Abstract: Methods for plasmonic nanoparticle assisted detection of target analytes are provided including methods of plasmonic nanoparticle assisted enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in a fluidics device. For example, a digital microfluidics (DMF) system is provided that includes a DMF device (or cartridge) in which the methods of plasmonic nanoparticle assisted ELISA may be performed. The disclosed methods for detecting target analytes include measuring an optically detectable change caused by one or a combination of etching, growth, aggregation, or altered interparticle distance of plasmonic particles in the vicinity of a target analyte-capture biomolecule complex in response to a product or byproduct generated by enzyme-substrate reactions. In the methods, the amount of enzyme-substrate reactions is proportional to the number of target analytes bound to the capture biomolecules.

Abstract: A pipette dispenser vision system and method are disclosed. For example, a pipette dispenser vision system is provided for tracking pipettes with respect to dispensing liquid into target fluid wells, vessels, and/or reservoirs. The presently disclosed pipette dispenser vision system may include, for example, a computing device, a red/green/blue (RGB) imaging device, an infrared (IR) imaging device, an IR illumination source, and an IR sensor; all arranged with respect to, for example, a single-channel and/or a multi-channel pipette for dispensing liquid into a dispensing platform. Further, a method of using the presently disclosed pipette dispenser vision system is provided. For example, the method processes image data from the RGB imaging device and/or the IR imaging device to monitor/verify certain operations of the pipetting process and/or dispensing platform.

Abstract: A method of updating a protocol for a Virtual Reality (VR) medical test via a user device having a processor, the VR medical test being performed on a subject via a VR device worn by the subject, wherein the method is performed by the processor and the method comprises: displaying GUI elements associated with the protocol on the user device, the GUI elements having user adjustable settings for modifying a functioning of the VR medical test; receiving a selection input from the user device corresponding to a selection of the GUI elements; receiving a setting input from the user device that corresponds to the selected GUI elements; modifying the user adjustable setting for each of the selected GUI elements according to the corresponding setting input; and updating the protocol based on the user adjustable setting for each of the selected GUI elements and operations associated with the VR device.

Abstract: An apparatus for charge-assisted release of a ski binding includes an explosive material, a battery, an electrical circuit, and a processor. The explosive material is mounted on or in a ski, a ski boot, and/or a ski binding. The apparatus also includes The electrical circuit extends from the explosive material to the battery, the electrical circuit including a switch having a connected state in which the battery and the explosive material are electrically connected through the switch and a disconnected state in which the battery and the explosive material are electrically disconnected. The processor is electrically coupled to the switch and configured to generate an output signal that transitions the switch from the disconnected state to the connected state in response to an input signal from one or more sensors.

Abstract: Provided herein is a sensing apparatus comprising, at least one LSPR light source, at least one detector, and at least one sensor for LSPR detection of a target chemical. The sensor comprises a substantially transparent, porous membrane having nanoparticles immobilized on the surface of its pores, the nanoparticles being functionalized with one or more capture molecules. There is further provided a self-referencing sensor for distinguishing non-specific signals from analyte binding signals. The self-referencing sensor comprising one or more nanoparticles having at least two distinct LSPR signals.

Abstract: An apparatus for charge-assisted release of a ski binding includes an explosive material, a battery, an electrical circuit, and a processor. The explosive material is mounted on or in a ski, a ski boot, and/or a ski binding. The electrical circuit extends from the explosive material to the battery, the electrical circuit including a switch having a connected state in which the battery and the explosive material are electrically connected through the switch and a disconnected state in which the battery and the explosive material are electrically disconnected. The processor is electrically coupled to the switch and configured to generate an output signal that transitions the switch from the disconnected state to the connected state in response to an input signal from one or more sensors.

Abstract: Systems and methods for rebroadcasting a target signal stream. A system includes a donor antenna circuit; a processor coupled to the donor antenna circuit. The processor may be configured to: receive a signal representing a request for rebroadcasting a target signal stream to a local region, the target signal stream associated with prioritization of a first signal type relative to at least one co-existing signal type; determining a target position to orient the donor antenna circuit relative to a target source providing the target signal stream, the target position based on a positioning model defined by a set of feature scores corresponding to one or more signal metrics, wherein the target position is determined based on an optimized combination of feature scores for a subset of signal metrics associated with prioritizing the first signal type; and transmitting a signal to orient the donor antenna circuit relative to the target source.

Abstract: Provided herein is a sensing apparatus comprising, at least one LSPR light source, at least one detector, and at least one sensor for LSPR detection of a target chemical. The sensor comprises a substantially transparent, porous membrane having nanoparticles immobilized on the surface of its pores, the nanoparticles being functionalized with one or more capture molecules. There is further provided a self-referencing sensor for distinguishing non-specific signals from analyte binding signals. The self-referencing sensor comprising one or more nanoparticles having at least two distinct LSPR signals.

Abstract: Some aspects include a ski binding system using controllable electromagnets, alone or in combination with permanent magnets, as means of attaching or releasing a ski boot to a ski during use. Some aspects include a ski binding system using a controllable solenoid. In some aspects, microprocessor-based control releases binding electronically based on input from sensors located in binding, ski and/or boot, as well as in other equipment or clothing connected to them or to skier, or binding releases when a mechanical threshold is overcome. In some aspects, sensor data are recorded for analysis of system performance and for adjustment and improvement of system parameters based on data analytics.

Abstract: A cartridge for use with an instrument to perform measurement of a fluid, including a digital microfluidics substrate comprising a plurality of electrowetting electrodes operative to perform droplet operations on a liquid droplet in a droplet operations gap; a top plate separated from the digital microfluidics substrate to form a droplet operations gap and comprising openings for injecting liquids into the droplet operations gap; a fiber assembly comprising a fiber optic probe projecting into the droplet operations gap and having a sensing end situated in proximity with one or more of the electrowetting electrodes.

Abstract: A method of updating a protocol for a Virtual Reality (VR) medical test via a user device having a processor, the VR medical test being performed on a subject via a VR device worn by the subject, wherein the method is performed by the processor and the method comprises: displaying GUI elements associated with the protocol on the user device, the GUI elements having user adjustable settings for modifying a functioning of the VR medical test; receiving a selection input from the user device corresponding to a selection of the GUI elements; receiving a setting input from the user device that corresponds to the selected GUI elements; modifying the user adjustable setting for each of the selected GUI elements according to the corresponding setting input; and updating the protocol based on the user adjustable setting for each of the selected GUI elements and operations associated with the VR device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for rebroadcasting a target signal stream. A system includes a donor antenna circuit; a processor coupled to the donor antenna circuit. The processor may be configured to: receive a signal representing a request for rebroadcasting a target signal stream to a local region, the target signal stream associated with prioritization of a first signal type relative to at least one co-existing signal type; determining a target position to orient the donor antenna circuit relative to a target source providing the target signal stream, the target position based on a positioning model defined by a set of feature scores corresponding to one or more signal metrics, wherein the target position is determined based on an optimized combination of feature scores for a subset of signal metrics associated with prioritizing the first signal type; and transmitting a signal to orient the donor antenna circuit relative to the target source.

Abstract: Some aspects include a ski binding system using controllable electromagnets, alone or in combination with permanent magnets, as means of attaching or releasing a ski boot to a ski during use. Some aspects include a ski binding system using a controllable solenoid. In some aspects, microprocessor-based control releases binding electronically based on input from sensors located in binding, ski and/or boot, as well as in other equipment or clothing connected to them or to skier, or binding releases when a mechanical threshold is overcome. In some aspects, sensor data are recorded for analysis of system performance and for adjustment and improvement of system parameters based on data analytics.

Abstract: Some aspects include a ski binding system using controllable electromagnets, alone or in combination with permanent magnets, as means of attaching or releasing a ski boot to a ski during use. Some aspects include a ski binding system using a controllable solenoid. In some aspects, microprocessor-based control releases binding electronically based on input from sensors located in binding, ski and/or boot, as well as in other equipment or clothing connected to them or to skier, or binding releases when a mechanical threshold is overcome. In some aspects, sensor data are recorded for analysis of system performance and for adjustment and improvement of system parameters based on data analytics.

Abstract: Some aspects include a ski binding system using controllable electromagnets, alone or in combination with permanent magnets, as means of attaching or releasing a ski boot to a ski during use. Some aspects include a ski binding system using a controllable solenoid. In some aspects, microprocessor-based control releases binding electronically based on input from sensors located in binding, ski and/or boot, as well as in other equipment or clothing connected to them or to skier, or binding releases when a mechanical threshold is overcome. In some aspects, sensor data are recorded for analysis of system performance and for adjustment and improvement of system parameters based on data analytics.

Abstract: Provided herein is a sensing apparatus comprising, at least one LSPR light source, at least one detector, and at least one sensor for LSPR detection of a target chemical. The sensor comprises a substantially transparent, porous membrane having nanoparticles immobilized on the surface of its pores, the nanoparticles being functionalized with one or more capture molecules. There is further provided a self-referencing sensor for distinguishing non-specific signals from analyte binding signals. The self-referencing sensor comprising one or more nanoparticles having at least two distinct LSPR signals.

Abstract: Sleep systems having embedded sensors are described. In one aspect, a sleep system includes a mattress and one or more force sensors embedded within the mattress. The force sensors are positioned within the mattress to sense movement of an occupant of the mattress. The sleep system also includes one or more processors coupled with the one or more force sensors. At least one of the processors is configured to determine sleep state information for the occupant based on data obtained from one or more of the force sensors.

Abstract: Sleep systems having embedded sensors are described. In one aspect, a sleep system includes a mattress and one or more force sensors embedded within the mattress. The force sensors are positioned within the mattress to sense movement of an occupant of the mattress. The sleep system also includes one or more processors coupled with the one or more force sensors. At least one of the processors is configured to determine sleep state information for the occupant based on data obtained from one or more of the force sensors.

Abstract: Provided herein is a sensing apparatus comprising, at least one LSPR light source, at least one detector, and at least one sensor for LSPR detection of a target chemical. The sensor comprises a substantially transparent, porous membrane having nanoparticles immobilized on the surface of its pores, the nanoparticles being functionalized with one or more capture molecules. There is further provided a self-referencing sensor for distinguishing non-specific signals from analyte binding signals. The self-referencing sensor comprising one or more nanoparticles having at least two distinct LSPR signals.

Abstract: An apparatus for charge-assisted release of a ski binding includes an explosive material, a battery, an electrical circuit, and a processor. The explosive material is mounted on or in a ski, a ski boot, and/or a ski binding. The apparatus also includes The electrical circuit extends from the explosive material to the battery, the electrical circuit including a switch having a connected state in which the battery and the explosive material are electrically connected through the switch and a disconnected state in which the battery and the explosive material are electrically disconnected. The processor is electrically coupled to the switch and configured to generate an output signal that transitions the switch from the disconnected state to the connected state in response to an input signal from one or more sensors.