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: A flex circuit system has a support member on which a first subsystem of the flex circuit system is mounted. A second subsystem of the flex circuit system is remote from the first subsystem. A lead is bonded to bonding points on the first and second subsystems and woven through apertures in the support member to secure the lead in relation to the first subsystem and minimize the tension and bending loads seen at the bonding points of the first subsystem.

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: A high quality inkjet printhead includes a substrate having a multiplicity of heater resistors formed thereon at a density of at least six heater resistors per square millimeter. Each of the heater resistors also has a total resistance of at least 70 &OHgr; and an overlaying passivation thermal barrier characteristic adjusted to enable ejection of an ink drop of less than 6.5 ng with an energy impulse equal to or less than 1.4 &mgr;joules.

Abstract: 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 material, includes 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 thermally-activated gas extraction device that comprises a bubble capture chamber, an exhaust manifold, a tapered extraction chamber and an extraction heater associated with the tapered extraction chamber. The tapered extraction chamber extends from the bubble capture chamber towards the exhaust manifold and has a cross-sectional area that increases towards the exhaust manifold. A gas removal method in which the gas extraction device is provided, a bubble of gas is accumulated in the bubble capture chamber, a portion of the liquid in the tapered extraction chamber heated to nucleate a bubble of vapor, and the bubble of vapor is heated to explosively expand the bubble of vapor into contact with the walls of the tapered extraction chamber and into contact with the bubble of gas to form a composite bubble. Contact with the walls of the tapered extraction moves the composite bubble towards the exhaust manifold.

Abstract: A thermally-activated gas extraction device that comprises a bubble capture chamber, an exhaust manifold, a tapered extraction chamber and an extraction heater associated with the tapered extraction chamber. The tapered extraction chamber extends from the bubble capture chamber towards the exhaust manifold and has a cross-sectional area that increases towards the exhaust manifold. A gas removal method in which the gas extraction device is provided, a bubble of gas is accumulated in the bubble capture chamber, a portion of the liquid in the tapered extraction chamber heated to nucleate a bubble of vapor, and the bubble of vapor is heated to explosively expand the bubble of vapor into contact with the walls of the tapered extraction chamber and into contact with the bubble of gas to form a composite bubble. Contact with the walls of the tapered extraction moves the composite bubble towards the exhaust manifold.

Abstract: A fluid handling system, and a method of manufacture therefor, is provided having a flexible manifold including two layers of flexible material laminated together. The flexible manifold has provided therein a covered capillary, a capillary inlet hole fluidically connected to the covered capillary, and a capillary outlet hole fluidically connected to the covered capillary. A peripheral rim is attached to the flexible manifold and exerts tensile stress on the flexible manifold to provide dimensional stability to the flexible manifold.

Abstract: A switching device for controlling fluid motion. The device includes a capillary filled with a first fluid into which a wall-confined bubble of a second fluid is introduced to achieve a first switching event. Capillary geometry and wetting properties provide a pressure-related asymmetric energy potential distribution for controlling the flow of the bubble, and the device is called an asymmetric bubble chamber, or ABC. The bubble is initially trapped in an energy potential well, and upon increase of its volume moves from the well into a region of low energy potential to achieve a second switching event. The first switching event may be blocking of a fluid channel or reflection of an optical beam in an optical crosspoint switch, while the second switching event may be unblocking of a fluid channel or restoration of transmission of an optical beam.

Abstract: A device with a multi-layered micro-component electrical connector. The multi-layer micro-component electrical connector includes a dielectric layer, a micro-mesh of a first electrical conductor secured to the dielectric layer, and a second electrical conductor secured to and contacting the micro-mesh to provide electrical communication. The dielectric layer has a dielectric layer thermal expansion coefficient and the first electrical conductor has a thermal expansion coefficient different from the dielectric layer thermal expansion coefficient. Due to the presence of the micro-mesh the device is operable at temperatures above 250° C. without delamination or blistering of the first electrical conductor from the dielectric layer.

Abstract: 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, includes 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 thermally-activated gas extraction device that comprises a bubble capture chamber, an exhaust manifold, a tapered extraction chamber and an extraction heater associated with the tapered extraction chamber. The tapered extraction chamber extends from the bubble capture chamber towards the exhaust manifold and has a cross-sectional area that increases towards the exhaust manifold. A gas removal method in which the gas extraction device is provided, a bubble of gas is accumulated in the bubble capture chamber, a portion of the liquid in the tapered extraction chamber heated to nucleate a bubble of vapor, and the bubble of vapor is heated to explosively expand the bubble of vapor into contact with the walls of the tapered extraction chamber and into contact with the bubble of gas to form a composite bubble. Contact with the walls of the tapered extraction moves the composite bubble towards the exhaust manifold.

Abstract: A low-stress interface between materials having different thermal coefficients of expansion and method for fabricating same includes using a laminated composite layer having a lateral thermal coefficient of expansion (TCE) that is matched to the TCE of another layer of material that is joined thereto. Using a laminate material having a lateral TCE similar to the TCE of the material to which it is joined equalizes the lateral thermal expansion of the two materials at the interface therebetween and minimizes the stress placed on the material that joins the two materials. Furthermore, the layer of material to which the laminate is joined can also be a laminate.

Abstract: 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 gas or liquid detector that includes a capacitative sensor and a capacitance detector. The capacitative sensor includes a first electrode and a second electrode separated from one another, and additionally includes Debye elements extant in the liquid adjacent such portions of the electrodes that are in contact with the liquid. The Debye elements each include a Debye capacitor with an associated shunt conductor. The shunt conductor has an exponentially-increasing conductance versus voltage characteristic. The Debye element adjacent the first electrode and the Debye element adjacent the second electrode are connected in series by conduction through the liquid. The Debye element adjacent at least the first electrode has a substantially greater capacitance than the capacitance between the electrodes absent the Debye elements. The capacitance detector is connected to the capacitative sensor and measures the capacitance of the capacitative sensor by applying an alternating voltage between the electrodes.

Abstract: A control device for regulating the flow of gas through a liquid utilizes capillary forces to manage gas retention and utilizes thermal energy to execute a gas release operation. A capillary path within the control device has an opening to a reservoir of liquid and has a geometry by which gas flow is inhibited by capillary forces on a liquid volume within the path. An equilibrium condition is established at the interface of the liquid and gas. However, a heater is in thermal communication with the capillary path for selectively heating the contained volume of liquid sufficiently to free the flow of air through the path. In a preferred application, the control device is employed in an ink cartridge to release accumulated air at selected times. By heating ink within the capillary path to a temperature above the boiling point of ink, the equilibrium condition at the air-to-ink interface is overcome.

Abstract: 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. Columnar structures placed at predetermined locations, including locations at the end of the ink aperture, and extending from the major surface to the orifice plate control the migration of coalescing bubbles.

Abstract: A bubble valve that comprises a liquid delivery channel and a localized heating arrangement. The liquid delivery channel includes an upstream portion and a constriction downstream of the upstream portion. The constriction has a smaller cross-sectional area than the upstream portion. The localized heating arrangement is located in the liquid delivery channel and generates heat to nucleate and enlarge a bubble in the liquid. The constriction is shaped to form a seal with the bubble. The localized heating arrangement additionally generates heat to move the bubble relative to the constriction to control the flow of the liquid. A pressure regulator that comprises a liquid delivery channel connected to a liquid outlet, a sensor located adjacent the liquid outlet, a controller that operates in response to the sensor and a localized heating arrangement. The liquid delivery channel includes an upstream portion, and a constriction located between the upstream portion and the liquid outlet.

Abstract: A microminiature valve having an actuator member that includes a central body suspended on radially spaced legs, with each leg having first and second layers of materials having substantially different coefficients of thermal expansion. The legs include heating elements and are fixed at one end to allow radial compliance as selected heating of the legs causes flexure. An actuator member includes a boss having an actuator face. A seat substrate having a flow via defined by a valve seat is aligned with the actuator face. Asymmetrical thermal actuation of the actuator member moves the actuator face from the valve seat in a rotational displacement relative to the flow orifice, thereby offering improved control of the fluid flow through the orifice.

Abstract: A flexible and efficient bulk micromachining method for fabricating a novel microstructure that is bounded by substantially planar surfaces meeting only at substantially right angle corner features. The novel microstructure of the present invention is useful as a spacer in assembly processes where high accuracy is required, such as precise positioning of optical fibers or conductors. In the preferred embodiment, the microstructure of the present invention includes a shelf feature disposed along a height dimension of the microstructure, which is required for some applications. The bulk micromachining method of the present invention includes providing a first substrate having a top planar surface and an opposing planar surface. The opposing surface of the substrate is anisotropically etched to provide a first thinned region. The top surface of the first substrate is anisotropically etched so that a first recessed feature having a vertical side is made integral with the first thinned region.