Abstract: A system includes an energy source, a focusing system, and a controller. The energy source is configured to output energy pulses to the focusing system. A chamber surrounds at least a portion of a metallic substrate and contain a liquid in contact with a surface of the metallic substrate. The controller is configured to cause the energy source to output energy pulses and cause the focusing system to focus a focal volume of the energy pulses at or near the surface of the metallic substrate that is in contact with the liquid to create micro-scale or smaller surface texturing on the metallic substrate.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a hermetic assembly and a method of forming such assembly are disclosed. The hermetic assembly includes a dielectric substrate having a first major surface and a second major surface, a patterned layer connected to the first major surface of the dielectric substrate by a laser bond, and a ferrule having a body and a flange extending from the body. The flange is welded to a welding portion of the patterned layer that is disposed between the flange and the first major surface of the dielectric substrate such that the ferrule is hermetically sealed to the dielectric substrate.

Abstract: An iron-air battery including an iron electrode in contact with an anode current collector, wherein the iron electrode includes a plurality of channels; an oxygen reduction reaction electrode having a first surface facing the plurality of channels and an opposing second surface in contact with air; an oxygen evolution reaction electrode interdigitated with the plurality of channels of the iron electrode, wherein at least a portion of the oxygen evolution reaction electrode is disposed within the plurality of channels in a direction perpendicular to a plane of the oxygen reduction reaction electrode; and an electrolyte in contact with the iron electrode, the first surface of the oxygen reduction reaction electrode, the plurality of channels, and the oxygen evolution reaction electrode.

Abstract: Methods of forming hermetically-sealed packages are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the hermetically-sealed package can include a housing and a feedthrough assembly that forms a part of the housing. The feedthrough assembly can include a non-conductive substrate and a feedthrough. The feedthrough can include a via from an outer surface to an inner surface of the non-conductive substrate, a conductive material disposed in the via, and an external contact disposed over the via on the outer surface of the non-conductive substrate. The external contact can be electrically coupled to the conductive material disposed in the via. Further, the external contact can be hermetically sealed to the outer surface of the non-conductive substrate by a laser bond surrounding the via.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a nuclear radiation particle power converter and method of forming such power converter are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the power converter can include first and second electrodes, a three-dimensional current collector disposed between the first and second electrodes and electrically coupled to the first electrode, and a charge carrier separator disposed on at least a portion of a surface of the three-dimensional current collector. The power converter can also include a hole conductor layer disposed on at least a portion of the charge carrier separator and electrically coupled to the second electrode, and nuclear radiation-emitting material disposed such that at least one nuclear radiation particle emitted by the nuclear radiation-emitting material is incident upon the charge carrier separator.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a hermetic assembly and a method of forming such assembly are disclosed. The hermetic assembly includes a dielectric substrate having a first major surface and a second major surface, a patterned layer connected to the first major surface of the dielectric substrate by a laser bond, and a ferrule having a body and a flange extending from the body. The flange is welded to a welding portion of the patterned layer that is disposed between the flange and the first major surface of the dielectric substrate such that the ferrule is hermetically sealed to the dielectric substrate.

Abstract: An analyte sensor apparatus for detecting an analyte in a target environment includes a plurality of biotransducers and a controller. The plurality of biotransducers are configured to provide a baseline signal, one or more analyte signals, and at least one error condition signal. The plurality of biotransducers at least one reference biotransducer, one or more working biotransducers, and at least one working as reference biotransducer. The controller is operatively coupled to the plurality of biotransducers and is configured to receive the baseline signal, the one or more analyte signals, and the error correction signal. The controller is further configured to determine and/or output one or more adjusted analyte levels using the baseline signal, the one or more analyte signals, and the error correction signal.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a sealed package and a method of forming such package are disclosed. The package can include a non-conductive substrate that includes a cavity disposed in a first major surface. A cover layer can be disposed over the cavity and attached to the first major surface of the non-conductive substrate to form a sealed enclosure. The sealed package can also include a feedthrough that includes a via between a recessed surface of the cavity and a second major surface of the substrate, and a conductive material disposed in the via. An external contact can be disposed over the via on the second major surface of the non-conductive substrate, where the external contact is electrically connected to the conductive material disposed in the via. The sealed package can also include an electronic device disposed within the sealed enclosure that is electrically connected to the external contact.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a pressure sensor assembly and an implantable medical device that includes such assembly are disclosed. The assembly includes a substrate having a via that extends through the substrate along a via axis between a first major surface and a second major surface of the substrate, a membrane disposed on the first major surface of the substrate and over the via, and a patterned metal layer disposed on a first major surface of the membrane, a portion of such layer including a first capacitor plate. The assembly further includes an integrated circuit disposed adjacent to the first major surface of the membrane and electrically connected to the metal layer. The integrated circuit includes a second capacitor plate disposed on or within a substrate of the integrated circuit. The first capacitor plate and the second capacitor plate form a variable capacitor disposed along the via axis.

Abstract: A system including a flow control assembly. The system may include a flow regulating shunt system, for various purposes such as a use as a hydrocephalus shunt. The flow control assembly may be controlled according to selected parameters and methods. These include controlling microelectromechanical (MEMS) system to control a pressure in the flow control assembly.

Abstract: A system includes an energy source, a focusing system, and a controller. The energy source is configured to output energy pulses to the focusing system. A chamber surrounds at least a portion of a metallic substrate and contain a liquid in contact with a surface of the metallic substrate. The controller is configured to cause the energy source to output energy pulses and cause the focusing system to focus a focal volume of the energy pulses at or near the surface of the metallic substrate that is in contact with the liquid to create micro-scale or smaller surface texturing on the metallic substrate.

Abstract: A system includes an energy source, a focusing system, and a controller. The energy source is configured to output energy pulses to the focusing system. A chamber surrounds at least a portion of a metallic substrate and contains a liquid in contact with a surface of the metallic substrate. The controller is configured to cause the energy source to output energy pulses and cause the focusing system to focus a focal volume of the energy pulses at or near the surface of the metallic substrate that is in contact with the liquid to create micro-scale or smaller surface texturing on the metallic substrate.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a sealed package and a method of forming such package are disclosed. The package can include a non-conductive substrate that includes a cavity disposed in a first major surface. A cover layer can be disposed over the cavity and attached to the first major surface of the non-conductive substrate to form a sealed enclosure. The sealed package can also include a feedthrough that includes a via between a recessed surface of the cavity and a second major surface of the substrate, and a conductive material disposed in the via. An external contact can be disposed over the via on the second major surface of the non-conductive substrate, where the external contact is electrically connected to the conductive material disposed in the via. The sealed package can also include an electronic device disposed within the sealed enclosure that is electrically connected to the external contact.

Abstract: A glass wafer has an internal surface and an opposing external surface separated by a wafer thickness. A hermetic, electrically conductive feedthrough extends through the wafer from the internal surface to the opposing external surface. The feedthrough includes a feedthrough member having an inner face exposed along the internal surface for electrically coupling to an electrical circuit. The feedthrough member extends from the inner face partially through the wafer thickness to an exteriorly-facing outer face hermetically embedded within the wafer.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a sealed package and a method of forming such package are disclosed. The package can include a non-conductive substrate that includes a cavity disposed in a first major surface. A cover layer can be disposed over the cavity and attached to the first major surface of the non-conductive substrate to form a sealed enclosure. The sealed package can also include a feedthrough that includes a via between a recessed surface of the cavity and a second major surface of the substrate, and a conductive material disposed in the via. An external contact can be disposed over the via on the second major surface of the non-conductive substrate, where the external contact is electrically connected to the conductive material disposed in the via. The sealed package can also include an electronic device disposed within the sealed enclosure that is electrically connected to the external contact.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a pressure sensor assembly and an implantable medical device that includes such assembly are disclosed. The assembly includes a substrate having a via that extends through the substrate along a via axis between a first major surface and a second major surface of the substrate, a membrane disposed on the first major surface of the substrate and over the via, and a patterned metal layer disposed on a first major surface of the membrane, a portion of such layer including a first capacitor plate. The assembly further includes an integrated circuit disposed adjacent to the first major surface of the membrane and electrically connected to the metal layer. The integrated circuit includes a second capacitor plate disposed on or within a substrate of the integrated circuit. The first capacitor plate and the second capacitor plate form a variable capacitor disposed along the via axis.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an electronic package and implantable medical device are disclosed. The electronic package includes a nonconductive substrate having a first major surface, a second major surface, and an opening disposed through the substrate between the first major surface and the second major surface. The package also includes a conductive layer hermetically sealed to the first major surface of the substrate and over the opening; a conductor block disposed in the opening and extending beyond the second major surface of the substrate, where the conductor block is electrically connected to the conductive layer; and an electronic device disposed adjacent to the first major surface of the substrate and electrically connected to the conductive layer. The package also includes a nonconductive cover disposed over the electronic device and the nonconductive substrate and hermetically sealed to the substrate, where the electronic device is disposed within a cavity of the cover.

Abstract: An infection transmission control system is provided. The system can include pliable grips configured to wrap around a surface of a publicly used object. The system can include a securing mechanism structured to hold in place the pliable grips around the publicity used object and wherein the pliable grips when engaged with the securing mechanism form a layer which is structured to minimize physical contact between a user of the system and the surface of the publicly used object. Further, a finger pointer protection system is provided. The system includes a conductive silicon fingertip protective cap configured to fit on a person's index finger. The system also includes a fingertip storage container structured to allow storage of the silicon fingertip protective cap securely. The pliable grips and the fingertip protective cap can be created in a disposable version.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system including a flow control assembly. The system may include a flow regulating shunt system, for various purposes. The flow control assembly may be controlled according to selected parameters and methods.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system including a flow control assembly. The system may include a flow regulating shunt system, for various purposes. The flow control assembly may be controlled according to selected parameters and methods.