Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a substance, such as a pharmaceutical, ophthalmic, dermatological, cosmeceutical, cosmetic or other product, has a body defining a variable-volume storage chamber for storing the product. A dispensing portion of the dispenser is connected with the body and defines a bore coupled in fluid communication with the storage chamber for receiving substance therefrom, and an outlet aperture coupled in fluid communication with the bore. A one-way valve of the dispenser includes an axially-extending valve seat and an axially-extending flexible valve cover seated on the valve seat and defining a normally-closed, axially-extending seam therebetween forming a fluid-tight seal between the valve cover and valve seat. The flexible valve cover is movable relative to the valve seat and the seam is connectable in fluid communication with the outlet aperture to allow the passage of substance through the seam and out of the dispenser.

Abstract: A bicycle transmission control device includes a fixed housing fitted on a handlebar of the bicycle, one side of the housing being recessed to form an annular cavity in which a first locating section is disposed. A locking member having a first linking section and pivotably and slidably mounted in the annular cavity, one end of the locking member being formed with a second locating section, any end of the locking member being hooked with one end of the steel cord of the bicycle transmission system, the steel cord always resiliently pulling the locking member, whereby the second locating section is biased toward the first locating section to engage therewith. A rotary member fitted on the handlebar and pivotally mounted on outer side of the housing, a second linking section protruding from inner side of the rotary member for drivingly connecting with the first linking section of the locking member.

Abstract: A separation column for use in a separation process such as chromatography, electrochromatography and electrophoresis is described. The separation column includes multiple collocated monolith support structures and interconnected channels defined by the support structures. The monolith support structures and interconnected channels are created on a substrate using an isotropic etching. The separation column also includes a cover plate disposed on the etched surface of the substrate, creating an enclosed separation column.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in situ micromachined mixer for microfluidic analytical systems. In a preferred embodiment, a 100 pL mixer for liquids transported by electroosmotic flow (EOF) is described. Mixing was achieved in multiple intersecting channels with a bimodal width distribution and varying lengths. Five &mgr;m width channels ran parallel to the direction of flow whereas larger 27 &mgr;m width channels ran back and forth through the network at a 45° angle. All channels were approximately 10 &mgr;m deep. It was observed that little mixing of confluent streams occurred in the 100 &mgr;m wide mixer inlet channel where mixing would be achieved almost exclusively by diffusion. In contrast, mixing was complete after passage through the channel network in the ≈200 &mgr;m length mixer. Solvent composition was altered by varying the voltage on solvent reservoirs. The high efficiency attained in this mixer was attributed to the presence of a 2 pL vortex in the center of the mixer.

Abstract: A separation column for use in a separation process such as chromatography, electrochromatography and electrophoresis is described. The separation column includes multiple collocated monolith support structures and interconnected channels defined by the support structures. The monolith support structures and interconnected channels are created on a substrate using an isotropic etching. The separation column also includes a cover plate disposed on the etched surface of the substrate, creating an enclosed separation column.