Abstract: A self-propelled apparatus for analyzing a component contained in a fluid medium. The self-propelled apparatus uses kinetic energy of the apparatus to drive a fluid under analysis through the apparatus. This is accomplished by use of a conveyance system that is attached to the analytical system of the apparatus. A sensor system is used to analyze the component collected within the confines of an analysis chamber, a part of the analysis system. The invention also includes a method of using the analytical apparatus.

Abstract: A submersible, self-propelled apparatus for analyzing a component contained in a liquid medium. The submersible, self-propelled apparatus uses kinetic energy of the apparatus to drive a liquid under analysis through the apparatus. This is accomplished by use of a conveyance system that is attached to the analytical system of the apparatus. A sensor system is used to analyze the component collected within the confines of an analysis chamber, a part of the analysis system. The invention also includes a method of using the analytical apparatus.

Abstract: A die assembly for creating a ring electrode including a cylindrically-shaped die base, two die walls and a die top sized to fit inside a cylindrical die housing. The die base and die top having a series of concentric elevations used as impressions to form on two ends of the ring electrode. A method of fabricating an LTCC ring electrode using the die assembly is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides core technologies necessary for a portable, low cost LED-based handheld fluorometer. The fluorometer is based on a heater integrated within the walls of the reaction chamber, and an orthogonal geometry LED based light source to provide optical excitation. Power is supplied through either an internal power supply, and data is collected in real-time through standard serial interfaces of personal computers, which can also be used to provide power, or personal digital assistants. Thermal regulation is automatically maintained using temperature sensor feedback control. Such a handheld system can allow applications requiring temperature sensitive photometric measurements for real time analyte detection to be performed in the field.

Abstract: A cylindrical ion trap (CIT) mass spectrometer constructed using a non-conductive substrate (LTCC) as the basis for the ring electrode. Photolithography and electroless plating were used to create well-defined conductive areas on the LTCC ring electrode. The inventive method allows for the precise control of establishing conductive areas on a non-conductive substrate through the steps of punching, lamination, firing, metallization and photolithography on the metallized layer.

Abstract: A self-propelled apparatus for analyzing a component contained in a fluid medium. The self-propelled apparatus uses kinetic energy of the apparatus to drive a fluid under analysis through the apparatus. This is accomplished by use of a conveyance system that is attached to the analytical system of the apparatus. A sensor system is used to analyze the component collected within the confines of an analysis chamber, a part of the analysis system. The invention also includes a method of using the analytical apparatus.

Abstract: A submersible, self-propelled apparatus for analyzing a component contained in a liquid medium. The submersible, self-propelled apparatus uses kinetic energy of the apparatus to drive a liquid under analysis through the apparatus. This is accomplished by use of a conveyance system that is attached to the analytical system of the apparatus. A sensor system is used to analyze the component collected within the confines of an analysis chamber, a part of the analysis system. The invention also includes a method of using the analytical apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method for the fabrication of microchannels, and more particularly to the fabrication of microchannels for use in Microelectromechanical (MEMS) devices and MEMS related devices. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, microchannels are formed by a microfabrication method utilizing electronic imaging techniques in combination with chemical etching and subsequent metallization. The method of the present invention is effective in producing networks of channels in liquid crystal polymer (LCP) polymeric substrates which are highly defined in terms of their patterns, and thus are able to encompass a wide variety of end uses.

Abstract: The present invention provides core technologies necessary for a portable, low cost LED-based handheld fluorometer. The fluorometer is based on a heater integrated within the walls of the reaction chamber, and an orthogonal geometry LED based light source to provide optical excitation. Power is supplied through either an internal power supply, and data is collected in real-time through standard serial interfaces of personal computers, which can also be used to provide power, or personal digital assistants. Thermal regulation is automatically maintained using temperature sensor feedback control. Such a handheld system can allow applications requiring temperature sensitive photometric measurements for real time analyte detection to be performed in the field.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention is a miniature planar oceanographic conductivity, temperature pressure (CTD) system based on a thin film material fabricated on a Liquid Crystalline Polymer (LCP). The micro-CTD system in accordance with the present invention analyzes water for salinity by measuring conductivity, temperature and depth.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method for the fabrication of microchannels, and more particularly to the fabrication of microchannels for use in Microelectromechanical (MEMS) devices and MEMS related devices. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, microchannels are formed by a microfabrication method utilizing electronic imaging techniques in combination with chemical etching and subsequent metallization. The method of the present invention is effective in producing networks of channels in liquid crystal polymer (LCP) polymeric substrates which are highly defined in terms of their patterns, and thus are able to encompass a wide variety of end uses.

Abstract: According to the present invention a corrosion sensor is provided to detect and quantify the level of corrosion present in an electrical component. The corrosion monitor of the present invention includes at least one resistive element exposed to the electrical component and at least two bond pads from which to measure the change in resistance due to corrosion of the electrical component.

Abstract: An analytical system is provided which uses the kinetic energy of motion of the entire system to drive a fluid under analysis through the system. This is accomplished by use of a propulsion system which is attached to the analytical portion of the system. Various sensor detection systems may be used to analyze the sample collected within the confines of a sample isolation and concentration module contained within the system. Trace quantities of suspect materials may be detected or monitored by use of the instant system.