Abstract: An impact indicator includes a micro-sensor having a mass element configured to move from a first position to a second position in response to receipt by the mass element of an impact event. The micro-sensor includes detection circuitry configured to change from a first state to a second state in response to movement of the mass element from the first position to the second position. The detection circuitry is prevented from returning to the first state in response to changing to the second state. A radio-frequency identification (RFID) module is coupled to the detection circuitry and is configured to output a value indicating that the mass element is in the second position. An activator element is configured to maintain the mass element in the first position until removal of the activator element from the micro-sensor.

Abstract: A flow channel suitable for use with a peristaltic pump comprises: an upper wall having a bowed upward shape; a lower wall having one of a bowed downward shape and a flat shape; and one or more spacers between the upper wall and the lower wall disposed between lateral edges of the upper and lower walls, each spacer having a height. The upper wall, lower wall, and the one or more spacers define a lumen. When the upper wall is compressed toward the lower wall by compressing members, the one or more spacers limit vertical movement of the compressing members such that the lumen is maintained in an under-occluded condition. In some cases, the bowing of one of the upper and lower walls has a recurved shape.

Abstract: A temperature indicator includes a micro-sensor having a sensing element with a first layer coupled to a second layer where the first and second layers have different coefficients of expansion. The sensing element is configured to move from a first position to a second position in response to exposure to a temperature event and has detection circuitry configured to change from a first state to a second state in response to movement of the sensing element to the second position. The detection circuitry is prevented from returning to the first state in response to changing to the second state. An RFID module is coupled to the detection circuitry and is configured to output a value indicating that the sensing element is in the second position. An activator element is configured to maintain the sensor element in the first position until removal of the activator element from the micro-sensor.

Abstract: An impact indicator includes a micro-sensor having a mass element configured to move from a first position to a second position in response to receipt by the mass element of an impact event. The micro-sensor includes detection circuitry configured to change from a first state to a second state in response to movement of the mass element from the first position to the second position. The detection circuitry is prevented from returning to the first state in response to changing to the second state. A radio-frequency identification (RFID) module is coupled to the detection circuitry and is configured to output a value indicating that the mass element is in the second position. An activator element is configured to maintain the mass element in the first position until removal of the activator element from the micro-sensor.

Abstract: A flow channel suitable for use with a peristaltic pump comprises: an upper wall having a bowed upward shape; a lower wall having one of a bowed downward shape and a flat shape; and one or more spacers between the upper wall and the lower wall disposed between lateral edges of the upper and lower walls, each spacer having a height. The upper wall, lower wall, and the one or more spacers define a lumen. When the upper wall is compressed toward the lower wall by compressing members, the one or more spacers limit vertical movement of the compressing members such that the lumen is maintained in an under-occluded condition. In some cases, the bowing of one of the upper and lower walls has a recurved shape.

Abstract: A fluid sensing system (30) including a fluid channel (32) with an inlet (34) and an outlet (36). A thermal device (38) is operably coupled thereto at a first position whereby thermal energy is transferable with fluid in the channel. A section of the fluid channel downstream of the first position has a predefined cross section and flow path. A thermal imaging device (46) is positioned to capture a thermal image of at least a portion of the downstream section. A processor (48) coupled with the thermal imaging device is configured to determine at least one output value representative of a property of the fluid medication or fluid flow using the thermal image. The output value may be the flow volume. In some embodiments, the fluid channel also defines a section upstream of the first position with the thermal imaging device capturing an image that includes at least portions of both the upstream and downstream sections.

Abstract: A process for laminating elements together to form an article having a predetermined shape including an interior cavity comprises: placing a first sheet atop a first die; placing a first pressure introduction port atop the first sheet; placing a second sheet atop the first port and atop the first sheet; placing a second die atop the second sheet; clamping the first sheet, first port, and second sheet between the first and second dies to form an assembly comprising first die, first sheet, pressure introduction port, second sheet, and second die; introducing an applied gas pressure between the first and second sheets of the assembly, via the first pressure introduction port; heating the assembly to a temperature at which the first and second sheets can thermally deform, thereby achieving simultaneous lamination and blow molding of the first and second sheets; and cooling the assembly, such that the article is created.

Abstract: A flow channel plate suitable for use with a peristaltic pump comprises: a planar substrate; a flow channel in the planar substrate and mechanical strain relief means in the planar substrate, allowing lateral expansion of the flow channel during vertical compression of the flow channel. The path of the flow channel in the flow channel plate may be nonlinear. The flow channel may be characterized by a Davis-Butterfield cross sectional shape. A roller pump head comprises: a flow channel plate; a roller cage; tapered rollers held in position by the roller cage; and a drive rotor comprising one of a tapered rotor and a rotor having a radially limited zone of contact on the sloping portions of the tapered roller. Lower surfaces of the tapered rollers apply force to the flow channel plate and upper surfaces of the tapered rollers receive force from the drive rotor.

Abstract: A fluid sensing system (30) including a fluid channel (32) with an inlet (34) and an outlet (36). A thermal device (38) is operably coupled thereto at a first position whereby thermal energy is transferable with fluid in the channel. A section of the fluid channel downstream of the first position has a predefined cross section and flow path. A thermal imaging device (46) is positioned to capture a thermal image of at least a portion of the downstream section. A processor (48) coupled with the thermal imaging device is configured to determine at least one output value representative of a property of the fluid medication or fluid flow using the thermal image. The output value may be the flow volume. In some embodiments, the fluid channel also defines a section upstream of the first position with the thermal imaging device capturing an image that includes at least portions of both the upstream and downstream sections.

Abstract: A device and a method of forming the same are disclosed. The device comprises a substrate and a thin film. The substrate is characterized by a first coefficient of thermal expansion. The thin film is attached to a surface of the substrate, and is characterized by a second coefficient of thermal expansion. The thin film includes first and second layers in states of compression, and a third layer in a state of tension, the third layer being positioned between the first and second layers. The thin film is in a net state of tension within a temperature range.

Abstract: A device and a method of forming the same are disclosed. The device comprises a substrate and a thin film. The substrate is characterized by a first coefficient of thermal expansion. The thin film is attached to a surface of the substrate, and is characterized by a second coefficient of thermal expansion. The thin film includes first and second layers in states of compression, and a third layer in a state of tension, the third layer being positioned between the first and second layers. The thin film is in a net state of tension within a temperature range.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for sequencing and identifying a biopolymer. The invention provides a first electrode, a second electrode, a first gate electrode, a second gate electrode, a gate voltage source and a potential means. The gate electrodes may be ramped by a voltage source to search and determine a resonance level between the first electrode, biopolymer and second electrode. The potential means that is in electrical connection with the first electrode and the second electrode is maintained at a fixed voltage. A method of biopolymer sequencing and identification is also disclosed.

Abstract: A thermal conductivity detector includes a structure defining a cavity, the structure principally comprising a material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion; a sensing element for sensing a thermal conductivity of a gas flowing within the cavity, the sensing element having a second coefficient of thermal expansion different from the third first coefficient of thermal expansion, the sensing element being disposed at least in part within the cavity; and a compensation structure having a third coefficient of thermal expansion different from the first and second thermal coefficients of expansion. Over a selected temperature range, a stress within the sensing element is less than a yield stress of any component of the sensing element, and a stress within the compensation structure is less than a yield stress of any component of the compensation structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of making a measurement using the same. The apparatus includes a channel through which a fluid flows, a detector, and a choked flow channel. The detector measures a property of the fluid by generating a signal that depends on that property. The signal generated also depends on a pressure of the fluid in the detector. The choked flow channel receives the fluid at a first pressure after the fluid has been measured by the detector, and then transmits the fluid to a downstream location at a second pressure. The fluid reaches a supersonic velocity at one point in the choked flow channel. The choked flow channel may include a convergent-divergent nozzle or an orifice in a structure located in the choked flow channel.

Abstract: A thermal conductivity detector includes a structure defining a cavity, the structure principally comprising a material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion; a sensing element for sensing a thermal conductivity of a gas flowing within the cavity, the sensing element having a second coefficient of thermal expansion different from the third first coefficient of thermal expansion, the sensing element being disposed at least in part within the cavity; and a compensation structure having a third coefficient of thermal expansion different from the first and second thermal coefficients of expansion. Over a selected temperature range, a stress within the sensing element is less than a yield stress of any component of the sensing element, and a stress within the compensation structure is less than a yield stress of any component of the compensation structure.

Abstract: Methods and structures for placing nanoscale moieties on substrates are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of making a measurement using the same. The apparatus includes a channel through which a fluid flows, a detector, and a choked flow channel. The detector measures a property of the fluid by generating a signal that depends on that property. The signal generated also depends on a pressure of the fluid in the detector. The choked flow channel receives the fluid at a first pressure after the fluid has been measured by the detector, and then transmits the fluid to a downstream location at a second pressure. The fluid reaches a supersonic velocity at one point in the choked flow channel. The choked flow channel may include a convergent-divergent nozzle or an orifice in a structure located in the choked flow channel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for designing and fabricating multi-layer structures having thermal expansion properties are provided. One embodiment provides a multi-layer structure comprising a central layer, a first layer, and a second layer. The first layer is constrained to a first side of the central layer and has a first thickness. The first layer comprises a first material having a first value for a thermal expansion property. The second layer is constrained to a second side of the central layer and has a second thickness. The second layer comprises a second material having a second value for a thermal expansion property. The second thickness and the second value for the thermal expansion property and the first thickness and the first value for the thermal expansion property are such that, upon a change in temperature, the net change in the strain energy in the first layer and the net change in the strain energy in the second layer are substantially equal.

Abstract: Synthetic nanopore fabrication methods and structures are provided. Nanoscale transistor fabrication methods and structures are provided.

Abstract: Synthetic nanopore fabrication methods and structures are provided. Nanoscale transistor fabrication methods and structures are provided.