Abstract: Actuation systems and methods are disclosed. An apparatus includes a system including a flow cell receptacle and a valve drive assembly including a shape memory alloy actuator including a pair of shape memory alloy wires and a flow cell disposable within the flow cell receptacle and having a membrane valve. The system actuates the membrane valve, via the shape memory alloy actuator, by causing a voltage to be applied to a first one of the shape memory alloy wires and the system not applying the voltage to a second one of the shape memory alloy wires.

Abstract: Non-contact dispensers and related systems and methods are disclosed. In accordance with an implementation, an apparatus includes a pump having a body that defines an inlet, an outlet, and a flow path fluidly coupling the inlet and the outlet. A first displacement member is movable from a first position to a second position within the flow path to urge a first volume of the fluid out of the outlet. A second displacement member is movable from a first position to a second position within the flow path to urge a second volume of the fluid out of the outlet.

Abstract: Actuation systems and methods are disclosed. An apparatus includes a system including a flow cell receptacle and a valve drive assembly including a shape memory alloy actuator including a pair of shape memory alloy wires and a flow cell disposable within the flow cell receptacle and having a membrane valve. The system actuates the membrane valve, via the shape memory alloy actuator, by causing a voltage to be applied to a first one of the shape memory alloy wires and the system not applying the voltage to a second one of the shape memory alloy wires.

Abstract: An implantable sensor for implantation in a vessel, comprising a plurality of electrodes for placement on, in or adjacent a vessel wall, means for providing a drive signal to the electrodes, means for measuring at least one of impedance and capacitance between at least two of the plurality of electrodes, and means for wirelessly communicating data from the sensor and a blood vessel monitoring system comprising same.

Abstract: Actuation systems and methods are disclosed. An apparatus includes a system including a flow cell receptacle and a valve drive assembly including a shape memory alloy actuator including a pair of shape memory alloy wires and a flow cell disposable within the flow cell receptacle and having a membrane valve. The system actuates the membrane valve, via the shape memory alloy actuator, by causing a voltage to be applied to a first one of the shape memory alloy wires and the system not applying the voltage to a second one of the shape memory alloy wires.

Abstract: An implantable sensor for implantation in a vessel, comprising a plurality of electrodes for placement on, in or adjacent a vessel wall, means for providing a drive signal to the electrodes, means for measuring at least one of impedance and capacitance between at least two of the plurality of electrodes, and means for wirelessly communicating data from the sensor and a blood vessel monitoring system comprising same.

Abstract: Non-contact dispensers and related methods are disclosed. In an implementation, an apparatus includes a plate receptacle, a reagent reservoir receptacle, and a non-contact dispenser. The reagent reservoir receptacle receives a reagent reservoir containing reagent and the non-contact dispenser includes an inlet, an upstream valve, a syringe pump, a downstream valve, and an outlet. The syringe pump has a barrel and a hollow plunger movably disposed within the barrel. A flow path is defined between the inlet and the outlet and through the upstream valve, the barrel, the hollow plunger, and the downstream valve. The barrel is fluidically between the upstream valve and the downstream valve. The plate receptacle is to receive a well plate having a well and the non-contact dispenser is to dispense the reagent from the reagent reservoir into the well of the plate.

Abstract: Actuation systems and methods are disclosed. An apparatus includes a system including a flow cell receptacle and a valve drive assembly including a shape memory alloy actuator including a pair of shape memory alloy wires and a flow cell disposable within the flow cell receptacle and having a membrane valve. The system actuates the membrane valve, via the shape memory alloy actuator, by causing a voltage to be applied to a first one of the shape memory alloy wires and the system not applying the voltage to a second one of the shape memory alloy wires.

Abstract: Actuation systems and methods are disclosed. An apparatus includes a system including a flow cell receptacle and a valve drive assembly including a shape memory alloy actuator including a pair of shape memory alloy wires and a flow cell disposable within the flow cell receptacle and having a membrane valve. The system actuates the membrane valve, via the shape memory alloy actuator, by causing a voltage to be applied to a first one of the shape memory alloy wires and the system not applying the voltage to a second one of the shape memory alloy wires.

Abstract: Actuation systems and methods are disclosed. An apparatus includes a system including a flow cell receptacle and a valve drive assembly including a shape memory alloy actuator including a pair of shape memory alloy wires and a flow cell disposable within the flow cell receptacle and having a membrane valve. The system actuates the membrane valve, via the shape memory alloy actuator, by causing a voltage to be applied to a first one of the shape memory alloy wires and the system not applying the voltage to a second one of the shape memory alloy wires.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing system is disclosed that heats a feedstock and a workpiece in preparation for depositing and tamping the feedstock onto the workpiece. The system comprises a first laser/optical instrument pair for precisely heating the feedstock and a second laser/optical instrument pair for precisely heating the workpiece. The laser beam from each laser is shaped into an ellipse and each beam is rotated around an angle of rotation to ensure that the feedstock and the workpiece are properly heated. The system employs feedforward, a variety of sensors, and feedback to adjust the angle of rotation of each laser beam.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing system is disclosed that heats a feedstock and a workpiece in preparation for depositing and tamping the feedstock onto the workpiece. The system comprises a first laser/optical instrument pair for precisely heating the feedstock and a second laser/optical instrument pair for precisely heating the workpiece. The laser beam from each laser is shaped into an ellipse and each beam is rotated around an angle of rotation to ensure that the feedstock and the workpiece are properly heated. The system employs feedforward, a variety of sensors, and feedback to adjust the angle of rotation of each laser beam.

Abstract: An implantable sensor for implantation in a vessel, comprising a plurality of electrodes for placement on, in or adjacent a vessel wall, means for providing a drive signal to the electrodes, means for measuring at least one of impedance and capacitance between at least two of the plurality of electrodes, and means for wirelessly communicating data from the sensor and a blood vessel monitoring system comprising same.