Abstract: A cartridge for sample handling and sensing includes (i) a sample port; (ii) a first fluid port connected to the sample reservoir in the distal region via a first fluid channel; and (iii) a second fluid port connected to the sample reservoir via a second fluid channel. The cartridge includes (i) a sensor platform comprising a bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonator and a fluid flow path comprising a sensing region extending across a sensing surface of the BAW resonator; and (ii) a fluid valve between the sample reservoir and the sensing region. A sample may be applied to the sample port; first volume of fluid may be injected through the first fluid port; and then a second volume of fluid may be injected through the second fluid port to drive the sample into the sensing region of the fluid flow path.

Abstract: Sensors employing bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonators are used to assay characteristics of blood. The BAW sensors may be used to sense viscosity of a sample comprising blood to determine coagulation properties of the blood. The viscosity of the blood may be evaluated in the presence of agents that inhibit coagulation or that promote coagulation. The change in viscosity of the sample in the presence of such agents may provide information regarding whether the blood suffers from a coagulation disorder.

Abstract: A fluidic device includes a base structure including at least one bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonator structure having a fluidic passage containing at least one functionalized active region overlaid with functionalization material suitable to bind an analyte. One or more of a wall structure, a cover structure, or a portion of the base structure defining the fluidic passage includes additional functionalization material to form at least one absorber configured to bind at least one analyte. The dynamic measurement range of a BAW resonator structure is increased when the at least one absorber is placed upstream of the at least one functionalized active region.

Abstract: Sensors employing bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonators are used to assay characteristics of blood. The BAW sensors may be used to sense viscosity of a sample comprising blood to determine coagulation properties of the blood. The viscosity of the blood may be evaluated in the presence of agents that inhibit coagulation or that promote coagulation. The change in viscosity of the sample in the presence of such agents may provide information regarding whether the blood suffers from a coagulation disorder.

Abstract: A cartridge for sample handling and sensing includes a sample port connected to a sample reservoir having a proximal end, a proximal region adjacent the proximal end, and a distal end opposite of the proximal end. The cartridge also includes a first fluid port connected to the sample reservoir in the distal region via a first fluid channel; and a second fluid port connected to the sample reservoir in the proximal region via a second fluid channel. In addition, the cartridge includes a sensor platform comprising a bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonator and a fluid flow path comprising a sensing region extending across a sensing surface of the BAW resonator. The cartridge further includes a fluid valve between the distal end of the sample reservoir and the sensing region.

Abstract: A fluidic device includes a base structure including at least one bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonator structure having a fluidic passage containing at least one functionalized active region overlaid with functionalization material suitable to bind an analyte. One or more of a wall structure, a cover structure, or a portion of the base structure defining the fluidic passage includes additional functionalization material to form at least one absorber configured to bind at least one analyte. The dynamic measurement range of a BAW resonator structure is increased when the at least one absorber is placed upstream of the at least one functionalized active region.

Abstract: An optical networking module is formed with an integrated module including optical, optical-electrical and protocol processing components, and complementary software. In one embodiment, the integral protocol processing component is a single ASIC and supports multiple protocols. The module is further equipped with support control electronics in support of control functions to manage the optical, optical-electrical as well as the multi-protocol processing component. The integrated module together with the complementary control software present to an optical networking equipment designer/developer a singular component that handles optical to electrical and electrical to optical conversion, as well as data link and physical sub-layer processing for a selected one of a plurality of datacom and telecom protocols, spanning local, regional as well as wide area networks.

Abstract: An optical networking module is formed with an integrated module including optical, optical-electrical and protocol processing components, and complementary software. In one embodiment, the integral protocol processing component is a single ASIC and supports multiple protocols. The module is further equipped with support control electronics in support of control functions to manage the optical, optical-electrical as well as the multi-protocol processing component. The integrated module together with the complementary control software present to an optical networking equipment designer/developer a singular component that handles optical to electrical and electrical to optical conversion, as well as data link and physical sub-layer processing for a selected one of a plurality of datacom and telecom protocols, spanning local, regional as well as wide area networks.

Abstract: A pressure vessel is disclosed which includes a lower metallic dome having a lower rim portion, and an upper metallic dome having an upper rim portion, a plastic liner disposed within the upper and lower metallic domes, a metallic band disposed between the plastic liner and the upper and lower metallic domes proximate the respective rim portions thereof, and an insulating material disposed between the metallic band and the plastic liner, the metallic band and insulating material protecting the plastic liner from elevated temperatures when the upper and lower rim portions of the metallic domes are welded together. A method of fabricating the pressure vessel and a connector for assembling the pressure vessel are also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical networking module is formed with an integrated module including optical, optical-electrical and protocol processing components, and complementary software. In one embodiment, the integral protocol processing component is a single ASIC and supports multiple protocols. The module is further equipped with support control electronics in support of control functions to manage the optical, optical-electrical as well as the multi-protocol processing component. The integrated module together with the complementary control software present to an optical networking equipment designer/developer a singular component that handles optical to electrical and electrical to optical conversion, as well as data link and physical sub-layer processing for a selected one of a plurality of datacom and telecom protocols, spanning local, regional as well as wide area networks.

Abstract: A pressure vessel is disclosed which includes a lower metallic dome having a lower rim portion, and an upper metallic dome having an upper rim portion, a plastic liner disposed within the upper and lower metallic domes, a metallic band disposed between the plastic liner and the upper and lower metallic domes proximate the respective rim portions thereof, and an insulating material disposed between the metallic band and the plastic liner, the metallic band and insulating material protecting the plastic liner from elevated temperatures when the upper and lower rim portions of the metallic domes are welded together. A method of fabricating the pressure vessel and a connector for assembling the pressure vessel are also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical networking module is formed with an integrated module including optical, optical-electrical and protocol processing components, and complementary software. In one embodiment, the integral protocol processing component is a single ASIC and supports multiple protocols. The module is further equipped with support control electronics in support of control functions to manage the optical, optical-electrical as well as the multi-protocol processing component. The integrated module together with the complementary control software present to an optical networking equipment designer/developer a singular component that handles optical to electrical and electrical to optical conversion, as well as data link and physical sub-layer processing for a selected one of a plurality of datacom and telecom protocols, spanning local, regional as well as wide area networks.

Abstract: An optical networking module is formed with an integrated module including optical, optical-electrical and protocol processing components, and complementary software. In one embodiment, the integral protocol processing component is a single ASIC and supports multiple protocols. The module is further equipped with support control electronics in support of control functions to manage the optical, optical-electrical as well as the multi-protocol processing component. The integrated module together with the complementary control software present to an optical networking equipment designer/developer a singular component that handles optical to electrical and electrical to optical conversion, as well as data link and physical sub-layer processing for a selected one of a plurality of datacom and telecom protocols, spanning local, regional as well as wide area networks.

Abstract: A thermodynamic engine comprises first and second heat exchange members and a solid state thermodynamic member therebetween. At least one of the heat exchange members is formed by use of micromechanical machining.

Abstract: A mechanical holder for receiving an integrated circuit chip and an etched circuit board probe and holding them in predetermined relative positions includes an alignment block including alignment elements and having a main surface against which the probe is positioned, and a chip receiver having a main surface and including alignment elements that are complementary to the alignment elements of the alignment member. The chip receiver is attached to the alignment member with the main surface of the chip receiver in confronting relationship with the main surface of the alignment member and with the alignment elements of the chip receiver in registration with the alignment elements of the alignment member. The chip receiver defines a cavity that opens at its main surface.

Abstract: A micromechanical sensor comprises a support, a micromechanical element that is movable relative to the support under the application of a stimulus, and a transducer. The transducer comprises a first component carried by the micromechanical element and movable therewith, and a second component stationary relative to the support. One of the first and second transducer components is a member for establishing a magnetic field and the other of the first and second transducer components is a SQUID positioned in the magnetic field for detecting variation in the magnetic field due to relative movement of the micromechanical element and the support.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a touch panel includes an electrically conductive film of a first resistivity which extends over a first area of a base plate. Regions of a resistivity higher than the first resistivity, such as discontinuities in the film, are positioned in this first area. These discontinuities are located so as to enhance the uniformity of an electric field which is established in a touch sensing portion of the film.

Abstract: A touch panel has panel scanning signals selectively applied to the four sides of a touch sensing surface of the panel so as to establish alternating current voltage gradients in desired directions across the touch sensing surface. When the panel is touched, touch signals result and are utilized by a touch location circuit in determining the location of touch. The impedence touch current resulting from a user's touch may also be determined and used. The touch panel circuit automatically compensates for any variations in touch signals which occur when the touch panel is untouched and automatically nulls the touch signals under such circumstances to enhance the accuracy of touch location determination.

Abstract: A touch panel has panel scanning signals selectively applied to the four sides of a touch sensing surface of the panel so as to establish alternating current voltage gradients in desired directions across the touch sensing surface. When the panel is touched, touch signals or currents result and are utilized by a touch location circuit in determining the location of touch. The impedance touch current resulting from a user's touch may also be determined and used. The touch panel circuit automatically compensates for changes in impedance touch current, such as result when users touch the panel with ungloved and gloved fingers. An analog multiplier is included in the touch location circuit to improve noise rejection. Auto nulling and automatic frequency adjustment is included in the touch panel device, together with overcurrent protection circuitry.

Abstract: A touch panel has panel scanning signals selectively applied to the four sides of a touch sensing surface of the panel so as to establish alternating current voltage gradients in desired directions across the touch sensing surface. When the panel is touched, touch signals result and are utilized by a touch location circuit in determining the location of touch. The impedence touch current resulting from a user's touch may also be determined and used. The touch panel circuit automatically adjusts the frequency of the applied panel signals to shift this frequency away from fixed frequency interference spectra, such as due to cathode-ray tube flyback signals, in the environment in which the touch panel is used. The touch location thereby minimizes the effects of such spectra on touch location determinations.