DNA Diagnostics Using Electrical Detection

Not Available The proposed research seeks to develop new constant force brush holders incorporating pseudoelastic alloys for use with advanced metal foil and fiber brushes. The new brush holders satisfy requirements relevant to brush pressure and wear movements; they are also compact, resistant to prevalent operating temperatures and lateral forces, and capable of minimizing electrical losses while transferring high current densities. Incorporaition of pseudoelastic springs is the distinguishing feature of the new holder design. Pseudoelastic alloys can be strained orders of magnitude more than normal spring materials without being plastically deformed; the stress level associated with these large pseudoelastic strains is practically constant. The proposed Phase I research will: (1) select geometric configuraitons, compatible pseudoelastic alloys and detailed deisgns for satisfying the targeted requirements in different circumstances; and (2) manufacture pseudoelastic-based mechanical holders, and verify their performance through simulated laboratory tests. The Phase I Option would quantify the competitive technical and cost advantages of the new brush holders. The proposing group includes a leading manufacturer of brush holders and a major supplier of pseudoelastic alloys.