Abstract: Microfluidic devices having an electrowetting configuration and an optimized droplet actuation surface are provided for processing biological cells, e.g., for use in nucleic acid library preparation and/or synthesis (including amplification). The devices include a dielectric layer, a hydrophobic layer covalently bonded to the dielectric layer, and a first electrode. Methods of nucleic acid library preparation and/or synthesis can involve providing reagents to cells or nucleic acids by merging appropriate droplets on a droplet actuation surface within a water-immiscible organic liquid and can be performed in the presence of appropriate surfactants. The hydrophobic layer features self-associating molecules covalently bonded to a surface of the dielectric layer in a manner that produces a densely-packed monolayer that resists intercalation and or penetration by polar molecules or species.

Abstract: A system and method for power purification is provided. The system contains a power source. A motor is connected to the power source. A plurality of rotating elements is provided, each rotatable about a primary axis, wherein each of the plurality of rotating elements supports at least one magnet, wherein each of the magnets is located along a common plane. A first rotating element of the plurality of rotating elements is mechanically connected to the motor. At least one flywheel element is mechanically connected to each of the plurality of rotating elements. At least one output device is mechanically connected to at least one of the plurality of rotating elements.

Abstract: A system and method for power purification is provided. The system contains a power source. A motor is connected to the power source. A plurality of rotating elements is provided, each rotatable about a primary axis, wherein each of the plurality of rotating elements supports at least one magnet, wherein each of the magnets is located along a common plane. A first rotating element of the plurality of rotating elements is mechanically connected to the motor. At least one flywheel element is mechanically connected to each of the plurality of rotating elements. At least one output device is mechanically connected to at least one of the plurality of rotating elements.

Abstract: A probe card assembly includes a first probe head having contact elements disposed on a respective surface for forming electrical contacts with corresponding terminals of corresponding electronic devices, a second probe head having contact elements disposed on a respective surface for forming electrical contacts with corresponding terminals of corresponding electronic devices, and a controlling mechanism coupled to the first and second probe heads for controlling movement of the first and second probe heads in a first direction substantially parallel to the respective surfaces more than in a second direction substantially normal to the respective surfaces.

Abstract: A probe card assembly can comprise a support structure to which a plurality of probes can be directly or indirectly attached. The probes can be disposed to contact an electronic device to be tested. The probe card assembly can further comprise actuators, which can be configured to change selectively an attitude of the support structure with respect to a reference structure. The probe card assembly can also comprise a plurality of lockable compliant structures. While unlocked, the lockable compliant structures can allow the support structure to move with respect to the reference structure. While locked, however, the compliant structures can provide mechanical resistance to movement of the support structure with respect to the reference structure.

Abstract: A probe card assembly can comprise a support structure to which a plurality of probes can be directly or indirectly attached. The probes can be disposed to contact an electronic device to be tested. The probe card assembly can further comprise actuators, which can be configured to change selectively an attitude of the support structure with respect to a reference structure. The probe card assembly can also comprise a plurality of lockable compliant structures. While unlocked, the lockable compliant structures can allow the support structure to move with respect to the reference structure. While locked, however, the compliant structures can provide mechanical resistance to movement of the support structure with respect to the reference structure.

Abstract: A probe card assembly can comprise a support structure to which a plurality of probes can be directly or indirectly attached. The probes can be disposed to contact an electronic device to be tested. The probe card assembly can further comprise actuators, which can be configured to change selectively an attitude of the support structure with respect to a reference structure. The probe card assembly can also comprise a plurality of lockable compliant structures. While unlocked, the lockable compliant structures can allow the support structure to move with respect to the reference structure. While locked, however, the compliant structures can provide mechanical resistance to movement of the support structure with respect to the reference structure.

Abstract: A torque converter includes a primary flywheel, a secondary flywheel, and a magnetic drive assembly magnetically and mechanically coupling the primary flywheel and the secondary flywheel. The magnetic drive assembly includes a fixed magnet and a rotatable magnet. The magnets are magnetically aligned and balanced through opposite magnetic poles. Rotation of the rotatable magnet creates a magnetic imbalance between the fixed magnet and the rotatable magnetic causing the secondary flywheel to be driven. The fixed magnet and the rotatable magnet can be Neodymium magnets.