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

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for threading a biopolymer through a nanopore. The apparatus of the present invention provides a substrate having a channel with a channel wall and a nanopore in the channel wall. The channel and nanopore are designed for receiving a biopolymer. The apparatus includes at least one set of electrodes for moving the biopolymer in a first direction past the nanopore, and at least one set of electrodes for moving the biopolymer through the nanopore in a second direction. The invention also provides a method for threading a biopolymer through a nanopore. The method includes moving the biopolymer past the nanopore in a first direction, and threading the biopolymer through the nanopore in a second direction.

Abstract: A planar extensible structure in a flat planar flex circuit can be extended out of the plane of the circuit by a distance of more than the width of the structure to carry fluids, electrical signals or optical signals into and out of the circuit. The planar extensible structure may be an Archimedes spiral, a parabolic spiral, a polygonal spiral, a non-spiral extensible shape, or other extensible shape. The invention can be used to siphon fluid samples from each well in a multiple-well microtiter plate into a microfluidic manifold for utility in chemical and biochemical analysis. The invention can also be used to allow electrical interconnect between adjacent circuits or circuit boards, and can allow signals carried in optical fibers to be transferred between optical circuits in different planes.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for making an apparatus for sensing and/or characterizing a biopolymer translocating a nanopore. The apparatus of the present invention provides a first electrode, a first insulator, a second electrode, a optional insulator, a voltage source for applying a time varying potential difference between the electrodes, and a means of measuring the resulting current between the two electrodes. A method for making the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a tensile diaphragm with an insert region of a material dissimilar to the diaphragm, the insert region being suitable for the fabrication of a nanopore.

Abstract: Systems and methods for designing and fabricating multi-layer structures having thermal expansion properties are provided. One embodiment of the present invention provides a multi-layer structure. Briefly described, one such multi-layer structure comprises 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.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a nanopore chip exhibiting low capacitance. The apparatus provides a thin diaphragm on a rigid semiconductor frame suitable for nanopore fabrication, the diaphragm having associated thicker insulator regions to reduce capacitance. Also disclosed is a method of making the apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering a plurality of different biological materials onto discrete locations on a receiving surface, as for example to fabricate an array of different biological materials. The apparatus and methods may include a plurality of orifices in an orifice member, at least six delivery chambers each in fluid conducting relationship with at least one of the orifices, a plurality of reservoirs each in fluid communication with at least one of the delivery chambers, means associated with each orifice for propelling fluid through the associated orifice from the delivery chamber that is in fluid conducting relationship with the orifice, and a vent for commonly venting at least two of the reservoirs. In some embodiments the chambers and reservoirs are loaded with fluids containing selected biomolecules by drawing the selected fluids into the chambers through the orifices; in other embodiments the fluids are introduced into the reservoirs.

Abstract: Several improvements have been made in inkjet print cartridges to realize 5 ng drop weights at ejection frequencies of 18 KHz. These improvements include small nozzle openings, improved heater resistor efficiency, and better ink supply reliability.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a nanopore chip exhibiting one of low photosensitivity, low electrical noise, and low electrical drift. The apparatus provides a thin insulating diaphragm containing a nanopore, the diaphragm being supported on a rigid semiconductor frame, the semiconductor frame having N-type doping in those regions which are to be capacitively coupled to an ionic solution. Also disclosed is a method of making the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for removing a gaseous bubble confined in a microvolume of liquid in a chamber. A source of liquid, a barrier region and an exit region are provided in fluid communication with the chamber. The source of liquid has an energy potential as regards movement of the gaseous bubble that is higher than the energy potential of the barrier region, the barrier region has a higher energy potential than the chamber, and the chamber has a higher energy potential than the exit region. The energy potential is reduced within the chamber, the source of liquid, the barrier region, and the exit region by an amount such that the energy within the gaseous bubble is sufficient to displace the gaseous bubble from the chamber through the barrier region and out the exit region and to fill the chamber with the liquid from the source.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and kit forms a plurality of closed reaction chambers to simultaneously conduct multiple chemical reactions. The apparatus includes a plate of wells and an array of sets of bound chemical reactants. A well has a deformable closed end and an open end opposite the closed end. When assembled together, the array covers open ends of the wells in the plate to form a reaction assembly having a plurality of closed cells that is one or more of gas, liquid and/or fluid tight. The deformable closed end of the well is flexible such that a test sample is displaced toward a set of chemical reactants in a closed cell for mixing. The array may include spatially arranged prongs distally extending from a support with the sets of chemical reactants bound to distal ends of prongs.

Abstract: A fluid ejection device includes a substrate, drop generators formed on the substrate at a high density, primitive select lines, and a ground line. The drop generators are arranged in primitives of drop generators. Each drop generator includes a heater resistor having a high resistance. Each primitive select line is separately electrically coupled to a corresponding one of the primitives and is configured to connect to a power source. The ground line is electrically coupled to all of the primitives.

Abstract: A pin-in-capillary apparatus for depositing droplets of fluid onto a surface is described. The apparatus has an off-axis channel for supplying fluid to the capillary. In the capillary the fluid wets the tip of the pin and is delivered to the surface when the pin is extended from the capillary. The capillaries and pins are flexible, allowing spatial reformatting for fluid delivery. Methods of delivering fluid to a surface are also described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously conducting multiple chemical reactions combine a test sample with a chemical reactant in a plurality of closed reaction chambers to produce reaction products. The method comprises assembling a plate having the test sample in a plurality of spatially arranged wells with a microarray of similarly spatially arranged surface bound chemical reactants to form the sealed apparatus having the plurality of closed reaction chambers. The apparatus is sealed such that it is gas, liquid and/or fluid tight. The seal may be accomplished with a flexible array substrate or a flexible gasket, and one or more of mechanical clamps, external fluid pressure, radiation, heat, vacuum and an adhesive. The sealed apparatus can be subjected to various reaction conditions, such as intense mechanical agitation and a controlled temperature environment. A kit comprises one or more of the elements of the apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering a plurality of different biological materials onto discrete locations on a receiving surface, as for example to fabricate an array of different biological materials. The apparatus and methods may include a plurality of orifices in an orifice member, at least six delivery chambers each in fluid conducting relationship with at least one of the orifices, a plurality of reservoirs each in fluid communication with at least one of the delivery chambers, means associated with each orifice for propelling fluid through the associated orifice from the delivery chamber that is in fluid conducting relationship with the orifice, and a vent for commonly venting at least two of the reservoirs. In some embodiments the chambers and reservoirs are loaded with fluids containing selected biomolecules by drawing the selected fluids into the chambers through the orifices; in other embodiments the fluids are introduced into the reservoirs.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an ink jet print head with a substrate defining an ink aperture. A number of ink energizing elements are located on the major surface of the substrate. A barrier layer is connected to the upper surface, and peripherally encloses an ink manifold. The barrier encompasses the ink aperture. An orifice plate is connected to the barrier layer, spaced apart from the substrate's major surface, enclosing the ink manifold. The plate defines a number of orifices, each associated with a respective ink energizing element. The ink manifold is an elongated chamber having opposed ends defined by end wall portions of the barrier layer. The barrier end wall portions each have an intermediate end wall portion protruding into the manifold.

Abstract: A pin-in-capillary apparatus for depositing droplets of fluid onto a surface is described. The apparatus has an off-axis channel for supplying fluid to the capillary. In the capillary the fluid wets the tip of the pin and is delivered to the surface when the pin is extended from the capillary. The capillaries and pins are flexible, allowing spatial reformatting for fluid delivery. Methods of delivering fluid to a surface are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for designing and fabricating multi-layer structures having thermal expansion properties are provided. One embodiment of the present invention provides a multi-layer structure. Briefly described, one such multi-layer structure comprises 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.

Abstract: Several improvements have been made in inkjet print cartridges to realize 5 ng drop weights at ejection frequencies of 18 KHz. These improvements include small nozzle openings, improved heater resistor efficiency, and better ink supply reliability.