Abstract: Systems and methods for analysis of samples, and in certain embodiments, microfluidic sample analyzers configured to receive a cassette containing a sample therein to perform an analysis of the sample are described. The microfluidic sample analyzers may be used to control fluid flow, mixing, and sample analysis in a variety of microfluidic systems such as microfluidic point-of-care diagnostic platforms. Advantageously, the microfluidic sample analyzers may be, in some embodiments, inexpensive, reduced in size compared to conventional bench top systems, and simple to use. Cassettes that can operate with the sample analyzers are also described.

Abstract: Articles and methods for collecting and/or facilitating transfer of fluids are generally provided. In some embodiments, an article comprises a fluid collection region for introducing a fluid, such as a sample (e.g., blood sample) or a reagent, into a fluidic system. The articles and methods described herein may be useful for facilitating the filling of relatively small channels with a fluid, such as channels of a microfluidic device. The articles and methods may, for example, interface with a patient sample (e.g., a droplet of blood), or with a macroscopic fluid source such as a pipette or syringe. In certain embodiments, articles and methods described herein may increase the ease of collecting a fluidic sample from a patient, prevent or reduce spillage of the fluidic sample, reduce contamination of a fluidic sample, and/or prevent or reduce air from entering a fluidic sample or device compared to certain existing fluid collection devices.

Abstract: A receptacle having a plurality of interconnected chambers arranged to permit multiple process steps or processes to be performed independently or simultaneously. The receptacles are manufactured to separate liquid from dried reagents and to maintain the stability of the dried reagents. An immiscible liquid, such as an oil, is included to control loading of process materials, facilitate mixing and reconstitution of dried reagents, limit evaporation, control heating of reaction materials, concentrate solid support materials to prevent clogging of fluid connections, provide minimum volumes for fluid transfers, and to prevent process materials from sticking to chamber surfaces. The receptacles can be adapted for use in systems having a processing instrument that includes an actuator system for selectively moving fluid substances between chambers and a detector. The actuator system can be arranged to concentrate an analyte present in a sample.

Abstract: A solid state lighting apparatus can include a variable color input signal configured to indicate a target color of light output from the apparatus. A string current Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) controller circuit can be coupled to the variable color input signal, where the string current PWM controller circuit can be configured to generate a plurality of PWM signals having respective variable duty cycles to enable/disable respective particular string currents for respective variable times as the variable color input signal changes.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to storing data in different tiers of a database based on the access pattern of the data. Immutable data, e.g., data that does not change or changes less often than a specified threshold, is stored in a first storage tier of the database, and mutable data, e.g., data that changes more often than immutable data, is stored in a second storage tier of the database. The second storage tier of the database is more performant than the first storage tier, e.g., the second storage tier has a higher write endurance and a lower write latency than the first storage tier. All writes to the database are performed at the second storage tier and reads on both storage tiers. The storage tiers are synchronized, e.g., the set of data is copied from the second to the first storage tier based on a trigger, e.g., a specified schedule.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analysis of samples, and in certain embodiments, microfluidic sample analyzers configured to receive a cassette containing a sample therein to perform an analysis of the sample are described. The microfluidic sample analyzers may be used to control fluid flow, mixing, and sample analysis in a variety of microfluidic systems such as microfluidic point-of-care diagnostic platforms. Advantageously, the microfluidic sample analyzers may be, in some embodiments, inexpensive, reduced in size compared to conventional bench top systems, and simple to use. Cassettes that can operate with the sample analyzers are also described.

Abstract: Fluidic devices and methods associated with mixing of fluids in fluidic devices are provided. In some embodiments, a method may involve the mixing of two or more fluids in a channel segment of a fluidic device. The fluids may be in the form of, for example, at least first, second and third fluid plugs, composed of first, second, and third fluids, respectively. The second fluid may be immiscible with the first and third fluids. In certain embodiments, the fluid plugs may be flowed in series in the channel segment, e.g., in linear order, causing the first and third fluids to mix without the use of active components such as mixers. The mixing of fluids in a channel segment as described herein may allow for improved performance and simplification in the design and operations of fluidic devices that rely on mixing of fluids.

Abstract: The specification generally discloses systems and methods for mixing and delivering fluids in microfluidic systems. The fluids can contain, in some embodiments reagents that can participate in one or more chemical or biological reactions. Some embodiments relate to systems and methods employing one or more vent valves to controllably flow and/or mix portions of fluid within the microfluidic system. Advantageously, fluid control such as a sequence of fluid flow and/or a change in flow rate, can be achieved by opening and closing one or more vent valves and by applying a single source of fluid flow (e.g., a vacuum) operated at a substantially constant pressure. This can simplify the operation and use of the device by an intended user.

Abstract: Fluidic devices and methods including those that provide storage and/or facilitate fluid handling of reagents are provided. Fluidic devices described herein may include channel segments positioned on two sides of an article, optionally connected by an intervening channel passing through the article. The channel segments may be used to store reagents in the device prior to first use by an end user. The stored reagents may include fluid plugs positioned in linear order so that during use, as fluids flow to a reaction site, they are delivered in a predetermined sequence. The specific geometries of the channel segments and the positions of the channel segments within the fluidic devices described herein may allow fluid reagents to be stored for extended periods of time without mixing, even during routine handling of the devices such as during shipping of the devices, and when the devices are subjected to physical shock or vibration.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analysis of samples, and in certain embodiments, microfluidic sample analyzers configured to receive a cassette containing a sample therein to perform an analysis of the sample are described. The microfluidic sample analyzers may be used to control fluid flow, mixing, and sample analysis in a variety of microfluidic systems such as microfluidic point-of-care diagnostic platforms. Advantageously, the microfluidic sample analyzers may be, in some embodiments, inexpensive, reduced in size compared to conventional bench top systems, and simple to use. Cassettes that can operate with the sample analyzers are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optical communication using single source optical transmission are disclosed. A representative method includes receiving optical signals at a first frequency by a receiver (RX) from an optical fiber. The received optical signals are routed to a modulator that modulates the optical signals at a second frequency. The optical signals are emitted by a transmitter (TX) back to the optical fiber at the second frequency.

Abstract: Optical communication using optical resonators with noise margins is disclosed. A representative system includes an optical fiber for transmitting optical signals, a receiver configured to receive the optical signals, and a plurality of optical resonators optically connecting the optical fiber to the receiver. The individual optical resonators can have peak sensitivities at mutually different wavelengths of light. In some embodiments the optical resonators can be Q-switches.

Abstract: Fluidic devices and methods associated with mixing of fluids in fluidic devices are provided. In some embodiments, a method may involve the mixing of two or more fluids in a channel segment of a fluidic device. The fluids may be in the form of, for example, at least first, second and third fluid plugs, composed of first, second, and third fluids, respectively. The second fluid may be immiscible with the first and third fluids. In certain embodiments, the fluid plugs may be flowed in series in the channel segment, e.g., in linear order, causing the first and third fluids to mix without the use of active to components such as mixers. The mixing of fluids in a channel segment as described herein may allow for improved performance and simplification in the design and operations of fluidic devices that rely on mixing of fluids.

Abstract: An optical waveguide body includes first and second pluralities of light extraction features disposed on a first side of the waveguide body and adapted to direct light out of the waveguide body through a second side of the waveguide body opposite the first side. Each of the first plurality of light extraction features has a linear shape and each of the second plurality of light extraction features has at least one of a piecewise linear shape and a nonlinear shape. The piecewise linear shape comprises two adjacent planar surfaces with an angle therebetween of at least about 30 and at most about 180 degrees. The waveguide body further has a light coupling cavity.

Abstract: Fluidic devices and methods including those that provide storage and/or facilitate fluid handling of reagents are provided. Fluidic devices described herein may include channel segments positioned on two sides of an article, optionally connected by an intervening channel passing through the article. The channel segments may be used to store reagents in the device prior to first use by an end user. The stored reagents may include fluid plugs positioned in linear order so that during use, as fluids flow to a reaction site, they are delivered in a predetermined sequence. The specific geometries of the channel segments and the positions of the channel segments within the fluidic devices described herein may allow fluid reagents to be stored for extended periods of time without mixing, even during routine handling of the devices such as during shipping of the devices, and when the devices are subjected to physical shock or vibration.

Abstract: The specification generally discloses systems and methods for mixing and delivering fluids in microfluidic systems. The fluids can contain, in some embodiments reagents that can participate in one or more chemical or biological reactions. Some embodiments relate to systems and methods employing one or more vent valves to controllably flow and/or mix portions of fluid within the microfluidic system. Advantageously, fluid control such as a sequence of fluid flow and/or a change in flow rate, can be achieved by opening and closing one or more vent valves and by applying a single source of fluid flow (e.g., a vacuum) operated at a substantially constant pressure. This can simplify the operation and use of the device by an intended user.

Abstract: A sensor module for a lighting fixture includes a module housing configured to be mounted to a lighting fixture, a light sensor mounted in the module housing, and a sensor cover over the light sensor. The sensor cover includes a first surface oriented to face a task surface within an area of interest, and a second surface opposite the first surface. The first surface includes a first Fresnel lens having a number of Fresnel ridges oriented in a first direction. The second surface includes a second Fresnel lens having a number of Fresnel ridges oriented in a second direction, which is different from the first direction. Providing the first Fresnel lens and the second Fresnel lens with differently oriented Fresnel ridges allows the sensor cover to focus light from a relatively large portion of the task surface to the light sensor while remaining small.

Abstract: A sensor module for a lighting fixture includes a housing configured to be mounted to a lighting fixture, a light sensor mounted in the housing, and a sensor cover over the light sensor. The sensor cover includes a parallel surface and an angled surface. The parallel surface is parallel to a task surface within an area of interest, and includes a first number of lens sections, each of which are configured to focus light from a different portion of a first subset of the task surface to the light sensor. The angled surface includes a second number of lens sections, each of which extend from an edge of the parallel surface to form a facet of the angled surface and are configured to focus light from a different portion of a second subset of the task surface to the light sensor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to install voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) devices are disclosed. An example method comprises receiving a device identifier and an authentication credential from a voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) device, and provisioning the device identifier to a subscriber account based on the authentication credential.

Abstract: Heat management devices and structures are disclosed that can be used in lamps having solid state light sources such as one or more LEDs. Some lamp embodiments comprise one or more phase change radiators that utilize the latent heat of fluids to circulate and draw heat away from the LEDs and radiate the heat into the ambient, allowing for the LEDs to operate at a lower temperature. Some phase change radiators according to the present invention can comprise a main radiator body and multiple radiator coolant loops mounted to the body. The present invention relies on the circulation of heated fluid through the radiator body to radiate heat from the LEDs. The heated liquid moves away from the LEDs and is circulated back to thermal contact with the LEDs thought the coolant loops.