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. The substrate includes an array of holes which align with the hollow sections of the microneedles and extend through the substrate to a back surface thereof, whereby a liquid applied to the back surface of the substrate may be forced through the holes in the substrate and out through the tips of the microneedle array thereof. In one embodiment, the substrate includes a reservoir well in the back surface thereof. The well extends over the array of holes in the back surface and may be covered by a layer of material which is affixed to the back surface peripheral the well, the layer including an interconnecting passageway to the well.

Abstract: A tonometer sensor for disposition in proximity to a portion of a surface of eye comprises a substrate including a contact surface for making contact with the surface portion of the eye. The contact surface includes an outer non-compliant region and in inner compliant region fabricated as an impedance element that varies in impedance as the inner region changes shape. A first region of material is responsive to a non-invasive external force to press the contact surface against the surface portion of the eye and cause the compliant region to change shape in proportion to an intraocular pressure of the eye. A second region of conductive material is electrically coupled to the impedance element of the compliant region and is responsive to an external signal for energizing the impedance element so that the intraocular pressure may be determined.

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: 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: This invention describes a low resistance contact structure to n-type GaAs and a method for making such a contact structure. The contact structure is formed by depositing successive layers of Ni, Au, Ge, and Ni. A fifth layer is then deposited on the first four layers. The fifth layer is a metallic tungsten oxide. The metallic tungsten oxide is formed by sputtering tungsten onto the 4 layer stack in a low pressure argon plus oxygen atmosphere. The resulting 5 layer stack is then annealed in a rapid thermal anneal (RTA) process. The RTA process heats the stack for 5 seconds at 600 degrees. The resulting structure consists of an intermetallic NiGe compound having a small amount of a AuGa compound dispersed within it and being covered by a metallic tungsten oxide film. The oxygen from the metallic tungsten oxide film acts as a gettering mechanism to create gallium vacancies in the GaAs lattice structure during the RTA process.

Abstract: This invention describes a low resistance contact structure to n-type GaAs and a method for making such a contact structure. The contact structure is formed by depositing successive layers of Ni, Au, Ge, and Ni. A fifth layer is then deposited on the first four layers. The fifth layer is a metallic tungsten oxide. The metallic tungsten oxide is formed by sputtering tungsten onto the 4 layer stack in a low pressure argon plus oxygen atmosphere. The resulting 5 layer stack is then annealed in a rapid thermal anneal (RTA) process. The RTA process heats the stack for 5 seconds at 600 degrees. The resulting structure consists of an intermetallic NiGe compound having a small amount of a AuGa compound dispersed within it and being covered by a metallic tungsten oxide film. The oxygen from the metallic tungsten oxide film acts as a gettering mechanism to create gallium vacancies in the GaAs lattice structure during the RTA process.