Abstract: A sensor element comprises a metallic nanostructure formed at edges of at least two microelectrodes on a non-electrically conductive substrate. The nanostructure is formed by depositing a solution comprising at least one metal salt and a stabilizing agent on the substrate at a detection site between the microelectrodes, and applying an AC electric field to the electrodes. The sensor elements may be used in sensing platforms such as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), surface plasmon resonance (SPR), localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), and in electrical-based sensing such as electrochemical sensing.

Abstract: A surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) device, comprises a non-electrically conductive substrate, at least two microelectrodes disposed on the substrate in a spaced relationship such that a detection site is formed along edges and/or between opposing edges of the microelectrodes, and a nanoparticle structure comprising a plurality of metallic nanoparticles disposed in the detection site. Assembly of the nanoparticle structure may be directed by an electric field between the at least two microelectrodes. The SERS device is inexpensive, robust, portable, and reusable. Also described herein are methods for using and preparing the SERS devices with simple, rapid, and inexpensive fabrication techniques.

Abstract: A surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) device, comprises a non-electrically conductive substrate, at least two microelectrodes disposed on the substrate in a spaced relationship such that a detection site is formed along edges and/or between opposing edges of the microelectrodes, and a nanoparticle structure comprising a plurality of metallic nanoparticles disposed in the detection site. Assembly of the nanoparticle structure may be directed by an electric field between the at least two microelectrodes. The SERS device is inexpensive, robust, portable, and reusable. Also described herein are methods for using and preparing the SERS devices with simple, rapid, and inexpensive fabrication techniques.

Abstract: A portable room venting system and method of venting a room is set up in a room and positioned to seal against at least one exhaust in the ceiling and wall to vent smoke and odors. The venting system provides a telescoping frame that extends from the ground to the ceiling. The ribs articulate in relation to the telescopic leg, extending normal from the telescopic leg and retracting parallel with the telescopic leg. An elongate conduit panel fabricated from a resilient panel covers the collapsible frame, expanding and retracting with the ribs. The conduit panel is in sealed communication with at least one exhaust outlet that forms in the ceiling and/or in the sidewall, so as to vent smoke and odors from the room. The conduit panel carries the smoke to exhausts through a passageway, and out through apertures that form on the side and terminus of the conduit panel.

Abstract: The present invention presents a device and methods of use thereof in combined electrohydrodynamic concentration and plasmonic detection of a charged species of interest using a flow-through nanohole array. The device comprises microchannels, which are linked to a substrate with arrays of through nanoholes, wherein the substrate comprises two layers, wherein one of the layers is made of insulator material and one of the layers is made of metal, whereby induction of an electric field across the nanohole array results in the species of interest concentrating inside the nanoholes and in the vicinity of the nanohole arrays. The induction of an electric field is achieved by means of an external electric field source, which is applied to the fluid containing the species of interest, resulting in electroosmotic (EO) flow. An additional pressure driven fluid flow in the microchannels, co-directional to the EO flow is applied by external means.

Abstract: The present invention presents a device and methods of use thereof in combined electrohydrodynamic concentration and plasmonic detection of a charged species of interest using a flow-through nanohole array. The device comprises microchannels, which are linked to a substrate with arrays of through nanoholes, wherein the substrate comprises two layers, wherein one of the layers is made of insulator material and one of the layers is made of metal, whereby induction of an electric field across the nanohole array results in the species of interest concentrating inside the nanoholes and in the vicinity of the nanohole arrays. The induction of an electric field is achieved by means of an external electric field source, which is applied to the fluid containing the species of interest, resulting in electroosmotic (EO) flow. An additional pressure driven fluid flow in the microchannels, co-directional to the EO flow is applied by external means.

Abstract: A horizontal and vertical shock responsive fluid valve assembly which are capable of automatically closing a fluid valve in response to earthquake forces or other shock forces of a predetermined magnitude. The assemblies are comprised of a respective horizontal and vertical shock and vibration force triggering mechanism working in a similar fashion. The mechanism has a respective cradle comprising a generally concave transverse surface that holds a movable ball and when it is energized by the forces can rotate 360 degrees in any direction and rolls out of the surface such that the ball ricochets off a housing cover covering the cradle and activates the mechanism only when the external forces reach a predetermined magnitude.