Abstract: The application describes syringe carriers for medicament delivery devices such as autoinjectors. Methods of assembly are described, including a method of assembling a sub-assembly of a medicament delivery device. The method includes the steps of providing a housing, a syringe carrier and a syringe, wherein the housing extends along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end; inserting the syringe carrier into the housing so that the syringe carrier is aligned with the housing along the longitudinal axis and inserting the syringe into the syringe carrier in the longitudinal direction. The syringe carrier remains aligned with the longitudinal axis during insertion of the syringe into the syringe carrier. As the syringe is inserted into the syringe carrier, the syringe rotates from a first position parallel to the longitudinal axis to a second position that is not parallel to the longitudinal axis and then to a third position parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A single-sided continuous optoelectrowetting (SCOEW) device for manipulating droplets retained in a fluid over the SCOEW device with dynamic patterns of low intensity light, such as from a display screen, is described. A single pair of lateral electrodes are utilized for providing a lateral electric field bias, with transport motion controlled in response to projecting light through a photoconductive layer and dielectric layer adjacent to which droplets are retained. The device is configured for optically manipulating droplets having volumes spanning over five orders of magnitude, and can be configured to perform droplet dispensing, transport, splitting, merging, mixing and other droplet manipulation functions involving any of the above on a single sided surface.

Abstract: In certain embodiments this invention provides a pulsed-laser triggered microfluidic switching mechanism that can achieve a switching time of 70 ?s. This switching speed is two orders of magnitude shorter than that of the fastest switching mechanism utilized in previous ?FACS.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the formation of droplets of a first fluid in a second fluid and the encapsulation of particles or cells within such droplets are disclosed. Impetus for droplet formation is provided by the creation of a transient bubble, which may be induced using a pulsed laser. Droplet volume and the frequency at which droplets are formed can be controlled by modulation of the pulsed laser. The disclosed methods and devices are particularly suitable for use in microfluidic devices.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the formation of droplets of a first fluid in a second fluid and the encapsulation of particles or cells within such droplets are disclosed. Impetus for droplet formation is provided by the creation of a transient bubble, which may be induced using a pulsed laser. Droplet volume and the frequency at which droplets are formed can be controlled by modulation of the pulsed laser. The disclosed methods and devices are particularly suitable for use in microfluidic devices.

Abstract: A single-sided continuous optoelectrowetting (SCOEW) device for manipulating droplets retained in a fluid over the SCOEW device with dynamic patterns of low intensity light, such as from a display screen, is described. A single pair of lateral electrodes are utilized for providing a lateral electric field bias, with transport motion controlled in response to projecting light through a photoconductive layer and dielectric layer adjacent to which droplets are retained. The device is configured for optically manipulating droplets having volumes spanning over five orders of magnitude, and can be configured to perform droplet dispensing, transport, splitting, merging, mixing and other droplet manipulation functions involving any of the above on a single sided surface.

Abstract: Described herein are single-sided lateral-field optoelectronic tweezers (LOET) devices which use photosensitive electrode arrays to create optically-induced dielectrophoretic forces in an electric field that is parallel to the plane of the device. In addition, phototransistor-based optoelectronic tweezers (PhOET) devices are described that allow for optoelectronic tweezers (OET) operation in high-conductivity physiological buffer and cell culture media.

Abstract: This invention provides novel tools for surgery on single cells. In certain embodiments the tools comprise a microcapillary having at and/or near the tip a metal coating or a plurality of nanoparticles that can be heated by application of electromagnetic energy. In certain embodiments substrates are provided that facilitate the introduction of agents into cells. The substrates typically comprise a surface bearing a film or particles or nanoparticles that can be heated by application of electromagnetic energy.

Abstract: In certain embodiments this invention provides a pulsed-laser triggered microfluidic switching mechanism that can achieve a switching time of 70 ?s. This switching speed is two orders of magnitude shorter than that of the fastest switching mechanism utilized in previous ?FACS.

Abstract: The invention is related to methods and apparatus that manipulate droplets in a microfluidic environment. Advantageously, embodiments of the invention manipulate droplets by controlling the electro-wetting characteristics of a surface with light, thereby inducing a gradient in the surface tension of a droplet. The gradient in the surface tension propels the droplet by capillary force. A variety of operations, such as transporting, joining, cutting, and creating can be performed. Advantageously, embodiments of the invention obviate the need to create a relatively large and complex control electrode array. A plurality of photoconductive cells or a layer of a photoconductive material selectively couples an electrode carrying an electrical bias to otherwise floating conductive cells in response to a beam of light. The electrical bias applied to the conductive cell generates a localized electric field, which can change the contact angle of the droplet, thereby permitting the droplet to be propelled.

Abstract: Described herein are single-sided lateral-field optoelectronic tweezers (LOET) devices which use photosensitive electrode arrays to create optically-induced dielectrophoretic forces in an electric field that is parallel to the plane of the device. In addition, phototransistor-based optoelectronic tweezers (PhOET) devices are described that allow for optoelectronic tweezers (OET) operation in high-conductivity physiological buffer and cell culture media.

Abstract: An optical image-driven light induced dielectrophoresis (DEP) apparatus and method are described which provide for the manipulation of particles or cells with a diameter on the order of 100 ?m or less. The apparatus is referred to as optoelectric tweezers (OET) and provides a number of advantages over conventional optical tweezers, in particular the ability to perform operations in parallel and over a large area without damage to living cells. The OET device generally comprises a planar liquid-filled structure having one or more portions which are photoconductive to convert incoming light to a change in the electric field pattern. The light patterns are dynamically generated to provide a number of manipulation structures that can manipulate single particles and cells or groups of particles/cells. The OET preferably includes a microscopic imaging means to provide feedback for the optical manipulation, such as detecting position and characteristics wherein the light patterns are modulated accordingly.

Abstract: An optical image-driven light induced dielectrophoresis (DEP) apparatus and method are described which provide for the manipulation of particles or cells with a diameter on the order of 100 ?m or less. The apparatus is referred to as optoelectric tweezers (OET) and provides a number of advantages over conventional optical tweezers, in particular the ability to perform operations in parallel and over a large area without damage to living cells. The OET device generally comprises a planar liquid-filled structure having one or more portions which are photoconductive to convert incoming light to a change in the electric field pattern. The light patterns are dynamically generated to provide a number of manipulation structures that can manipulate single particles and cells or groups of particles/cells. The OET preferably includes a microscopic imaging means to provide feedback for the optical manipulation, such as detecting position and characteristics wherein the light patterns are modulated accordingly.

Abstract: The invention is related to methods and apparatus that manipulate droplets in a microfluidic environment. Advantageously, embodiments of the invention manipulate droplets by controlling the electro-wetting characteristics of a surface with light, thereby inducing a gradient in the surface tension of a droplet. The gradient in the surface tension propels the droplet by capillary force. A variety of operations, such as transporting, joining, cutting, and creating can be performed. Advantageously, embodiments of the invention obviate the need to create a relatively large and complex control electrode array. A plurality of photoconductive cells or a layer of a photoconductive material selectively couples an electrode carrying an electrical bias to otherwise floating conductive cells in response to a beam of light. The electrical bias applied to the conductive cell generates a localized electric field, which can change the contact angle of the droplet, thereby permitting the droplet to be propelled.

Abstract: The invention is related to methods and apparatus that manipulate droplets in a microfluidic environment. Advantageously, embodiments of the invention manipulate droplets by controlling the electro-wetting characteristics of a surface with light, thereby inducing a gradient in the surface tension of a droplet. The gradient in the surface tension propels the droplet by capillary force. A variety of operations, such as transporting, joining, cutting, and creating can be performed. Advantageously, embodiments of the invention obviate the need to create a relatively large and complex control electrode array. A plurality of photoconductive cells or a layer of a photoconductive material selectively couples an electrode carrying an electrical bias to otherwise floating conductive cells in response to a beam of light. The electrical bias applied to the conductive cell generates a localized electric field, which can change the contact angle of the droplet, thereby permitting the droplet to be propelled.

Abstract: An optical image-driven light induced dielectrophoresis (DEP) apparatus and method are described which provide for the manipulation of particles or cells with a diameter on the order of 100 ?m or less. The apparatus is referred to as optoelectric tweezers (OET) and provides a number of advantages over conventional optical tweezers, in particular the ability to perform operations in parallel and over a large area without damage to living cells. The OET device generally comprises a planar liquid-filled structure having one or more portions which are photoconductive to convert incoming light to a change in the electric field pattern. The light patterns are dynamically generated to provide a number of manipulation structures that can manipulate single particles and cells or group of particles/cells. The OET preferably includes a microscopic imaging means to provide feedback for the optical manipulation, such as detecting position and characteristics wherein the light patterns are modulated accordingly.