Abstract: A foot-based wearable system disposed proximate to the dorsalis pedis artery can detect cardiac and muscular activities. Utilizing flexible iontronic sensing (FITS) technology, a sensing array detects both cardiovascular functions, such as heart rate, ECG, and respiration and motion artifact signals with a spatial reference to muscular activities based on the orientation of the array. Individual tendon responses are analyzed and correlated to different pedal gestures, from which multi-channel signals can be used to distinguish different activities. Wearable articles of the invention include a platform to simultaneously analyze both vital signals and body activities from the cardiac waveforms and muscular responses in a natural and unnoticeable fashion. The data-collecting wearable system provides a means to assess personalized health and daily activities on a continuous basis.

Abstract: An all-fabric iontronic supercapacitive pressure sensing device utilizing a novel iontronic nanofabric as the sensing element is disclosed. The sensing device can be applied in several various wearable health and biomedical applications on complex body topologies. As an alternative to conventional flexible sensors, the all-fabric iontronic pressure sensor provides an ultrahigh device sensitivity with a single Pascale resolution. The device also allows rapid mechanical responses (in the milliseconds range) for high-frequency biomechanical signals, e.g., blood pressure pulses and body movements. The fabrication process for the device is low-cost highly compatible with existing industrial manufacturing processes.

Abstract: A foot-based wearable system disposed proximate to the dorsalis pedis artery can detect cardiac and muscular activities. Utilizing flexible iontronic sensing (FITS) technology, a sensing array detects both cardiovascular functions, such as heart rate, ECG, and respiration and motion artifact signals with a spatial reference to muscular activities based on the orientation of the array. Individual tendon responses are analyzed and correlated to different pedal gestures, from which multi-channel signals can be used to distinguish different activities. Wearable articles of the invention include a platform to simultaneously analyze both vital signals and body activities from the cardiac waveforms and muscular responses in a natural and unnoticeable fashion. The data-collecting wearable system provides a means to assess personalized health and daily activities on a continuous basis.

Abstract: Pressure-sensor based arrays are integrated into a control device that detects the position, motion, or movement of a one or more body parts of a user to recognize and translate the motion into a unique user-motion profile. The user motion profile may be independently analyzed or recognized as a discrete motion or gesture and used as input or commands for the control device itself or as a signal or set of signals that yields an output signal to a companion device. The pressure sensors can be attached to any body part of a user, such as the user's wrist or ankle. Motion or position, or changes therein, of the user generates an output signal that may be used to control a companion device. The source of the detectable signal is the pressure-based sensor array that yields a pressure data profile that is translated into an output signal to control the companion device.

Abstract: Some polymeric devices, as described herein, can be made of a first layer and a second layer bonded together with one or more microfluidic channels defined internal to the device. The first layer and the second layer may each include a substrate and a polymer bonded to the substrate. The two layers may be bonded through a polymer network that interpenetrates the polymers in the first and second layers. This disclosure also describes methods of bonding together polymeric articles. The methods include diffusing polymerizable monomers and radical forming initiators into the surfaces of one or both of the polymers, putting the surfaces into contact, and initiating polymerization to create a polymer network that interpenetrates the polymers.

Abstract: Pressure-sensor based arrays are integrated into a control device that detects the position, motion, or movement of a one or more body parts of a user to recognize and translate the motion into a unique user-motion profile. The user motion profile may be independently analyzed or recognized as a discrete motion or gesture and used as input or commands for the control device itself or as a signal or set of signals that yields an output signal to a companion device. The pressure sensors can be attached to any body part of a user, such as the user's wrist or ankle. Motion or position, or changes therein, of the user generates an output signal that may be used to control a companion device. The source of the detectable signal is the pressure-based sensor array that yields a pressure data profile that is translated into an output signal to control the companion device.

Abstract: A fabric based digital droplet flowmetry (DDF) method and platform are provided utilizing a fluid collection network, a microfluidic junction for droplet formation and removal, and digital counting and measurement circuitry. The fluidic junction has a droplet emitter, such as a nozzle, and droplet receiver separated by a gap. The measurement circuitry detects the transient formation of a liquid bridge (the closed-circuit state) and the breakup of the bridge (the open-circuit state) as an electrical switching event. The duration of the bridge formation only lasts for a few milliseconds. The platform produces consistent droplet volume over varying flow rates and droplet size is controlled by the selection of structural parameters such as nozzle dimensions, channel geometries, surface wettability, and inlet/outlet pressures.

Abstract: An all-fabric iontronic supercapacitive pressure sensing device utilizing a novel iontronic nanofabric as the sensing element is disclosed. The sensing device can be applied in several various wearable health and biomedical applications on complex body topologies. As an alternative to conventional flexible sensors, the all-fabric iontronic pressure sensor provides an ultrahigh device sensitivity with a single Pascale resolution. The device also allows rapid mechanical responses (in the milliseconds range) for high-frequency biomechanical signals, e.g., blood pressure pulses and body movements. The fabrication process for the device is low-cost highly compatible with existing industrial manufacturing processes.

Abstract: A fabric based digital droplet flowmetry (DDF) method and platform are provided utilizing a fluid collection network, a microfluidic junction for droplet formation and removal, and digital counting and measurement circuitry. The fluidic junction has a droplet emitter, such as a nozzle, and droplet receiver separated by a gap. The measurement circuitry detects the transient formation of a liquid bridge (the closed-circuit state) and the breakup of the bridge (the open-circuit state) as an electrical switching event. The duration of the bridge formation only lasts for a few milliseconds. The platform produces consistent droplet volume over varying flow rates and droplet size is controlled by the selection of structural parameters such as nozzle dimensions, channel geometries, surface wettability, and inlet/outlet pressures.

Abstract: A fabric-based pressure sensor assembly utilizing in ionic material and conductive material is disclosed. The sensing device can be applied in several various wearable health and biomedical applications on complex body topologies. As an alternative to conventional flexible sensors, the fabric-based sensor assembly yields high device sensitivity and desirable parameters for pressure sensing in a wearable construct. The sensor assembly enables rapid mechanical responses (in the milliseconds range) for high-frequency biomechanical signals, e.g., blood pressure pulses and body movements. The fabrication process for the device is low-cost highly compatible with existing industrial manufacturing processes.

Abstract: Some polymeric devices, as described herein, can be made of a first layer and a second layer bonded together with one or more microfluidic channels defined internal to the device. The first layer and the second layer may each include a substrate and a polymer bonded to the substrate. The two layers may be bonded through a polymer network that interpenetrates the polymers in the first and second layers. This disclosure also describes methods of bonding together polymeric articles. The methods include diffusing polymerizable monomers and radical forming initiators into the surfaces of one or both of the polymers, putting the surfaces into contact, and initiating polymerization to create a polymer network that interpenetrates the polymers.

Abstract: Thin-film pressure sensors are disclosed herein. Such sensors include one or more electrodes in contact with a sensing material. As the sensor deforms the capacitance of the sensor varies and is measurable either between two electrodes of the sensor, or between the one electrode of the sensor and an electrode formed by the surface to which the sensor is applied, such as skin. The sensing material can be an ionic material such as an ionic composite including an ionic liquid.

Abstract: Pressure-sensor based arrays are integrated into a control device that detects the position, motion, or movement of a one or more body parts of a user to recognize and translate the motion into a unique user-motion profile. The user motion profile may be independently analyzed or recognized as a discrete motion or gesture and used as input or commands for the control device itself or as a signal or set of signals that yields an output signal to a companion device. The pressure sensors can be attached to any body part of a user, such as the user's wrist or ankle. Motion or position, or changes therein, of the user generates an output signal that may be used to control a companion device. The source of the detectable signal is the pressure-based sensor array that yields a pressure data profile that is translated into an output signal to control the companion device.

Abstract: A fabric-based pressure sensor assembly utilizing in ionic material and conductive material is disclosed. The sensing device can be applied in several various wearable health and biomedical applications on complex body topologies. As an alternative to conventional flexible sensors, the fabric-based sensor assembly yields high device sensitivity and desirable parameters for pressure sensing in a wearable construct. The sensor assembly enables rapid mechanical responses (in the milliseconds range) for high-frequency biomechanical signals, e.g., blood pressure pulses and body movements. The fabrication process for the device is low-cost highly compatible with existing industrial manufacturing processes.

Abstract: Thin-film pressure sensors are disclosed herein. Such sensors include one or more electrodes in contact with a sensing material. As the sensor deforms the capacitance of the sensor varies and is measurable either between two electrodes of the sensor, or between the one electrode of the sensor and an electrode formed by the surface to which the sensor is applied, such as skin. The sensing material can be an ionic material such as an ionic composite including an ionic liquid.

Abstract: A telemedical interface pressure monitoring system is provided for intermittent or continuous monitoring of the pressure that occurs at the interface between the body and a support surface such as with a compression device, cast or resting surface. The system simultaneously measures interface pressure at multiple compression positions as well as provide real-time measurement data to both patients and clinicians. The system uses an array of one or more sensors and a data collection and transmission node with a microprocessor and transmitter/receiver that transmits the sensor data to a receiver such as a mobile device or cloud or clinic server for remote display, evaluation and automatic recording. Remote receivers can also control compression devices associated with the node.

Abstract: A telemedical interface pressure monitoring system is provided for intermittent or continuous monitoring of the pressure that occurs at the interface between the body and a support surface such as with a compression device, cast or resting surface. The system simultaneously measures interface pressure at multiple compression positions as well as provide real-time measurement data to both patients and clinicians. The system uses an array of one or more sensors and a data collection and transmission node with a microprocessor and transmitter/receiver that transmits the sensor data to a receiver such as a mobile device or cloud or clinic server for remote display, evaluation and automatic recording. Remote receivers can also control compression devices associated with the node.

Abstract: A telemedical interface pressure monitoring system is provided for intermittent or continuous monitoring of the pressure that occurs at the interface between the body and a support surface such as with a compression device, cast or resting surface. The system simultaneously measures interface pressure at multiple compression positions as well as provide real-time measurement data to both patients and clinicians. The system uses an array of one or more sensors and a data collection and transmission node with a microprocessor and transmitter/receiver that transmits the sensor data to a receiver such as a mobile device or cloud or clinic server for remote display, evaluation and automatic recording. Remote receivers can also control compression devices associated with the node.

Abstract: A pressure sensing apparatus which utilizes an electrolytic droplet retained between a first and second sensing electrode within a housing. Contact between the electrolyte droplet and the electrodes form electric double layers (EDL) having interfacial EDL capacitance proportional to interface contact area which varies in response to mechanical pressure applied to deform exterior portions of the housing. The electrolyte contains a sufficient percentage of glycerol to prevent evaporative effects. Preferably, the sensing electrodes are modified with depressions, hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic portions to increase central anchoring of the electrolyte droplet within the housing. The inventive pressure sensor provides high sensitivity and resolution which is beneficial to numerous applications, and is particularly well-suited for medical sensing applications.

Abstract: A pressure sensing apparatus which utilizes an electrolytic droplet retained between a first and second sensing electrode within a housing. Contact between the electrolyte droplet and the electrodes form electric double layers (EDL) having interfacial EDL capacitance proportional to interface contact area which varies in response to mechanical pressure applied to deform exterior portions of the housing. The electrolyte contains a sufficient percentage of glycerol to prevent evaporative effects. Preferably, the sensing electrodes are modified with depressions, hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic portions to increase central anchoring of the electrolyte droplet within the housing. The inventive pressure sensor provides high sensitivity and resolution which is beneficial to numerous applications, and is particularly well-suited for medical sensing applications.