Abstract:
A device includes a hermetically sealed case with electronic circuitry housed within. One surface of the hermetically sealed case includes a metallic plate and a co-fired ceramic electrical feedthrough with a number of vias. The co-fired ceramic electrical feedthrough is hermetically joined to the metallic plate and a hybrid circuit is connected to the feedthrough.
Abstract:
A cochlear lead includes a plurality of electrode assemblies partially embedded in a flexible body configured to stimulate an auditory nerve from within a cochlea. Each of the electrode assemblies includes a flexible electrically conductive material forming a plurality of support structures and an electrode pad attached a support structure, the electrode pad having a surface that is configured to be exposed to cochlear tissue and fluids and has a charge transfer to the cochlear tissue and fluids that is higher than the flexible electrically conductive material.
Abstract:
A cochlear lead includes a plurality of electrodes configured to stimulate an auditory nerve from within a cochlea and a flexible body supporting the plurality of electrodes along a length of the flexible body. A stiffening element is slidably encapsulated within the flexible body and positioned such that the stiffening element plastically deforms upon insertion into a curved portion of the cochlea.
Abstract:
A method for forming a cochlear electrode array with a plurality of electrodes which are spaced so as to stimulate sites within a cochlea includes shaping a sheet of electrically conductive material to form a support structure and a plurality of electrodes, in which the electrodes are tethered to the support structure at the spacing of the cochlear electrode array. A cochlear lead includes a flexible body that has frictional characteristics that vary about its circumference. A cochlear lead includes a flexible body with a first region and a second region with different surface textures. This generates differential sliding forces during insertion of the cochlear lead which influence a motion of the cochlear lead during insertion. The cochlear lead having an electrode array with varying stiffness along its length is also provided.
Abstract:
An integrated flow cell, the flow cell comprising a semiconductor substrate, and a fluidic conduit having an at least partially transparent semiconductor oxide tubing, wherein the semiconductor oxide tubing is formed with the semiconductor substrate.
Abstract:
A system for controlling fluid flow in a microfluidic circuit includes at least one microfluidic channel having a first fluid, a switch element coupled to the microfluidic channel, the switch element comprising at least one inlet, at least one outlet and a second fluid, the second fluid being immiscible with respect to the first fluid. The system also includes an actuator configured to alter the position of the second fluid, such that when in a first position, the second fluid allows the first fluid to flow from the at least one inlet to the at least one outlet, and such that when in a second position, the second fluid prevents the first fluid from flowing from the at least one inlet to the at least one outlet.
Abstract:
A microfluidic valve. A microfluidic channel is formed in a substrate. A cooling element cools a substance in the channel to inhibit flow of the substance through the channel. A heating element warms the substance to overcome the effect of the cooling and enable the substance to flow through the channel. The valve may serve as a component of a microfluidic device that in turn may be part of a microfluidic system.
Abstract:
The invention provides a microfluidic system, including an optional separation system for separating and preparing an analyte solution, a microfluidic device downstream from the separation system for dispensing and analyte solution, comprising a substrate having a channel defining a portion of a microfluidic channel; a polymeric substrate having a channel for contacting the substrate to define the second portion of the microfluidic channel; a cooling element associated with the substrate and channel for cooling an analyte solution in the microfluidic channel; and a heating element adjacent to the microfluidic channel for heating the analyte solution, wherein the cooling element operates to maintain the channel in a closed state by cooling the analyte solution in the channel and wherein the heating element may be activated to place the channel in an open state by heating the analyte solution in the channel; and a detector for detecting the dispensed analyte solutionThe invention also provides a microfluidic device and/or valve, including a substrate having a micro fluidic channel for carrying an analyte solution; a cooling element associated with the substrate and micro fluidic channel for cooling the analyte solution in the channel; and a heating element adjacent to the channel for heating the analyte solution in the channel wherein the cooling element operates to maintain the channel in a closed state by cooling the analyte solution in the channel and wherein the heating element may be activated to place the channel in an open state by heating the cooled analyte solution in the channel.The invention also provides a method of valve control in a microfluidic device, including maintaining a cooling element in an active state to freeze an analyte solution in a microfluidic channel and close the microfluidic channel; and engaging a heating element to thaw the analyte solution in the microfluidic channel and open the microfluidic channel to allow fluid flow through the channel.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the invention provide for improved separation of switching material by creating a diversion of the activating force. In one embodiment at least one structural element is positioned in close proximity to an inlet for the actuating force to influence the actuating force to fully separate the switching material. Structural elements may include protrusions, either adjacent to the inlet or approximately across the channel from the inlet, as well as at least one additional inlet. The diversion can be created, if desired, by forces coming from opposite sides. Embodiments of the invention make use of non-wettable surfaces lining the channel in regions where switching material is to break into separate volumes, and wettable surfaces away from such regions. Embodiments of the invention provide for multi-pole, multi-throw switching.
Abstract:
The delivery of liquid to a device, for example, a microswitch, can be achieved without the application of external pressure to the liquid by using capillary action to cause the liquid to move as desired. In one embodiment, at least one channel having a wettable surface is created that allows liquid metal to flow into a measuring reservoir without the liquid metal being pressurized and without applying other external forces on the liquid metal to facilitate its movement. A portion of the channel between the wettable channel and the reservoir is non-wettable and this non-wettable area, while allowing the metal to flow into the reservoir, acts to prevent the liquid from back-flowing from the reservoir to the channel. In one embodiment pressurized gas can be generated and applied to the liquid in the reservoir to facilitate the movement of the liquid from the reservoir to the switch cavity.