Abstract: A percutaneous agent delivery or sampling device comprising a sheet having a plurality of microblades for piercing and anchoring to the skin for increasing transdermal flux of an agent and for improving the attachment of the device to the skin.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for selectively positioning a collimator body. The apparatus comprises support means adjustably supporting the collimator body; and adjustment means for selectively adjusting the collimator body, the adjustment means comprising an actuator component having a driver coil and a magnetic structure with a first gap formed therebetween; wherein an electrical current through the driver coil of the actuator component causes the collimator body to move perpendicular to a magnetic field created by the magnetic structure of the actuator component. The method comprises supporting the collimator; and adjusting the collimator body using an actuator component having a driver coil and a magnetic structure with a first gap formed therebetween; wherein an electrical current through the driver coil of the actuator component causes the collimator body to move perpendicular to a magnetic field created by the magnetic structure of the actuator component.

Abstract: A device and method for enhancing skin piercing by microprotrusions involves pre-stretching the skin to enhance pathway formation when the microprotrusions are pressed into the skin. An expandable device includes skin engaging opposite ends that contact the skin surface so that when the device is expanded the skin is stretched. The skin is placed under a tension of about 0.01 to about 10 megapascals, preferably about 0.05 to 2 megapascals. The device has a plurality of microprotrusions which penetrate the skin while the skin is being stretched by the expanded device. Another stretching device employs suction for skin stretching.

Abstract: A fiber optic switch with a plurality of switches, each having one input and N outputs, the switches are arranged and oriented relative to each other so that the input of a switch is in line with the outputs of any adjacent switches of the plurality of switches, wherein each switch includes controllable mirror and has a solid state actuator to directly control the mirror, this facilitating selection of one of a plurality of outputs.

Abstract: A compact arrangement of multiple I1×N optical switches in a single optical switch package is described.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for analyzing liquid samples by a mass spectrometer. A stream of liquid droplets of the sample is formed by a probe which expels the droplets into a desolvation chamber. The droplets are evaporated in the desolvation chamber and the evaporated materials injected into the source region of the mass spectrometer. In some preferred embodiments, the system is configured so that no solvent or solute is pumped out of the desolvation chamber during transit; discrimination against highly volatile materials is thereby prevented. The apparatus may be used as an interface between a liquid chromatograph and the mass spectrometer.