Abstract: A dielectric gate and related systems and methods for controlling fluid flow. A dielectric gate includes one or more electrodes coupled between an inlet fluid pathway and an outlet fluid pathway. The electrodes are configured to draw fluid from the inlet fluid pathway to the outlet fluid pathway in a precise manner by using dielectric forces arising from electrical signals applied to the electrodes.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for analyzing particles using an impedance sensor. A flow-through impedance sensor may use two in-line electrodes driven in counter phase. A common sensor electrode may be used to, for example, detect impedance and determine trajectories through the sensor area. The sensor may be used in a wide variety of applications, including but not limited to use with microfluidic devices for determining particle characteristics such as position, velocity, size, and concentration as well as detection of bacterial spores and other biological agents of potential use in warfare and bio-terrorism.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for metered injection of a fluid packet. A vessel containing the packet is pressurized to a pressure less than or equal to a hold-off pressure. The packet is subjected to an extraction force to extract the packet from the vessel onto a surface.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for cell isolation and analysis. Cells are introduced into a dielectrophoretic prefilter including one or more trapping electrodes configured to trap at least a portion of the cells with a dielectrophoretic force. The cells trapped from the prefilter are directed into a dielectrophoretic field-flow fractionation separator coupled to the prefilter. The cells are discriminated by balancing a dielectrophoretic force (and optionally a magnetophoretic force) with a gravitational force to displace the cells to positions within a velocity profile in the separator. At least a portion of the cells are trapped as a function of the cells' time of emergence from the separator with two or more spiral electrode segments coupled to the separator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for microfluidic processing by programmably manipulating a packet. A material is introduced onto a reaction surface and compartmentalized to form a packet. A position of the packet is sensed with a position sensor. A programmable manipulation force is applied to the packet at the position. The programmable manipulation force is adjustable according to packet position by a controller. The packet is programmably moved according to the programmable manipulation force along arbitrarily chosen paths.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for microfluidic processing by programmably manipulating a packet. A material is introduced onto a reaction surface and compartmentalized to form a packet. A position of the packet is sensed with a position sensor. A programmable manipulation force is applied to the packet at the position. The programmable manipulation force is adjustable according to packet position by a controller. The packet is programmably moved according to the programmable manipulation force along arbitrarily chosen paths.