Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for multifunctional denture systems. In one example, among others, a multifunctional oral prosthetic system includes an oral prosthetic device that may be located in an oral cavity. The oral prosthetic device includes a plurality of sensors and an internal module in communication with the plurality of sensors. The internal module is configured to provide sensor data corresponding to at least one of the plurality of sensors to an external processing unit when located in an oral cavity.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for folded patch antennas. In one embodiment, among others, a folded patch antenna includes a patch disposed on an outer side of a flexible substrate and a ground plane disposed on an inner side of the flexible substrate opposite the patch. The flexible substrate is folded to form an enclosed cavity defined by the inner side of the flexible substrate. The ground plane may provide electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding of the cavity. In another embodiment, among others, a folded patch antenna platform includes a flexible substrate, a folded patch antenna, and a transceiver mounted on the flexible substrate. The folded patch antenna includes a patch communicatively coupled to the transceiver and a ground plane, which are disposed on opposite sides of the flexible substrate.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for fabrication of nanoporous membranes. In one embodiment, among others, a system includes electrode pairs including substantially parallel electrodes, a controllable power supply to control the electrical potential of each of the electrode pairs, and a syringe to eject an electrically charged solution from a needle to form a nanofiber. The orientation of the nanofiber in a nanofiber layer is determined by the electrical potentials of the electrode pairs. In another embodiment, a method includes providing a nanoporous membrane including nanofiber layers between a transferor and a mainmold of a stamp-through-mold (STM) where adjacent nanofiber layers are approximately aligned in different directions. A patterned membrane is sheared from the nanoporous membrane using the transferor and the mainmold of the STM and transferred to a substrate.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and devices for thermal treatment of a barrier to increase the permeability of the barrier. One form of increasing the permeability of the barrier comprises forming micropores which may be used for administration of active agents across the barrier, or may be used for sampling or collecting fluids, or may be used for detecting, measuring or determining analytes, or may be used for monitoring of physiological or other conditions. Devices of the present invention may comprise microheaters that are activated by inductive or ohmic heating power supply components.

Abstract: Methods are provided for fabricating three-dimensional electrically conductive structures. Three-dimensional electrically conductive microstructures are also provided. The method may include providing a mold having at least one microdepression which defines a three-dimensional structure; filling the microdepression of the mold with at least one substrate material; molding the at least one substrate material to form a substrate; and depositing and patterning of at least one electrically conductive layer either during the molding process or subsequent to the molding process to form an electrically conductive structure. In one embodiment, the three-dimensional electrically conductive microstructure comprises an electrically functional microneedle array comprising two or more microneedles, each including a high aspect ratio, polymeric three dimensional substrate structure which is at least substantially coated by an electrically conductive layer.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for the fabrication of patterned nanofibers. In one embodiment, a method includes generating a layer of electrospun nanofibers from a polymer solution and patterning the layer of electrospun nanofibers using ultraviolet (UV) lithography. The patterned electrospun nanofibers may then be thermally treated to form patterned carbon nanofibers. In another embodiment, a device includes a layer of patterned carbon nanofibers formed by generating electrospun nanofibers from a polymer solution, patterning the electrospun nanofibers using UV lithography, and converting the patterned electrospun nanofibers into patterned carbon nanofibers using a thermal treatment.

Abstract: A system according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a movable stage having a top surface. A photosensitive material may be deposited on the top surface and a mask may be placed on the photosensitive material. A vessel, having a top portion, one or more flexible sides, and a transparent base, is configured to be placed adjacent to the mask. The base is configured to be movable relative to the top portion of the vessel. In this way, the movable stage, photosensitive material, and mask may move in conjunction with the base of the vessel.

Abstract: Methods are provided for fabricating three-dimensional electrically conductive structures. Three-dimensional electrically conductive microstructures are also provided. The method may include providing a mold having at least one microdepression which defines a three-dimensional structure; filling the microdepression of the mold with at least one substrate material; molding the at least one substrate material to form a substrate; and depositing and patterning of at least one electrically conductive layer either during the molding process or subsequent to the molding process to form an electrically conductive structure. In one embodiment, the three-dimensional electrically conductive microstructure comprises an electrically functional microneedle array comprising two or more microneedles, each including a high aspect ratio, polymeric three dimensional substrate structure which is at least substantially coated by an electrically conductive layer.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and devices for thermal treatment of a barrier to increase the permeability of the barrier. One form of increasing the permeability of the barrier comprises forming micropores which may be used for administration of active agents across the barrier, or may be used for sampling or collecting fluids, or may be used for detecting, measuring or determining analytes, or may be used for monitoring of physiological or other conditions. Devices of the present invention may comprise microheaters that are activated by inductive or ohmic heating power supply components.

Abstract: A surface micromachined electromagnetically radiating antenna includes a coplanar waveguide on a ground plane coated substrate having a conductor path. The conductor path is coupled to a monopole conductor, which has a generally-cylindrical backbone erected vertically from the substrate and a metal layer deposited on the backbone at a predetermined thickness. The antenna may be fabricated by depositing an epoxy on the ground plane coated substrate to a predetermined depth and according to a pattern. The epoxy is exposed to an ultraviolet source that develops one or more columns according to the pattern. A seed layer of metal may be formed on the developed column. A conductive metal is electrodeposited over the column surface to produce the monopole antenna. Other antenna may be created by adding monopoles and/or conductive metal patches and/or strips that are positioned atop the monopoles and elevated from the substrate.

Abstract: A representative method for manufacturing a highly-laminated magnetic inductor core includes: depositing at least a first layer of a ferromagnetic material; depositing at least a first layer of a sacrificial conductive material; depositing a support structure formed of a ferromagnetic material; and removing the sacrificial conductive material, thereby leaving the at least first layer of ferromagnetic material mechanically supported by the support structure.

Abstract: A surface micromachined electromagnetically radiating antenna includes a coplanar waveguide on a ground plane coated substrate having a conductor path. The conductor path is coupled to a monopole conductor, which has a generally-cylindrical backbone erected vertically from the substrate and a metal layer deposited on the backbone at a predetermined thickness. The antenna may be fabricated by depositing an epoxy on the ground plane coated substrate to a predetermined depth and according to a pattern. The epoxy is exposed to an ultraviolet source that develops one or more columns according to the pattern. A seed layer of metal may be formed on the developed column. A conductive metal is electrodeposited over the column surface to produce the monopole antenna. Other antenna may be created by adding monopoles and/or conductive metal patches and/or strips that are positioned atop the monopoles and elevated from the substrate.

Abstract: A highly-laminated magnetic inductor core and integrated inductor, and methods for making the same are disclosed. A representative method for manufacturing a highly-laminated magnetic inductor core includes: depositing at least a first layer of a ferromagnetic material; depositing at least a first layer of a sacrificial conductive material; depositing a support structure formed of a ferromagnetic material; and removing the sacrificial conductive material, thereby leaving the at least first layer of ferromagnetic material mechanically supported by the support structure.

Abstract: A compact zoom lens system having a zoom ratio of an approximately 3.5 times comprising a first lens group having a positive refractive power, a second lens group having a positive refractive power and spaced from said first lens group at a first distance, and a third lens group having a negative refractive power and spaced from the second lens group at a second distance, the first and second distances being variable during zooming, wherein 3.0<f.sub.T /f.sub.W, and L.sub.T /f.sub.T <1.0 where f.sub.T is the focal length of the zoom lens system at a telephoto position, f.sub.W is the focal length of the zoom lens system at a wide angle position, and L.sub.T is the distance from the first surface of the zoom lens system to the image plane at a telephoto position.