Abstract: A fault-tolerant multiple valve assembly for a microfluidic device, the multiple valve assembly having an inlet for receiving a liquid flowing through the microfluidic device, an outlet downstream of the inlet, a plurality of flow-paths extending from the inlet to the outlet, and, a plurality of valves positioned along each of the flow-paths respectively, wherein, each of the valves has a meniscus anchor and a meniscus relocation mechanism, the meniscus anchor being configured to form a meniscus that stops the liquid flow towards the outlet, and the meniscus relocation mechanism being configured to deform the meniscus at the meniscus anchor such that the meniscus contacts a surface downstream of the meniscus anchor and the liquid flow towards the outlet resumes.

Abstract: A microfluidic thermal bend actuated pressure pulse valve having an inlet for receiving a flow of liquid, an outlet for outputting the flow of liquid, a meniscus anchor between the inlet and the outlet such that the flow from the inlet towards the outlet stops at the meniscus anchor where the liquid forms a meniscus, a movable member for contacting the liquid, and, a thermal expansion actuator for displacing the movable member to generate a pulse in the liquid to dislodge the meniscus such that the liquid flow towards the outlet resumes.

Abstract: A test module for genetic analysis having a casing for hand held portability, an inlet for receiving a liquid containing nucleic acid sequences, an outlet downstream of the inlet, and, a fault-tolerant multiple valve assembly having a plurality of flow-paths extending from the inlet to the outlet and a plurality of valves positioned along each of the flow-paths respectively.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having an inlet for receiving a liquid flowing through the microfluidic device, an outlet downstream of the inlet, and, a fault-tolerant multiple valve assembly having a plurality of flow-paths extending from the inlet to the outlet and a plurality of valves positioned along each of the flow-paths respectively.

Abstract: A fault-tolerant multiple valve assembly for a microfluidic device, the multiple valve assembly having an inlet for receiving a liquid flowing through the microfluidic device, an outlet downstream of the inlet, a plurality of flow-paths extending from the inlet to the outlet, and, a plurality of valves positioned along each of the flow-paths respectively, wherein each valve has, a meniscus anchor for pinning a meniscus to arrest the flow of the liquid, and a valve heater for heating the meniscus such that the meniscus unpins from the meniscus anchor such that the liquid flow towards the outlet resumes.

Abstract: A fault-tolerant multiple valve assembly for a microfluidic device, the multiple valve assembly having an inlet for receiving a liquid flowing through the microfluidic device, an outlet downstream of the inlet, a plurality of flow-paths extending from the inlet to the outlet, and, a plurality of valves positioned along each of the flow-paths respectively.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip device (LOC) for genetic analysis having a supporting substrate, an array of probes for hybridization with target nucleic acid sequences to form probe-target hybrids, a channel for directing a flow of liquid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, the channel having an inlet, an outlet and a meniscus anchor between the inlet and the outlet such that the flow from the inlet towards the outlet stops at the meniscus anchor where the liquid forms a meniscus, and, an actuator valve with a movable member for contacting the liquid, and a thermal expansion actuator for displacing the movable member to generate a pulse in the liquid to dislodge the meniscus such that the liquid flow towards the outlet resumes.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a sample flow-path for a biological sample containing target nucleic acid sequences, an array of hybridization chambers each containing probes for hybridization with the target nucleic acid sequences, each of the hybridization chambers having a chamber inlet for fluid communication between the sample flow-path and the probes, wherein, the chamber inlet is configured as a diffusion barrier to prevent diffusion of hybridized probes between the hybridization chambers to an extent that causes erroneous hybridization detection results.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a reservoir for containing a reagent, an outlet valve in fluid communication with the reservoir, the outlet valve having a meniscus anchor configured to form a meniscus that retains the reagent in the reservoir, and an actuator for receiving an activation signal and actuating in response to the activation signal such that the meniscus unpins from the meniscus anchor and the reagent flows out of the reservoir.

Abstract: A microfluidic valve having an inlet for receiving a flow of liquid, an outlet for outputting the flow of liquid, a meniscus anchor between the inlet and the outlet such that the flow from the inlet towards the outlet stops at the meniscus anchor where the liquid forms a meniscus, and, a valve heater for heating the meniscus such that the meniscus unpins from the meniscus anchor such that the flow towards the outlet resumes.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for analyzing a sample fluid, the LOC device having a sample inlet for receiving the sample, a microsystems technology (MST) layer with functional sections for processing and analyzing the sample, and, CMOS circuitry with digital memory for storing epidemiological data, and configured to download epidemiological data updates from an external source.

Abstract: A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device for installation in a test module for analyzing a sample fluid and communicating test results to an external device, the LOC device having a supporting substrate, a sample inlet for receiving the sample, a microsystems technology (MST) layer with functional sections for processing and analyzing the sample, and, CMOS circuitry on the supporting substrate for operative control of a communication interface in the test module for communication with the external device.

Abstract: A test module for analyzing a sample fluid, the test module having a receptacle for receiving the sample, functional sections for processing and analyzing the sample, and, digital memory for storing data and operational information to operatively control the functional sections during processing and analysis of the sample.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for amplifying nucleic acid sequences, the microfluidic device having a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) section for thermally cycling the nucleic acid sequences and a PCR mix of reagents through a denaturation temperature, an annealing temperature and a primer extension temperature, and, a PCR outlet valve to retain the nucleic acid sequences and a PCR mix of reagents in the PCR section during the thermal cycling, wherein, the PCR outlet valve is configured to open in response to an activation signal such that amplicon can flow from the PCR section and once open, the PCR outlet valve is unable to close.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a channel having an inlet, an outlet and a meniscus anchor between the inlet and the outlet such that liquid flow from the inlet towards the outlet stops at the meniscus anchor where the liquid forms a meniscus, and, an actuator valve with a movable member for contacting the liquid, and an actuator for displacing the movable member from a quiescent position to an actuated position where the meniscus is extended into contact with a surface downstream of the meniscus anchor such that the liquid flow towards the outlet resumes.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead includes row of nozzle chambers. Each nozzle chambers has a roof spaced apart from a floor and sidewalls extending between the roof and the floor. Each nozzle chambers has an ink ejection opening defined in the roof, a first ink inlet defined in one of the sidewalls, and a second ink inlet defined in the floor. Each of the first and second ink inlets is in fluid communication an ink supply channel defined in the printhead for supplying ink to the row of nozzle chambers.

Abstract: An inkjet printer that has an array of ink chambers, each with a nozzle, a droplet stem anchor and a thermal actuator. The thermal actuator generates a vapor bubble in the ink chamber to eject ink through the nozzle. The thermal actuator has a plurality of heater elements connected in parallel with a cross bracing structure extending between the heater elements. The cross bracing structure also providing the droplet stem anchor. During use, the vapor bubble generated by the thermal actuator grows until it vents to atmosphere through the nozzle and the ink ejected from the nozzle is attached to the droplet stem anchor by an ink stem until the stem breaks and the ejected ink forms a separate drop.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead having an array of ink chambers is disclosed. Each ink chamber has a nozzle and a heater element for generating vapour bubbles to eject ink through the nozzle. The heater element has multiple current paths connected in parallel. Each current path has at least one portion with a reduced cross-section relative to the remainder of the current path. A cross bracing structure is also provided for connecting intermediate portions of the current paths.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead includes: a substrate; a row of nozzle chambers disposed on the substrate; an ink conduit extending longitudinally adjacent the row of nozzle chambers; and a nozzle plate spanning over the ink conduit and the row of nozzle chambers. Each nozzle chamber has a respective ink ejection opening defined in the nozzle plate; a first ink inlet defined in a sidewall of the nozzle chamber for receiving ink from the ink conduit; and a second ink inlet defined in a floor of the nozzle chamber. Each of the first and second ink inlets is in fluid communication with a common ink reservoir.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead is disclosed. The printhead has an array of ink chambers. Each ink chamber has a nozzle and a thermal actuator for generating vapor bubbles to eject ink through the nozzle. The thermal actuator has a pair of contacts and at least two parallel current paths between the contacts. Each of the current paths has a plurality of heater elements for nucleating a vapor bubble.