Abstract: The invention generally relates to a microfluidic platforms or “chips” for testing and understanding cancer, and, more specifically, for understanding the factors that contribute to cancer invading tissues and causing metastases. Tumor cells are grown on microfluidic devices with other non-cancerous tissues under conditions that simulate tumor invasion. The interaction with immune cells can be tested to inhibit this activity by linking a cancer chip to a lymph chip.

Abstract: Organs-on-chips are microfluidic devices for culturing living cells in micrometer sized chambers in order to model physiological functions of tissues and organs. Engineered patterning and continuous fluid flow in these devices has allowed culturing of intestinal cells bearing physiologically relevant features and sustained exposure to bacteria while maintaining cellular viability, thereby allowing study of inflammatory bowl diseases. However, existing intestinal cells do not possess all physiologically relevant subtypes, do not possess the repertoire of genetic variations, or allow for study of other important cellular actors such as immune cells. Use of iPSC-derived epithelium, including IBD patient-specific cells, allows for superior disease modeling by capturing the multi-faceted nature of the disease.

Abstract: An organomimetic device includes a microfluidic device that can be used to culture cells in its microfluidic channels. The organomimetic device can be part of dynamic system that can apply mechanical forces to the cells by modulating the microfluidic device and the flow of fluid through the microfluidic channels. The membrane in the organomimetic device can be modulated mechanically via pneumatic means and/or mechanical means. The organomimetic device can be manufactured by the fabrication of individual components separately, for example, as individual layers that can be subsequently laminated together.

Abstract: A shock tube initiator (STI) for allowing the remote and/or manual initiation of at least one shock tube, typically two shock tubes is disclosed.

Abstract: A shock tube initiator (STI) for allowing the remote and/or manual initiation of at least one shock tube, typically two shock tubes is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for forming an improved copper inlaid interconnect (FIG. 11) begins by performing an RF preclean operation (408) on the inlaid structure in a chamber (10). The RF preclean rounds corners (210a and 206a) of the structure to reduce voiding and improve step coverage while not significantly removing copper atoms from the underlying exposed copper interconnects surfaces (202a). A tantalum barrier (220) is then deposited where one portion of the tantalum barrier is more tensile than another portion of the tantalum barrier. After formation of the barrier layer (220), a copper seed layer (222) is formed over a top of the barrier layer. The copper layer is formed while clamping the wafer with an improved clamp (85) which reduces copper peeling and contamination at wafer edges. Copper electroplating and chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) processes are then used to complete the copper interconnect structure.

Abstract: A method for forming an improved copper inlaid interconnect (FIG. 11) begins by performing an RF preclean operation (408) on the inlaid structure in a chamber (10). The RF preclean rounds corners (210a and 206a) of the structure to reduce voiding and improve step coverage while not significantly removing copper atoms from the underlying exposed copper interconnects surfaces (202a). A tantalum barrier (220) is then deposited where one portion of the tantalum barrier is more tensile than another portion of the tantalum barrier. After formation of the barrier layer (220), a copper seed layer (222) is formed over a top of the barrier layer. The copper layer is formed while clamping the wafer with an improved clamp (85) which reduces copper peeling and contamination at wafer edges. Copper electroplating and chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) processes are then used to complete the copper interconnect structure.

Abstract: An ultrasonic test set is calibrated in terms of its frequency characterization by establishing a response trace on a monitor screen of the test set when the probe of the test set is applied to a standard test article, a digitizing camera is arranged for scanning the trace on the test set monitor, and a digital computer receives the digital output signal on the digitizing camera and processes the signal by sampling the signal trace at discrete points with respect to time; the digital computer provides an output on output means such as a monitor screen and/or printer which provides information on the frequency characterization of the ultrasonic test device and includes a frequency spectrum. The apparatus can be implemented by a combination of commercially available and known separate elements providing a cheap and effective apparatus and method for calibration purposes.

Abstract: An end mill tool holder body and a tool suitable for use in a boring mill or any other metal-cutting machine. The tool has a round body with shank to suit the machine tool and a flat, laterally-disposed surface at one end of the body terminating in a shoulder. An axial bore extends through the body and a draw bar in the bore has a pin which extends through an opening in a cutting insert and a nut on the other end of the draw bar clamps the cutting insert against the shoulder, holding it rigidly in position for milling or boring.The inserts are of the throw-away type and are made of precision dimension so that the body and cutting insert can be used in a computerized operation.