Abstract: A micro-liter liquid sample, particularly a biological sample, is analyzed in a device employing centrifugal and capillary forces. The sample is moved through one or more sample wells arrayed within a small flat chip via interconnecting capillary passageways. The passageways may be either hydrophobic or hydrophilic and may include hydrophobic or hydrophilic capillary stops.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead containing at least one ink channel communicating with a nozzle and defined between two opposed side walls; a membrane interconnecting the side walls; and actuating elements arranged adjacent to the membrane for deflecting the same, wherein the side walls and the membrane are formed by a one-piece member.

Abstract: An inkjet printhead containing at least one ink channel communicating with a nozzle and defined between two opposed side walls; a membrane interconnecting the side walls; and actuating elements arranged adjacent to the membrane for deflecting the same, wherein the side walls and the membrane are formed by a one-piece member.

Abstract: It is known to thermally weld bodies made of plastic without or with use of an auxiliary substance (adhesive), where the welding temperature is above the glass transition temperature of the plastic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for efficient transport, transfer and movement of fluids. In particular, the invention provides fluidic micro-structures for controlled transport and movement of liquids in devices for analytical and other purposes. Devices of the invention include one or more features that can enhance performance of the fluid transfer, referred to as a pre-shooter stop, a butterfly structure, a cascade structure, a waste chamber inlet, a capillary driven sample inlet chamber, a capillary stop structure, a bifurcation flow-through structure, and a hydrophobic vent.

Abstract: In a method for joining two or more solid parts, a foil is provided between the two parts, the foil is heated to an elevated temperature by means of a thermode such that it becomes soft, and then the foil is cooled down below the elevated temperature, thus providing a permanent connection. The method can be used for bonding a gas-permeable membrane to a housing such as to produce a liquid chromatography degasser. The bonding method ensures that no unwanted substances are released when liquid comes into contact with the bonding region.

Abstract: An apparatus for degassing liquids comprises a cavity through which liquid is conducted, with gas being removed from the liquid through at least one of the limiting faces of the cavity by providing on the side of the face distal to the cavity a smaller pressure than within the cavity. The apparatus is characterized in that the limiting face between the cavity and the region having reduced pressure compared to the cavity is formed by at least one thin membrane, having a thickness of less than about 10 micrometers, and in that a porous support structure for supporting the membrane is provided. The degasser can be miniaturized and integrated into a liquid chromatograph.

Abstract: A nozzle plate contains nozzles, liquid chambers and connection channels between liquid chambers and supply containers for the liquid. All the function regions are produced integrally as a microstructure body by casting from one or more microstructured mold inserts. The smallest implementable spacing of the nozzles from one another can be considerably smaller than in the previously known plates, which allows increased printing density.

Abstract: A nozzle plate contains nozzles, liquid chambers and connection channels between liquid chambers and supply containers for the liquid. All the function regions are produced integrally as a microstructure body by casting from one or more microstructured mold inserts. The smallest implementable spacing of the nozzles from one another can be considerably smaller than in the previously known plates, which allows increased printing density.

Abstract: A nozzle plate contains nozzles, liquid chambers and connection channels between liquid chambers and supply containers for the liquid. All the function regions are produced integrally as a microstructure body by casting from one or more microstructured mold inserts. The smallest implementable spacing of the nozzles from one another can be considerably smaller than in the previously known plates, which allows increased printing density.

Abstract: An acceleration switch has a seismic mass, which is suspended by springs (1) on a bearing block (7). The springs are designed as curved bending springs. If an acceleration acts on this sensor, then the seismic mass is noticeably deflected out of its neutral position when a critical acceleration is exceeded. By means of a lever (17), the seismic mass pulls a contact bar (21) toward a contact block (4), so that a current path is closed between the two parts of the contact block (4).

Abstract: Gases can be selectively detected by the utilization of a infrared spectrometer via their specific absorption in the infrared spectral range. The sensor of the present invention is developed for continuously controlling a gaseous stream or a space filled with gas with the sensor being a single-piece shaped part manufactured as a microstructured body. The space filled with gas to be tested is between a mirror grating and entrance and exit slits for IR-radiation. The sensor is compact and robust, suitable for portable instruments, and can be manufactured at low cost and in large numbers. The sensor can also be made of metal and can be used even at an increased temperature. By using the sensor of the present invention, the safety of systems in which flammable, toxic or other gases are contained or may occur can be considerably increased in an economic manner.