Abstract: A new electrospray emitter capable of cone-jet mode spray for liquid flow-rates from sub-microliter/minute to 10's of microliters/minute is provided. The high efficiency of ionization and vaporization enabled by the disclosed spray emitter provides improved sensitivity for mass spectrometer detection. The disclosed spray emitter sprays consistently and robustly a liquid buffer having a large range of compositions of aqueous and organic solvents, and is not sensitive to the polarity of the electric field used to induce spray. The fluidic channel leading to the spray emitter opening does not have an internal taper rendering the spray emitter clog-resistant.

Abstract: A new electrospray emitter capable of cone-jet mode spray for liquid flow-rates from sub-microliter/minute to 10's of microliters/minute is provided. The high efficiency of ionization and vaporization enabled by the disclosed spray emitter provides improved sensitivity for mass spectrometer detection. The disclosed spray emitter sprays consistently and robustly a liquid buffer having a large range of compositions of aqueous and organic solvents, and is not sensitive to the polarity of the electric field used to induce spray. The fluidic channel leading to the spray emitter opening does not have an internal taper rendering the spray emitter clog-resistant.

Abstract: A method for alleviating the dizziness symptoms of a person suffering from benign paroxysmal positional vertigo comprising the steps of: positioning the head of the person on a head-rest device that is formed of a first pillow structure; a second pillow structure with at least one slanted surface; and a non-permanent fastener on at least one surface of the first pillow structure and one surface of the second pillow structure so that the first and the second pillow can be placed in a user-selected configuration one on top of the other and the relative positions of the first pillow structure to the second pillow structure is fixed by the non-permanent fastener. The second pillow structure overhangs the first pillow structure so as to define an overhang region. The method includes the step of adjusting the second pillow structure so as to position a sleeping surface of the second pillow structure at an angle between about 20 degrees and 60 degrees relative to a horizontal reference surface.

Abstract: A method for alleviating the dizziness symptoms of a person suffering from benign paroxysmal positional vertigo comprising the steps of: positioning the head of the person on a head-rest device that is formed of a first pillow structure; a second pillow structure with at least one slanted surface; and a non-permanent fastener on at least one surface of the first pillow structure and one surface of the second pillow structure so that the first and the second pillow can be placed in a user-selected configuration one on top of the other and the relative positions of the first pillow structure to the second pillow structure is fixed by the non-permanent fastener. The second pillow structure overhangs the first pillow structure so as to define an overhang region. The method includes the step of adjusting the second pillow structure so as to position a sleeping surface of the second pillow structure at an angle between about 20 degrees and 60 degrees relative to a horizontal reference surface.

Abstract: Devices and methods for supporting the head of a sleeping person during sleep so that the top of the head of the sleeping person is tilted upward are disclosed. These devices allow the users to sleep comfortably through the night even if the physical builds of the users differ substantially, and also allow the users to sleep on the side or on the back while keeping the head tilted upward from the horizontal position. The device is especially suited for users with benign paroxysmal position vertigo, and other conditions that can benefit from head-up sleep.

Abstract: Devices for heating and cooling chromatographic columns, transfer tubing, fittings and accessories and can also be placed next to the mass spectrometer's inlet region are disclosed. These devices have the advantage of allowing the user to dramatically reduce the post-column dead-volume while using the heating or cooling devices, a necessity for low-flowrate liquid chromatography. These devices also do not require the user to heat or cool the entire column with fittings to achieve optimized benefits for chromatography.

Abstract: A method for controlling an electrostatically induced liquid spray includes the steps of: (1) generating a liquid spray from a liquid sample with an electrostatic spray nozzle device using an applied electric field, wherein at least a nozzle portion of the spray device is formed of an insulating material; (2) sensing a current of the liquid spray with a spray current sensing means placed in relation to the spray device; (3) comparing the sensed current of the liquid spray with a pre-selected current value, with a difference between the two representing a control signal; and (4) varying the applied electric field using a computer-controlled positioning mechanism that moves the spray device relative to an inlet of the object that receives the liquid spray and acts as a counter-electrode.

Abstract: Microfluidic nozzle array devices are provided with the body of each device having at least one nozzle extending outwardly from one surface of the body. The microfluidic nozzle array devices are fabricated using an injection molding process and find particular utility in a wide range of applications, including but not limited to nanospray/electrospray applications, mass spectrometer applications, optical spectrometry applications, spotting applications (i.e., DNA or protein array), etc. Manufactured nozzles can include sealed nozzle apexes which are subsequently opened by focusing energy from an energy source on the sealed apex resulting in the opening of the nozzle channel.

Abstract: An apparatus according to the present invention includes a plurality of sample spraying devices, each of which connects to an LC column. The apparatus includes an electrical circuit that can turn a high voltage between 1 and 5 KV on and off on the time-scale of nanoseconds to milliseconds. The circuit is controlled by a computer program which applies the high voltage to each spray device in a Hadamard sequence. The spray devices are positioned aiming at the mass spectrometer inlet. The preferred configuration of arrangements for the spray devices are in a circle or an arc of a circle around the inlet of a mass spectrometer.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a low-cost injection-molded plastic microfluidic device that performs the multiplexing of affinity or chromatographic sample cleanup and enrichment methods and the detection by nanospray mass spectrometry of analytes such as biomarkers in a single package to conserve sample, and processes body fluids with HPLC grade and even next-generation chromatographic resins such as nanoparticles to maximize the sensitivity of the detection.

Abstract: A method for controlling an electrostatically induced liquid spray includes the steps of: (1) generating a liquid spray from a liquid sample with an electrostatic spray nozzle device using an applied electric field, wherein at least a nozzle portion of the spray device is formed of an insulating material; (2) sensing a current of the liquid spray with a spray current sensing means placed in relation to the spray device; (3) comparing the sensed current of the liquid spray with a pre-selected current value, with a difference between the two representing a control signal; and (4) varying the applied electric field using a computer-controlled positioning mechanism that moves the spray device relative to an inlet of the object that receives the liquid spray and acts as a counter-electrode.

Abstract: A system for controlling an electrostatically induced liquid spray includes an electrostatic spray device for generating a liquid spray from a liquid sample; a spray current sensing means placed in relation to the spray device and configured to generate a current output signal that represents a current of the liquid spray; and a mechanism that receives the current output signal and compares it to a pre-selected current value, with a difference between the two representing a control signal that is sent to one of (1) a pump that regulates the flow rate of the liquid sample and (2) a power supply to regulate an electric field associated with the spray device that generates the liquid spray according to a set level of current.

Abstract: A polymer-based microfluidic device and its manufacturing methods. This microfluidic device is suitable for chromatographic and electrophoretic separations in which the detection of the components in the fluid is by means of ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy. The device further comprises at least one cooling channel adjacent the separation channel, said cooling channel conducting a cooling fluid through the device for removing heat from the the separation channel. At least one section of the separation channel has an increased cross-sectional dimension with respect to other sections of said channel to provide an increased optical path length when the device is used in an ultraviolet detection arrangement.

Abstract: A microfluidic device is provided and comprises a device that is assembled from segments of microfluidic features using built-in alignment features, such as the raised walls of the channels or protrusion/recess pairs to comprise channels, nozzles, optical detectors, distillation columns, etc., to form a device for a specific application, such as an electrospray-mass spectrometer interface. Some of the segments can be of standard dimensions with standard alignment features so that the user may assemble microfluidic devices for specific applications using standard prefabricated segments as part thereof.

Abstract: A microfluidic device includes first and second substrates and a microfluidic cavity formed in one of the first and second substrates. The microfluidic cavity has a width (W) and a depth (D), wherein the other of the first and second substrates encloses the microfluidic cavity and a width (W) to depth (D) ratio is at least 100 with the depth (D) being from about 10 ?m to about 150 ?m. The device also includes a plurality of ports formed in the other of the first and second substrates to permit access to the microfluidic cavity and a third substrate disposed on the second substrate and including microchannels formed therein. The microchannels are formed so that a plurality of ports formed in the second substrate for sample selection and sample output communicate therewith.

Abstract: Microfluidic nozzle array devices are provided with the body of each device having at least one nozzle extending outwardly from one surface of the body. Each nozzle includes a tip opening having a diameter of equal to or less than about 100 ?m, preferably 50 ?m, and more preferably 20 ?m and an outer diameter of nozzle is equal to or less than about 150 ?m, preferably 100 ?m, and more preferably 50 ?m. The microfluidic nozzle array devices are fabricated using an injection molding process and find particular utility in a wide range of applications, including but not limited to nanospray/electrospray applications, mass spectrometer applications, optical spectrometry applications, spotting applications (i.e., DNA or protein array), etc.

Abstract: Processes and systems are described for designing microfluidic devices, via an interactive process involving communication between a requestor and a provider over an electronic network.

Abstract: A member for holding at least one microfluidic device and providing an interface between the at least one microfluidic device and a second device is provided. The at least one microfluidic device has a plurality of reservoirs formed therein and the member includes a body having an upper face and a lower face and a plurality of open well members formed therein. Each well member is defined by a well wall and includes a first end and an opposing second end, wherein the second end is configured and dimensioned for frictionally engaging the at least one microfluidic device such that at least some of the open well members and the reservoirs of the microfluidic device align with one another. An apparatus for interfacing with a mass spectrometer to perform a nanospray application is also provided.

Abstract: Processes and systems are described for designing microfluidic devices, via an interactive process involving communication between a requestor and a provider over an electronic network.

Abstract: Microfluidic nozzle array devices are provided with the body of each device having at least one nozzle extending outwardly from one surface of the body. Each nozzle includes a tip opening having a diameter of equal to or less than about 100 &mgr;m, preferably 50 &mgr;m, and more preferably 20 &mgr;m and an outer diameter of nozzle is equal to or less than about 150 &mgr;m, preferably 100 &mgr;m, and more preferably 50 &mgr;m. The microfluidic nozzle array devices are fabricated using an injection molding process and find particular utility in a wide range of applications, including but not limited to nanospray/electrospray applications, mass spectrometer applications, optical spectrometry applications, spotting applications (i.e., DNA or protein array), etc.