Abstract: A lateral flow assay device of the present disclosure has numerous features to ensure correct operation of the device under gravity, such as vent pockets for enabling the flow of sample fluid from one chamber to the next when the vent pocket is unsealed. The vent pockets have protrusions to help prevent accidental resealing. The device also can have a gasket to ensure free air movement between open vent pockets. Flow control features that protrude horizontally into a chamber proximal to an outlet act to deflect the flow to the side of the chamber opposite from the outlet, prior to the flow entering the outlet. Such features can reduce the flow velocity of the sample fluid and increase the effective fluid flow path length, enhance mixing of reagents with a sample, and enabling more accurate control of fluid flow in the device.

Abstract: An automated method for performing an assay of the present disclosure can be performed in a microfluidic device that is a lateral flow device having numerous features to ensure correct operation of the device under gravity, such as vent pockets for enabling the flow of sample fluid from one chamber to the next when the vent pocket is unsealed. Each chamber can have a reagent recess proximal to an inlet end of the chamber. A reagent pellet formed in a reagent recess can be effectively mixed with a sample as the sample flows into the chamber. A flexible circuit with patterned metallic electrical components disposed on a heat stable material can be in direct contact with fluid in the chambers and has resistive heating elements aligned with, for example, a chamber for performing an amplification reaction.

Abstract: A disposable cassette for detecting nucleic acids or performing other assays. The cassette can be inserted into a base station during use. The cassette has numerous features to ensure correct operation of the device under gravity, such as vent pockets for enabling the flow of sample fluid from one chamber to the next when the vent pocket is unsealed. The vent pockets have protrusions to help prevent accidental resealing. The cassette also can have a gasket to ensure free air movement between open vent pockets. A flexible circuit with patterned metallic electrical components disposed on a heat stable material can be in direct contact with fluid in the chambers and has resistive heating elements aligned with the vent pockets and the chambers.

Abstract: A signal strength meter for use in determining an optimal position of a magnetic pick-up device. The signal strength meter includes a vertical synchronization processing circuit, and audio processing circuit and a power and control circuit. The signal strength meter receives vertical synchronization and audio signals radiated from a television set, as well as an audio test signal directly provided by a pattern generator. The signal strength meter determines parameters such as a phase stability of the vertical synchronization signal detected by the pick-up device, a level of the audio signal detected by the pick-up device, an audio phase measurement of the audio signal sensed by the pick-up device with respect to an audio test signal input directly to the signal strength meter, and an audio noise floor measurement.