Abstract: A Micro-Electro-Mechanical-System (MEMS) device and a method for operating the device are disclosed. The device includes a substrate platform and an electrode plate having a plurality of serpentine arms, the electrode plate attached to the substrate platform via the plurality of serpentine arms, the electrode plate provided on a plane in a resting position. The device includes a sharp member disposed substantially perpendicularly on the electrode plate. In various implementations, the electrode plate and the substrate platform are co-planar. In various implementations, the electrode plate is configured to move in a direction perpendicular to the plane away from the resting position. The device also includes a counter-electrode. The method of operating the device includes supplying, via a power source, a direct current (DC) across the electrode and the counter-electrode to generate an electrostatic field across the electrode and the counter-electrode of the device.

Abstract: A Micro-Electro-Mechanical-System (MEMS) device and a method for operating the device are disclosed. The device includes a substrate platform and an electrode plate having a plurality of serpentine arms, the electrode plate attached to the substrate platform via the plurality of serpentine arms, the electrode plate provided on a plane in a resting position. The device includes a sharp member disposed substantially perpendicularly on the electrode plate. In various implementations, the electrode plate and the substrate platform are co-planar. In various implementations, the electrode plate is configured to move in a direction perpendicular to the plane away from the resting position. The device also includes a counter-electrode. The method of operating the device includes supplying, via a power source, a direct current (DC) across the electrode and the counter-electrode to generate an electrostatic field across the electrode and the counter-electrode of the device.

Abstract: An integrated package comprising a lab-on-chip (LOC) is disclosed. The LOC includes at least one integrated device having a membrane portion having a membrane opening; the membrane portion having a first side and a second side, the first side opposite the second side, a MEMS portion disposed on the first side of the membrane portion, the MEMS portion having a sharp member disposed on an actuator stage within a MEMS cavity, and a fluidic portion disposed on the second side of the membrane portion, the fluidic portion having a fluidic cavity for flowing a fluid medium within the fluidic portion; and a fluidic cap forming a surface of the fluidic portion of the LOC, the fluidic cap having a fluidic inlet and a fluidic outlet. The method of operating the LOC includes power to the at least one integrated device to capture one or more particles for interrogation.

Abstract: An apparatus for immobilizing a particle in a fluid and a method for operating the apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus includes a membrane for separating a fluid from a compartment, one or more electrodes disposed proximate to the membrane, a counter-electrode, wherein the one or more electrodes and the counter-electrode are configured to generate a non-linear electric field across the one or more electrodes and the counter-electrode, and a power source for providing an alternating current (AC) across the one or more electrodes and the counter-electrode, thereby generating an oscillating non-linear electric field for immobilizing a particle suspended in the fluid that flows between the one or more electrodes and the counter-electrode. The membrane can have an opening to allow for mechanical manipulation of the particle that is immobilized with a sharp member configured to enter across the membrane from the compartment.

Abstract: The invention concerns the addition of ammonia to cement, thereby increasing the cement's tensile strength and flexibility. More flexible cement, whether used by itself or in conjunction with other materials in cementitious compositions, is useful in a wide range of applications.