Abstract: A first wafer has a first stop layer deposited on a substrate, the substrate used to form a base support structure. A second wafer has a second stop layer deposited on a sacrificial substrate, and a filter layer deposited on the second stop layer. A rib layer is deposited on one of: the first stop layer of the first layer; or a third stop layer that is deposited over the filter layer. A rib pattern is formed in the rib layer. The first and second wafers are flip bonded such that the rib pattern is joined between the filter layer and the first stop layer. Elongated voids are formed within the filter layer. The base support structure is formed within the substrate of the first wafer such that there is a fluid flow path between the base support structure, the rib layer, and the elongated voids of the filter layer.

Abstract: A wood core sampling device includes a metal barrel having a cutting end and an opposite threaded end. The cutting end is shaped to have a smooth external protrusion and a smooth internal expansion cavity. The device can be hammered into a tree and removed with a slide hammer, the sample core breaking from the tree and being removed inside the barrel.

Abstract: Methods and systems for transferring tax-advantaged retirement account money between tax-advantaged Retirement Accounts at one financial institution to another financial institution are disclosed. The methods may be consumer or merchant driven and may involve transferring between Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, Inherited IRAs, or Qualified Plans such as 401(k)s, TSPs, 403(b)s, etc. Based on information input by a user and information gathered from external financial institutions, various technology and financial systems interact in a manner that result in the successful transmission of tax-advantaged retirement account money in a manner that is compliant with IRS regulations in order to prevent a taxable event. Such novel methods allow for automated ways of transferring tax-advantaged retirement account money between financial institutions.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein relate to managing transportation of loads of items within a retail supply chain. A unified load tracking system aggregates information from multiple supply chain computing systems for presentation on a user interface accessible by multiple users. One user interface provide access to a multitude of information that is interconnected by a common, unique identifier for each movement of a load between an origin and destination. A load board is also provided which automates the spot market auction process and load tender process between carriers and a retail enterprise transportation management system.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein relate to managing transportation of loads of items within a retail supply chain. A unified load tracking system aggregates information from multiple supply chain computing systems for presentation on a user interface accessible by multiple users. One user interface provide access to a multitude of information that is interconnected by a common, unique identifier for each movement of a load between an origin and destination. A load board is also provided which automates the spot market auction process and load tender process between carriers and a retail enterprise transportation management system.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods relating to DNA sequencing are provided. In one embodiment, a DNA sequencing device includes a nanochannel having a width that is approximately 0.3 nm to approximately 20 nm. A pair of electrodes having portions exposed to the nanochannel may form a tunneling current electrode (TCE) with an electrode gap of approximately 0.1 nm to approximately 2 nm, and more particularly about 0.3 nm to about 1 nm. In one embodiment, at least one of the pair of electrodes is formed as a suspended electrode. An actuator may be associated with the suspended electrode to displace it relative to the other electrode. In various embodiments, the nanochannel and/or the electrodes may be formed using thermal reflow processes to reduce the size of such features.

Abstract: A golf swing training apparatus and method of using the same. The swing training apparatus includes an orbital track and a carrier plate that connects a club shaft to the orbital track. The golf swing training apparatus guides the swing of the club shaft on a swing plan plane that is adjusted automatically to the golfer's anthropomorphic dimensions. A tension system provides a resistance during the golf swing to strengthen the muscles used in the golf swing. Repeated use of the golf swing training apparatus develops the golfer's muscle memory for maintaining the club shaft in a desired swing plane.

Abstract: A DNA sequencing device having a first conductor electrically insulated from a second conductor, a voltage source and an amplifier electrically connected in series with the first conductor and the second conductor, a DNA polymerase attached to the first conductor and to the second conductor with matching biotinylated tag molecules, and an electric current monitor. A non-discriminating electrical signal is provided by the polymerase during pairing, which signal can be used as a marker to indicate that transcription is occurring between a single-type of free nucleotide and a base nucleotide of a template DNA strand.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods relating to DNA sequencing are provided. In one embodiment, a DNA sequencing device includes a nanochannel having a width that is approximately 0.3 nm to approximately 20 nm. A pair of electrodes having portions exposed to the nanochannel may form a tunneling current electrode (TCE) with an electrode gap of approximately 0.1 nm to approximately 2 nm, and more particularly about 0.3 nm to about 1 nm. In one embodiment, at least one of the pair of electrodes is formed as a suspended electrode. An actuator may be associated with the suspended electrode to displace it relative to the other electrode. In various embodiments, the nanochannel and/or the electrodes may be formed using thermal reflow processes to reduce the size of such features.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to identify nucleotides of a DNA strand. The method includes exposing the DNA strand to a first dye or peptide, attaching the first dye or peptide to a first type of nucleotide (A,T,C,G) of the DNA strand, the first dye or peptide changing a conductance of the first type of nucleotide to which the first dye or peptide is attached, and measuring a tunneling current signal for all nucleotides of the DNA strand, the changed conductance of the first type of nucleotide providing amplified tunneling current discrimination of the nucleotides of the DNA strand.

Abstract: A DNA sequencing device and related methods, wherein the device includes a substrate, a nanochannel formed in the substrate, a first electrode positioned on a first side of the nanochannel, and a second electrode. The second electrode is positioned on a second side of the nanochannel opposite the first electrode and is spaced apart from the first electrode to form an electrode gap that is exposed in the nanochannel. At least a portion of first electrode is movable relative to the second electrode to decrease a size of the electrode gap.

Abstract: A DNA sequencing device, and related method, which include an electrode and a plurality of spaced apart alignment structures. The electrode defines an electrode gap, the electrode being operable to detect a change in tunneling current as a DNA strand passes through the electrode gap. The plurality of spaced apart alignment structures are arranged to position nucleotides of the DNA strand in a predetermined orientation as the DNA strand passes through the electrode gap.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to a DNA sequencing device and related methods that includes a substrate, a nanochannel formed in the substrate, a first electrode, a second electrode arranged opposite the first electrode, a distance between the first and second electrodes defining an electrode gap that is exposed within the nanochannel, and at least one actuator operable to move at least one of the first and second electrodes to adjust a size of the electrode gap.

Abstract: A DNA sequencing device, and related method, which include an electrode and a plurality of spaced apart alignment structures. The electrode defines an electrode gap, the electrode being operable to detect a change in tunneling current as a DNA strand passes through the electrode gap. The plurality of spaced apart alignment structures are arranged to position nucleotides of the DNA strand in a predetermined orientation as the DNA strand passes through the electrode gap.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to identify nucleotides of a DNA strand. The method includes exposing the DNA strand to a first dye or peptide, attaching the first dye or peptide to a first type of nucleotide (A,T,C,G) of the DNA strand, the first dye or peptide changing a conductance of the first type of nucleotide to which the first dye or peptide is attached, and measuring a tunneling current signal for all nucleotides of the DNA strand, the changed conductance of the first type of nucleotide providing amplified tunneling current discrimination of the nucleotides of the DNA strand.

Abstract: A DNA sequencing device, and related methods, include a nanochannel sized to receive a DNA strand, a first electrode member exposed within the nanochannel, and a second electrode member exposed within the nanochannel and spaced apart from the first electrode to form an electrode gap. The second electrode member has a wedge shaped profile, and the first and second electrode members are operable to detect a change in electronic signal as the DNA strand passes through the electrode gap.

Abstract: A DNA sequencing device, and related methods, include a nanopore or nanochannel structure, and a nanoelectrode. The nanoelectrode includes electrode members having free ends exposed within the nanopore or nanochannel structure, an electrode gap defined between of the free ends, and plated portions formed on the free ends to provide a reduced sized for the electrode gap.

Abstract: A DNA sequencing device and related methods, wherein the device includes a substrate, a nanochannel formed in the substrate, a first electrode positioned on a first side of the nanochannel, and a second electrode. The second electrode is positioned on a second side of the nanochannel opposite the first electrode, and is spaced apart from the first electrode to form an electrode gap that is exposed in the nanochannel. At least a portion of first electrode is movable relative to the second electrode to decrease a size of the electrode gap.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to sequence DNA. A DNA sequencing device includes a passage, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The passage has a width and a length. The first and second electrodes are exposed within the passage and spaced apart from each other to form an electrode gap. The electrode gap is no greater than about 2 nm. The DNA sequencing device is operable to measure with the first and second electrodes a change in electronic signal in response to nucleotides of a DNA strand passing through the electrode gap.

Abstract: A DNA sequencing device, and related methods, include a nanochannel sized to receive a DNA strand, a first electrode member exposed within the nanochannel, and a second electrode member exposed within the nanochannel and spaced apart from the first electrode to form an electrode gap. The second electrode member has a wedge shaped profile, and the first and second electrode members are operable to detect a change in electronic signal as the DNA strand passes through the electrode gap.