Abstract: A micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) resonator device includes at least one functionalization material arranged over at least a central portion, but less than an entirety, of a top side electrode. For an active region exhibiting greatest sensitivity at a center point and reduced sensitivity along its periphery, omitting functionalization material over at least one peripheral portion of a resonator active region prevents analyte binding in regions of lowest sensitivity. The at least one functionalization material extends a maximum length in a range of from about 20% to about 95% of an active area length and extends a maximum width in a range of from about 50% to 100% of an active area width. Methods for fabricating MEMS resonator devices are also provided.

Abstract: A micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) resonator device includes at least one functionalization material arranged over at least a central portion, but less than an entirety, of a top side electrode. For an active region exhibiting greatest sensitivity at a center point and reduced sensitivity along its periphery, omitting functionalization material over at least one peripheral portion of a resonator active region prevents analyte binding in regions of lowest sensitivity. The at least one functionalization material extends a maximum length in a range of from about 20% to about 95% of an active area length and extends a maximum width in a range of from about 50% to 100% of an active area width. Methods for fabricating MEMS resonator devices are also provided.

Abstract: A micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) resonator device includes at least one functionalization material arranged over at least a central portion, but less than an entirety, of a top side electrode. For an active region exhibiting greatest sensitivity at a center point and reduced sensitivity along its periphery, omitting functionalization material over at least one peripheral portion of a resonator active region prevents analyte binding in regions of lowest sensitivity. The at least one functionalization material extends a maximum length in a range of from about 20% to about 95% of an active area length and extends a maximum width in a range of from about 50% to 100% of an active area width. Methods for fabricating MEMS resonator devices are also provided.

Abstract: A cartridge for sample handling and sensing includes (i) a sample port; (ii) a first fluid port connected to the sample reservoir in the distal region via a first fluid channel; and (iii) a second fluid port connected to the sample reservoir via a second fluid channel. The cartridge includes (i) a sensor platform comprising a bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonator and a fluid flow path comprising a sensing region extending across a sensing surface of the BAW resonator; and (ii) a fluid valve between the sample reservoir and the sensing region. A sample may be applied to the sample port; first volume of fluid may be injected through the first fluid port; and then a second volume of fluid may be injected through the second fluid port to drive the sample into the sensing region of the fluid flow path.

Abstract: A device for interconnecting electrical wiring or for accessing electrical current carried by electrical wiring includes an electrical junction housing for receiving an electrical cable, an inner housing inserted into the junction housing to connect the individual wires of the incoming electrical cable to a first magnetic electrical connector carried by the inner housing. A physical interface device such as a switch or a wall socket is then wired to a second magnetic electrical connector that can be plugged into the electrical junction housing. The two magnetic electrical connectors, when joined in the correct orientation, pass electrical current.

Abstract: The present magnetic electrical connectors use magnets to press electrical terminals together, when the magnetic electrical connectors are correctly oriented with respect to each other. A magnetic electrical connector is identical other magnetic electrical connectors so there are fewer parts used for manufacturing and the assembly of the electrical connectors is simplified. The present electrical connectors improve electrical connection in applications where physical connection may be difficult to achieve because of limited physical access or because of low light conditions. When inserted into the ends of a conduit, the present magnetic electrical connectors transfer electricity through conduits that may have a different primary purpose. Conduits may be, for example, scaffolding or temporary barriers, velvet rope, or trim for modular furniture. In the case of scaffolding and a temporary barriers, magnetic electrical connectors can transfer electricity for lighting, power tools, and communications.

Abstract: A support is configured to be attached to and supported by a surface and to a channel running from the first end to the opposing second end of the support. The support carries a first magnetic electrical connector in a first end of the channel and a second magnetic electrical connector, wired to the first, in the opposing, second end of the channel. The first magnetic electrical connector is in electrical connection with the second magnetic electrical connector via at least one electrical conductor. An electrical current applied to the first magnetic electrical connector is conveyed by that electrical conductor to the second magnetic electrical connector. Wiring is directed through holed in the support to access points in the outer surface of the support where the user may access electrical current for operating appliances, charging batteries, and passing digital information. The supports may be decorative molding such as baseboards, crown molding, and chair rails.

Abstract: A cartridge for sample handling and sensing includes a sample port connected to a sample reservoir having a proximal end, a proximal region adjacent the proximal end, and a distal end opposite of the proximal end. The cartridge also includes a first fluid port connected to the sample reservoir in the distal region via a first fluid channel; and a second fluid port connected to the sample reservoir in the proximal region via a second fluid channel. In addition, the cartridge includes a sensor platform comprising a bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonator and a fluid flow path comprising a sensing region extending across a sensing surface of the BAW resonator. The cartridge further includes a fluid valve between the distal end of the sample reservoir and the sensing region.

Abstract: A micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) resonator device includes a top side electrode overlaid with an interface layer including a material having a surface (e.g., gold or other noble metal, or a hydroxylated oxide) that may be functionalized with a functionalization (e.g., specific binding or non-specific binding) material. The interface layer and/or an overlying blocking material layer are precisely patterned to control locations of the interface layer available to receive a self-assembled monolayer (SAM), thereby addressing issues of misalignment and oversizing of a functionalization zone that would arise by relying solely on microarray spotting. Atomic layer deposition may be used for deposition of the interface layer and/or an optional hermeticity layer. Sensors and microfluidic devices incorporating MEMS resonator devices are also provided.

Abstract: The present magnetic electrical connectors use magnets to press electrical terminals together, when the magnetic electrical connectors are correctly oriented with respect to each other. A magnetic electrical connector is identical other magnetic electrical connectors so there are fewer parts used for manufacturing and the assembly of the electrical connectors is simplified. The present electrical connectors improve electrical connection in applications where physical connection may be difficult to achieve because of limited physical access or because of low light conditions. When inserted into the ends of a conduit, the present magnetic electrical connectors transfer electricity through conduits that may have a different primary purpose. Conduits may be, for example, scaffolding or temporary barriers, velvet rope, or trim for modular furniture. In the case of scaffolding and a temporary barriers, magnetic electrical connectors can transfer electricity for lighting, power tools, and communications.

Abstract: A micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) resonator device includes a top side electrode overlaid with a low water permeability hermeticity layer and an interface layer including a material (e.g., gold or a hydroxylated oxide surface) suitable for receiving a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) that may be functionalized with a functionalization (e.g., specific binding) material, with the foregoing layers being designed to have insubstantial impact on sensor performance. Atomic layer deposition may be used for deposition of the hermeticity and/or interface layers. The hermeticity layer protects the electrode material from attack in corrosive liquid environments, and the interface layer facilitates proper chemical binding of the SAM. Sensors and microfluidic devices incorporating MEMS resonator devices are also provided.

Abstract: A micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) resonator device includes a top side electrode overlaid with an interface layer including a material having a surface (e.g., gold or a hydroxylated oxide) that may be functionalized with a functionalization (e.g., specific binding) material. The interface layer and/or an overlying blocking layer are precisely patterned to control locations of the interface layer available to receive a self-assembled monolayer (SAM), thereby addressing issues of misalignment and oversizing of a functionalization zone that would arise by relying solely on microarray spotting. Atomic layer deposition may be used for deposition of the interface layer and/or an optional hermeticity layer. Sensors and microfluidic devices incorporating MEMS resonator devices are also provided.

Abstract: A support is configured to be attached to and supported by a surface and to a channel running from the first end to the opposing second end of the support. The support carries a first magnetic electrical connector in a first end of the channel and a second magnetic electrical connector, wired to the first, in the opposing, second end of the channel. The first magnetic electrical connector is in electrical connection with the second magnetic electrical connector via at least one electrical conductor. An electrical current applied to the first magnetic electrical connector is conveyed by that electrical conductor to the second magnetic electrical connector. Wiring is directed through holed in the support to access points in the outer surface of the support where the user may access electrical current for operating appliances, charging batteries, and passing digital information. The supports may be decorative molding such as baseboards, crown molding, and chair rails.

Abstract: An artificial tree includes a base supporting a hollow trunk. The base includes plural legs connected to a central core. The base carries a housing containing an electrical controller for transforming, rectifying, and filtering electrical power received from a power receptacle. The housing includes a heat pump to dissipate heat from the electrical controller. A series of interconnected conduits comprises the tree trunk. A conduit has two identical electrical connectors that self-orient by magnetic repulsion to preserve electrical parity when connecting conduits together. Wiring harnesses run between the two electrical connectors in the conduit. The outside surface of the conduits carries hinge brackets to receive and pivotally hold artificial limbs. These limbs carry light strings and are pivotable between folded and deployed orientations. Wires from the wiring harness are pulled through holes in the sides of the conduits and connect to light strings on nearby limbs.

Abstract: An artificial tree includes a base supporting a hollow trunk. The base includes plural legs connected to a central core. The base carries a housing containing an electrical controller for transforming, rectifying, and filtering electrical power received from a power receptacle. The housing includes a heat pump to dissipate heat from the electrical controller. A series of interconnected conduits comprises the tree trunk. A conduit has two identical electrical connectors that self-orient by magnetic repulsion to preserve electrical parity when connecting conduits together. Wiring harnesses run between the two electrical connectors in the conduit. The outside surface of the conduits carries hinge brackets to receive and pivotally hold artificial limbs. These limbs carry light strings and are pivotable between folded and deployed orientations. Wires from the wiring harness are pulled through holes in the sides of the conduits and connect to light strings on nearby limbs.

Abstract: An electric light including a lamp base and lamp housing with electrical connectors that are closed by magnetic attraction when polarity is correct. The lamp base is held physically in place in the lamp housing by the magnetic attraction of two pair of magnets without the need of a threaded connection. The magnet pairs hold the lamp base to the lamp housing in a fixed orientation allowing electricity to flow through the terminals in the lamp housing regardless of whether the source of electrical current is direct or alternating, and, if direct current is the source, such as electrical current from solar cells or batteries, preserves polarity, and can deliver direct current when the light source uses direct current, such as LEDs.

Abstract: A system for presenting isolated components to an assembly line over a plurality of cycles includes a container configured to direct components towards a central axis. An elongated pedestal within the container has ribs which define an upper surface and a plurality of channels. The pedestal is reciprocally mounted to move along the central axis, and isolates components during each cycle. The isolated components are transferred to an assembly line. The number of isolated components of each cycle is measured and the value stored. A threshold value is calculated based on a number of stored values. A running average of the quantity of isolated components for a number of cycles can then be compared to the threshold to determine when to refill the component container.

Abstract: A system for presenting isolated components to an assembly line over a plurality of cycles includes a container configured to direct components towards a central axis. An elongated pedestal within the container has ribs which define an upper surface and a plurality of channels. The pedestal is reciprocally mounted to move along the central axis, and isolates components during each cycle. The isolated components are transferred to an assembly line. The number of isolated components of each cycle is measured and the value stored. A threshold value is calculated based on a number of stored values. A running average of the quantity of isolated components for a number of cycles can then be compared to the threshold to determine when to refill the component container.

Abstract: A micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) resonator device includes at least one functionalization material arranged over at least a central portion, but less than an entirety, of a top side electrode. For an active region exhibiting greatest sensitivity at a center point and reduced sensitivity along its periphery, omitting functionalization material over at least one peripheral portion of a resonator active region prevents analyte binding in regions of lowest sensitivity. The at least one functionalization material extends a maximum length in a range of from about 20% to about 95% of an active area length and extends a maximum width in a range of from about 50% to 100% of an active area width. Methods for fabricating MEMS resonator devices are also provided.

Abstract: A micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) resonator device includes a top side electrode overlaid with an interface layer including a material having a surface (e.g., gold or a hydroxylated oxide) that may be functionalized with a functionalization (e.g., specific binding) material. The interface layer and/or an overlying blocking layer are precisely patterned to control locations of the interface layer available to receive a self-assembled monolayer (SAM), thereby addressing issues of misalignment and oversizing of a functionalization zone that would arise by relying solely on microarray spotting. Atomic layer deposition may be used for deposition of the interface layer and/or an optional hermeticity layer. Sensors and microfluidic devices incorporating MEMS resonator devices are also provided.