Abstract: A method for detecting viral or bacteriological pathogens is disclosed. The method comprises collecting a potentially pathogenic sample via a collector, binding a first portion of the potentially pathogenic sample to a magnetic particle via a first coating on the magnetic particle, binding a second portion of the potentially pathogenic sample to a fluorescently labeled particle via a coating of a second coating on the fluorescently labeled particle to create aggregates comprising the potentially pathogenic sample, magnetic particle, and the fluorescently labeled particle, separating the aggregates magnetically, detecting a fluorescence of the separated aggregates, and estimating an amount of the pathogen based on the detected fluorescence.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for determining a characteristic of an in vivo sensor. A transmit field, operative to induce a response signal in an associated in vivo sensor, is generated at a transmitting component having an associated orientation. The response signal is received at a receiving component, having an associated orientation. The coupling between the transmitting component and the receiving component is measured. The associated orientation of at least one of the transmitting component and the receiving component is rotated as to reduce the measured coupling.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining a characteristic of an associated in vivo sensor within a living body. A transmit coil produces an excitation signal, having a first orientation, to excite the in vivo sensor to produce a response signal. A receive coil produces a current in response to the response signal. The receive coil is oriented to interact with signals having a second orientation that is substantially orthogonal to first orientation. The probe further comprises at least one eddy current compensation coil that produces a compensation field. A component of the compensation field along the second orientation has a magnitude at the receive coil substantially equal and opposite to a magnitude of a similarly oriented component of a magnetic field associated with eddy currents induced within the body.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) that utilizes microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology to provide an in vivo assessment of loads on adjacent bones (24 and 26) comprises a body (34) for insertion between the adjacent bones. At least one sensor (42) is associated with the body (34). The sensor (42) generates an output signal in response to and indicative of a load being applied to the body (34) through the adjacent bones (24 and 26). A telemetric device (40) is operatively coupled with the sensor (42). The telemetric device (40) is operable to receive the output signal from the sensor (42) and to transmit an EMF signal dependent upon the output signal. According to various aspects of the invention, the sensor comprises a pressure sensor (42), a load cell (320), and/or at least one strain gauge (142).

Abstract: Systems and methods for in vivo sensing are provided. An excitation signal is produced, having a first frequency component and a second frequency component. The first frequency component is swept through a plurality of excitation frequencies within a frequency range of interest. A response signal is received from an in vivo sensor. The response signal includes a mix component having a frequency equal to one of a sum of a first excitation frequency associated with the first frequency component and a second excitation frequency associated with the second frequency component and a difference between the first and second excitation frequencies. The mix component is evaluated to determine a resonant frequency of the in vivo sensor.

Abstract: A microneedle array module is disclosed comprising a multiplicity of microneedles affixed to and protruding outwardly from a front surface of a substrate to form the array, each microneedle of the array having a hollow section which extends through its center to an opening in the tip thereof. A method of fabricating the microneedle array module is also disclosed comprising the steps of: providing etch resistant mask layers to one and another opposite surfaces of a substrate to predetermined thicknesses; patterning the etch resistant mask layer of the one surface for outer dimensions of the microneedles of the array; patterning the etch resistant mask layer of the other surface for inner dimensions of the microneedles of the array; etching unmasked portions of the substrate from one and the other surfaces to first and second predetermined depths, respectively; and removing the mask layers from the one and the other surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) that utilizes microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology to provide an in vivo assessment of loads on adjacent bones (24 and 26) comprises a body (34) for insertion between the adjacent bones. At least one sensor (42) is associated with the body (34). The sensor (42) generates an output signal in response to and indicative of a load being applied to the body (34) through the adjacent bones (24 and 26). A telemetric device (40) is operatively coupled with the sensor (42). The telemetric device (40) is operable to receive the output signal from the sensor (42) and to transmit an EMF signal dependent upon the output signal. According to various aspects of the invention, the sensor comprises a pressure sensor (42), a load cell (320), and/or at least one strain gauge (142).

Abstract: An apparatus (180) for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) comprises a contact lens (40) including an inner surface (42) contoured to a surface portion (34) of an eye (36) and a sensor (10) disposed in the contact lens. The sensor (10) comprises a contact surface (14) for making contact with the surface portion (34) of the eye (36). The contact surface (14) includes an outer non-compliant region (16) and an inner compliant region (18) fabricated as an impedance element that varies in impedance as the inner compliant region changes shape. The sensor (10) further comprises a region of conductive material (38) electrically coupled to the impedance element of the compliant region (18) and responsive to an external signal for energizing the impedance element so that the IOP may be determined.

Abstract: An apparatus (176) for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) comprises an applanation tonometer (180) having a distal end that is movable toward the eye and a disposable module (188) positioned at the distal end. The module (188) includes a sensor carrier (192) and a sensor (10) connected to the sensor carrier. The sensor (10) comprises a contact surface (14) for making contact with a surface portion of the eye (36). The contact surface (14) includes an outer non-compliant region (16) and an inner compliant region (18) fabricated as an impedance element that varies in impedance as the inner compliant region changes shape. The sensor (10) further comprises a region of conductive material (38) electrically coupled to the impedance element of the compliant region (18) and responsive to an external signal for energizing the impedance element so that the IOP may be determined.

Abstract: A microneedle array module is disclosed comprising a multiplicity of microneedles affixed to and protruding outwardly from a front surface of a substrate to form the array, each microneedle of the array having a hollow section which extends through its center to an opening in the tip thereof. A method of fabricating the microneedle array module is also disclosed comprising the steps of: providing etch resistant mask layers to one and another opposite surfaces of a substrate to predetermined thicknesses; patterning the etch resistant mask layer of the one surface for outer dimensions of the microneedles of the array; patterning the etch resistant mask layer of the other surface for inner dimensions of the microneedles of the array; etching unmasked portions of the substrate from one and the other surfaces to first and second predetermined depths, respectively; and removing the mask layers from the one and the other surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus (180) for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) comprises a contact lens (40) including an inner surface (42) contoured to a surface portion (34) of an eye (36) and a sensor (10) disposed in the contact lens. The sensor (10) comprises a contact surface (14) for making contact with the surface portion (34) of the eye (36). The contact surface (14) includes an outer non-compliant region (16) and an inner compliant region (18) fabricated as an impedance element that varies in impedance as the inner compliant region changes shape. The sensor (10) further comprises a region of conductive material (38) electrically coupled to the impedance element of the compliant region (18) and responsive to an external signal for energizing the impedance element so that the IOP may be determined.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) that utilizes microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology to provide an in vivo assessment of loads on adjacent bones (24 and 26) comprises a body (34) for insertion between the adjacent bones. At least one sensor (42) is associated with the body (34). The sensor (42) generates an output signal in response to and indicative of a load being applied to the body (34) through the adjacent bones (24 and 26). A telemetric device (40) is operatively coupled with the sensor (42). The telemetric device (40) is operable to receive the output signal from the sensor (42) and to transmit an EMF signal dependent upon the output signal. According to various aspects of the invention, the sensor comprises a pressure sensor (42), a load cell (320), and/or at least one strain gauge (142).

Abstract: A microneedle array module is disclosed comprising a multiplicity of microneedles affixed to and protruding outwardly from a front surface of a substrate to form the array, each microneedle of the array having a hollow section which extends through its center to an opening in the tip thereof. A method of fabricating the microneedle array module is also disclosed comprising the steps of: providing etch resistant mask layers to one and another opposite surfaces of a substrate to predetermined thicknesses; patterning the etch resistant mask layer of the one surface for outer dimensions of the microneedles of the array; patterning the etch resistant mask layer of the other surface for inner dimensions of the microneedles of the array; etching unmasked portions of the substrate from one and the other surfaces to first and second predetermined depths, respectively; and removing the mask layers from the one and the other surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) comprises a contact lens including an inner surface contoured to a surface portion of an eye and a sensor disposed in the contact lens. The sensor comprises a contact surface for making contact with the surface portion of the eye. The contact surface includes an outer non-compliant region and an inner compliant region fabricated as an impedance element that varies in impedance as the inner compliant region changes shape. The sensor further comprises a region of conductive material electrically coupled to the impedance element of the compliant region and responsive to an external signal for energizing the impedance element so that the IOP may be determined.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) that utilizes microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology to provide an in vivo assessment of loads on adjacent bones (24 and 26) comprises a body (34) for insertion between the adjacent bones. At least one sensor (42) is associated with the body (34). The sensor (42) generates an output signal in response to and indicative of a load being applied to the body (34) through the adjacent bones (24 and 26). A telemetric device (40) is operatively coupled with the sensor (42). The telemetric device (40) is operable to receive the output signal from the sensor (42) and to transmit an EMF signal dependent upon the output signal. According to various aspects of the invention, the sensor comprises a pressure sensor (42), a load cell (320), and/or at least one strain gauge (142).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) utilizes microelectricalmechanical systems (MEMS) technology to monitor a condition in a body cavity (28). The apparatus (10) comprises at least one sensor (42) for insertion into the body cavity. The sensor (42) generates a signal in response to a condition inside the body cavity (28). At least one telemetric device (44) is operatively coupled with the sensor (42). The telemetric device (44) is operable to receive the signal from the sensor (42) and to transmit an electromagnetic signal dependent upon the signal. The telemetric device (44) includes at least one coil member (82) extending from the telemetric device. The coil member (82) engages the body cavity (28) to secure the telemetric device (44) in the body cavity.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer (108) for use in medical imaging comprises a substrate (300) having first and second surfaces. The substrate (300) includes an aperture (301) extending from the first surface to the second surface. Electronic circuitry (302) is located on the first surface. A diaphragm (304) is positioned at least partially within the aperture (301) and in electrical communication with the electronic circuitry (302). The diaphragm (304) has an arcuate shape, formed by applying a differential pressure, that is a section of a sphere. A binder material (314) is in physical communication with the diaphragm (304) and the substrate (300).

Abstract: The present invention provides a MEMS-based integrated particle identification system having a substrate, a magnetic structure, and a bioferrograph. The substrate includes a topside portion, backside portion and a flow system. The flow system includes a flow channel for accepting the flow of a stream of particles to identified. The magnetic structure is in physical communication with the topside and backside portions of the substrate and has at least two pole pieces. A plurality of pole piece embodiments are provided for generating a magnetic field that acts on magnetically susceptible particles in the flow stream. The bioferrograph has at least one sensor for identifying the presence and quantity of magnetically susceptible particles. A plurality of sensor embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) utilizes microelectricalmechanical systems (MEMS) technology to monitor a condition in a body cavity (28). The apparatus (10) comprises at least one sensor (42) for insertion into the body cavity. The sensor (42) generates a signal in response to a condition inside the body cavity (28). At least one telemetric device (44) is operatively coupled with the sensor (42). The telemetric device (44) is operable to receive the signal from the sensor (42) and to transmit an electromagnetic signal dependent upon the signal. The telemetric device (44) includes at least one coil member (82) extending from the telemetric device. The coil member (82) engages the body cavity (28) to secure the telemetric device (44) in the body cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus (180) for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) comprises a contact lens (40) including an inner surface (42) contoured to a surface portion (34) of an eye (36) and a sensor (10) disposed in the contact lens. The sensor (10) comprises a contact surface (14) for making contact with the surface portion (34) of the eye (36). The contact surface (14) includes an outer non-compliant region (16) and an inner compliant region (18) fabricated as an impedance element that varies in impedance as the inner compliant region changes shape. The sensor (10) further comprises a region of conductive material (38) electrically coupled to the impedance element of the compliant region (18) and responsive to an external signal for energizing the impedance element so that the IOP may be determined.