Abstract: Devices and methods for electrochemical phase transfer utilize at least one electrode formed from either glassy carbon or a carbon and polymer composite. The device includes a device housing defining an inlet port (42), an outlet port (44) and an elongate fluid passageway (36) extending therebetween. A capture electrode (12) and a counter electrode are positioned within said housing such that the fluid passageway extends between the capture and counter electrodes.

Abstract: A microvalve assembly (10) includes an elongate valve body (14) having opposed first and second major surfaces, the first major surface defining a valve recess (34) and the second major surface defining first and second fluid ports (20,22). Both the fluid input port and the fluid output port extend in fluid communication with the valve recess. A gasket (12) is freely positioned within the valve recess so as to extend in overlying registry with either or both of fluid ports. A valve cover (16) is bonded to the valve body and includes a first planar surface positioned in overlying registry with the valve recess so as to enclose the gasket therein. The valve cover is deflectable into the valve recess so as to cause the gasket to seal at least one of the fluid ports.

Abstract: A multi-stream optical interrogation flow cell (60) for a radiopharmaceutical includes a multiple flow cell body (10a-f) defining a first elongate fluid flowpath (A1-6;B1-6) therethrough for individually conducting a radiopharmaceutical therethrough in fluid isolation from other of the flow cell bodies. Each flow cell body further defines a first and second aligned UV transparent optical guides (36,38) and a first interrogation passageway (26a-f) extending between the first and second optical guides such that a portion of the elongate first fluid flowpath intersects the interrogation passageway such that the radiopharmaceutical flows in between the first and second optical guides. The first and second interrogation passageways of all of the flow cell bodies are optically aligned so that a single interrogation beam is able to extend through each of the interrogation passageways.

Abstract: Magnetically encoded shafts for use in detecting forces exerted on the shaft during operation. Magnetically encoded regions, arranged in tracks or bands, encircle the shaft and are formed within or affixed to the shaft. The magnetically encoded regions define force-sensitive regions therebetween. Magnetic fields surround the force-sensitive regions and are altered by force vectors passing through the force sensitive region. These magnetic fields are sensed by magnetic field sensors to determine various shaft parameters including, for example: shaft rotational speed, shaft rotational position, and forces exerted on the shaft, e.g., torque, bending forces, stress forces and strain forces. To provide continuous detection of shaft operational parameters and forces, dead zones between magnetically encoded regions are aligned with force sensitive regions associated with magnetically encoded regions in other bands.

Abstract: A microvalve assembly (10) includes an elongate valve body (14) having opposed first and second major surfaces, the first major surface defining a valve recess (34) and the second major surface defining first and second fluid ports (20,22). Both the fluid input port and the fluid output port extend in fluid communication with the valve recess. A gasket (12) is freely positioned within the valve recess so as to extend in overlying registry with either or both of fluid ports. A valve cover (16) is bonded to the valve body and includes a first planar surface positioned in overlying registry with the valve recess so as to enclose the gasket therein. The valve cover is deflectable into the valve recess so as to cause the gasket to seal at least one of the fluid ports.

Abstract: A multi-stream optical interrogation flow cell (60) for a radiopharmaceutical includes a multiple flow cell body (10a-f) defining a first elongate fluid flowpath (A1-6;B1-6) therethrough for individually conducting a radiopharmaceutical therethrough in fluid isolation from other of the flow cell bodies. Each flow cell body further defines a first and second aligned UV transparent optical guides (36,38) and a first interrogation passageway (26a-f) extending between the first and second optical guides such that a portion of the elongate first fluid flowpath intersects the interrogation passageway such that the radiopharmaceutical flows in between the first and second optical guides. The first and second interrogation passageways of all of the flow cell bodies are optically aligned so that a single interrogation beam is able to extend through each of the interrogation passageways.

Abstract: Disposable components for a separation and purification system include a flow cell, an end cap for a chromatography column, and a chromatography column useful for medium-pressure liquid chromatography (MPLC).

Abstract: A magnetically spirally encoded shaft and magnetic field detecting system includes first, second, third and fourth magnetically encoded bands spirally encircling a circumference of the shaft. Each band includes first magnetically encoded regions having a first magnetic polarity alternating with second magnetically encoded regions having a second magnetic polarity. Dead zones are defined in each band between successive first and second magnetically encoded regions. The shaft is for use with a first fixed magnetic field sensor for detecting magnetic fields in the force-sensitive regions, wherein one or more of rotational speed, shaft rotational position, bending forces, torque forces, stress forces and strain forces can be determined responsive to detected magnetic fields.

Abstract: Devices and methods for electrochemical phase transfer utilize at least one electrode formed from either glassy carbon or a carbon and polymer composite. The device includes a device housing defining an inlet port (42), an outlet port (44) and an elongate fluid passageway (36) extending therebetween. A capture electrode (12) and a counter electrode are positioned within said housing such that the fluid passageway extends between the capture and counter electrodes.

Abstract: Magnetically encoded shafts for use in detecting forces exerted on the shaft during operation. Magnetically encoded regions, arranged in tracks or bands, encircle the shaft and are formed within or affixed to the shaft. The magnetically encoded regions define force-sensitive regions therebetween. Magnetic fields surround the force-sensitive regions and are altered by force vectors passing through the force sensitive region. These magnetic fields are sensed by magnetic field sensors to determine various shaft parameters including, for example: shaft rotational speed, shaft rotational position, and forces exerted on the shaft, e.g., torque, bending forces, stress forces and strain forces. To provide continuous detection of shaft operational parameters and forces, dead zones between magnetically encoded regions are aligned with force sensitive regions associated with magnetically encoded regions in other bands.

Abstract: Magnetically encoded shafts for use in detecting forces exerted on the shaft during operation. Magnetically encoded regions arranged in tracks or bands, encircle the shaft and are formed within or affixed to the shaft. The magnetically encoded regions define force-sensitive regions therebetween. Magnetic fields surround the force-sensitive regions and are altered by force vectors passing through the force sensitive region. These magnetic fields are sensed by magnetic field sensors to determine various shaft parameters including, for example: shaft rotational speed, shaft rotational position, and forces exerted on the shaft, e.g., torque, bending forces, stress forces and strain forces. To provide continuous detection of shaft operational parameters and forces, dead zones between magnetically encoded regions are aligned with force sensitive regions associated with magnetically encoded regions in other bands.

Abstract: A system and method for managing optical power for controlling thermal alteration of a sample undergoing spectroscopic analysis is provided. The system includes a moveable laser beam generator for irradiating the sample and a beam shaping device for moving and shaping the laser beam to prevent thermal overload or build up in the sample. The moveable laser beam generator includes at least one beam shaping device selected from the group consisting of at least one optical lens, at least one optical diffractor, at least one optical path difference modulator, at least one moveable mirror, at least one Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) integrated circuit (IC), and/or a liquid droplet. The system also includes an at least two degree of freedom (2 DOF) moveable substrate platform and a controller for controlling the laser beam generator and the substrate platform, and for analyzing light reflected from the sample.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a first capacitive element may be provided and associated with a surface where a fouling layer is to be detected. A second capacitive element may also be provided, and a capacitance between the first and second capacitive elements may be used to detect formation of the fouling layer. According to another embodiment, a thermal device is provided proximate to a surface where a fouling layer is to be detected. A detector (e.g., a thermometer or vibration detector) may detect a condition associated with the surface, and formation of the fouling layer may be determined based at least in part on the condition.

Abstract: A system and method for managing optical power for controlling thermal alteration of a sample undergoing spectroscopic analysis is provided. The system includes a moveable laser beam generator for irradiating the sample and a beam shaping device for moving and shaping the laser beam to prevent thermal overload or build up in the sample. The moveable laser beam generator includes at least one beam shaping device selected from the group consisting of at least one optical lens, at least one optical diffractor, at least one optical path difference modulator, at least one moveable mirror, at least one Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) integrated circuit (IC), and/or a liquid droplet. The system also includes an at least two degree of freedom (2 DOF) moveable substrate platform and a controller for controlling the laser beam generator and the substrate platform, and for analyzing light reflected from the sample.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a first capacitive element may be provided and associated with a surface where a fouling layer is to be detected. A second capacitive element may also be provided, and a capacitance between the first and second capacitive elements may be used to detect formation of the fouling layer. According to another embodiment, a thermal device is provided proximate to a surface where a fouling layer is to be detected. A detector (e.g., a thermometer or vibration detector) may detect a condition associated with the surface, and formation of the fouling layer may be determined based at least in part on the condition.