Abstract: A multilayered microfluidic chip integrating separation channels and a common piezoelectric pump dispensing to a blotting membrane is described. A top layer with separation channels is connected with vias through a middle layer to a nozzle area in a bottom layer that has a piezoelectric pump. Because each via is very near a separate orifice in the bottom layer, the buffer fluid in the bottom layer will quickly dispense analyte emerging from the via. The analyte is pumped out of the orifice carried by the buffer fluid. A common reservoir of buffer fluid, connected with the pump membrane, is used. Electrodes may be placed near the entrance of each separation channel and share a terminating electrode in the common reservoir.

Abstract: A flat bar piezoelectric actuator affixed to a pressure chamber with one or more separation capillary tubes exiting near respective nozzle orifices is disclosed. The flat actuator against a flat wall of the pump chamber causes a relatively planar pressure wave to pass by the end of each capillary, transporting a precise amount of separated analyte from the capillary out of the nozzle orifice. The nozzle may or may not be tapered. Multiple nozzles can form an inkjet print head that ejects precise droplets of analyte and sheath fluid. The small volume of mixed sheath liquid and analyte can then be jetted through the nozzle at a moving surface, either continuously or as discrete droplets. Relative positions on the surface can indicate separation distances of dispensed analytes.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods of using them are disclosed that position an end of a capillary electrophoresis tube within an internal tapered nozzle region of an inkjet print head or other microfluidic pump. The capillary electrophoresis tube can extend through an inlet of the microfluidic pump and leave space for a sheath liquid to enter the pump and mix with separated analytes eluted from the capillary electrophoresis tube. The small volume of mixed sheath liquid and analyte can then be jetted through the nozzle at a moving surface, either continuously or as discrete droplets. Relative positions on the surface can indicate separation distances of dispensed analytes.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for the separation and dispensing of material using a microfluidic electrophoresis column, sheath liquid pump, and exit channel, all on the same monolithic chip. Material is separated in the electrophoresis column and passed into the exit chamber in response to a voltage potential between a first electrode within the electrophoresis column and a terminating electrode integrated into the chip. The terminating electrode can be in the sheath liquid pump chamber, the sheath liquid reservoir, or a separate flow channel that intersects the exit channel along with the electrophoresis column and sheath liquid pump chamber. The flow of sheath liquid into the exit chamber entrains separated analytes into an effluent that is dispensed out of the exit chamber via a discharge outlet.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for the separation and dispensing of material using a microfluidic separation column connected via an exit channel to one or more sheath flow channels. The flow of separated material through the separation column is at least partially driven by a voltage potential between a first electrode within the separation column and a terminating electrode within at least one of the sheath flow channels. The separation column, exit channel, sheath flow channels, and electrodes are all within a single monolithic chip. The presence of an on-chip terminating electrode allows for separated material to be entrained in the sheath fluids and ejected onto a surface that can be non-conductive. The presence of multiple sheath flows allows for sheath flow fluids to have different compositions from one another, while reducing the occurrence of sheath flow fluids entering the separation column.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for the separation and dispensing of material using a microfluidic separation column connected via an exit channel to one or more sheath flow channels. The flow of separated material through the separation column is at least partially driven by a voltage potential between a first electrode within the separation column and a terminating electrode within at least one of the sheath flow channels. The separation column, exit channel, sheath flow channels, and electrodes are all within a single monolithic chip. The presence of an on-chip terminating electrode allows for separated material to be entrained in the sheath fluids and ejected onto a surface that can be non-conductive. The presence of multiple sheath flows allows for sheath flow fluids to have different compositions from one another, while reducing the occurrence of sheath flow fluids entering the separation column.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods of using them are disclosed that position an end of a capillary electrophoresis tube within an internal tapered nozzle region of an inkjet print head or other microfluidic pump. The capillary electrophoresis tube can extend through an inlet of the microfluidic pump and leave space for a sheath liquid to enter the pump and mix with separated analytes eluted from the capillary electrophoresis tube. The small volume of mixed sheath liquid and analyte can then be jetted through the nozzle at a moving surface, either continuously or as discrete droplets. Relative positions on the surface can indicate separation distances of dispensed analytes.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for the separation and dispensing of material using a microfluidic separation column connected via an exit channel to one or more sheath flow channels. The flow of separated material through the separation column is at least partially driven by a voltage potential between a first electrode within the separation column and a terminating electrode within at least one of the sheath flow channels. The separation column, exit channel, sheath flow channels, and electrodes are all within a single monolithic chip. The presence of an on-chip terminating electrode allows for separated material to be entrained in the sheath fluids and ejected onto a surface that can be non-conductive. The presence of multiple sheath flows allows for sheath flow fluids to have different compositions from one another, while reducing the occurrence of sheath flow fluids entering the separation column.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods of using them are disclosed that position an end of a capillary electrophoresis tube within an internal tapered nozzle region of an inkjet print head or other microfluidic pump. The capillary electrophoresis tube can extend through an inlet of the microfluidic pump and leave space for a sheath liquid to enter the pump and mix with separated analytes eluted from the capillary electrophoresis tube. The small volume of mixed sheath liquid and analyte can then be jetted through the nozzle at a moving surface, either continuously or as discrete droplets. Relative positions on the surface can indicate separation distances of dispensed analytes.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for the separation and dispensing of material using a microfluidic electrophoresis column, sheath liquid pump, and exit channel, all on the same monolithic chip. Material is separated in the electrophoresis column and passed into the exit chamber in response to a voltage potential between a first electrode within the electrophoresis column and a terminating electrode integrated into the chip. The terminating electrode can be in the sheath liquid pump chamber, the sheath liquid reservoir, or a separate flow channel that intersects the exit channel along with the electrophoresis column and sheath liquid pump chamber. The flow of sheath liquid into the exit chamber entrains separated analytes into an effluent that is dispensed out of the exit chamber via a discharge outlet.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for the separation and dispensing of material using a microfluidic separation column connected via an exit channel to one or more sheath flow channels. The flow of separated material through the separation column is at least partially driven by a voltage potential between a first electrode within the separation column and a terminating electrode within at least one of the sheath flow channels. The separation column, exit channel, sheath flow channels, and electrodes are all within a single monolithic chip. The presence of an on-chip terminating electrode allows for separated material to be entrained in the sheath fluids and ejected onto a surface that can be non-conductive. The presence of multiple sheath flows allows for sheath flow fluids to have different compositions from one another, while reducing the occurrence of sheath flow fluids entering the separation column.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods of using them are disclosed that position an end of a capillary electrophoresis tube within an internal tapered nozzle region of an inkjet print head or other microfluidic pump. The capillary electrophoresis tube can extend through an inlet of the microfluidic pump and leave space for a sheath liquid to enter the pump and mix with separated analytes eluted from the capillary electrophoresis tube. The small volume of mixed sheath liquid and analyte can then be jetted through the nozzle at a moving surface, either continuously or as discrete droplets. Relative positions on the surface can indicate separation distances of dispensed analytes.

Abstract: A fluorescence imaging system having an enclosure having an optical excitation and detection system and features designed to suppress or reduce background fluorescence. In certain aspects, all or a portion of the interior walls has a material finish and texture that provides a surface that absorbs at least a portion of any impinging excitation light and which has low auto-fluorescing properties. In certain aspects, a baffle structure is provided on the interior of the structure and is configured to mask portions of the interior and reduce the opening through which light impinges on the detector.

Abstract: A fluorescence imaging system having an enclosure having an optical excitation and detection system and features designed to suppress or reduce background fluorescence. In certain aspects, all or a portion of the interior walls has a material finish and texture that provides a surface that absorbs at least a portion of any impinging excitation light and which has low auto-fluorescing properties. In certain aspects, a baffle structure is provided on the interior of the structure and is configured to mask portions of the interior and reduce the opening through which light impinges on the detector.

Abstract: An optical system is disclosed that can be used for fluorescence filtering for molecular imaging. In one preferred embodiment, a source subsystem is disclosed comprising a light source and a first set of filters designed to pass wavelengths of light in an absorption band of a fluorescent material. A detector subsystem is also disclosed comprising a light detector, imaging optics, a second set of filters designed to pass wavelengths of light in an emission band of the fluorescent material, and an aperture located at a front focal plane of the imaging optics. A telecentric space is created between the light detector and the imaging optics, such that axial rays from a plurality of field points emerge from the imaging optics parallel to each other and perpendicular to the second set of filters.

Abstract: A portable weather display device including an upper and a lower hollow housing connected together by a hinge containing a power on/off switch. In the upper housing there is a backlit approximately 6″ diagonal SVGA color touch-sensitive display and a warning speaker to signal NOAA weather alerts. The upper housing also includes a rubber gasket which seals out dust and water when closed. In the lower housing there is a central processing unit (CPU), 32 megabytes of RAM, 64 megabytes of Flash ROM, a display driver, a communications interface or device, an NiMH battery (and an external AC power adapter), a standard RJ11 phone jack, a plastic sliding protector to cover over these ports, a cellular antenna, a locking clasp to keep the device closed tightly, and battery and power indicator lights.