Abstract: A spatial light modulator contains a substrate (90), a plurality of overlying liquid-crystal cells (202), a plurality of respectively corresponding transistors (204), an electron-beam system (400 and 500), and a control component (203). Each transistor is in electrical communication with the corresponding liquid-crystal cell. The electron-beam system bombards each transistor with electrons that cause it to be selectively in (i) a non-conductive condition in which its channel-region electric field is substantially insufficient for conduction or (ii) a conductive condition in which its channel-region electric field is sufficient for at least partial conduction. During selected time periods when a transistor is in its conductive condition, the control component provides the transistor with a control signal that results in the polarization direction of specified light being selectively rotated in passing through the corresponding liquid-crystal cell.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator contains a substrate (90), a plurality of overlying liquid-crystal cells (202), a plurality of respectively corresponding transistors (204), an electron-beam system (400 and 500), and a control component (203). Each transistor is in electrical communication with the corresponding liquid-crystal cell. The electron-beam system bombards each transistor with electrons that cause it to be selectively in (i) a non-conductive condition in which its channel-region electric field is substantially insufficient for conduction or (ii) a conductive condition in which its channel-region electric field is sufficient for at least partial conduction. During selected time periods when a transistor is in its conductive condition, the control component provides the transistor with a control signal that results in the polarization direction of specified light being selectively rotated in passing through the corresponding liquid-crystal cell.

Abstract: A water filter connects into a waterline which feeds a faucet separate from the filter. A filter cartridge is seated within a canister and has an inlet and an outlet. The canister is removably attached to a cap in which is disposed an entrance port to communicate with the outlet and an exit port to communicate with the inlet. Also in the cap are an input port for receiving water from the line, an output port for delivering water into the line to feed the faucet, a passage which communicates between the input port and the exit port, a passageway which communicates between the input port and the output port and a channel which communicates between the entrance port and the output port. A diverter in the cap responds to a rate of water flow from the faucet of less than a predetermined amount for opening the passage and the channel and closing the passageway, while being responsive to a rate of flow greater than such amount for closing the passage and the channel but opening the passageway.