Abstract:
Various fluidic techniques can employ ducting structures, such as microstructures, that extend between other components, such as plate-like structures. A ducting structure can, for example, include an inlet opening toward or near one plate-like structure, an outlet opening toward or near another plate-like structure, and a duct in which fluid flows after being received through the inlet opening and before being provided through the outlet opening. In some implementations, a ducting structure is photo-defined, such as by exposing a photoimageable structure and then removing either exposed or unexposed regions. In some implementations, a ducting structure is a freestanding polymer microstructure. In some implementations, ducting structures are microstructures that extend approximately the same length between first and second plate-like structures, and have a ratio of length to maximum cavity diameter of approximately two or more. A printhead implementation includes an array of such microstructures supported between drive side and drop side assemblies.
Abstract:
A method for sealing microstructured cells, which are defined by at least a first substrate and a wall microstructure extending from the first substrate, includes a step of applying a plurality of adhesive microcapsules along at least one of a first side of a second substrate and an exposed end portion of the wall microstructure. The adhesive microcapsules containing an adhesive substance. Another step includes positioning the first side of the second substrate adjacent the end portion of the wall microstructure. Still another step includes rupturing at least a portion of the plurality of adhesive microcapsules dispensing the adhesive substance between the end portion of the wall microstructure and the first side of the second substrate. A microstructure is also provided.
Abstract:
A liquid drop ejector comprising a jet stack, thin film or thick film heaters formed on the surface of the jet stack, and at least one thin film or thick film temperature sensor operative to provide feedback temperature control for the thin film or thick film heater elements is provided. In one form, the liquid drop ejector also has the thin film or thick film heater elements grouped in segments that are operative to be individually controlled. In addition, in another form, the signal lines provided to the liquid drop ejector are patterned to allow for more uniform resistance over the span of the liquid drop ejector.
Abstract:
A Cassegrain-type concentrating solar collector cell includes primary and secondary mirrors disposed on opposing convex and concave surfaces of a light-transparent (e.g., glass) optical element. Light enters an aperture surface surrounding the secondary mirror, and is reflected by the primary mirror and the secondary mirror onto a photovoltaic cell, which is disposed in a central cavity formed in the optical element. A resilient, optically transmissive material is disposed in the central cavity between the PV cell and the optical element. The photovoltaic cell has a squarish upper surface including metal electrical contact structures disposed on each of the four corners of the upper surface and arranged to define a circular active area. The PV cell is mounted on a heat slug that is disposed in the central cavity during assembly. The heat slug includes resilient fingers that contact the surface of the cavity to facilitate self-alignment of the PV cell.
Abstract:
A method for producing a detection/test tape includes depositing a material onto a surface of at least one first substrate to form a plurality of element structures. Electrodes are deposited on a surface of each of the plurality of element structures, and the element structures are bonded to a second substrate, where the second substrate is conductive or has a conductive layer, and the second substrate is carried on a carrier plate. The at least one first substrate is removed from the element structures and second side electrodes are deposited on a second surface of each of the plurality of element structures. An insulative material is inserted around the element structures to electrically isolate the two substrates used to bond the element structures. A second side of the element structures is then bonded to another substrate, where the other substrate is conductive or has a conductive layer. Thereafter, the carrier plate carrying the second substrate is removed.
Abstract:
A manual tracking apparatus including a manually moveable wand for reading and writing media is provided comprising a wand body partially enclosing at least one wheel, an axle, and a printing member. The printing member is supported by the wand body for printing on a media surface, the printing member having a maximum print area for a predetermined position of the wand body relative to a target object substantially less than the entire area of an image to be printed. A reference ruler is provided for aligning and indexing the position of the wand body relative to the target object. A wand tracking system can be provided including the at least one wheel rigidly coupled to the axle for guiding the wand in a straight line direction.
Abstract:
The present invention provides food compositions comprising thickened dairy protein and flavorings lacking sufficient acidity for protein thickening, food products comprising the compositions and methods of making the compositions.
Abstract:
The present exemplary embodiment relates to an improved flexible display system. One form of the display may use various types of switchable materials contained in micro cells formed from a fabric or mesh material. These cells may serve as a spacer between two opposing electrode sheets and may be individually sealed to the electrode sheets on each face. Moreover, the fabric may, in some forms, be implemented as an electrical grid for addressing the micro cells.
Abstract:
A method of creating a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device includes applying a layer of photoresist to a lower layer to create a multilayer MEMS device. The method includes transferring the layer of photoresist to the lower layer. The method can also include spincoating the photoresist onto a release layer, softbaking the spincoated photoresist to at least partially dry it, transferring the photoresist to form a layer of the multilayer MEMS device, and exposing the photoresist to light to crosslink it. The multilayer MEMS device includes a plurality of layers of photoresist.