Microfab Technologies Inc.

David W Taylor

Donald J Hayes

David B Wallace

Christopher J Frederickson

Ioan Achiriloaie

Matthew D Hayes

Norman Comparini

A method and apparatus is disclosed which employs a pulse-controlled microdroplet fluid delivery system for precisely dispensing fragrances and other odor producing vapors. The pulse-controlled fluid delivery device is capable of ejecting microdroplets of fluid with a diameter less than 350 micrometers at a controlled ejection rate based upon inkjet printing technology. The pulse-controlled fluid delivery system includes mechanisms for vaporizing the fluids and delivery of the vapors to the nose, which is controlled by a programmable system controller capable of real time data-driven dispensing with a multi-fluid capability. Synthesis of custom fragrances is made possible by a multijet programmed control system which adjusts dispensing rates of components. Calibration of a prior art &ldquo;electronic nose&rdquo; is disclosed. A precise calibration gas is produced in real-time to counteract the effect of drifting.

Method for calibrating a sensor for measuring concentration of odors

A method for making a laminated carrier film for use in releasing interstitial fluid from skin for collection or measurement includes providing a printhead having an orifice and a reservoir containing a meltable absorber substance, the printhead being capable in response to electrical signals, to eject droplets of said meltable absorber substance from the orifice; supporting a carrier film having a series of spaced apart openings for a meltable absorber substance on a support base, in close proximity to the printhead, whereby the spaced apart openings on the carrier film can be positioned relative to the orifice to receive absorber substance droplets ejected from the printhead; filling the spaced apart openings of the carrier film with meltable absorber substance ejected from the printhead; and covering the carrier film on one side with a clear polymer film strip selected to allow laser energy to pass through the clear polymer film in order to reach the meltable absorber substance inside the openings.

Method for fabricating laminated carrier for collecting interstitial fluid from the skin

A method and apparatus is disclosed which employs a pulse-controlled microdroplet fluid delivery system for precisely dispensing fragrances and other odor producing vapors. The pulse-controlled fluid delivery device is capable of ejecting microdroplets of fluid with a diameter less than 350 micrometers at a controlled ejection rate based upon ink-jet printing technology. The pulse-controlled fluid delivery system includes mechanisms for vaporizing the fluids and delivery of the vapors to the nose, which is controlled by a programmable system controller capable of real time data-driven dispensing with a multi-fluid capability. Synthesis of custom fragrances is made possible by a multijet programmed control system which adjusts dispensing rates of components. Calibration of a prior art &ldquo;electronic nose&rdquo; is disclosed. A precise calibration gas is produced in real-time to counteract the effect of drifting.

Method and apparatus for delivery of fragrances and vapors to the nose

A completely self-contained replaceable cartridge for micro jet dispensing assemblies is thinner than the spacing between a standard &ldquo;DIP&rdquo; socket. Each cartridge body contains a preferably embedded digitally operated micro jet piezoelectric ejector, a tubular capillary reservoir and fixed connecting pins spaced to removably plug into a standard dual in line packaging (DIP) socket strip or board to receive digital ejection signals. A plurality of the individual replaceable cartridges can be closely positioned together in &ldquo;banks&rdquo; which plug into standard DIP sockets. One or more &ldquo;banks&rdquo; can be plugged into sockets on a housing containing a chamber into which the micro-droplets are deposited. An air movement device may be included with the housing to disperse volatile material that has been ejected into the chamber. The chamber preferably contains a heatable surface onto which the volatile fluids are ejected from the orifices and whereby instantaneous volatilization of the fluid will take place. In an alternate embodiment, each self-contained replaceable cartridge has its own individual heatable surface in the form of a heater mounted adjacent the ejection orifice and one or more additional connecting pins to provide power to operate the heater. A multiplicity of different volatile fluids may be dispensed from a compact assembly in response to command signals from a controller connected to the dispensing assembly.

Cartridge element for micro jet dispensing

A more reliable and precise method of determining the olfactory threshold is provided by a digitally operated apparatus that dispenses controlled amounts of a volatile test fluid from a digital jetting device of the type used for ink jet printing. A precise number and size of micro droplets are dispensed onto a heater which vaporizes the fluid at a test location where a patient can sniff and report whether the odor is sensed. Incremental adjustments are made to determine the approximate threshold of olfactory perception of the odor. Sensors are included to verify dispensing and to coordinate dispensing with breathing.

Digital olfactometer and method for testing olfactory thresholds

A carrier film has one or more openings or wells loaded with a meltable absorbing substance for absorbing laser energy. The carrier film has a clear film which covers one side of the opening containing the absorber substance and the open side of the opening in the carrier film is positioned adjacent to the skin and irradiated through the clear cover film by a laser beam. The melted laser energy absorbing substance is ejected to form a spot laying on the skin. After moving the carrier film, a laser beam impinges the spot thereby raising a tiny blister on the skin containing interstitial fluid. The interstitial fluid is collected for diagnosis and analysis. A method of making and loading the carrier film with a digitally operated dispenser of the type used for ink jet printing is disclosed. Special construction of the opening appears to enhance ejection.

Method for collecting interstitial fluid from the skin

A method of using an implantable diagnostic sensor capable of detecting a biologically relevant state or change in state of a human or animal subject. The method includes selecting a dynamic probe to produce a measurable change over a range of changes in responses to a varying biologically relevant state. The method also includes selecting a reference material capable of exhibiting a measurable state within the range of changes of the dynamic probe material that represents a desired response level of the dynamic probe material with respect to the biologically relevant state. Further, the method requires tattooing the probe material into the human or animal skin for comparing the state of the dynamic probe to the reference material.

Growing community of inventors

Dallas, TX, United States of America

David W Taylor