively monitoring one or more physiological parameters such as pressure and/or pressure gradients in a cardiac conduit adapted for blood bypass flow. The system includes the conduit, at least one sensing device chronically located within the conduit, and a non-implantable readout device. The sensing device includes at least one inductor coil and at least one sensor for monitoring the one or more physiological parameters for diagnosis of the condition of the conduit after the conduit is implanted in a patient. The readout device includes at least one inductor coil allowing electromagnetic telecommunication and electromagnetic wireless powering of the sensing device through the inductor coil thereof.

Abstract: A method and device for assessing the viscosity of a fluid. The method and device utilize a tube with a vibrating freestanding portion into which the fluid is introduced, and relies on sensing the influence that the fluid has on the vibrational movement of the tube to assess the viscosity of the fluid. For this purpose, the freestanding portion is preferably driven at or near a resonant frequency, movement of the freestanding portion is sensed, and the viscosity of a fluid within the tube is assessed by ascertaining the damping effect the fluid has on movement of the freestanding portion at or near the resonant frequency.

Abstract: The present invention defines an implantable microfabricated sensor device for measuring a physiologic parameter of interest within a patient. The sensor device includes a substrate and a sensor, integrally formed with the substrate, that is responsive to the physiologic parameter of interest. At least one conductive path is integrally formed with said substrate and coupled to the sensor. Connected to the conductive path is an active circuit. The active circuit is further electrically connected to the sensor.

Abstract: A method and device for performing lysing on a cell-containing fluid, in which the fluid flows through a vibrating micromachined tube to physically rupture the cell walls (mechanical lysis), and/or to mix, agitate or homogenize the fluid during chemical lysis, and/or to mix, agitate or homogenize the lysate for analysis or other processing after lysing. The tube includes a freestanding portion spaced apart from a surface of a substrate on which the tube is formed. The device further includes means for vibrating the freestanding portion of the tube at a level sufficient to rupture the walls of cells in a fluid flowing through the freestanding portion (for mechanical lysing) or to mix the fluid and a chemical lysing additive within the freestanding portion (for chemical lysing).

Abstract: Micromachine fluidic apparatus incorporates a free-standing tube section and electrodes to actuate or control the movement of the tube section, or to sense the movement of the tube section, or both. Electronic circuitry, which may be disposed on the same substrate as the fluidic portion of the apparatus, is used in conjunction with the tube and electrodes in conjunction with a variety of different applications, including fluid flow measurement, fluid density measurement, fluid viscosity measurement, fluid transport, separation and/or mixing. According to a particular embodiment, the free-standing section of the tube is resonated for fluid flow and density measurements according to the Coriolis effect. Capacitive/electrostatic actuation techniques are used to control or resonate the free-standing section of the tube, and to detect variations in tube movement.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system capable of delivering a precise amount of fluid and monitor certain properties of the fluid so that the correct fluid is safely delivered to its intended destination. The system makes use of a flow sensor comprising a freestanding tube portion vibrated at a resonant frequency, wherein the resonant frequency corresponds to the density of the fluid flowing through the tube portion and the tube portion exhibits a degree of twist that varies with the mass flow rate of the fluid flowing therethrough. Movement of the tube portion is then sensed to produce a first output signal corresponding to the fluid density and a second output signal corresponding to the mass flow rate. The system is also equipped to measure elapsed time and to stop fluid flow in response to either of the first and second output signals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implantable microfabricated sensor device and system for measuring a physiologic parameter of interest within a patient. The implantable device is micro electromechanical system (MEMS) device and includes a substrate having an integrated inductor and at least one sensor formed thereon. A plurality of conductive paths electrically connect the integrated inductor with the sensor. Cooperatively, the integrated inductor, sensor and conductive paths defining an LC tank resonator.

Abstract: A method for preventing contamination, oxidation and gas absorption of reactive materials, and articles formed thereby. The method generally entails depositing a first layer of a reactive material and a second layer of a substantially nonreactive material so that the second layer protects the first layer from a surrounding atmosphere. For example, the first and second layers may be deposited to form a film on a surface within a chamber that is desired to be maintained in a vacuum during use of the article. The second layer is sufficiently thin such that appropriately heating the first and second layers causes the reactive material of the first layer to become interdiffused with the nonreactive material of the second layer, to the extent that at least a portion of the reactive material is able to react and getter gases from the surrounding atmosphere.

Abstract: A microneedle and a process of forming the microneedle of single-crystal silicon-based material without the need for deposited films. The microneedle comprises a piercing end, an oppositely-disposed second end, and an internal passage having an opening adjacent the piercing end. The cross-section of the microneedle, and therefore the passage within the microneedle, is defined by first and second walls formed of doped single-crystal silicon-based material and separated by the passage, and first and second sidewalls separated by the passage, sandwiched between the first and second walls, and formed of single-crystal silicon-based material that is more lightly doped than the first and second walls.

Abstract: A microminiature sensing module and a sensing catheter system are provided. The module includes a sensor and signal conditioning circuit mounted on a substrate having electrical contacts positioned to facilitate connection of the module to an electrical bus, such as a dual lead electrical bus. The catheter system incorporates a dual lead electrical bus and one or more sensor modules. Methods of fabricating sensing catheter systems are also provided.