Abstract: A sample capture unit comprising a housing defining an enclosed substrate chamber containing a substantially planar sample-capture substrate extending in a plane for receiving a skin-print thereon. The housing comprises: a first part having an aperture providing access to the substrate chamber for depositing a skin-print on the sample-capture substrate; and a second part movable relative to the first part, from a first position in which the aperture is uncovered so as to allow receipt of a sample on the sample-capture substrate, and into a second position in which the aperture is covered, thereby preventing access to the substrate chamber; the housing further comprises a retaining mechanism configured to retain the second part in the second position; and an element having a perimeter defined by a line of frangibility, which enables irreversible detachment of at least a part of the element so as to create an access port dimensioned to allow removal of the sample-capture substrate.

Abstract: A sample capture unit comprising a housing defining an enclosed substrate chamber containing a substantially planar sample-capture substrate extending in a plane for receiving a skin-print thereon. The housing comprises: a first part having an aperture providing access to the substrate chamber for depositing a skin-print on the sample-capture substrate; and a second part movable relative to the first part, from a first position in which the aperture is uncovered so as to allow receipt of a sample on the sample-capture substrate, and into a second position in which the aperture is covered, thereby preventing access to the substrate chamber; the housing further comprises a retaining mechanism configured to retain the second part in the second position; and an element having a perimeter defined by a line of frangibility, which enables irreversible detachment of at least a part of the element so as to create an access port dimensioned to allow removal of the sample-capture substrate.

Abstract: Some implementations are directed to methods and apparatus for determining, based on sensor data generated during physical manipulation of a robot by a user, one or more grasp parameters to associate with an object model. Some implementations are directed to methods and apparatus for determining control commands to provide to actuator(s) of a robot to attempt a grasp of an object, where those control commands are determined based on grasp parameters associated with an object model that conforms to the object. The grasp parameter(s) associated with an object model may include end effector pose(s) that each define a pose of a grasping end effector relative to the object model and/or translational force measure(s) that each indicate force applied to an object by a grasping end effector, where the force is at least partially the result of translation of an entirety of the grasping end effector.

Abstract: A chip scale package includes a mandrel built flexible circuit having a circuit trace on a first surface and an aperture extending therethrough. The chip scale package includes a pad covering the aperture on the first surface of the flexible circuit and a raised interconnection member extending outwardly from the pad. The chip scale package also includes a chip secured to a second surface of the flexible circuit, such that the chip is electrically connected to the pad.

Abstract: The present invention includes stack flexible circuit layers having raised features or bumps for Z-axis interconnection to another circuit layer or electrical component. An intermediate or adhesive layer separates each circuit layer. The multiple layers are stacked with the raised features from one layer aligning with pads of an overlying or underlying layer and are laminated so that the raised features pierce the intermediate or adhesive layer and make electrical contact with the corresponding pad of the adjacent circuit layer. The raised features may have a shape sufficient to penetrate the intermediate and/or the adhesive layer allowing blind vias to be made without pre-drilling the intermediate or adhesive layers. The intermediate layer of film can have a function other than or in addition to that of an adhesive.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the concentration of chemical species in solution. The method involves passing the solution through a cell containing an ion-selective electrode. Measurement is carried out following suppression of interfering materials, under turbulent flow conditions. The apparatus preferably includes microprocessor controlled instrumentation and is particularly useful for the on-line determination of the concentration of copper(II) ions in electrolyte solutions.