Abstract: A method for making an electronic module includes forming a low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) substrate with at least one capacitive structure embedded therein. Forming the LTCC substrate may include arranging first and second unsintered ceramic layers and the at least one capacitive structure therebetween. The at least one capacitive structure may include a pair of electrode layers, an inner dielectric layer between the pair of electrode layers, and at least one outer dielectric layer adjacent at least one of the electrode layers and opposite the inner dielectric layer. The at least one outer dielectric layer preferably has a dielectric constant less than a dielectric constant of the inner dielectric layer. The unsintered ceramic layers and the at least one capacitive structure may also be heated, and at least one electronic device may be mounted on the LTCC substrate and electrically connected to the at least one embedded capacitive structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of detecting the presence or amount of an analyte in a sample. The methods involve contacting a surface coated with a specific binding molecule to the analyte to be detected with the sample, contacting the surface coated with the specific binding molecule to the analyte to be detected with a water-soluble conjugate having at least one carrier component, at least one linking component, at least one electrochemical signal enzyme covalently attached to the carrier component, at least one targeting element for the analyte to be detected, and forming a binding complex of the specific binding molecule coated on the surface, the analyte, and the water-soluble conjugate. The binding complex is contacted with a substrate for an electrochemical signal enzyme to form a product solution, and the presence or absence of analyte in the sample is determined.

Abstract: The present invention provides water-soluble conjugates and methods of using them in diagnostic and detection assays. Devices for performing detection and quantitation assays are also provided. In various embodiments the conjugates are useful in immunoassays and later flow assays. The invention provides methods of preparing the conjugates that result in higher yields and higher sensitivities for the assays. The invention also provides water-soluble conjugates utilizing electrochemical signal components capable of detecting analytes with very high sensitivity.

Abstract: A method for making an electronic module includes forming a low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) substrate with at least one capacitive structure embedded therein. Forming the LTCC substrate may include arranging first and second unsintered ceramic layers and the at least one capacitive structure therebetween. The at least one capacitive structure may include a pair of electrode layers, an inner dielectric layer between the pair of electrode layers, and at least one outer dielectric layer adjacent at least one of the electrode layers and opposite the inner dielectric layer. The at least one outer dielectric layer preferably has a dielectric constant less than a dielectric constant of the inner dielectric layer. The unsintered ceramic layers and the at least one capacitive structure may also be heated, and at least one electronic device may be mounted on the LTCC substrate and electrically connected to the at least one embedded capacitive structure.

Abstract: An electro-fluidic device may include a substrate having at least one substrate fluid passageway therein, and at least one substrate electrical conductor carried by the substrate. Moreover, an external interface may be spaced from the substrate and include at least one interface electrical conductor. The electro-fluidic device may also include at least one electro-fluidic interconnect extending between the substrate and the external interface. More particularly, the at least one electro-fluidic interconnect may include an interconnect body having at least one interconnect fluid passageway extending therethrough and connected to the at least one substrate fluid passageway, and at least one interconnect electrical conductor carried by the interconnect body. The at least one interconnect electrical conductor may connect the at least one substrate electrical conductor and the at least one interface electrical connector.

Abstract: In an electrosurgical generator for generating radio frequency power, the generator comprises a radio frequency output stage having three or more output connections, one or more sources of output power coupled to the output stage, and a controller operable to cause the generator to supply a first cutting RF waveform to the output connections or a second coagulating RF waveform to the output connections. In a combined mode, the controller causes the generator to deliver both first and second RF waveforms, the controller including means for feeding the waveforms to the output connections such that the first RF waveform is delivered between a first pair of the output connections, and the second RF waveform is delivered between a second pair of the output connections. The combined mode is adjustable between various settings, each setting having a different proportion of the first and second RF waveforms.

Abstract: A pneumatic system consists of an inflatable/deflatable article, for example, a compression garment (21) connected to a pump (20) by connectors (12 and 11), respectively. The connector (12) attached to the garment (21) carries an RFID transponder (30) and a corresponding radio circuit (31) is located within the pump (20). In use, the transponder (30) transmits and receives information to and from the pump radio circuit (31). The information exchanged is used by the pump control system to activate the pump and to operate the pump to provide the particular operating parameters for that garment, for example, pressure, inflation/deflation cycle duration of treatment, etc.

Abstract: A rigid substrate board (105) having at least one layer with first (106) and second (107) opposing surfaces. At least one bore is formed in the layer and extending from the first surface (106) to the second surface (107). A resistive material is disposed within the bore and fills the bore to form a resistor (140). Further, a first conductor (115) is disposed on the first surface (106) to form an electrical connection with a first end of the resistor (140), and a second conductor (120) is disposed on the second surface to form an electrical connection with a second end of the resistor. A plurality of resistors (140) can be formed in the substrate layer (105) and interconnected to define a resistive network.

Abstract: A direct conversion receiver includes a differential mode mixer with first and second DC coupled amplifier chains, the first and second amplifier chains are connected to the mixer for amplifying differential signals. A common mode offset correction circuit is coupled to the first and second amplifier chains so as to feedback correction signals that cause common mode DC offsets in the first and second amplifier chains to be equal and opposite. A differential mode offset correction circuit is coupled to the first and second amplifier chains so as to feedback correction signals that cause differential mode DC offsets in the first and second amplifier chains to be equal. The only solution for the two correction circuits is zero DC offset.

Abstract: A method of coating an active material is provided. The method comprises contacting an active material with a film-forming composition comprising an aqueous dispersion of an amylose-alcohol complex, an insoluble film-forming polymer and a plasticiser at a temperature of less than 60° C. The method finds particular application in the preparation of dosage forms comprising active materials that are unstable at temperatures in excess of 60° C. The compositions prepared in accordance with the method can be used to deliver an active material to the colon.

Abstract: A method for forming a low temperature cofired ceramic (LTCC) device includes forming a channel in a first LTCC tape layer. A wax is inserted in the channel. The wax is of a type that burns out at a temperature below a sintering temperature of the first LTCC tape layer. At least a second LTCC tape layer is stacked on the first LTCC tape layer to form a stack. The stack is pressed sufficiently for the first and second layers to bond into a laminate. The laminate is fired at the sintering temperature to form a sintered ceramic structure from the first and second LTCC tape layers, so that all or substantially all of the wax is burned out from the channel.

Abstract: A method for forming a low temperature cofired ceramic (LTCC) device includes forming a channel in a first LTCC tape layer. A wax is inserted in the channel. The wax is of a type that bums out at a temperature below a sintering temperature of the first LTCC tape layer. At least a second LTCC tape layer is stacked on the first LTCC tape layer to form a stack. The stack is pressed sufficiently for the first and second layers to bond into a laminate. The laminate is fired at the sintering temperature to form a sintered ceramic structure from the first and second LTCC tape layers, so that all or substantially all of the wax is burned out from the channel.

Abstract: A self-emulsifying system comprises i) microcrystalline cellulose and ii) an oily substance, surfactant, and water is useful for providing solid dosage forms of hydrophobic or water sensitive agents when dried or extruded and spheronized.

Abstract: A method for making an electronic module includes forming a low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) substrate with at least one capacitive structure embedded therein. Forming the LTCC substrate may include arranging first and second unsintered ceramic layers and the at least one capacitive structure therebetween. The at least one capacitive structure may include a pair of electrode layers, an inner dielectric layer between the pair of electrode layers, and at least one outer dielectric layer adjacent at least one of the electrode layers and opposite the inner dielectric layer. The at least one outer dielectric layer preferably has a dielectric constant less than a dielectric constant of the inner dielectric layer. The unsintered ceramic layers and the at least one capacitive structure may also be heated, and at least one electronic device may be mounted on the LTCC substrate and electrically connected to the at least one embedded capacitive structure.

Abstract: A method of coating an active material is provided. The method comprises contacting an active material with a film-forming composition comprising an aqueous dispersion of an amylose-alcohol complex, an insoluble film-forming polymer and a plasticiser at a temperature of less than 60° C. The method finds particular application in the preparation of dosage forms comprising active materials that are unstable at temperatures in excess of 60° C. The compositions prepared in accordance with the method can be used to deliver an active material to the colon.

Abstract: A method for producing a controlled release composition is provided. A solution of a film-forming composition comprising a mixture of a substantially water-insoluble film-forming polymer and amylose in a solvent system comprising (1) water and (2) a water-miscible organic solvent which on its own is capable of dissolving the film-forming polymer is contacted with an active material and the resulting composition dried. The weight ratio of amylose to film-forming insoluble polymer in the film-forming composition is in the range 1:2 to 3:2 and the organic solvent comprises at least 50% by weight of the solvent system. The composition is particularly suitable for delivering therapeutic agents to the colon.

Abstract: An electronic module includes a cooling substrate, an electronic device mounted thereon, and a heat sink adjacent the cooling substrate. More particularly, the cooling substrate may have an evaporator chamber adjacent the electronic device, at least one condenser chamber adjacent the heat sink, and at least one cooling fluid passageway connecting the evaporator chamber in fluid communication with the at least one condenser chamber. Furthermore, an evaporator thermal transfer body may be connected in thermal communication between the evaporator chamber and the electronic device. Additionally, at least one condenser thermal transfer body may be connected in thermal communication between the at least one condenser chamber and the heat sink. The evaporator thermal transfer body and the at least one condenser thermal transfer body preferably each have a higher thermal conductivity than adjacent cooling substrate portions.

Abstract: An electronic module includes a cooling substrate, an electronic device mounted thereon, and a heat sink adjacent the cooling substrate. More particularly, the cooling substrate may have an evaporator chamber adjacent the electronic device, at least one condenser chamber adjacent the heat sink, and at least one cooling fluid passageway connecting the evaporator chamber in fluid communication with the at least one condenser chamber. Furthermore, an evaporator thermal transfer body may be connected in thermal communication between the evaporator chamber and the electronic device. Additionally, at least one condenser thermal transfer body may be connected in thermal communication between the at least one condenser chamber and the heat sink. The evaporator thermal transfer body and the at least one condenser thermal transfer body preferably each have a higher thermal conductivity than adjacent cooling substrate portions.

Abstract: A method for making an electronic module includes forming a cooling substrate having a fluid cooling circuit therein having a vertical passageway. The cooling substrate may be formed by forming a plurality of unsintered ceramic layers having passageways therein. The plurality of unsintered ceramic layers and at least one resistive element may be assembled in stacked relation so that the passageways align to define the fluid cooling circuit and so that the at least one resistive element extends in a cantilever fashion into the vertical passageway. Furthermore, the unsintered ceramic layers and the at least one resistive element may be heated to sinter and to cause the at least one resistive element to soften and deform downwardly adjacent vertical sidewall portions of the vertical passageway. The method may also include mounting at least one electronic device on the cooling substrate in thermal communication with the fluid cooling circuit.

Abstract: An electronic module includes a cooling substrate, an electronic device mounted thereon, and a plurality of cooling fluid dissociation electrodes carried by the cooling substrate for dissociating cooling fluid to control a pressure thereof. More particularly, the cooling substrate may have an evaporator chamber adjacent the electronic device, at least one condenser chamber adjacent the heat sink, and at least one cooling fluid passageway connecting the evaporator chamber in fluid communication with the at least one condenser chamber.