Abstract: A method of making a microfluidic module is disclosed that includes forming a fluid flow channel in a self-bonding rebondable polyimide film to provide a channel sheet, the self-bonding rebondable polyimide film having a first mask layer self-bonded thereto; removing the first mask layer from the channel sheet after forming the fluid flow channel; and self-bonding the surface of the channel sheet exposed by removal of the first mask layer to a cover sheet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microfluidic device comprising at least one micro-aliquotter for dispensing fixed or variable volumes. The micro-aliquotter includes an rigid, dimensionally stable foundational layer having a fluid port therein that is in fluid communication with a channel within the microfluidic device, and an elastic film positioned on the foundational layer where the film covers the fluid port. The elastic film is sealed to the foundational layer so fluids entering through the fluid port can be captured between the elastic film and the foundational layer. The elastic film being expandable from a rest position on the foundational layer to a dispensing, or aliquotting, position in which an aliquot volume of a fluid is contained between the film and the foundational layer.

Abstract: A method of making a microfluidic module is disclosed that includes forming a fluid flow channel in a self-bonding rebondable polyimide film to provide a channel sheet, the self-bonding rebondable polyimide film having a first mask layer self-bonded thereto; removing the first mask layer from the channel sheet after forming the fluid flow channel; and self-bonding the surface of the channel sheet exposed by removal of the first mask layer to a cover sheet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microfluidic device comprising at least one micro-aliquotter for dispensing fixed or variable volumes. The micro-aliquotter includes an rigid, dimensionally stable foundational layer having a fluid port therein that is in fluid communication with a channel within the microfluidic device, and an elastic film positioned on the foundational layer where the film covers the fluid port. The elastic film is sealed to the foundational layer so fluids entering through the fluid port can be captured between the elastic film and the foundational layer. The elastic film being expandable from a rest position on the foundational layer to a dispensing, or aliquotting, position in which an aliquot volume of a fluid is contained between the film and the foundational layer.

Abstract: A microfluidic module that comprises an adhesiveless self-bonding rebondable polyimide film.

Abstract: A method is provided for constructing a platform for use in a sensor in a microfluidic device. The method may include the steps of selecting a polymeric film, laser drilling at least one frustoconical pore in the film, depositing a layer of metal suitable for use as an electrode over a wall of the pore, and depositing a membrane capable of detecting an analyte in the pore over the metal layer. The method may also include the additional step of forming a diffusion limiting layer in the pore at an exit end of the pore before depositing the membrane capable of detecting an analyte.

Abstract: A microfluidic device comprising a first polyimide film having at least one microfeature formed in at least one surface thereof, and a second polyimide film adjacent the surface of the first polyimide film containing the microfeatures, a bonding layer between the first polyimide film and the second polyimide film, the bonding layer being a layer of a thermoplastic fluoropolymer.

Abstract: A bilateral biosensor based upon a microporous architecture is provided which seeks to reduce the effect of co-reactant concentration limitations by utilizing a new sensor microgeometry. If implemented on the appropriate scale, the new sensor design augments substantially the concentration of oxygen, or other co-reactants or reagents, in the reaction zone of the sensor. Performance enhancements over traditional microscale devices employing unilateral orientation are accomplished, in one embodiment, by allowing analyte to enter the sensor from one side of the sensor, while allowing a co-substrate to enter from both sides of the sensor.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a fluidic module, such as a microfluidic module, has a fluid-flow channel, an electroosmotic flow membrane positioned in the channel, and a cathode located on one side and an anode located on the other side of the membrane so that an electrolyte in the channel is transported through the membrane in the presence of a voltage. In another embodiment, the channel has a port, a flexible and fluid-impermeable diaphragm is added, the electrolyte is contained in a reservoir, and the membrane moves the bladder which acts as a valve for fluid leaving the channel through the port. In a further embodiment, electrolyte in a first reservoir is transported through the membrane to move the bladder to force fluid out of a second reservoir.

Abstract: A sampling probe for withdrawing and filtering a portion of material from a vessel having an inner chamber containing the material and a port for receiving a probe. The sampling probe comprises a casing having a sample inlet, a pumping chamber having a pump for drawing a portion of the material into the pumping chamber through the sample inlet, and a filter chamber downstream of the pumping chamber. The filter chamber includes a filter which divides the filter chamber into a retentate portion and a filtrate portion, wherein at least part of the withdrawn material passes through the filter into the filtrate portion.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a module having fluid flow channels in communication with a diaphragm valve using self-bondable polyimide sheets wherein the sheets are directly interfacially bonded to one another except in the region corresponding to the diaphragm valve without using an adhesive is disclosed.

Abstract: Microfluidic analyzers are used to sense a plurality of analytes in whole blood, diluted blood, plasma or serum. Additionally in the rapidly growing fields of cell culture growth and fermentation, it is often necessary to measure glucose, glutamine, lactate, NH3, phosphate and iron in micro-scale fluid flow analysis systems. The present application is directed to a fluid flow module that allows for analyte sample flow therethrough while providing a site for the location of a sensing element or elements therein to detect analyte presence and/or concentration. The module is designed for microfluidic flow rates and volumes and can be discarded after use with simple replacement by another module.

Abstract: A microfluidic analyzer module. The module is constructed of a plurality of channel forming laminate layers that are directly bonded together without adhesive or other possible contaminant source located proximate the flow channels. The channel forming laminate layers define a network of fluid flow channels. A valve containing layer is directly, adhesivelessly bonded over the channel containing layers. A flexible valve member integral with the valve layer opens and closes communication between feed and sensor channels of the channel network.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for verifying the identity of an individual is based on the profile of a hand print. A set of reference data is created by determining the location of the edges of each finger separately to generate a set of finger profiles, establishing a central axis for each finger profile by reference to the edges thereof, rotating the central axis of each finger profile until it is normal to a reference line, determining the width of each finger profile at predetermined locations parallel to said reference line, and recording said finger profile information. Thereafter, a candidate's finger profile can then be compared with the reference profile by comparing the width of each finger profile at predetermined locations, determining whether the corresponding between finger widths at said predetermined locations meets a predetermined criteria, and then indicating acceptance or rejection of the candidate.

Abstract: An improved arc reactor device is disclosed for producing nitrogen oxides by an electric discharge process wherein the improvement is the addition of an igniter electrode and circuit responsive to the discharge electrode voltage causing arcing of the igniter electrode when the discharge electrode voltage rises to a set level.

Abstract: An arc reactor device for producing nitrogen oxides by an arc discharge process includes an electrically conductive casing, defining an arc discharge chamber therein, and an electrically conductive discharge electrode electrically insulated from the casing and extending into the chamber. An arc discharge potential is applied between the discharge electrode and the casing to produce electrical arcing. A starter electrode extends into the chamber and is movable from an extended position in which it contacts the discharge electrode, to a retracted position, in which the starter electrode is out of contact with the discharge electrode. A means for moving the starter electrode from the extended position, at initiation of operation, to the retracted position and maintaining the starter electrode in the retracted position during operation of the arc reactor device includes a solenoid actuator. Air is supplied to the electrically conductive casing from several manifolds which surround the casing.