Abstract: A microfluidic mixing device comprising two bellows pumps (105, 115), microfluidic cartridges comprising the same and methods for use of the same are provided. The disclosed device enables efficient mixing of samples at the microfluidic scale.

Abstract: A specimen collection and delivery apparatus for collecting clinical specimens and delivery of samples thereof to, e.g., microfluidic testing devices for diagnostic analysis is disclosed. The specimen collection and delivery apparatus includes a closure housing for coupling with a sample tube at one end, an open luer for coupling with a complementary luer on a microfluidic device at the other end, and a filter matrix disposed in the interior. The filter matrix is air permeable and liquid impermeable at atmospheric pressure and prevents sample from flowing through the open luer end when coupled to a sample tube containing a specimen. Under vacuum, the liquid sample fraction of the specimen can be drawn through the filter matrix and into the microfluidic testing device through the luer connection for diagnostic analysis.

Abstract: A specimen collection and delivery apparatus for collecting clinical specimens and delivery of samples thereof to, e.g., microfluidic testing devices for diagnostic analysis is disclosed. The specimen collection and delivery apparatus includes a closure housing for coupling with a sample tube at one end, an open luer for coupling with a complementary luer on a microfluidic device at the other end, and a filter matrix disposed in the interior. The filter matrix is air permeable and liquid impermeable at atmospheric pressure and prevents sample from flowing through the open luer end when coupled to a sample tube containing a specimen. Under vacuum, the liquid sample fraction of the specimen can be drawn through the filter matrix and into the microfluidic testing device through the luer connection for diagnostic analysis.

Abstract: A microfluidic mixing device comprising two bellows pumps (105, 115), microfluidic cartridges comprising the same and methods for use of the same are provided. The disclosed device enables efficient mixing of samples at the microfluidic scale.

Abstract: Fluidic cartridges, and manufacture thereof, having a plurality of circuit element subtypes containing pneumatically operated diaphragm members, where the diaphragm materials are selected for yield point, chemical resistance, breathability and other properties individually according to the fluidic element subtype are provided. A process of in-situ edge-bonded decoupage for forming diaphragm members inside a cartridge, and fluidic circuits having diaphragm members as active and passive circuit elements, including pumps, valves, vents, waste receptacles, reagent reservoirs, and cuvettes with optical windows, where the material composition of each individual diaphragm member may be selected from an assortment of materials during manufacture are also provided.

Abstract: A specimen collection and delivery apparatus for collecting clinical specimens and delivery of samples thereof to, e.g., microfluidic testing devices for diagnostic analysis is disclosed. The specimen collection and delivery apparatus includes a closure housing for coupling with a sample tube at one end, an open luer for coupling with a complementary luer on a microfluidic device at the other end, and a filter matrix disposed in the interior. The filter matrix is air permeable and liquid impermeable at atmospheric pressure and prevents sample from flowing through the open luer end when coupled to a sample tube containing a specimen. Under vacuum, the liquid sample fraction of the specimen can be drawn through the filter matrix and into the microfluidic testing device through the luer connection for diagnostic analysis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microassay testing system, including a microfluidic cartridge and a compact microprocessor-controlled instrument for fluorometric assays in liquid samples, the cartridge having integrated process controls and positive and negative assay controls. The instrument has a scanning detector head incorporating multiple optical channels. In a preferred configuration, the assay is validated using dual channel optics for monitoring a first fluorophore associated with a target analyte and a second fluorophore associated with a process control. Integrated positive and negative assay controls provide enhanced assay validation capabilities and facilitate analysis of test results. Applications include molecular biological assays based on PCR amplification of target nucleic acids and fluorometric assays in general.

Abstract: Fluidic cartridges, and manufacture thereof, having a plurality of circuit element subtypes containing pneumatically operated diaphragm members, where the diaphragm materials are selected for yield point, chemical resistance, breathability and other properties individually according to the fluidic element subtype are provided. A process of in-situ edge-bonded decoupage for forming diaphragm members inside a cartridge, and fluidic circuits having diaphragm members as active and passive circuit elements, including pumps, valves, vents, waste receptacles, reagent reservoirs, and cuvettes with optical windows, where the material composition of each individual diaphragm member may be selected from an assortment of materials during manufacture are also provided.

Abstract: A method for extending the capabilities of an arbitrary web server operating in a client-server environment (e.g., the Internet). When a client makes a request to the web server, the request may include an address for a code module needed to service the request. If the code module is not available at the web server, the web server uses the address to request the code module from another location. The code module is then served to the web server and installed. The web server then responds to the original client request using the installed code module. In an alternative embodiment, the code module is uploaded to the target server from the client.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in a data processing system for generating suggested content for a site. A request is received for content for the site from a client, wherein the content is requested content. The requested content is sent to the client. The requested content includes information used to track user movement within the site. Suggested content is generated using the information in response to the client requesting the suggested content.

Abstract: The present invention protects images via a server-based policy that results in the selective distribution of one of multiple versions of an original image. The policy includes a set of one or more rules that each include given criteria. When a request for a web page is received, a given rule in the set is evaluated against client-specific data (e.g., such as client IP address, the identity of the referring page, or the like) obtained from the client request. If a condition of the rule is satisfied against the client-specific data, a given restriction is imposed on the image distribution.

Abstract: A method and computer program operative in an e-mail server for reducing unsolicited e-mail in an enterprise computing environment. According to the invention, e-mail is accepted for delivery to e-mail clients only if it is from an address that has been verified by an e-mail server and/or approved by a recipient. When an e-mail from a particular address is received at the e-mail server for the first time, the server automatically issues an e-mail to the address to request that the sender verify the authenticity of the original message. If a return acknowledgement is received within a given time period, the e-mail is deemed to be authentic and delivered to its intended recipient within the enterprise. Mail messages from previously-verified addresses need not be rechecked.

Abstract: A web page image is modified “on-the-fly” for a specific client machine according to calibration parameters for that machine (or the user of the machine) that are generated during a one-time calibration at the client. Preferably, this calibration is effected using a software routine, e.g., a Java applet, that is downloaded to the client and executed, e.g., in a client browser. A user of the client machine runs the applet to establish a set of calibration parameters that are then stored at the server, e.g., as a user profile. When a request is later made for a given web page hosted by the server, the server identifies the user making the request and applies the calibration parameters to color adjust the image as the page including that image is served.

Abstract: A system for implementing a design for six sigma process having a plurality of sub-processes each having a plurality of sub-steps. The system includes an independent main application for implementing the design for six sigma process. A series of independent sub-process applications each implements one sub-process of the design for six sigma process. A tool library containing a plurality of executable tools is accessible by the main application and sub-process applications to access and execute the plurality of executable tools. A communications path interconnects the main application, the sub-process applications, and the tool library.