Abstract: A cartridge for conducting a chemical reaction includes a body having at least one flow path formed therein. The cartridge also includes a reaction vessel extending from the body for holding a reaction mixture for chemical reaction and optical detection. The vessel comprises a rigid frame defining the side walls of a reaction chamber. The frame includes at least one channel connecting the flow path to the chamber. The vessel also includes flexible films or sheets attached to opposite sides of the rigid frame to form opposing major walls of the chamber. In addition, at least two of the side walls are optically transmissive and angularly offset from each to permit real-time optical detection of analyte in the reaction chamber.

Abstract: This disclosure provides implementations of electromechanical systems resonator structures, devices, apparatus, systems, and related processes. In one aspect, a sacrificial layer is deposited on an insulating substrate. A lower electrode layer is formed proximate the sacrificial layer. A piezoelectric layer is deposited on the lower electrode layer. An upper electrode layer is formed on the piezoelectric layer. At least a portion of the sacrificial layer is removed to define a cavity such that at least a portion of the lower electrode layer is spaced apart from the insulating substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of apparatus, methods, and systems for inflatable curtain venting. In one embodiment, an inflatable curtain airbag is tested using a 50th-percentile dummy. The inflatable curtain airbag comprises a vent opening positioned such that during the crash test, the head of the 50th-percentile dummy strikes the airbag at the location of the vent such that the exit of inflation gas through the vent is at least partially blocked. The same inflatable curtain airbag may then be used in a test involving a 5th-percentile dummy, in which case the head of the 5th-percentile dummy would not strike the airbag so as to block the vent, thereby allowing for venting of the airbag.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of apparatus, methods, and systems for inflatable curtain venting. In one embodiment, an inflatable curtain airbag is tested using a 50th-percentile dummy. The inflatable curtain airbag comprises a vent opening positioned such that during the crash test, the head of the 50th-percentile dummy strikes the airbag at the location of the vent such that the exit of inflation gas through the vent is at least partially blocked. The same inflatable curtain airbag may then be used in a test involving a 5th-percentile dummy, in which case the head of the 5th-percentile dummy would not strike the airbag so as to block the vent, thereby allowing for venting of the airbag.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cartridge for analyzing a fluid sample. The cartridge provides for the efficient separation of cells or viruses in the sample from the remaining sample fluid, lysis of the cells or viruses to release the analyte (e.g., nucleic acid) therefrom, and optionally chemical reaction and/or detection of the analyte. The cartridge is useful in a variety of diagnostic, life science research, environmental, or forensic applications for determining the presence or absence of one or more analytes in a sample.

Abstract: A tool support adjusts the level of, for example, a tool mounted behind the work surface of a plate so as to vary how far the tool working implement extends through and beyond the work surface. The tool support includes a plurality of threaded rods fixed at one end to the plate, a carriage mounted to the threaded rods and holding the tool, a drive rod and a gear train. Rotation of the drive rod effects, through the gear train, translation of the carriage along the threaded rods, thus advancing or withdrawing the tool working implement through an aperture in the plate. A distance gauge informs an operator how far beyond the work surface the working implement protrudes or how far the carriage has traveled. Other embodiments include a drive motor, various gear train configurations involving posts and gear racks, and translating the carriage within a cylinder.

Abstract: A mounting system and method of attaching an a side impact curtain airbag to a vehicle is provided that is inexpensive, simple to use, and does not require fasteners or other connectors. The mounting system includes one or more airbag mounts comprising a plate that has been positioned within the vehicle. The plate may a separate structure that may be attached to a vehicle as a well as a surface of the vehicle's body to which an airbag may be attached. Preferably, the plate includes one or more first tabs and one or more second tabs which are configured to define a receiving area in the plate. The first and second tabs are also configured such that the second tabs are inverted relative to the first tabs. An airbag with one or more slits and a hemmed portion may also be added to the mounting system.

Abstract: An inflatable cushion module is disclosed. The inflatable cushion module is configured to be combined with other inflatable cushion modules to form a modular airbag system. Such modular airbag systems may be used to protect passengers of a vehicle from impact with a side surface of the vehicle. In general, the inflatable cushion module has an airbag and an attachment mechanism for attaching the airbag to the airbag of another module. When combined, the inflatable cushion modules form a single airbag system which can be used to protect the passengers of a vehicle from lateral impact. The airbag system can be configured to protect passengers in a single row of seats as well as passengers in two or more rows of seats.

Abstract: An airbag inflator housing for mounting an airbag inflator to a vehicle. The airbag inflator housing includes a press-fit inflator mount for engaging an outer surface of an airbag inflator and a bracket member attached to the inflator mount that is configured to be attached to a vehicle. The inflator housing may hold the inflator in a press-fit manner by having an inside diameter that is smaller than an outside diameter of the airbag inflator. Alternatively, the inflator housing may hold the inflator in a clearance-fit or slip-fit manner, in which the inside diameter is equivalent to or larger than an outside diameter of the airbag inflator. In these inflator housings, the inflator must be additionally secured by a weld, a set screw, crimping, adhesive, or another suitable method.

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: An implantable miniaturized pressure sensor integrates a capacitor and an inductor in one small chip, forming a resonant LC circuit having a Q value of 10 or greater. The capacitor has an upper capacitor plate and a lower capacitor plate disposed proximate thereof. The upper and lower capacitor plates are connected to one or more spiral inductor coils. The sensor is micromachined from silicon to form a thin and robust membrane disposed on top of the upper capacitor plate. The sensor is hermetically sealed and the membrane is deflected relative to the upper capacitor plate by an external fluid, gas, or mechanical pressure. The resonant frequency of the sensor can be remotely monitored and continuously measured with an external detector pick up coil disposed proximate the sensor. The sensor can be smaller than 2×2×0.5 mm and is particularly useful for intraocular applications.

Abstract: A cartridge for conducting a chemical reaction includes a body having at least one flow path formed therein. The cartridge also includes a reaction vessel extending from the body for holding a reaction mixture for chemical reaction and optical detection. The vessel comprises a rigid frame defining the side walls of a reaction chamber. The frame includes at least one channel connecting the flow path to the chamber. The vessel also includes flexible films or sheets attached to opposite sides of the rigid frame to form opposing major walls of the chamber. In addition, at least two of the side walls are optically transmissive and angularly offset from each to permit real-time optical detection of analyte in the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A novel mounting bracket for an inflatable curtain is described. The mounting bracket includes a pair of attachment plates for engaging respective sides of the inflatable curtain. One plate includes an opening through which a fastener may be positioned to secure the bracket and attached inflatable curtain to the interior of a vehicle. A bushing having an inner surface and an outer surface is positioned within the opening in the mounting plate. Flanges extending from an outer surface of the bushing maintain the bushing within the opening. The outer surface of the bushing is smaller than the opening which allows the bushing to rotate freely within the bracket when a fastener is used to secure the mounting bracket to the interior of a vehicle.

Abstract: A mounting system and method of attaching an a side impact curtain airbag to a vehicle is provided that is inexpensive, simple to use, and does not require fasteners or other connectors. The mounting system includes one or more airbag mounts comprising a plate that has been positioned within the vehicle. The plate may a separate structure that may be attached to a vehicle as a well as a surface of the vehicle's body to which an airbag may be attached. Preferably, the plate includes one or more first tabs and one or more second tabs which are configured to define a receiving area in the plate. The first and second tabs are also configured such that the second tabs are inverted relative to the first tabs. An airbag with one or more slits and a hemmed portion may also be added to the mounting system.

Abstract: An airbag inflator housing for mounting an airbag inflator to a vehicle. The airbag inflator housing includes a press-fit inflator mount for engaging an outer surface of an airbag inflator and a bracket member attached to the inflator mount that is configured to be attached to a vehicle. The inflator housing may hold the inflator in a press-fit manner by having an inside diameter that is smaller than an outside diameter of the airbag inflator. Alternatively, the inflator housing may hold the inflator in a clearance-fit or slip-fit manner, in which the inside diameter is equivalent to or larger than an outside diameter of the airbag inflator. In these inflator housings, the inflator must be additionally secured by a weld, a set screw, crimping, adhesive, or another suitable method.

Abstract: An inflatable curtain positioning system is disclosed that is inexpensive and does not require shape maintainers. The system includes an inflatable curtain prepared for installation in a vehicle. The inflatable curtain has a plurality of mounting members used to mount the inflatable curtain to a roof rail of a vehicle. The inflatable curtain, or sock housing the inflatable curtain, further includes a plurality of positioning members. The positioning members may engage the roof rail to optimally position portions of the inflatable curtain such that other components such as hand grips, and a vehicle headliner may be readily installed. The positioning members may permanently or temporarily position the inflatable curtain snug against the roof rail. The positioning members may be positioning tabs with holes to engage corresponding hooks formed in the roof rail. Alternatively, the positioning members may be a positioning loop formed in the sock.

Abstract: An inflatable cushion module is disclosed. The inflatable cushion module is configured to be combined with other inflatable cushion modules to form a modular airbag system. Such modular airbag systems may be used to protect passengers of a vehicle from impact with a side surface of the vehicle. In general, the inflatable cushion module has an airbag and an attachment mechanism for attaching the airbag to the airbag of another module. When combined, the inflatable cushion modules form a single airbag system which can be used to protect the passengers of a vehicle from lateral impact. The airbag system can be configured to protect passengers in a single row of seats as well as passengers in two or more rows of seats.

Abstract: A novel mounting bracket for an inflatable curtain is described. The mounting bracket includes a pair of attachment plates for engaging respective sides of the inflatable curtain. One plate includes an opening through which a fastener may be positioned to secure the bracket and attached inflatable curtain to the interior of a vehicle. A bushing having an inner surface and an outer surface is positioned within the opening in the mounting plate. Flanges extending from an outer surface of the bushing maintain the bushing within the opening. The outer surface of the bushing is smaller than the opening which allows the bushing to rotate freely within the bracket when a fastener is used to secure the mounting bracket to the interior of a vehicle.

Abstract: A magneto-optical flying head utilizes a steerable mirror in combination with a light source and a lens to write and read data onto a magneto-optical storage disk. A beam of laser light transmitted from the light source to the optical head is reflected onto a steerable micro-machined folding mirror. The reflected light from the folding mirror is directed through an embedded micro-objective GRIN lens. Fine tracking and short seeks to adjacent tracks are performed by rotating the mirror about an axis of rotation. In this way a focus spot is scanned back and forth in a direction which is approximately parallel to the radial direction of the storage disk.

Abstract: A magneto-optical flying head utilizes a steerable mirror in combination with a light source and a lens to write and read data onto a magneto-optical storage disk. A beam of laser light transmitted from the light source to the optical head is reflected onto a steerable micro-machined folding mirror. The reflected light from the folding mirror is directed through an embedded micro-objective GRIN lens. Fine tracking and short seeks to adjacent tracks are performed by rotating the mirror about an axis of rotation. In this way a focus spot is scanned back and forth in a direction which is approximately parallel to the radial direction of the storage disk.