Abstract:
A method of forming an electronic part having a circuit pattern, by forming a cavity mold having trench lines in the cavity mold with a first area perpendicular to an axis and a second area having a negative slope with respect to the axis. The part is molded and removed, and a conductive material is deposited to form conductive and nonconductive areas thereon. The preferred deposit step is by blanket metallization which coats all surfaces except the sides of the trench lines and the second area of the part. The method may include the additional step of molding vertical flash portions on the part instead of or in addition to the trench lines that are removed after the conductive material is deposited thereon to form the circuit pattern.
Abstract:
A low power switching valve array employing two or more actuated microvalves that are arranged to accommodate any desired number of inlets and any desired number of outlets. Fluid entering one of inlets may be directed to any one or more of the outlets. In one illustrative embodiment, a valve body may have a valve array inlet, and two or more pumping chambers defined within the valve body. Each of the two or more pumping chambers have an inlet in fluid communication with the valve array inlet. In another illustrative embodiment, a valve body may have a valve array outlet, and two or more pumping chambers defined within the valve body. Each of the two or more pumping chambers have an outlet in fluid communication with the valve array outlet.
Abstract:
A method for forming a nitrided tunnel oxide layer is described. A silicon oxide layer as a tunnel oxide layer is formed on a semiconductor substrate, and a plasma nitridation process is performed to implant nitrogen atoms into the silicon oxide layer. A thermal drive-in process is then performed to diffuse the implanted nitrogen atoms across the silicon oxide layer.
Abstract:
An asymmetric micro pump may be adapted to provide a greater fluid compression between input and output ports of the micro pump, as well as increased flow rate due to higher actuation frequency. In some instances, asymmetric dual diaphragm micro pumps may be combined into assemblies to provide increased pressure build, improved pumping volume, or both, as desired.
Abstract:
A control system coupled to a pressure sensor calibrates the pressure sensor. The control system may measure a plurality of capacitance values at a plurality of corresponding applied voltages to compare the values with a first calibration mechanism generated by sample pressure sensors in a comparison. A final calibration mechanism may be generated by adjusting the first calibration mechanism in response to the comparison. The unknown differential pressure may be applied to a diaphragm of the pressure sensor. A capacitance value at the unknown differential pressure may then be measured. Using the final calibration mechanism, the differential pressure at the measured capacitance value may be retrieved.
Abstract:
A pressure sensor includes a housing portion with a fluid inlet and a polymer element within the housing portion. The polymer element may be coated with piezoresistive material to form a first resistor and may have associated electrodes. The polymer element includes a first resistance value that changes to a second resistive value in a response to a predetermined condition. The pressure sensor may also include a second polymer element that includes a first resistance value that changes to a second resistive value in a response to a predetermined condition.
Abstract:
A device for sensing pressure using two perforated rigid films in which a diaphragm is mounted between the first two films. The device senses positive and negative pressure through a port or opening to the region for which pressure data is desired. The device communicates capacitive pressure and changes in that pressure. The flexible diaphragm is spaced from the first and second films such that the flexible diaphragm is adapted to flex toward the first film when pressure increases in the opening and is adapted to flex toward the second film when pressure decreases in the opening to change the capacitance between the diaphragm and at least one of the first and second films. Spacers are used to position all three elements.
Abstract:
A device for sensing pressure using two flexible diaphragms in which an additional element is added to promote rolling contact of the diaphragm. One embodiment aligns the flexible diaphragms in a non-parallel alignment such that deflection of one flexible diaphragm will roll with respect to the other to provide increased linear capacitive response. In another embodiment a non-conductive spacing element is positioned between the diaphragms to permit rolling contact upon displacement of a diaphragms. These devices are capacitive pressure gauges. One additional embodiment includes a cantilever hinge and rigid polymer disc to convert one diaphragm into a linearly deflecting diaphragm.
Abstract:
A disposable blood analysis cartridge for analyzing a blood sample including an optical light scattering measurement channel is described. In use, processed sample may be introduced into a sheath fluid channel at an angle, α, of approximately 90 degrees, relative to the direction of flow of the sheath fluid. In addition, delivering the sample from the side into the sheath fluid may facilitate better positioning of the core within the hydrodynamic focusing channel for measurement.
Abstract:
Interposers for semiconductor devices and methods of manufacture thereof are disclosed. In one embodiment, an interposer includes a substrate, a contact pad disposed on the substrate, and a first through-via in the substrate coupled to the contact pad. A first fuse is coupled to the first through-via. A second through-via in the substrate is coupled to the contact pad, and a second fuse is coupled to the second through-via.