Abstract: This invention provides a device for increasing fuel economy which allows manual or automatic shutoff of an automobile engine under a first set of circumstances and restarting the engine under a second set of circumstances as well as control of the gear ratio selected by an automatic transmission and the rate of fuel delivery to the engine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sample-to-answer systems, devices, cartridges, and method of using the same for detecting the presence of microorganisms in a sample, such as bacteria.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for managing optical characteristics of gemstones with diffractive structures are provided. In one aspect, a method includes obtaining a three-dimensional model of a gemstone including representations of surfaces of the gemstone, identifying a region on a surface of the gemstone having an optical value higher than one or more other regions on the surface of the gemstone by analyzing the three-dimensional model of the gemstone, and determining a diffractive structure to be arranged on the identified region of the surface of the gemstone, such that the gemstone with the diffractive structure has a higher optical performance than the gemstone without the diffractive structure. The method can also include fabricating the determined diffractive structure on the identified region of the surface of the gemstone.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a multiplex fluid processing cartridge includes a sample well, a deformable fluid chamber, a mixing well with a mixer disposed therein, a lysis chamber including a lysis mixer, an electrowetting grid for microdroplet manipulation, and electrosensor arrays configured to detect analytes of interest. An instrument for processing the cartridge is configured to receive the cartridge and to selectively apply thermal energy, magnetic force, and electrical connections to one or more discrete locations on the cartridge and is further configured to compress the deformable chamber(s) in a specified sequence.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a multiplex fluid processing cartridge includes a sample well, a deformable fluid chamber, a mixing well with a mixer disposed therein, a lysis chamber including a lysis mixer, an electrowetting grid for microdroplet manipulation, and electrosensor arrays configured to detect analytes of interest. An instrument for processing the cartridge is configured to receive the cartridge and to selectively apply thermal energy, magnetic force, and electrical connections to one or more discrete locations on the cartridge and is further configured to compress the deformable chamber(s) in a specified sequence.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a multiplex fluid processing cartridge includes a sample well, a deformable fluid chamber, a mixing well with a mixer disposed therein, a lysis chamber including a lysis mixer, an electrowetting grid for microdroplet manipulation, and electrosensor arrays configured to detect analytes of interest. An instrument for processing the cartridge is configured to receive the cartridge and to selectively apply thermal energy, magnetic force, and electrical connections to one or more discrete locations on the cartridge and is further configured to compress the deformable chamber(s) in a specified sequence.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for managing optical characteristics of gemstones with diffractive structures are provided. In one aspect, a method includes obtaining a three-dimensional model of a gemstone including representations of surfaces of the gemstone, identifying a region on a surface of the gemstone having an optical value higher than one or more other regions on the surface of the gemstone by analyzing the three-dimensional model of the gemstone, and determining a diffractive structure to be arranged on the identified region of the surface of the gemstone, such that the gemstone with the diffractive structure has a higher optical performance than the gemstone without the diffractive structure. The method can also include fabricating the determined diffractive structure on the identified region of the surface of the gemstone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sample-to-answer systems, devices, cartridges, and method of using the same for detecting the presence of microorganisms in a sample, such as bacteria.

Abstract: A method for creating an inexpensive diamond with good optical and light qualities. The method includes cutting the diamond with a girdle diameter and a plurality of pavilion main facets, and a total height that is about 25% to 40% of the girdle width, and forming a series of parallel lines into at least one of the pavilion main facets. The resulting gemstone has a plurality of pavilion main facets, the gemstone having a total height that is about 25% to 40% of the girdle diameter, and a polygon shape formed into at least some of the pavilion main facets or pavilion girdle facets. In another embodiment, a gemstone has a girdle having a width, a pavilion portion with a plurality of pavilion main facets and a plurality of girdle lower facets, and a polygon shape etched into at least some of the pavilion main facets and girdle lower facets.

Abstract: An apparatus for purifying nucleic acid can include a disposable cartridge having a layered configuration, and a disposable syringe for coupling to the disposable cartridge such that a fluid can be delivered to or withdrawn fluid from the disposable cartridge using the syringe. At least one layer of the disposable cartridge can include a cut-out for forming a functional unit of the disposable cartridge, and at least one layer of the disposable cartridge can be joined to an adjacent layer of the disposable cartridge by an adhesive material layer. The functional unit can include a fluid channel between an access port on the first surface of the disposable cartridge and the fluid pouch. The apparatus can include a disposable silica-containing material for binding with the nucleic acid. The apparatus can include a heating element and a temperature sensor for heating the disposable silica-containing material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for use in preparing a sample. The methods and systems may be used for lysing one or more structures in a sample (e.g., cells, viral particles, etc.). The methods and compositions may comprise a microfluidic chip or use thereof. The microfluidic chips disclosed herein may comprise (a) a substrate comprising a chamber, wherein at least one mechanical element may be located within the chamber; (b) a thermal element in contact with the chamber; and (c) at least one aperture within the surface of the substrate, wherein the aperture may be configured to insulate the chamber.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a multiplex fluid processing cartridge includes a sample well, a deformable fluid chamber, a mixing well with a mixer disposed therein, a lysis chamber including a lysis mixer, an electrowetting grid for microdroplet manipulation, and electrosensor arrays configured to detect analytes of interest. An instrument for processing the cartridge is configured to receive the cartridge and to selectively apply thermal energy, magnetic force, and electrical connections to one or more discrete locations on the cartridge and is further configured to compress the deformable chamber(s) in a specified sequence.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a multiplex fluid processing cartridge includes a sample well, a deformable fluid chamber, a mixing well with a mixer disposed therein, a lysis chamber including a lysis mixer, an electrowetting grid for microdroplet manipulation, and electrosensor arrays configured to detect analytes of interest. An instrument for processing the cartridge is configured to receive the cartridge and to selectively apply thermal energy, magnetic force, and electrical connections to one or more discrete locations on the cartridge and is further configured to compress the deformable chamber(s) in a specified sequence.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a multiplex fluid processing cartridge includes a sample well, a deformable fluid chamber, a mixing well with a mixer disposed therein, a lysis chamber including a lysis mixer, an electrowetting grid for microdroplet manipulation, and electrosensor arrays configured to detect analytes of interest. An instrument for processing the cartridge is configured to receive the cartridge and to selectively apply thermal energy, magnetic force, and electrical connections to one or more discrete locations on the cartridge and is further configured to compress the deformable chamber(s) in a specified sequence.

Abstract: This invention provides a system for performing PCR, and real time PCR in particular, with great speed and specificity. The system employs a heat block containing a liquid composition to rapidly transfer heat to and from reaction vessels. The system makes use of the reflective properties of the liquid metal to reflect signal from the PCR into the vessel and out the top. In this way, the signal can be measured by an optical assembly in real time without removing the vessels from the heat block.

Abstract: A microfluidic filter is disclosed. The filter can be used with onchip fluid filtration such as whole blood filtration for microfluidic blood analysis. The filter is able to filter the necessary volume of fluid and in particular blood in an acceptable time frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for analysis of a sample and in particular of a biological sample. The apparatus contains a microfluidic chip with dies, adapted to be selectively activated or deactivated by presence of target molecules in the biological sample. The apparatus further contains a light source to emit light for illumination of the microfluidic chip and an optical filter to allow passage of the light from the dies once activated or deactivated by the presence of the target molecules. A method for pressurizing a microfluidic chip is also disclosed, where a chamber is provided, the chamber is connected with the microfluidic chip and pressure is applied to the chamber.

Abstract: A device and method for making a microfluidic separation device. A microfluidic separation device could include a microfluidic column having an inlet, the microfluidic column being configured to hold a first fluid and the microfluidic column including a porous portion, and an outlet attached to the microfluidic column, the outlet being configured to output a second fluid. The method may include providing a microfluidic column having an inlet, configuring the microfluidic column to hold a first fluid, forming a porous portion in the microfluidic column, and attaching an outlet to the microfluidic column.

Abstract: A device and method for making a microfluidic separation device. A microfluidic separation device could include a microfluidic column having an inlet, the microfluidic column being configured to hold a first fluid and the microfluidic column including a porous portion, and an outlet attached to the microfluidic column, the outlet being configured to output a second fluid. The method may include providing a microfluidic column having an inlet, configuring the microfluidic column to hold a first fluid, forming a porous portion in the microfluidic column, and attaching an outlet to the microfluidic column.

Abstract: Methods and devices of performing reactions for which presence of light is desirable are provided. Biological or chemical materials such as algae are put in a chamber shaped as a meandering fluid channel. The algae can be combined with biomass such as human or animal waste and then subject to light, such as natural light or light coming from a LED, to produce fuel. Production of fuel can be optimized by controlling the height-to-width ratio of the channels.