Corning Incorporated

University of Utah Research Foundation

John David Brazzle

William P Taylor

Jonathan Jay Bernstein

A Bruno Frazier

James K Lee

Christopher J Corcoran

Joseph D Andrade

Daniel A Bartholomeusz

An active needle device for fluid injection or extraction includes at least one hollow elongated shaft defining at least one channel. The channel provides communication between at least one input port and at least one output port of the needle device. At least one active component such as a sensor or actuator is placed or integrated into the elongated shaft. The needle device can include a macroneedle, a microneedle, or an array of macroneedles or microneedles. The microneedles can be fabricated on a substrate which can remain attached to the microneedles or be subsequently removed. The active component can facilitate biochemical, optical, electrical, or physical measurements of a fluid injected or extracted by the needle device.

Active needle devices with integrated functionality

Surface micro-machined micro-needles () are formed as single needles () or in two-dimensional or three-dimensional micro-needle arrays (). The micro-needles () are fabricated on a substrate () which can remain attached to the micro-needles () or can be subsequently removed. The two-dimensional or three-dimensional micro-needle arrays () can have cross-coupling flow channels () which allow for pressure equalization, and balance of fluid flow within the micro-needle arrays (). Each of the micro-needles () has a micro-channel () therethrough that provides communication between at least one input port () at a proximal end of the micro-needles (), and at least on output port () at an opposite distal end.

Surface micromachined microneedles

A monolithic or dual monolithic magnetic device or apparatus having an array of formations such as protruding or raised nubs wherein adjacent nubs have the same or opposite polarity to produce a high magnetic field gradient in the vicinity of the nubs is described. In lieu of nubs, the use of a magnetic device with thru-holes, blind holes, filled holes, or iron flux concentrators is also detailed, wherein all embodiments result in regions of high magnetic field gradient. Apparatus and methods for spot-poling a magnet array are also illustrated. An application of an array of MEMS actuators using the magnets of the present invention to produce high field gradient at precise locations is described. A further application of a biochemical separation unit containing a magnetic array and micro-fluidic channels for separating out magnetic particles tagged with bio-specific molecules for sensing the presence of a disease or specified chemicals is also described.

Apparatus, device and method for generating magnetic field gradient

An array of movable MEMS mirror devices is provided being electromagnetically actuated in one axis and using an additional set of coils, or a single coil, positioned off of the main axis of rotation to achieve a second axis of rotation while allowing for a very high linear mirror fill factor (>80%). This second set of coils, or second electrically wired coil, is capable of generating the necessary torque about an axis that is perpendicular to the major axis of rotation. A second embodiment is provided using electromagnetic actuation in one axis of rotation, which typically has larger rotation angles than the second axis, and electrostatic actuation in the second axis of rotation. Electrostatic pads can be used to sense rotation. When staggering adjacent pixels a center array of mirrors with no coils or electrodes provides increased radius of curvature and reducing undesirable cross-talk between adjacent mirror devices.

Growing community of inventors

Milford, NH, United States of America

John David Brazzle