Abstract: Compositions and methods for detecting bacterial pathogens containing microbial resistance genes in a sample, as well as methods for selecting a treatment for human infections involving such organisms. The methods involve carrying out a series of reactions in parallel where each reaction involves detecting a bacterial species or resistance gene in a sample using a CRISPR-Cas13a reaction. In some embodiments, the methods involve culturing a blood sample to increase the concentration of bacteria in the sample and/or direct detection of bacterial pathogens and/or microbial resistance genes in a blood sample.

Abstract: A head-worn sound reproduction device is provided in the form of left and right earphones, which can either be clipped to each ear or mounted on other headgear. The earphones deliver high fidelity audio to a user's eardrums from near-ear range, in a lightweight form factor that is fully “non-blocking” (allows coupling in and natural hearing of ambient sound). Each earphone has a woofer component that produces bass frequencies, and a tweeter component that produces treble frequencies. The woofer outputs the bass frequencies from a position close to the ear canal, while the tweeter outputs treble frequencies from a position that is either close to the ear canal or further away. In certain embodiments, the tweeter is significantly further from the ear canal than the woofer, leading to a more expansive perceived “sound stage”, but still with a “pure” listening experience.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions of matter that contain an electron emitting substance and an expansion material. The expansion material may, for example, be an intercalation compound. When a film is formed from the composition, expansion of the expansion material typically causes rupturing or fracturing of the film. No further treatment of the surface of the film is typically required after expansion of the expansion material to obtain good emission properties. A surface formed from such a fractured film acts as an efficient electron field emitter and thus is useful in vacuum microelectronic devices.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for improving the field emission of an electron field emitter comprised of an acicular emitting substance such as acicular carbon, an acicular semiconductor, an acicular metal or a mixture thereof, comprising applying a force to the surface of the electron field emitter wherein the force results in the removal of a portion of the electron field emitter thereby forming a new surface of the electron field emitter.

Abstract: An automated assay system is described with stations for placement of materials to be used in an assay of materials inside capillaries and an automated gripper for manipulating capillaries. The system includes a separation and immobilization station where reactions inside the capillaries take place and a detector station where photoemissions from the capillary reactions are detected. The photoemissions from the capillaries may be displayed as line graphs or in columns of a pseudo-gel image resembling the familiar Western gel blot. An automated control system has a user interface by which an operator can select a run protocol and define the locations of samples and reagents to be used in the protocol run. Following the setup the control system will cause the automated system to execute the protocol, then display the results in a selected display format.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for improving the field emission of an electron field emitter comprised of an acicular emitting substance such as acicular carbon, an acicular semiconductor, an acicular metal or a mixture thereof, comprising applying a force to the surface of the electron field emitter wherein the force results in the removal of a portion of the electron field emitter thereby forming a new surface of the electron field emitter.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device to monitor the administration of a fluid through a conduit, such as intravenous fluid, and detect the completion of fluid delivery by monitoring the fluid level inside a chamber. The device will monitor, through an optical fluid sensor comprising a radiation source, two sensors, a logic means, and an indicating means, the bottom half of any “user supplied” drip chamber that is normally full during the administration of fluids. When the fluid level in the chamber drops below a predetermined level, the indicating means will initiate an electromechanical device that releases a pinching device to occlude the conduit. The pinching device is a rotary pincher that derives its force from a torsion spring and is held in the open position by the electromechanical device.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for improving the field emission of an electron field emitter comprised of an acicular emitting substance such as acicular carbon, an acicular semiconductor, an acicular metal or a mixture thereof, comprising applying a force to the surface of the electron field emitter wherein the force results in the removal of a portion of the electron field emitter thereby forming a new surface of the electron field emitter.

Abstract: Structures and methods that facilitate integration and/or isolation of various functions in a microchip system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the integration of the functions is by a multi-chip, sliding linear valve approach. The chips are in continued physical contact. In a second embodiment, the chips are separated and rejoined when they are moved to the preferred position. Surface coating of the joining edges helps prevent leakage and keeps liquid in the capillary channels for both embodiments. Another embodiment relates to miniature valves. Several designs were disclosed, including the linear, edge-contact sliding valve approach. Method to fabricate very small, high aspect ratio holes in glass was also disclosed, which facilitates the above embodiments.