Abstract: An apparatus for microfluidic flow cytometry analysis of a particulate containing fluid An apparatus for microfluidic flow cytometry analysis of a particulate containing fluid comprises a hydrodynamic focussing apparatus for providing a focused stream of particulate containing fluid; and a microfluidic chip. The chip has a plurality of layers and comprises a microfluidic channel that extends through the chip substantially orthogonal to a plane of the layers of the chip, and is in fluid communication with the hydrodynamic focusing apparatus for receipt of a focused steam of particulate containing fluid. The chip also comprises a detection zone comprising at least one pair of electrodes in electrical communication with the microfluidic channel.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of microfluidic flow cytometry and more generally microfluidic techniques for analysis of particulate-containing fluids. It deals with the improvements to such technologies in order to identify subsets of particles or sub-populations of cells that differ in their properties, and, if necessary, separate the said identified sub-populations of cells, e.g. sex of semen cells, alive cells from the dead ones, cancerous cells from the healthy ones, subsets of viruses, bacteria or subsets of particles. This invention disclosure deals with the apparatus and the method for detection of cells or particles based on measurements of complex AC impedance between electrodes across the flow of fluid containing such cells or particles.

Abstract: A microfluidic chip for focussing a stream of particulate containing fluid comprises a sample microfluidic channel configured to receive the stream of particulate containing fluid, a guidance microfluidic channel having a polygonal cross-sectional area and configured to receive a stream of guidance fluid, and a common microfluidic channel having a polygonal cross sectional area formed by the merging of the sample microfluidic channel and the guidance 10 microfluidic channel at an oblique angle along only part of one or more sides of the guidance microfluidic channel, and a detection zone disposed in the common microfluidic channel having one or more sensors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical device for imaging and measuring characteristics of an objects surface shape, surface spectral reflectance and structure of sub-surface layers. In particular, the invention relates to imaging of topography of human skin and skin sub-surface layers and determination of concentration of skin constituents. The present invention has applications in areas such as skin care, dermatology, cosmetics, wound management and tricology. The imaging device of the invention significantly improves photometric stereo measurements by suppressing specular reflection and allows accurate determination of the surface shape. Consequently the device allows elimination of the influence of the shape and illumination conditions on spectral measurements and allows accurate measurement of skin constituents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical device for imaging and measuring characteristics of an objects surface shape, surface spectral reflectance and structure of sub-surface layers. In particular, the invention relates to imaging of topography of human skin and skin sub-surface layers and determination of concentration of skin constituents. The present invention has applications in areas such as skin care, dermatology, cosmetics, wound management and tricology. The imaging device of the invention significantly improves photometric stereo measurements by suppressing specular reflection and allows accurate determination of the surface shape. Consequently the device allows elimination of the influence of the shape and illumination conditions on spectral measurements and allows accurate measurement of skin constituents.

Abstract: There is provided a method of cleaning a dispensing assembly for small liquid droplets less than 50 ?l and even as low as 10 nl. A purging step with pressurized gas followed by a cleaning step using a suitable cleaning liquid is carried out a number of times.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for measuring the migration of cells in a channel under the influence of an analyte wherein said cells are separated from said analyte by a semi-permeable membrane and said cells are subjected to controlled flow conditions while the analyte is static and in the form of a viscous substance or gel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new type of material and describes a novel material and way to improve the transparency of a transition metal oxide by employing an anionic doping strategy to modify the transparency. At the same time a cationic dopant is used to improve conductivity.

Abstract: There is provided a method of cleaning a dispensing assembly for small liquid droplets less than 50 ?l and even as low as 10 nl. A purging step with pressurised gas followed by a cleaning step using a suitable cleaning liquid is carried out a number of times.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical device for imaging and measuring characteristics of an objects surface shape, surface spectral reflectance and structure of sub-surface layers. In particular, the invention relates to imaging of topography of human skin and skin sub-surface layers and determination of concentration of skin constituents. The present invention has applications in areas such as skin care, dermatology, cosmetics, wound management and tricology. The imaging device of the invention significantly improves photometric stereo measurements by suppressing specular reflection and allows accurate determination of the surface shape. Consequently the device allows elimination of the influence of the shape and illumination conditions on spectral measurements and allows accurate measurement of skin constituents.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a biochip assembly comprising a semi-permeable membrane and an assay method using said biochip assembly for carrying out cell based assays. Ideally, such a method involves measuring the migration of cells in a channel under the influence of an analyte wherein said cells are separated from said analyte by a semi-permeable membrane and said analyte and/or said cells are subjected to controlled flow conditions.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive medium (1) includes a substrate (2) which has been treated to provide a miscut vicinal surface (3) in the form of terraces (4) and steps (5) of atomic and nanometer scale. There are discrete separated spacer nanowires (7) provided by an intermediate partial spacer film on each terrace (4) against each step (5). A further main film (11) provides main nanowires (10(a), 10(b)). A thin protective layer (15) covers the main nanowires (10(a), 10(b)) which form two separate subsets of main nanowires with different exchange interaction with the substrate and thus a different response to an external magnetic field. In use, when an external magnetic field (H) is applied the response of the main nanowires (10(a), 10(b)) changes as the exchange coupling with the substrate (2) varies and the magnetisation on the main nanowires (10(a), 10(b)) change. This is shown by the arrows while prior to the application of the external magnetic field, they might, for example, be aligned.

Abstract: A dispensing assembly for liquid droplets that includes a dispenser connected to a liquid carrying pipe which in turn is connected to a source of pressurized liquid. The dispenser has an elongated body member having a main bore connected to the liquid carrying pipe. At the other end, the main bore has a valve seat that is connected to a nozzle having a nozzle bore terminating in a dispensing tip. An elongated valve boss of ferromagnetic material covered with a soft polymer is mounted in the main bore and has a cross-sectional area less than that of the main bore. A separate valve boss actuating coil assembly has upper and lower coils that are separate from the main body that can be unplugged from both coils and from the liquid carrying pipe. As such, the main body can be a disposable member.

Abstract: There is provided a liquid droplet monitoring and measuring apparatus (1) for a liquid droplet dispensing system having a nozzle (5) with a dispensing tip (7). The apparatus (1) comprises an inner chamber (2) surrounded by an outer shield (3), preferably not in contact with each other. An RF oscillator electrically energizes the liquid through an electrode (11). The inner chamber (2) is connected through pre-amplifiers (16), band pass filters (17conditioning amplifier (20) to a signal read-out device (21). The operation of the apparatus is based on the measurement of the capacitance between the nozzle (5) and the inner chamber (2). As a droplet (15) grows on the dispensing tip (7), the capacitance between the nozzle (5) and the inner chamber (2) increases. Therefore, the signal detected and received by the signal read-out device (21) changes. This change is directly related to the volume of the droplet which can therefore be measured.

Abstract: A cell based assay assembly includes a biochip assembly, a liquid delivery unit and detection and recording equipment is used for conducting an assay on a biological cell as it is delivered through the biochip assembly. The biochip assembly includes a plurality of separate biochips each comprising a microchannel with input and output ports, separate reservoir wells are provided on the biochip assembly and are periodically connected to the liquid delivery unit by removable separate disclosed transfer conduits. The input and output ports of the biochip are also periodically connected to the delivery unit by the conduit. The liquid delivery unit includes a liquid link assembly and a positive displacement pump such as a syringe pump. The liquid link assembly includes pressure compressible means which acts to smooth out pressure rises by initially contacting and then expanding to in turn dispense a steady liquid delivery output below 10? per minute.

Abstract: There is provided a method of cleaning a dispensing assembly for small liquid droplets less than 50 ?l and even as low as 10 nl. A purging step with pressurised gas followed by a cleaning step using a suitable cleaning liquid is carried out a number of times.

Abstract: Biological assays using various constructions of biochips are disclosed to mirror in vivo situations. The biochip 50 comprises a microchannel 51 having a liquid outlet port 1, bubble release port 2 and a liquid outlet port 3 with an associated bubble release port 4. A multiplicity of tests can be performed often by coating the bore of the microchannel 50 which various adhesion mediating proteins or the use of chemoattractants. The assay assembly 60 comprises a syringe pump feeding the biochip 50. An inverted microscope 65, digital camera 66 and recorder 67 are provided. A sample liquid containing cells in suspension is injected slowly through the biochip and the effect of the assay recorded over a long period.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive medium (1) comprises a substrate (2) which has been treated to provide a miscut vicinal surface (3) in the form of terraces (4(a), 4(b)) and steps (5) of atomic and nanometer scale. A further upper film (11) provides upper nanowires (10(a), 10(b)). A thin protective layer (15) covers the upper nanowires (10(a), 10(b)) which form two separate subsets of upper nanowires with different exchange interaction with the substrate and thus a different response to an external magnetic field. The substrate (2) is so chosen that the width of the terraces 4(a) and 4(b) are significantly non-uniform. This leads to a different response depending on which terrace (4(a) or 4(b)) the upper film 11 overlies. It can utilise, for example, step-induced magnetic anisotropy between the upper nanowires (10(a), 10(b)) and the substrate (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for the inspection of high frequency and microwave circuits such as printed test circuit boards. The invention uses a probe or antenna (3) which is separated from the device under test (DUT) (2). The invention provides a relatively long central protruding conductor (8) for the antenna (3) which protrudes from its shielding (7). In the method, the antenna (3) is used to acquire microwave electromagnetic field measurements in a near field region of a test pont of the DUT (2). Generally, this is done at two test positions with a difference in separation (?l) between the apex (8) of the antenna (3) and the DUT (2). The two test results calculated and recorded and the difference of the microwave properties of the two tests is obtained to provide information about the operation of the DUT (2). The antenna (3) can be either a straight electric field antenna or loop antenna.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive medium (1) comprises a substrate (2) which has been treated to provide a miscut vicinal surface (3) in the form of terraces (4) and steps (5) of atomic and nanometer scale. There are discrete separated spacer nanowires (7) provided by an intermediate partial spacer film on each terrace (4) against each step (5). A further main film (11) provides main nanowires (10(a), 10(b)). A thin protective layer (15) covers the main nanowires (10(a), 10(b)) which form two separate subsets of main nanowires with different exchange interaction with the substrate and thus a different response to an external magnetic field. In use, when an external magnetic field (H) is applied the response of the main nanowires (10(a), 10(b)) changes as the exchange coupling with the substrate (2) varies and the magnetisation on the main nanowires (10(a), 10(b)) change. This is shown by the arrows while prior to the application of the external magnetic field, they might, for example, be aligned.