Abstract: The use of impedance measurements to detect the presence of pathogens attached to antibody-coated beads. In a fluidic device antibodies are immobilized on a surface of a patterned interdigitated electrode. Pathogens in a sample fluid streaming past the electrode attach to the immobilized antibodies, which produces a change in impedance between two adjacent electrodes, which impedance change is measured and used to detect the presence of a pathogen. To amplify the signal, beads coated with antibodies are introduced and the beads would stick to the pathogen causing a greater change in impedance between the two adjacent electrodes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for an electrochemical cell system. The electrochemical cell system includes: an electrochemical cell; an energy source configured for providing a quantity of energy to the electrochemical cell; a sensing apparatus in operable communication with a gas output from the electrochemical cell, the sensing apparatus provides an output signal indicating a parameter of the gas output; and a computer in operable communication with the sensing apparatus. The computer includes a memory device configured to store a first operational parameter, and a processor configured to receive a digital representation of the output signal and the first operational parameter. The processor compares the digital representation of the output signal to the first operational parameter for regulating the quantity of energy provided to the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: In a process for producing a semiconductor member, and a solar cell, making use of a thin-film crystal semiconductor layer, the process includes the steps of: (1) anodizing the surface of a first substrate to form a porous layer at least on one side of the substrate, (2) forming a semiconductor layer at least on the surface of the porous layer, (3) removing the semiconductor layer at its peripheral region, (4) bonding a second substrate to the surface of the semiconductor layer, (5) separating the semiconductor layer from the first substrate at the part of the porous layer, and (6) treating the surface of the first substrate after separation and repeating the above steps (1) to (5).

Abstract: An assembly for holding a substrate is provided. The substrate has a first surface, a second surface, opposite the first surface and an outer peripheral portion. The assembly includes a holding body having a support surface for supporting the substrate. The holding body has an aperture for passing therethrough a gas having a thermal conductivity. Additionally, the assembly includes a heat transferring seal having a first surface for frictionally engaging the second surface of the substrate. The heat transferring seal has a second surface, opposite the first surface, for frictionally engaging the support surface of the holding body. The heat transferring seal also has an inner peripheral portion defining an opening for receiving the gas. The heat transferring seal has a thermal conductivity closely matched with the first thermal conductivity of the gas for providing substantially uniform heat transfer across the substrate.

Abstract: A plurality of metallic plates are arranged alternately so that the main surface of one of the metallic plates is faced to the main surface of the adjacent one of the metallic plates. The metallic plates are classified into two kinds of plates with different thicknesses. Then, energy beams are irradiated perpendicularly onto the main surfaces of the metallic plates to generate an electric energy by interactions between the energy beams and the metallic plates.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated microfluidic device comprising a sample chamber and a micro-fluidic channel, wherein the sample chamber contains two or more electrodes capable of generating an electric field in the sample chamber. The two or more electrodes create electric fields for sample elution, transfer, and unloading.

Abstract: A modular microchannel apparatus for analysis of an analyte. The apparatus includes a separation unit and a reservoir unit. The separation unit has a microchannel. The analyte can be driven to pass through the microchannel such that the time for the analyte to pass through the microchannel is indicative of the molecular characteristics of the analyte. The reservoir unit has one or more reservoirs for coupling operatively modularly with the separation unit to supply liquid reagents to the separation unit. The reservoirs has prepackaged liquid reagents in it before the reservoir unit is coupled with the separation unit.

Abstract: A plating apparatus for plating a substrate. The apparatus is provided with a plating unit, a substrate cleaning unit, a substrate transport mechanism, a post-treatment agent supplying section, a minor constituent managing section for managing minor constituents (an accelerator, a retarder and chlorine) of a plating liquid being used in the plating unit, an enclosure which houses therein a substrate treating section including the plating unit, the cleaning unit and the substrate transport mechanism, and a system controller for controlling the entire apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use asymmetric monolayer forming species and electroconduit forming species to detect target analytes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to microfluidic devices. In one embodiment, a microanalysis chip comprises a body having at least one transfer-separation channel with a channel bottom that has a bottom opening. The transfer-separation channel terminates in a discharge aperture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas bearing of a rapidly rotating shaft, whose end supports a tool, in particular to a gas bearing of a rapidly rotating shaft, whose end supports a polygon mirror (27) for a spindle of an optical application. To provide radial support along the shaft (3), gas bearings are arranged in a housing (5), whereby a first gas bearing (9) and a third gas bearing (8) are positioned concentrically in relation to one another and a second gas bearing (2), which is located midway between the first gas bearing (9) and the third gas bearing (8), is mounted in an eccentrically offset manner to the first gas bearing (9) and the third gas bearing (8). The invention is also provided with an adjusting device (1) for increasing the eccentric offset of the second gas bearing (2) as the rotational speed of the shaft (3) increases.

Abstract: An apparatus subjects water to waves from an RF plasma. This allows continuous production of “activated water” characterized by cluster sizes below about 4 molecules per cluster, water having pH below 4 or above 10, or water having ORP of less than −350 mV or more than +800 mV. The basic frequency of the plasma is preferably between 0.44 MHz and 40.68 MHz, and the plasma is preferably modulated at a frequency between 10 kHz and 34 kHz. Flow rates typically range from 20 l/hr to about 2000 l/hr. Activated water can be used for many purposes, including antimicrobial cleaning of worktable, floor, wall, knife, transport and other surfaces, for example, in meat processing facilities and hospitals.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes a light source, a plurality of light transmitting windows, and a reaction chamber, in which a substrate is placed. And a surface of the substrate, which opposes the light transmitting windows is processed by using a reaction which occurs when the light from the light source is irradiated into the reaction chamber through the light transmitting windows. This substrate processing apparatus includes a driving mechanism which moves the substrate relative to the light transmitting windows in a direction parallel to the surface. The width of each of the light transmitting windows in the direction in which the substrate moves relative to the light transmitting windows is smaller than the length of the substrate in the moving direction.

Abstract: An exhaust gas sensor includes a housing and a sensor element supported by the housing. The sensor element includes a support member having an exhaust side, a reference side, and an aperture extending through the support member between the exhaust side and the reference side. The sensor element further includes an exhaust-side electrode on the exhaust side of the support member. The exhaust-side electrode is electrically connected to a contact on the reference side of the support member via a lead extending through the aperture. The aperture is sealed around the lead such that gas cannot pass through the aperture. The support member is oriented substantially parallel to the flow of exhaust gases when the exhaust gas sensor is installed on a vehicle. The sensor further includes a contact pin in the housing that engages the contact and biases the sensor element against a portion of the housing.

Abstract: The analytical process utilized in the system of this invention comprises three (3) step distinct steps wherein an analyte of interest in a test sample is initially labeled and subsequently isolated within a porous medium of a test device. Once isolated within the medium, the label is displaced from the analyte, or from the complex with the analyte, and converted, under electrolytic condition, to a metallic species which is caused test to deposit upon a working electrode of the test device. This working electrode is part of an electrode array that is positioned coincident with the porous medium, yet maintained physically remote therefrom. This deposit is then stripped from the working electrode, under anodic stripping conditions, and the current generated within the electrode array monitored. The characteristic response curve that is produced thereby can be correlated with the identity and concentration of the analyte(s) with the test sample.

Abstract: A system and method for preventing or reducing unwanted heat in a microfluidic of the device while generating heat in selected regions of the device. In one example, current is supplied to a heating element through electric leads, wherein the leads are designed so that the current density in the leads is substantially lower than the current density in the heating element. This may be accomplished using conductive leads which have a cross-sectional area which is substantially greater than the cross-sectional area of the heating element. In another example, unwanted heat in the microfluidic complex is reduced by thermally isolating the electric leads from the microfluidic complex. This may be accomplished by running each lead directly away from the microfluidic complex, through a thermally isolating substrate. After the leads pass through the thermally isolating substrate, they are then routed to the current source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices comprising electrosensors containing capture reagents, their preparation thereof, and their use for detecting, preferably, quantitative measurement, of analyte in a liquid sample. In particular, the invention relates to an enzyme electrosensor, e.g., electroimmunosensor, device for electrochemical detection and preferably, real-time measurement, which is suitable for use at point-of-care settings by unskilled personnel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a process for easily preparing an optical element in a form of thin film which contains a functional material whose concentration changes gradationally in an in-plane direction and a thickness direction of a thin film, an electrolytic solution used for the process, and an apparatus for preparing an optical element. The process is designed to form an optical element on an optical element preparing substrate from an electrolytic solution containing a functional material by electrodeposition or photovoltaic electrodeposition. The process includes a step of changing concentration of the functional material in the electrolytic solution in the vicinity of the optical element preparing substrate, so that a resulting thin film changes gradationally in the concentration of the functional material in the in-plane direction and/or the thickness direction of the thin film.

Abstract: The invention provides a reagentless assay kit for analyte in a sample comprising a modular affinity assembly including at least one sensor unit comprising a ligand having binding affinity for the analyte (affinity module) operatively associated with a reporter probe (reporter module) responsive to changes in the sensor unit induced by analyte/receptor complex formation by transduction of a characteristic detectable signal. Assays employing the modular assembly are also provided.

Abstract: A film thickness measuring mechanism is provided in an orienter chamber (A or B) or a transport buffer chamber (5) of an etching apparatus. A wafer subjected to a predetermined etching process in an etching chamber (1), for example, is transported temporarily into the orienter chamber (A or B) or the transport buffer chamber (5) in which the film thickness measuring mechanism, in turn, measures an etch depth for the wafer. If the etch depth is out of predetermined tolerance with respect to an etch depth setting, an additional etching process is performed on the wafer. Etch time for the additional etching process is calculated from the actual etch depth measured by the film thickness measuring mechanism, the etch depth setting, and an etch rate of a film to be etched.

Abstract: A gas sensor for sensing NOx having electrochemical cells wherein dielectric material surrounds electrolytes except where electrodes are attached. Thereby, the exhaust gas is effectively prevented from contacting the electrolytes of the sensor's electrochemical cells. With the use of this technique, signal cross talk is minimized while enhancing NOx sensing sensitivity. Further, the total number electrodes needed are reduced which allows for more complex sensors structures.

Abstract: Electrokinetic devices having a computer for correcting for electrokinetic effects are provided. Methods of correcting for electrokinetic effects by establishing the velocity of reactants and products in a reaction in electrokinetic microfluidic devices are also provided. These microfluidic devices can have substrates with channels, depressions, and/or wells for moving, mixing and monitoring precise amounts of analyte fluids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filtration-detection device for detecting or quantifying an analyte in a test sample including a filtration device having a first binding material immobilized thereto, wherein the first binding material is capable of binding to a portion of the analyte, and a detection assembly positioned relative to the filtration device to detect or quantify analyte bound to the first binding material. The present invention also relates to methods of using the filtration-detection device.

Abstract: An improvement in the immunofixation electrophoresis procedure for detecting proteins in serum, urine or cerebral spinal fluids. Multiple samples from a single patient are placed on a gel and subjected to electrophoresis for resolving or separating proteins. A container has multiple receptacles which store, separately, various antisera. The separate antisera are withdrawn from the receptacles and simultaneously applied to the sample areas for subsequent incubation. The receptacles are preferably arranged in multiple series in the container, each series offset from, and partially overlapping, the receptacles of the next series.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the electroplating deposition of a metal onto a semiconductor wafer surface (29), including vibrationally scrubbing the wafer surface (29) during an electroplating process. At least one transducer (32) is mounted to a wall (33) of an electroplating tool chamber (22). The transducer (32) intermittently delivers sonic energy pulses lasting for one to two seconds to the electroplating solution during the electroplating process.

Abstract: A corrosion resistant component of semiconductor processing equipment such as a plasma chamber includes a diamond containing surface and process for manufacture thereof.

Abstract: A method of a single wafer wet/dry cleaning apparatus comprising:

Abstract: Electrokinetic devices having a computer for correcting for electrokinetic effects are provided. Methods of correcting for electrokinetic effects by establishing the velocity of reactants and products in a reaction in electrokinetic microfluidic devices are also provided. These microfluidic devices can have substrates with channels, depressions, and/or wells for moving, mixing and monitoring precise amounts of analyte fluids.

Abstract: The devices and methods of the art do not readily allow moistening of, removing gas bubbles from and/or increasing the transfer of material in through bores and/or pocket holes in printed circuit boards (PCB). Considerable problems are presented by the treatment of very narrow bores with high aspect ratios in particular. To overcome this problem a method was found that involves the following stages: the printed circuit boards PCB are passed through a processing plant on a horizontal conveying path and in one conveying plane 2 by means of transportation means 13, 14 and are thereby brought to contact a liquid for treatment, wherein mechanical pulses are directly transmitted to the printed circuit boards PCB via the transportation means 13, 14 and/or via the liquid for treatment by means of pulse generating means 50.

Abstract: A plasma etch reactor 20 includes a upper electrode 24, a lower electrode 24, a peripheral ring electrode 26 disposed therebetween. The upper electrode 24 is grounded, the peripheral electrode 26 is powered by a high frequency AC power supply, while the lower electrode 28 is powered by a low frequency AC power supply, as well as a DC power supply. The reactor chamber 22 is configured with a solid source 50 of gaseous species and a protruding baffle 40. A nozzle 36 provides a jet stream of process gases in order to ensure uniformity of the process gases at the surface of a semiconductor wafer 48. The configuration of the plasma etch reactor 20 enhances the range of densities for the plasma in the reactor 20, which range can be selected by adjusting more of the power supplies 30, 32.

Abstract: A process of producing an aluminum beverage can body having a decorative surface exhibiting a dichroic effect when observed in white light. In the process, a can body is formed from a sheet of metal selected from aluminum and aluminum alloy by drawing and ironing, surfaces of the can body are cleaned to produce a cleaned can body, a decorative structure exhibiting a dichroic effect is applied to a surface of the cleaned can body, and the can body is subjected to finishing operations. The decorative structure is applied by the steps of: applying a layer of dielectric material directly onto the metal of the cleaned can body without pre-treatment of the metal with a metal brightener, and forming a semi-transparent metal layer on or within the dielectric layer, the thickness of the dielectric material beneath the semi-transparent metal layer, and the thickness of the semi-transparent metal layer being made effective to produce a visible dichroic pattern when the can body is observed in white light.

Abstract: An ablatable laminar imaging medium useful in the manufacture of a substantially transparent electrode assembly is disclosed. The laminar imaging medium comprises a substrate, a high-index metal oxide layer, an ablatable metallic conductive layer, a high-index conductive metal oxide layer, and an ablation enhancement layer. The ablation enhancement layer has an IR-absorption greater than the IR-absorption of said high-index conductive metal oxide layer and an IR-reflectivity less than the IR-reflectivity of said high-index conductive metal oxide layer. Presence in the laminar imaging medium of the ablation enhancement layer lowers the exposure threshold of the medium and improves ablation accuracy, both—when occasioned in the manufacture of LCD electrode patterns—resulting collectively and ultimately in a more reliably formed electrical architecture, less susceptible to unwanted “shorting”.

Abstract: Disclosed is a highly responsive biosensor comprising a cholesterol-oxidizing enzyme and cholesterol esterase. The biosensor comprises: an electrically insulating base plate; an electrode system including a working electrode and a counter electrode formed on the base plate; a cover member joined with the base plate to define a sample supply pathway through which a sample solution is introduced from a sample supply port to the electrode system, the sample supply pathway being formed between the cover member and the base plate; and a reagent layer formed in the sample supply pathway, wherein the reagent layer contains a cholesterol-oxidizing enzyme, cholesterol esterase, an electron mediator, and a buffer having a buffering capacity in an acidic pH range.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to microfluidic devices. In one embodiment, a microanalysis chip comprises a body having at least one transfer-separation channel with a channel bottom that has a bottom opening. The transfer-separation channel terminates in a discharge aperture.

Abstract: A method is described for removing a particle from a surface of a semiconductor wafer. In general, the method involves positioning an electrically conductive surface near the particle to be removed. An electrical charge is created on the electrically conductive surface. A charged particle beam is formed, wherein the charged particle beam includes particles having an electrical charge opposite the electrical charge of the electrically conductive surface. The charged particle beam is directed at the particle to be removed. When struck by the charged particle beam, the particle to be removed absorbs a portion of the charged particles of the charged particle beam and acquires an electrical charge opposite the electrical charge of the electrically conductive surface.

Abstract: A production apparatus of hypochlorite solution includes an electrolytic cell having a housing the interior of which is subdivided by a partition membrane to form therein anode and cathode chambers, and positive and negative electrodes respectively disposed within the anode and cathode chambers and opposed to each other through the partition membrane, wherein the positive and negative electrodes are applied with DC voltage to effect electrolysis of chloride solution such as sodium chloride solution or potassium chloride solution supplied into both the anode and cathode chambers, and wherein acid water and alkaline water respectively produced in the anode and cathode chambers are mixed to produce hypochlorite solution.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for uniform electroless plating of layers onto exposed metallizations in integrated circuits such as bond pads. The apparatus provides means for holding a plurality of wafers, and rotating each wafer at constant speed and synchronous within the plurality. Immersed in a plating solution flowing in substantially laminar motion and at constant speed, the method creates periodic superposition of directions and speeds of the motion of the wafers and the motion of the plating solution. The invention creates periodically changing wafer portions where the directions and speeds are additive and where the directions and speeds are opposed and subtractive. Consequently, highly uniformly layers are electrolessly plated onto the exposed metallizations of bond pads. If the plated layers are bondable metals, the process transforms otherwise unbondable pad metallization into bondable pads.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting analytes is described. Analyte presence or concentration is determined through measurement of changes in induced electromotive force, current or other electrical property in a base member during analyte exposure to the sensor. According to one class of embodiments, the present device immobilizes natural or synthetic macromolecules sufficiently close to an electrically-conductive base member to insure that any alteration in the motion and/or electrostatic fields of the macromolecules during interaction with a predetermined analyte will induce an increased electromotive force in the base member.

Abstract: A mesoscale sample preparation device capable of providing microvolume test samples, separated into a cell-enriched fraction and a fraction of reduced cell content, for performing various analyses, such as binding assays, determinations involving polynucleotide amplification and the like. Analytical systems including such devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is based on the discovery that hyperbaric, hydrostatic pressure reversibly alters the partitioning of nucleic acids between certain adsorbed and solvated phases relative to partitioning at ambient pressure. The new methods and devices disclosed herein make use of this discovery for highly selective and efficient, low salt isolation and purification of nucleic acids from a broad range of sample types, including forensic samples, blood and other body fluids, and cultured cells.

Abstract: The device described herein is an enzyme-based biosensor for detecting and/or quantifying molecules of interest. The biosensor relies on the following properties shared by all enzymes: (1) that enzymes are highly specific molecules designed to bind with only one analyte type or one class of analyte molecules; (2) that enzymes contain charges; (3) that enzymes undergo significant spacial fluctuation during periods of interaction with substrates; and (4) that these spacial fluctuations cause the charged moieties on the enzyme to move and thus generate a measurable electrostatic potential (voltage) in both the enzyme and support layers. The instant device determines analyte presence/concentration through measurement of changes in voltage or current in a conducting or semiconducting support material as a result of changes in the position of immobilized charged enzyme molecules during their interaction with analyte.

Abstract: An efficient method of separating a first material from a second material in a fluid mixture is provided. The fluid mixture of interest is caused to flow through two different sonic wave fields. In one field, the sonic waves travel in a direction perpendicular to the direction of flow of the fluid mixture. In the other field, the sonic waves travel in a direction parallel to the direction of flow of the fluid mixture. The overall effect of the sonic waves in these two fields is to irreversibly break any molecular bonding between a substantial portion of a first material and a second material in the fluid mixture. In one embodiment, the perpendicular-directed sonic waves are cavitation waves and the parallel-directed sonic waves are standing waves.

Abstract: An elcctrobiochemical system for the determination of the presence and optionally concentration of an analyte in a liquid medium, the system comprising an electrode having immobilized thereon a member of a recognition pair, the other member of said pair being said analyte, the presence of said analyte in the medium resulting in formation of a pair complex, being a complex between said immobilized member and said analyte; the system further comprising redox molecules capable of changing their redox state by accepting electrons from or donating electrons to the electrode; the formation of the pair complex on the electrode bringing a change in the electrical response of the system, whereby the presence and optionally the concentration of said analyte in the medium can be determined.

Abstract: A container packed with a mixture of powders classified respectively into two or at least three particle-size distribution groups which are different in average particle size, the powders comprising a hydrogen absorbing alloy singly or the combination of such an alloy and a substance not absorbing hydrogen. The mixture is at least 0.03 to not greater than 0.50 in the ratio d.sub.2 /d.sub.1 wherein d.sub.1 is the average particle size of the powder having the particle-size distribution of the largest average particle size, and d.sub.2 is the average particle size of the powder having the particle-size distribution of the second largest average particle size. The weight ratio of the powder to the total weight of the powders is greater when that powder has a particle-size distribution of larger average particle size.

Abstract: An improved insulator which assists operation of electrodes, particularly in the electro-winning process. Each insulator extends around the electrode and is secured by its ends to the electrode. Bulges or bumps on the insulators maintain a predefined distance between the electrodes when they are placed within the slurry bath. The insulators are preferably circular in shape with an interior channel; at selected points, the channel is crushed to provide for additional mechanical strength to the insulator. The top ends of the insulator are connected to the electrode either through the use of a mounting bracket or by way of hooked ends which are secured to the top portion of the electrode.

Abstract: A new group of Os(II) and Os(III) compounds useful as redox mediators in electrochemical biosensors. These compounds have 1) low oxidation potential, 2) fast reaction kinetics between the electroactive center of an enzyme and the compound, 3) slow oxidation of osmium by oxygen, and 4) excellent solubility in aqueous medium. These mediators are particularly useful as a component of a reagent used in an electrochemical biosensor, wherein the biosensor is useful for measuring analytes from a biological fluid, such as blood.

Abstract: A method of irradiating a biological specimen with ultraviolet, in particular a polynucleotide specimen selected from DNA or RNA, or optionally a protein. In the case where the specimen is DNA or RNA, or potentially proteins, the specimen is irradiated to cross-link the specimen to a substrate. In the case where the specimen is DNA, the specimen can also be irradiated to form thymine dimers. The method uses an apparatus which permits relatively precise control of the total ultraviolet dose received by the specimen, despite any changes of ultraviolet flux from the lamps which may occur from during any one experiment, or between a number of experiments. Thus, the method allows relatively highly reproducible results to be obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control solution for and a method of testing the performance of an electrochemical sensing device for determining the concentration of an analyte in a blood sample. The device contains a sensing means having a working electrode on which is deposited an enzyme capable of reacting with the analyte to provide electrons and a mediator to shuttle the electrons to the surface of the working electrode. The control solution is formulated so that the device will recognize the control solution as being something other than blood and automatically exclude the results obtained with the control solution from its memory unit.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for the determination of a trace amount of an analyte substance or organism. A substrate solution is brought into contact with a small diameter tube which has captured, at least on its inner surface, a trace amount of an analyte substance or organism. The trace amount has the ability to change the pH of the substrate solution.

Abstract: A system and method for homogeneous bioassay uses acoustic energy emissions. A measurement cell is designed for binding reactions of mobile biorecognition molecules. The binding reaction contained in the measurement cell is for example a ligand/receptor binding reaction or a complementary nucleic acid binding reaction. A passive acoustic energy transducer is coupled to the measurement cell for detecting acoustic energy generated by the binding reaction of mobile biorecognition molecules. The passive acoustic energy transducer generates a corresponding analog electrical signal. A signal conditioner coupled to the passive acoustic energy transducer filters and amplifies the electrical signal. A signal analyzer determines spectra of the conditioned electrical signal corresponding to characteristic acoustic energy emissions of the binding reaction of mobile biorecognition molecules.