Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for automated on-the-fly dispensing of reagents. The apparatus includes a detachable reagent dispensing module supported by a support frame. The dispensing module includes a self-contained pressurized fluid delivery subsystem that facilitates efficient attachment and detachment of the module, including pressurized reagent containers and associated accessories arranged such that each reagent container has a discrete fluid path terminating at a corresponding discrete reagent dispensing tip. The dispensing tips are supported in a common dispensing head, and are arranged geometrically such that the centers of the dispensing tips are separated by distances corresponding to relevant dimensions of particular assay plates to be used therewith. Such a geometric arrangement allows for dispensing of multiple reagents substantially simultaneously into multiple corresponding target wells of the assay plate, efficiently and precisely.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for the precise dispensation of small volumes of liquids are presented. A fluid microdispenser comprises a liquid-filled tube, an actuator coupled to the tube, and a tip at one end of the tube. When the actuator applies an actuation pressure, a precise volume of liquid is ejected from the orifice of the tip. The orifice is manufactured to control the volume of liquid ejected by each actuation and, therefore, may have a diameter smaller than that of the liquid-filled tube. The invention comprises systems, methods, and devices so that the inner diameter of the liquid-filled tube is decreased (tapered) to that of the orifice so as to maximize transmission to the orifice of the pressure generated by the actuation stimulus. This enables the volume of liquid ejected by each stimulus to be reproducibly controlled by the amplitude of the actuation stimulus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for testing solder mask material for suitability with an electroless plating process. The Emix potential of the electroless bath is measured. A test substrate including the mask material is then immersed in an electrolyte, and a constant potential at least equal to the Emix potential is applied to a pair of electrodes also immersed in the electrolyte. The test substrate is then inspected to determine adherence of the mask material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for removal of contaminants and replenishment of an electroless copper plating solution in order to allow reuse of the solution. Copper oxide is dissolved in the spent solution and this is followed by an electrodialysis which removes formate and carbonate ions.

Abstract: A fluorine-doped silica soot cylinder (11) is consolidated by containing it within an encapsulation structure (29) within a furance (21). The atmosphere within the encapsulation structure is kept substantially stagnant during the consolidating, and the volume enclosed by the encapsulation structure (29) is only slightly greater than the volume of the soot cylinder (11). A gap (52) between the volume enclosed by the encapsulating structure and the furnace is kept small enough to impede gas flow to a sufficient extent that the atmosphere within the encapsulating structure (29) is substantially stagnant during consolidation. During consolidation, fluorine concentration within the encapsulation structure (29) is uniformly distributed within the soot cylinder (11).

Abstract: A fluorine-doped silica soot cylinder (11) is consolidated by containing it within an encapsulation structure (29) within a furnace (21). The atmosphere within the encapsulation structure is kept substantially stagnant during the consolidating, and the volume enclosed by the encapsulation structure (29) is only slightly greater than the volume of the soot cylinder (11). A gap (52) between the volume enclosed by the encapsulating structure and the furnace is kept small enough to impede gas flow to a sufficient extent that the atmosphere within the encapsulating structure (29) is substantially stagnant during consolidation. During consolidation, fluorine concentration within the encapsulation structure (29) is uniformly distributed within the soot cylinder (11).

Abstract: A lightguide preform is fabricated by depositing a thin carbon layer (40) on a cylindrical glass mandrel (30) and further depositing a plurality of glassy soot layers (32) thereover. The resulting composite structure is heated, in a furnace, at a low temperature to remove the carbon layer (40) and then heated at an elevated temperature to consolidate the glassy soot layers on the glass mandrel to form the lightguide preform.

Abstract: Control over the diameter variations in a glass rod (10) during the stretching thereof is accomplished by cooling the rod after heating and initial neck down of a portion (22) thereof. After cooling, the rod (10) is reheated, at a lower temperature sufficient to reflow the glass in the necked-down portion (22) thereof, and is then stretched to the desired final diameter. Heating the rod (10) at a lower temperature during stretching increases the viscosity thereof which reduces its response to the stretching conditions, thereby affording better control over diameter fluctuations.

Abstract: Control over the diameter variations in a glass rod (10) during the stretching thereof is accomplished by cooling the rod after heating and initial neck down of a portion (22) thereof. After cooling, the rod (10) is reheated, at a lower temperature sufficient to reflow the glass in the necked-down portion (22) thereof, and is then stretched to the desired final diameter. Heating the rod (10) at a lower temperature during stretching increases the viscosity thereof which reduces its response to the stretching conditions, thereby affording better control over diameter fluctuations.