Abstract: A paper coater includes a frame, an entry guide roll and an exit guide roll both carried by the frame and along a path of travel of a continuous paper sheet. The paper coater includes independently controllable hot wax applicators carried by the frame between the entry and exit guide rolls. Each independently controllable hot wax applicator includes a press roll, an engraved applicator roll opposite the press roll so that the continuous paper sheet is therebetween, and with the engraved applicator roll extending into a hot wax reservoir to pick up hot wax. Each wax applicator includes a doctor blade adjacent the engraved applicator roll to control a thickness of hot wax. At least one selectively operable positioner relatively moves the press and engraved applicator rolls between active and idle positions. The paper coater provides different wax application rates and can be reconfigured relatively quickly between different application rates.

Abstract: A paper coater includes a frame, an entry guide roll and an exit guide roll both carried by the frame and along a path of travel of a continuous paper sheet. The paper coater includes independently controllable hot wax applicators carried by the frame between the entry and exit guide rolls. Each hot wax applicator includes a press roll, an engraved applicator roll opposite the press roll so that the continuous paper sheet is therebetween, and with the engraved applicator roll extending into a hot wax reservoir to pick up hot wax. Each wax applicator includes a doctor blade adjacent the engraved applicator roll to control a thickness of hot wax. At least one selectively operable positioner relatively moves the press and engraved applicator rolls between active and idle positions. The paper coater provides different wax application rates and can be reconfigured relatively quickly between different application rates.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to apparatus, methods, and applications involving the actuation of a semi-insulative working fluid by electromechanical forces based on electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) and liquid dielectrophoresis (liquid DEP) mechanisms that are controlled by the frequency, but not the magnitude, of an AC voltage (i.e., ‘frequency-addressable). In the various apparatus embodiments of the invention, a single, frequency-addressable electrode pair includes at least one electrode that has a spatially-varying dielectric coating thickness and thus a spatially-varying electrode gap wherein at least a portion of which a volume of a working fluid can stably reside under no influence of an applied voltage. In an exemplary aspect, a frequency-addressable, bistable apparatus includes at least one wider gap and one narrower gap associated, respectively, with a thicker and a thinner dielectric coating thickness of the electrode(s).

Abstract: A system and method are provided including a coating method and apparatus using a dielectrophoretic fluid movement system to coat with a non-conducting fluid along a surface that includes a non-conducting surface to receive the non-conducting fluid and a first and second array of one or more substantially parallel microelectrodes positioned on the surface, said first array having microelectrode(s) positioned between, and alternating with, the microelectrode(s) of the second array, forming an interleaved pattern as well as an electric power source in communication with the first array and second array so that the first array and second array interact to create a non-uniform electric field such that the non-conducting fluid moves parallel to the microelectrodes in response to the applied non-uniform electric field.

Abstract: A system and method are provided including a coating method and apparatus using a dielectrophoretic fluid movement system to coat with a non-conducting fluid along a surface that includes a non-conducting surface to receive the non-conducting fluid and a first and second array of one or more substantially parallel microelectrodes positioned on the surface, said first array having microelectrode(s) positioned between, and alternating with, the microelectrode(s) of the second array, forming an interleaved pattern as well as an electric power source in communication with the first array and second array so that the first array and second array interact to create a non-uniform electric field such that the non-conducting fluid moves parallel to the microelectrodes in response to the applied non-uniform electric field.

Abstract: The invention integrates a two-stage dielectrophoretic (DEP) droplet dispensing and distribution system with particulate DEP to create a novel LOC platform capable of manipulating biological cells based on the varied dielectrophoretic signatures that distinguish cells in a population, for example, healthy from diseased cells. The two-stage DEP droplet transport system acts as the backbone of this application, providing the essential dispensing and distribution function, while particulate DEP provides the critical capability to characterize and analyze the heterogeneous biological cell populations routinely encountered in biotechnology and clinical settings.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to apparatus, methods, and applications involving the actuation of a semi-insulative working fluid by electromechanical forces based on electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) and liquid dielectrophoresis (liquid DEP) mechanisms that are controlled by the frequency, but not the magnitude, of an AC voltage (i.e., ‘frequency-addressable). In the various apparatus embodiments of the invention, a single, frequency-addressable electrode pair includes at least one electrode that has a spatially-varying dielectric coating thickness and thus a spatially-varying electrode gap wherein at least a portion of which a volume of a working fluid can stably reside under no influence of an applied voltage. In an exemplary aspect, a frequency-addressable, bistable apparatus includes at least one wider gap and one narrower gap associated, respectively, with a thicker and a thinner dielectric coating thickness of the electrode(s).

Abstract: A system and method are provided including a coating method and apparatus using a dielectrophoretic fluid movement system to coat with a non-conducting fluid along a surface that includes a non-conducting surface to receive the non-conducting fluid and a first and second array of one or more substantially parallel microelectrodes positioned on the surface, said first array having microelectrode(s) positioned between, and alternating with, the microelectrode(s) of the second array, forming an interleaved pattern as well as an electric power source in communication with the first array and second array so that the first array and second array interact to create a non-uniform electric field such that the non-conducting fluid moves parallel to the microelectrodes in response to the applied non-uniform electric field.

Abstract: Rapid, size-based, deposition of particles from liquid suspension is accomplished using a nonuniform electric field created by coplanar microelectrode strips patterned on an insulating substrate. The scheme uses the dielectrophoretic force both to distribute aqueous liquid containing particles and, simultaneously, to separate the particles. Size-based separation is found within nanoliter droplets formed along the structure after voltage removal. Bioparticles or macromolecules of similar size can also be separated based on subtle differences in dielectric property, by controlling the frequency of the AC current supplied to the electrodes.

Abstract: A sensor for an electrostatic detector including an elongated vibratory element supported at a mechanical node at one end in the manner of a cantilever beam, a sensitive electrode on the vibratory element near the other end and adapted to be disposed toward an electrical charge, field or potential being measured, and a driver transducer on the vibratory element for vibrating the element in a direction to vary the capacitive coupling between the electrode and the electrical charge, field or potential being measured. The driver transducer is at a location along the beam and is operated at a vibratory frequency such that a virtual mechanical node appears along the beam. This, in turn, reduces vibration at the mechanical attachment node so that the degree of stiffness of the mechanical node does not affect the operating frequency and/or the displacement at the free end of the cantilever.

Abstract: A sensor for an electrostatic detector comprising an elongated vibratory element supported at a mechanical node at one end in the manner of a cantilever beam, a sensitive electrode on the vibratory element near the other end and adapted to be disposed toward an electrical charge, field or potential being measured, and a driver transducer on the vibratory element for vibrating the element in a direction to vary the capacitive coupling between the electrode and the electrical charge, field or potential being measured. The driver transducer is at a location along the beam and is operated at a vibratory frequency such that a virtual mechanical node appears along the beam. This, in turn, reduces vibration at the mechanical attachment node so that the degree of stiffness of the mechanical node does not affect the operating frequency and/or the displacement at the free end of the cantilever.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed which are directed to the use of dielectrophoresis to levitate, in three-dimensions, a neutral particle such as a biological cell. There is disclosed the use of dielectrophoresis wherein a unique combination of a particular electrode configuration and the use of an active feedback control system is utilized to obtain more precise dielectric properties of the particle.

Abstract: Back pressure against a single-faced, corrugated web opposite of a flute tip glue applicator roll is provided by a transversely extending air bearing. Air bearing fluid flow is derived from an air distributor manifold that is secured for adjustable positionment relative to the web surface.

Abstract: An apparatus in which a latent image recorded on an image receiving member is developed. A developer roller transports marking particles into the development zone. A blade having at least one aperture therein through which the marking particles pass has the free end portion thereof contacting the developer roller. A controller regulates the quantity of marking particles passing through the aperture in the blade. In this way, the thickness of the layer of marking particles on the developer roller is adjusted.

Abstract: An apparatus which meters precise quantities of magnetic marking particles onto a developer roller in a magnetic brush development system. An open ended container stores the supply of marking particles therein. A magnetic roller, positioned in the open end of the container, meters marking particles from the open end of the container onto the developer roller of the magnetic brush development system.

Abstract: Semi-insulating granular bed material in a spout inlet region of a spouted bed vessel between a draft tube and a portion of the vessel base section adjacent a fluid inlet is aligned along the force lines of an imposed localized electric field to thereby afford improved control over spout inlet conditions which affect processes carried out in the spouted bed device.

Abstract: Variable control is achieved over processes involving the spouting of magnetizable granular material in a draft tube-equipped spouted bed device through the application of a localized magnetic field in a spout inlet region of the device between an inlet of the draft tube and a portion of the device interior surface adjacent an associated fluid inlet.