Quality control of piezoelectric micropumps is presented through design, fabrication process, operation, and characterization. The presented study resulted in the extraction of a minimal set of monitored parameters, which is a prerequisite for reliable and stable micropump operation. Micropump fabrication process steps, especially bonding process quality, in correlation with quality control of micropump constituent components (housing, elastomer, and piezoelectric actuator) provided an explanation for deterioration of common micropump characteristics, such as flow vs. backpressure, suction pressure, and excitation signal. These characteristics also manifested in deterioration of other important micropump properties, such as self-priming ability, bubble tolerance, long-term stability, heat dissipation, and temperature operating range.
F.09 Development of a new technological process or technology
COBISS.SI-ID: 12491860The invention solves the technical problem of how to determine the suitability of heat-insulating panels or building windows in a simple and non-invasive way. The vacuum sensor according to the invention consists of an induction loop and a filament. A few wraps of wire are terminated through a thin metal wire, e.g. tungsten wire. The sensor is inserted at the measuring point. The filament is adequately protected if necessary. During the inspection, the portable outdoor unit is placed near inserted sensor. The outdoor unit induces an alternating electromagnetic field, which induces an electrical voltage in the closed induction loop of the sensor. This drives enough current through the filament to make it glow. If the oxygen concentration at the control point is too high, the oxidation of the heated filament takes place, which causes it to burn out. This is detected optically or via a portable outdoor unit.
F.09 Development of a new technological process or technology
COBISS.SI-ID: 12283732The government has been saving at the expense of knowledge over the last decade. A generation of scientists, most of whom sought work abroad, has been lost. The goal of the state allocating 1% of the gross domestic product of public money to science is still a long way off. The Research Agency, which distributes public money to scientists, is currently looking for a new director, and the ministry has drafted a new law on scientific research and innovation. On organizational and content changes and challenges that await the Slovenian scientific research sphere, in the debate show »Moje mnenje«.
F.30 Professional assessment of the situation
COBISS.SI-ID: 40408069Bioimpedance measurement technique is based on injecting AC current into a biological material and from comparison of voltage and current signals (amplitude and phase) extract (bio)impedance between the electrodes. Influence of electrode shape, positioning and their electrical properties, properties of the measured biological materials can be foreseen and analyzed by performing a numerical simulation of AC current conduction through the analyzed structure by taking into account appropriate boundary conditions and material parameters (both dielectric and conductive) and from known potential distribution extract other quantities of interest such as electric field, current density, current through the electrodes, complex power, and finally (bio)impedance.
F.02 Acquisition of new scientific knowledge
COBISS.SI-ID: 12011092