Abstract: A nanopump for pumping small volumes of electrolyte solution under the control of a voltage source is described. The device includes a chamber and a nanopore membrane which partitions the chamber into upstream and downstream regions. When a voltage potential is applied across the membrane, electroosmotic flow through the membrane channels produces a precise-volume flow between the two chamber regions. A method for precise-volume pumping employing the nanopump and a nanopump device for determining the lengths of nucleic acid fragments in an electrolyte solution of different-length fragments are also described.

Abstract: A container includes a chamber for containing fluid. At least one sensor is disposed within the chamber for sensing a property of fluid in the container. A unit that receives a signal from the sensor communicates with a device that displays the property of the fluid in the container. The container may include first and second chambers. A first sensor is disposed within the first chamber. The first sensor is in contact with fluid in the first chamber. The first sensor senses a volume of fluid in the first chamber. A second sensor is disposed within the second chamber. The second sensor is in contact with fluid in the second chamber. The second sensor senses a volume of fluid in the second chamber. A diverter may direct fluid from an inlet to a bottom portion of the chamber and prevents the fluid from contacting the sensor. A releasable device may prevent fluid from flowing from the first chamber to the second chamber.

Abstract: An electro-optic modulator modulates light in response to a life-form bio-potential to provide a bio-potential modulated light output. Modulation can be carried out as a result of capacitive coupling with the bio-potential. Phase, polarization, and intensity light modulation can be used. The light output can then be converted to electronic form for further processing. An optical power splitter is used to split light into multiple portions that are converted to electrical form. A pilot tone is used to achieve high sensitivity and synchronize multiple electro-optic modulators while phase modulation can be used to reduce noise in the bio-potential signal. Low-coherent light may be used as the light source. A housing is provided that can be hermetically-sealed and provided with electro-magnetic shielding.

Abstract: A container includes a chamber for containing fluid. At least one sensor is disposed within the chamber for sensing a property of fluid in the container. A unit that receives a signal from the sensor communicates with a device that displays the property of the fluid in the container. The container may include first and second chambers. A first sensor is disposed within the first chamber. The first sensor is in contact with fluid in the first chamber. The first sensor senses a volume of fluid in the first chamber. A second sensor is disposed within the second chamber. The second sensor is in contact with fluid in the second chamber. The second sensor senses a volume of fluid in the second chamber. A diverter may direct fluid from an inlet to a bottom portion of the chamber and prevents the fluid from contacting the sensor. A releasable device may prevent fluid from flowing from the first chamber to the second chamber.

Abstract: A drug delivery device that includes a capsule for implantation into the body; the capsule further includes a reservoir for containing a substance such as a therapeutic agent, at least one port for allowing the substance to diffuse from or otherwise exit the reservoir, and a nanopore membrane in communication with the capsule at or near the exit port for controlling the rate of diffusion of the substance from the exit port. The device also includes an optional screen for providing structural stability to the nanopore membrane and for keeping the pores of the nanopore membrane clear. One embodiment of the drug delivery device includes an osmotic engine internal to the device for creating fluid flow through the device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nanopump for pumping small volumes of electrolyte solution under the control of a voltage source. The device includes a chamber and a nanopore membrane which partitions the chamber into upstream and downstream regions. When a voltage potential is applied across the membrane, electroosmotic flow through the membrane channels produces a precise-volume flow between the two chamber regions. Also disclosed is a method for precis-volume pumping employing the nanopump. Also disclosed is device for determining the lengths of nucleic acid fragments in an electrolyte solution of different-length fragments is disclosed. The device includes a chamber having disposed therein, a nanopore channel extending between upstream and downstream chamber regions. By applying a voltage potential across upstream and downstream electrodes in the chamber regions, individual nucleic acid fragments contained in the solution are moved through the channel.

Abstract: An implantable drug-delivery device that utilizes a nanopore diffusion membrane in combination with a microporous hydration membrane for achieving long-term, zero-order release of a therapeutic compound or agent. The device comprises a housing, wherein the housing further comprises an interior chamber and at least one aperture passing through the housing; a nanopore membrane in communication with the housing and covering the aperture, wherein the nanopore membrane further comprises a plurality of nanopore channels formed therein and passing though the membrane; a microporous membrane disposed within the housing, the two membranes defining an interface therebetween; a first solvent, e.g., an aqueous medium, disposed within the interface and in communication with both the nanopore membrane and the microporous membrane; and a particulate composition contained within the microporous membrane, wherein the particulates are suspended or buoyant in a second solvent, e.g.

Abstract: High-impedance optical electrodes modulate light in response to a life-form bio-potential and then converts the modulated light to an electrical signal that provides traditional EEG and EEC type output. Light splitters are used to provide multiple electrodes and an electronic reference source. A pilot tone is used to achieve high sensitivity and synchronize multiple units while an optical phase-shift modulator is used to reduce optical noise.

Abstract: A drug delivery device that includes a capsule for implantation into the body; the capsule further includes a reservoir for containing a substance such as a therapeutic agent, at least one port for allowing the substance to diffuse from or otherwise exit the reservoir, and a nanopore membrane in communication with the capsule at or near the exit port for controlling the rate of diffusion of the substance from the exit port. The device also includes an optional screen for providing structural stability to the nanopore membrane and for keeping the pores of the nanopore membrane clear. One embodiment of the drug delivery device includes an osmotic engine internal to the device for creating fluid flow through the device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nanopump for pumping small volumes of electrolyte solution under the control of a voltage source. The device includes a chamber and a nanopore membrane which partitions the chamber into upstream and downstream regions. When a voltage potential is applied across the membrane, electroosmotic flow through the membrane channels produces a precise-volume flow between the two chamber regions. Also disclosed is a method for precis-volume pumping employing the nanopump. Also disclosed is device for determining the lengths of nucleic acid fragments in an electrolyte solution of different-length fragments is disclosed. The device includes a chamber having disposed therein, a nanopore channel extending between upstream and downstream chamber regions. By applying a voltage potential across upstream and downstream electrodes in the chamber regions, individual nucleic acid fragments contained in the solution are moved through the channel.

Abstract: Microparticles for use in the pulmonary delivery of a therapeutic material, comprising a polymer matrix, which is prefabricated to have a particular geometric shape including that of a disc cube, rectangle or snowflake. Additionally, these microparticles may include a winged structure to enhance the aerodynamic characteristics of said microparticle. Microfabrication methods for making these microparticles are provided.

Abstract: An improved photo-thermal treatment device is disclosed which is ergonomically shaped to facilitate photo-thermal treatment of a wide variety of surface portions of the human anatomy. The device incorporates a plurality of spaced infrared diodes which are actuated sequentially so as to inhibit body adaptation which may reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. Additionally, a single point diode is provided at one end of the device which is specifically designed for localized point treatment of other body surface areas.

Abstract: A fiber optic diffuse light reflectance sensor is disclosed. The sensor employs illumination optical fibers to carry light emitted from a high-intensity, narrow bandwidth LED to a baffle in a readhead where the optical fibers reflect the light off of a reagent test strip. The illumination optical fibers are randomly oriented to create a more uniform light source. The light is reflected off of a pad on a reagent test strip to detect the presence of non-hemolyzed trace and hemolyzed occult blood. The reflected light must pass through another baffle to a bi-convex lens where it is focused onto a detection bundle of optical fibers. The detection bundle is optically coupled with a CCD, where the optical signal is converted to an electrical one for processing and analysis.

Abstract: A device is provided for identifying certain characteristics of an end piece or end effector of a surgical instrument. A preferred embodiment provides a surgical stapling instrument having an electrical circuit contained on the stapling cartridge which is capable of indicating cartridge type and/or status (i.e., with or without staples) when a voltage or current is applied to the circuit. Other identification means are provided including an optical identification means.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting changes in the viscosity of a fluid comprises a cartridge having a fluid receiving/dispensing reservoir, one or more fluid-receiving chambers, and a conduit that permits fluid communication between the fluid receiving/dispensing reservoir and the fluid-receiving chamber. Fluid is introduced into the cartridge through an injection port and fills the reservoir, moving from the reservoir through the conduit into the chamber. An air vent/fluid plug device in fluid communication with the chamber permits air to exit while the fluid enters the system but prevents the fluid from leaving after the chamber is filled. A freely movable ferromagnetic material is placed within the fluid-receiving chamber and is caused to move by an electromagnet. Changes in the viscosity of the fluid are detected by determining the position of the ferromagnetic material in the fluid-receiving chamber.

Abstract: A device is provided for sensing the firing of a staple cartridge inserted into an end piece or end effector of a surgical instrument. The stapling instrument includes a magnetic sensing device arranged to sense the advancement of a knife or staple driver.

Abstract: A device is provided for identifying certain characteristics of an end piece or end effector of a surgical instrument. A preferred embodiment provides a surgical stapling instrument having an electrical circuit contained on the stapling cartridge which is capable of indicating cartridge type and/or status (i.e., with or without staples) when a voltage or current is applied to the circuit.

Abstract: A device is provided for identifying certain characteristics of an end piece or end effector of a surgical instrument. A preferred embodiment provides a surgical stapling instrument having an electrical circuit contained on the stapling cartridge which is capable of indicating cartridge type and/or status (i.e., with or without staples) when a voltage or current is applied to the circuit.

Abstract: A device is provided for identifying certain characteristics of an end piece or end effector of a surgical instrument. A preferred embodiment provides a surgical stapling instrument having an electrical circuit contained on the stapling cartridge which is capable of indicating cartridge type and/or status (i.e., with or without staples) when a voltage or current is applied to the circuit.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument including a pair of jaws. An electromagnetic sensor disposed in said jaws to determine the relative position of said jaws.