Abstract:
A varactor includes a container forming a liquid chamber, a first electrode mounted adjacent the chamber, and a second electrode mounted adjacent the chamber. The chamber may be sized and configured, and a spacing between the electrodes and the chamber may be selected, so that a contact angle of a quantity of liquid metal in the chamber relative to at least one of the electrodes can be changed by applying a bias voltage.
Abstract:
A switch comprises a first switch element configured to actuate by electrowetting, the first switch element comprising at least two radio frequency contacts and at least two control electrodes. The switch also comprises at least two additional switch elements configured to make and break an electrical connection between the at least two control electrodes of the first switch element.
Abstract:
A printhead is formed from a plurality of ink ejectors mounted on an inner surface of a rigid substrate while protruding through holes provided in the substrate. Electrical contact is provided on a surface of the ink ejectors common with the ink ejecting nozzles thereby avoiding vias to another surface. The rigid substrate provides a conducting layer on its inner surface such that the ink ejectors may be connected thereto with solder reflow techniques.
Abstract:
A backpressure sensor is integrated into a printhead die, or alternatively to a pen body. The backpressure sensor is susceptible to ink pressure from ink within a printhead ink slot, ink channel or nozzle chamber, and to ambient pressure. For the alternative embodiment, the backpressure sensor is susceptible to ink pressure from ink within an ink slot, ink channel or ink cavity away from a printhead die, and to ambient pressure.
Abstract:
An electrical feedthrough includes a ceramic body and a ribbon via extending through the ceramic body, an interface between the ribbon via and the ceramic body being sealed using partial transient liquid phase bonding. The ribbon via extends out of the ceramic body and makes an electrical connection with an external device.
Abstract:
Exemplary insertion tools, systems, and methods for inserting an electrode array portion of a lead into a bodily orifice are described herein. An exemplary insertion tool includes a handle assembly, a retractor assembly disposed at least partially within the handle assembly, and a slider assembly disposed at least partially within the handle assembly. The retractor assembly may include a stiffening member configured to be inserted into an electrode array portion and a spring-loaded retractor member coupled to the stiffening member and configured to move from a distal position to a proximal position to at least partially retract the stiffening member from the electrode array portion. The slider assembly may be configured to selectively retain the spring-loaded retractor member and further configured to release the spring-loaded retractor member to move from the distal position to the proximal position in response to actuation by a user of the slider assembly.
Abstract:
Exemplary insertion tools, systems, and methods for inserting an electrode array portion of a lead into a bodily orifice are described herein. An exemplary insertion tool includes a handle assembly, a slider assembly, a retractor assembly disposed at least partially within the handle assembly, and a rocker lever. The retractor assembly may include a stiffening member configured to be inserted into the electrode array portion and a spring-loaded retractor member coupled at a proximal end of the stiffening member. The spring-loaded retractor member may be configured to move from a distal position to a proximal position to at least partially retract the stiffening member from the electrode array portion. The rocker lever may be configured to selectively retain the spring-loaded retractor member in the distal position. Corresponding tools, systems, and methods are also described.
Abstract:
A method for fabricating a hermetic electrical feedthrough includes engraving a circuitous groove into a surface of an electrically conductive monolithic slab so that the interior of the circuitous groove forms a pin. A dielectric material is formed in the circuitous groove. The pin is then electrically isolated from the surrounding material and provides electrical access through the hermetic feedthrough.
Abstract:
A stylet for inserting an electrode array into a cochlea includes a first sensor insertable within a lumen of the electrode array and sensitive to force applied by a lumen wall to the first sensor and a first actuator adapted to move the electrode array in response to the force sensed by the first sensor.
Abstract:
Microfluidic devices designed for assaying biochemical molecules are disclosed. The microfluidic devices are capable of assaying nucleic acids for identification of nucleic acid species. The microfluidic devices are adapted to carry out an amplification of the nucleic acid and subsequent separation of amplified nucleic acid species. Also disclosed is a method for amplifying and separating a nucleic acid sample on a microfluidic device.