Abstract: A method and apparatus for addressing and driving an electrode array includes addressing one or more electrodes within the array using a plurality of row and column lines. In one aspect, a value corresponding to a voltage is stored in a local memory associated with each electrode. The addressed electrodes are then driven at the voltages corresponding to the stored values. In another aspect of the method, a driving element associated with each addressed electrode is selectively coupled with a voltage line so as to charge the electrode with the voltage on the voltage line. The device and methods may be used in the synthesis of biopolymers such as oligonucleotides and peptides.

Abstract: An imaging member includes a conductive substrate, a SiOx layer coated over the conductive substrate, a charge generating layer coated over the SiOx layer, and a charge transport layer

Abstract: Alignment of an ejector module in a printhead is achieved along a lateral direction by arranging first and second partially overlapping pluralities of nozzles, determining an alignment pair between first and second nozzles within their respective pluralities, and assigning the alignment pair as boundaries for print actuation. The first and second ejector modules are disposed in a printhead array along a lateral direction and include first and second nozzles eject fluid on command. The first nozzles are disposed with a first spacing therebetween in the first ejector module. The second nozzles at one end of the second ejector module that overlap the first nozzles are disposed with a second spacing that differs from the first spacing. An alignment pair between first and second nozzles of their respective pluralities is determined to minimize an alignment spacing between each other as compared to remaining nozzles.

Abstract: A method for making a plurality of low-cost microelectrode arrays (MEAs) on one substrate utilizing certain unmodified printed circuit board (PCB) fabrication processes and selected materials. In some embodiments, a MEA device is composed of a thin polymer substrate containing patterned conductive traces. Coverlays on both sides of the substrate insulate the conductive traces and defines the electrodes. Preferably, flexible PCB technology is utilized to simultaneously define the microelectrode arrays. In an embodiment, the sensor is an integrated temperature sensor/heater in which the MEA device operates to record extracellular electrical signals from electrically active cell cultures. The present invention enables economical and efficient mass production of MEA devices, making them particularly suitable for disposable applications such as drug discovery, biosensors, etc.

Abstract: A user-retainable monitoring system is disclosed. At least a pair of sensors is provided in association with a support member. The support member is preferably of a type that may be worn by or at least temporarily implanted in a patient. Possible sensor types include temperature sensors and impedance sensors. Temperature sensors may be used to detect a temperature differential between areas of tissue indicative of pathology. Impedance sensors are used to detect subcutaneous fluid detection. The support member may take the form of a bandage, drain or other structure. Monitor structures as described may have stand-alone utility or be connected to a processor or data recorder to enable various functions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensitive system for measuring the physiological response of an in-vitro cell culture to an environmental parameter. An electrical property of the cell culture is measured as a control signal, and a parameter of a stimulus is adjusted in real time to maintain the control signal at a specified value as the environment of the cell culture is altered, for example, pharmacologically. Artifact reduction and real-time control methods are two key aspects of preferred embodiments of the invention, and enable highly accurate determination of pulse parameters which elicit a desired response. Both aspects must be highly robust to the natural variations inherent in a biological system. This system is beneficial for studying the effects of environmental alterations because extremely small changes in the physiological response can be measured over time, revealing the magnitude and time-dependence of the impact of these alterations on the cell culture.

Abstract: An analyte is separated from a fluid sample by introducing the sample into a cartridge having a sample port and a first flow path extending from the sample port. The first flow path includes an extraction chamber containing a solid support for capturing the analyte from the sample. The cartridge has a second flow path for eluting the captured analyte from the extraction chamber, the second flow diverging from the first flow path after passing through the extraction chamber. The sample is forced to flow through the extraction chamber and into a waste chamber, thereby capturing the analyte with the solid support as the sample flows through the extraction chamber. The captured analyte is then eluted from the extraction chamber by forcing an elution fluid to flow through the extraction chamber and along the second flow path.

Abstract: A method of addressing and driving an electrode array includes the step of addressing one or more electrodes within the array using a plurality of row and column lines. In one aspect of the method, a value corresponding to a voltage is stored in a local memory associated with each electrode. The addressed electrodes are then driven at the voltages corresponding to the stored values. In another aspect of the method, a driving element associated with each addressed electrode is selectively coupled with a voltage line so as to charge the electrode with the voltage on the voltage line. The device and methods may be used in the synthesis of biopolymers such as oligonucleotides and peptides.

Abstract: A monitor device and associated methodology are disclosed which provide a self contained, relatively small and continuously wearable package for the monitoring of heart related parameters, including ECG. The detection of heart related parameters is predicated on the location of inequipotential signals located within regions of the human body conventionally defined as equivalent for the purpose of detection of heart related electrical activity, such as on single limbs. Amplification, filtering and processing methods and apparatus are described in conjunction with analytical tools for beat detection and display.

Abstract: An infusion pump for delivery of drugs to a patient includes a unit in which the pump mechanism is situated and a cassette through which the drugs to be delivered to the patient are pumped. The cassette includes a path for the fluid to flow from a drug vial to an outlet port. Disposed along the path are recesses for an inlet valve, a pressurization region, and an outlet valve. The cassette is sealed by an elastomeric layer to maintain the drugs to be delivered in a contaminant-free condition. The pump includes an inlet valve which has a contour matching the recess of the inlet port, and an outlet valve matching the recess of the outlet port. By biasing the inlet and outlet valves against the recesses, a pumping chamber is created. A piston in the unit pressurizes the pumping chamber to open the outlet valve and permit fluid to escape. By appropriate timing of the operation of the inlet valve and the piston, a continuous stream of fluid is delivered by the pump to the patient.