Abstract: The present invention is directed to a high throughput method for producing a large number of different antibodies, more specifically organized antibody microarrays. These antibodies and antibody microarrays can be used to rapidly assay protein abundance and identify types of proteins that are expressed in cells and tissues under a variety of conditions, or to compare protein expression profiles of different cells.

Abstract: A transport tray for a coiled fiber including one or more coils of fiber and end portions extending from the coils. The transport tray comprises a base and a receptacle disposed on the base to receive the coils of fiber therein. The receptacle may have a circular shape configured to retain the coils without violating the minimum bend radius of the fiber. A locking mechanism may be provided to secure the coiled fiber in the receptacle. The tray may includes one or more retainers to secure the end portions of the fiber, including fibers having any one of a range of diameters, in one or more desired positions. The tray may also include two or more fiber end retainers interchangeably supported on the base to retain fiber ends having different shapes and sizes. A plurality of registration features may be provided to facilitate transporting and positioning the tray at one or more process stations or tools.

Abstract: A technique for fabricating precisely machined micro devices and micro systems that facilitates the fabrication of three-dimensional device features and reduces the need for final micro assembly. The technique includes providing a layer of base material on which the micro device/system is to be formed. The base layer optionally undergoes mechanical micro machining such as ultra-precision milling, drilling, turning, or grinding, and/or non-mechanical micro machining including lithography and etching. Next, at least one layer of structural material is deposited on the micro-machined sacrificial layer. The structural layer then optionally undergoes mechanical and/or non-mechanical micro machining. Next, any excess material of the structural layer is removed. Finally, the material of the sacrificial layer is removed to at least partially free the final micro device/system from the base layer.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for automatically cleaning a portion of an optical fiber. One embodiment of the apparatus comprises a fluid tank assembly that holds cleaning fluid and comprises an aperture sized and arranged to receive the portion of the optical fiber, an ultrasonic generator, a clamping assembly, and a controller. The clamping assembly, in one position, holds the portion of the optical fiber in a position that is axially aligned with the aperture of the fluid tank assembly and disposed through the aperture of the fluid tank assembly. The clamping assembly further comprises a sealing assembly that forms a fluid seal about the portion of the optical fiber and a fluid seal of the aperture of the fluid tank assembly. The controller controls the ultrasonic generator to provide an ultrasonic signal to the fluid within the fluid tank assembly to clean the portion of the optical fiber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automatically processing an optical fiber to create a fiber coil. In one embodiment, the fiber is wound about a continuously curved winding surface. In another embodiment, the winding surface ensures that a minimum bending radius of the optical fiber is not violated. In another embodiment, the fiber is wound about a rotating winding surface including a gripper spaced from the winding surface and rotatable therewith. In another embodiment, the coil is transferred to a transport medium comprising an engagement feature that engages the coil. In another embodiment, the coil is stripped from the winding surface and inserted in the transport medium without gripping the fiber. In another embodiment, the fiber is wound about a mandrel and stripped by moving the coil relative to the mandrel axis.

Abstract: An automated fiber preparation system and method for automatically fabricating an optical fiber. One or more fabrication processes associated with fiber preparation may be performed on an optical fiber without requiring active user input. The fiber preparation system may be configured to automatically carry out each of the process steps for fabricating an optical fiber pigtail. The fiber preparation system may include a fiber preparation module that is configured to automatically prepare one or both ends of an optical fiber in anticipation of one or more subsequent manufacturing processes involving the fiber.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for automatically cleaning a portion of an optical fiber. One embodiment of the apparatus comprises a fluid tank assembly that holds cleaning fluid and comprises an aperture sized and arranged to receive the portion of the optical fiber, an ultrasonic generator, a clamping assembly, and a controller. The clamping assembly, in one position, holds the portion of the optical fiber in a position that is axially aligned with the aperture of the fluid tank assembly and disposed through the aperture of the fluid tank assembly. The clamping assembly further comprises a sealing assembly that forms a fluid seal about the portion of the optical fiber and a fluid seal of the aperture of the fluid tank assembly. The controller controls the ultrasonic generator to provide an ultrasonic signal to the fluid within the fluid tank assembly to clean the portion of the optical fiber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automatically processing an optical fiber to create a fiber coil. In one embodiment, the fiber is wound about a continuously curved winding surface. In another embodiment, the winding surface ensures that a minimum bending radius of the optical fiber is not violated. In another embodiment, the fiber is wound about a rotating winding surface including a gripper spaced from the winding surface and rotatable therewith. In another embodiment, the coil is transferred to a transport medium comprising an engagement feature that engages the coil. In another embodiment, the coil is stripped from the winding surface and inserted in the transport medium without gripping the fiber. In another embodiment, the fiber is wound about a mandrel and stripped by moving the coil relative to the mandrel axis.

Abstract: A transport tray for a coiled fiber including one or more coils of fiber and end portions extending from the coils. The transport tray comprises a base and a receptacle disposed on the base to receive the coils of fiber therein. The receptacle may have a circular shape configured to retain the coils without violating the minimum bend radius of the fiber. A locking mechanism may be provided to secure the coiled fiber in the receptacle. The tray may includes one or more retainers to secure the end portions of the fiber, including fibers having any one of a range of diameters, in one or more desired positions. The tray may also include two or more fiber end retainers interchangeably supported on the base to retain fiber ends having different shapes and sizes. A plurality of registration features may be provided to facilitate transporting and positioning the tray at one or more process stations or tools.

Abstract: The roof assembly for a structure including a number of support elements including walls, columns and beams includes a plurality of complementary shaped roof panels which are selectively secured to each other as well as a support beam and the support elements of the structure. Also disclosed are standard designs for the support beam and roof panels which have modifyable perameters as well as methods of designing the roof assembly, assembling the roof and its constituate components, and manufacturing the roof panels.

Abstract: An interactive robotic therapist interacts with a patient to shape the motor skills of the patient by guiding the patient's limb through a series of desired exercises with a robotic arm. The patient's limb is brought through a full range of motion to rehabilitate multiple muscle groups. A drive system coupled to the robotic arm is controlled by a controller which provides the commands to direct the robotic arm through the series of desired exercises.

Abstract: A robotic apparatus having five degrees of movement with a mounting plate, a first stage platform movably mounted on the mounting plate to shift in the X direction, and also rotate about the X axis, a second stage platform movably mounted on the first stage platform to shift in the Y direction, and also rotate about the Y axis, a third stage platform movably mounted on the second stage platform to move in the Z direction, and powering means to move and rotate the aforementioned elements in the manner described.

Abstract: A thermal bridge element for use in a semiconductor package to conduct heat from a semiconductor device to a cold plate or cap located in close proximity to the device having a first plate to be placed in contact with a semiconductor device surface, a first spiral strip of heat conductive material joined to the first plate, a second plate to be placed in contact with a heat sink surface or cap spaced from the device surface, and a second spiral strip of thin heat conductive material interleaved with the first spiral strip and in partially overlapping telescoping relation, the second spiral strip joined to the second plate, and a means to bias the first and second plate outwardly relative to each other.