Abstract: The invention provides microfluidic devices, systems, and methods for manipulating an object within a channel of a microfluidic device using an external electrode. The device has a channel disposed within the device, the channel having no included electrodes. The channel has a wall, at least a portion of which is penetrable by an electric field generated external to the device, the wall being penetrable such that the electric field extends through the wall portion and into a region within the channel. The system includes the microfluidic device and an electrode external to and not bonded to the device. In the method, the external electrode is placed adjacent to the device and energized to generate an electric field that extends through the wall of the device and into the channel, thereby manipulating an object within the channel.

Abstract: The invention provides devices, systems, and methods for extracting target objects from a sample. In the method, a stream of sample containing a plurality of target and non-target objects is directed by first and second streams of buffer through a sample inlet channel into a fluid junction and through the fluid junction into a sample waste channel. In response to detecting a target object within the stream of sample, an actuator is energized to close a normally open valve, resulting in a transient burst of cross-flow into the fluid junction that briefly diverts the flow of sample within the fluid junction and results in an aliquot of sample being directed into an aliquot delivery channel. The combination of the valve and the actuator acts as a self-limiting pulse generator.

Abstract: The invention provides microfluidic devices, systems, and methods for manipulating an object within a channel of a microfluidic device using an external electrode. The device has a channel disposed within the device, the channel having no included electrodes. The channel has a wall, at least a portion of which is penetrable by an electric field generated external to the device, the wall being penetrable such that the electric field extends through the wall portion and into a region within the channel. The system includes the microfluidic device and an electrode external to and not bonded to the device. In the method, the external electrode is placed adjacent to the device and energized to generate an electric field that extends through the wall of the device and into the channel, thereby manipulating an object within the channel.

Abstract: The process of this invention involves first adsorbing a catalyst on the surface of a specimen by immersion in a catalyst-containing solution, followed by electrolytic deposition in a second solution that need not contain catalyst. This two-step superconformal process produces a seam-free and void-free metal microelectronic conductor.

Abstract: The sunvisor attachment apparatus of the present invention includes a mounting bezel configured to retain a sunvisor sub-assembly. The mounting bezel includes an alignment protrusion adapted to align the mounting bezel relative to the vehicle. The alignment protrusion includes a mounting clip configured to temporarily retain the mounting bezel to the vehicle. The mounting bezel also includes an attachment boss positioned to align with a complementary attachment feature of the vehicle when the mounting bezel is aligned with the vehicle. The sunvisor attachment apparatus also includes a fastener configured to more permanently attach the mounting bezel to the vehicle. Advantageously, the temporary retention of the mounting bezel to the vehicle allows the fastener to be driven to more permanently attach the mounting bezel to the vehicle in a simplified hands-free manner.

Abstract: A method of forming a film resistant to blocking including the steps of providing a polymeric film having a first and second surface, applying an anti-blocking agent in a fluid or molten state to at least the first surface of the polymeric film so as to form a treated film, gathering the treated film, and separating the gathered film so as to result in the detachment of at least some portion of the gathered film that was in contact with itself.

Abstract: A method of forming a film resistant to blocking including the steps of providing a polymeric film having a first and second surface; applying the anti-blocking agent in a fluid or molten state to at least the first surface of the polymeric film; and gathering the treated film. The anti-blocking agent may be substantially acrylic free.

Abstract: An absorbent composition with improved odor control and suitable for use as an animal litter, comprising an absorbent material, activated alumina, and optional additives.

Abstract: An improved odor control animal litter composition comprising a substantially particulate silica gel material with a particle size distribution of about 0.15 to about 4 mm. In additional embodiments, the litter composition also includes at least one of the following components: fixing agent, colorant agent, anti-bacterial agent, fragrance, odor controlling agent, and/or supplemental absorbent materials.

Abstract: The process of this invention involves first adsorbing a catalyst on the surface of a specimen by immersion in a catalyst-containing solution, followed by electrolytic deposition in a second solution that need not contain catalyst. This two-step superconformal process produces a seam-free and void-free metal microelectronic conductor.