Abstract: An article having an optical fiber integrally attached to a micro-device having spaced movable and nonmoving layers suitable for creating optical interference effects is disclosed. In one configuration, the micro-device is suitable for optical modulation, wherein the movable layer is electrostatically actuated to move towards the nonmoving layer. Such movement changes the size of the gap between the layers, resulting in a change in micro-device reflectivity. An optical signal is modulated by controlling micro-device reflectivity via a controlled voltage source. In a second configuration, the micro-device is suitable for measuring pressure. For pressure measurement, the movable membrane moves in response to pressure changes. The change in membrane position again results in a change in micro-device reflectivity. Reflectivity is correlatable to pressure. In a third configuration, the micro-device is suitable for measuring temperature.

Abstract: An improved modulator and methods for making the modulator are disclosed. A membrane, preferably circular in shape, is formed over a region of a substrate in such a way that a gap results between the membrane and substrate forming a modulator cavity. The membrane forms a continuous surface over the cavity. In particular, the membrane is not supported by discrete support arms, but rather extends beyond the modulator cavity. Preferably, holes are formed in the membrane to aid in damping its motion and to allow access to underlying layers during modulator formation. According to the method, the modulator is formed by forming a means for creating a gap between the substrate and the membrane, forming a membrane, forming a lateral conduit to aid in removing the means for creating the gap and, finally, by removing the means for creating the gap.

Abstract: A portable, collapsible, water proof canopy especially adapted for use in a tree is provided. A flexible, collapsible frame is detachably coupled to the canopy along its perimeter. Means for suspending the canopy from a tree is disposed near the center of the canopy. Sufficient canopy material is provided so that when the canopy is suspended from the tree at said means, the canopy assumes an approximately conical shape. A user perched in a tree underneath the canopy is thereby partially protected from inclement weather.

Abstract: An improved squeeze-type micromechanical structure for high speed operation, i.e., greater than 1 MHz, is disclosed. The structure has a movable member possessing damping holes. The porosity, 1/(.omega..sub.o .tau.), of the movable member is at least about 1.4. The structure is hermetically sealed and is maintained above atmospheric pressure and at a minimum reduced pressure or gas frequency, .omega..sub.g /.omega..sub.o, of about 1.3. To operate with less than 10 percent "ringing," .omega..sub.g /.omega..sub.o >1.3 and 0.25+0.7(.omega..sub.g /.omega..sub.o).sup.2 -0.8(.omega..sub.g /.omega..sub.o -1.25).ltoreq.1/(.omega..sub.o .tau.).ltoreq.0.25+0.7(.omega..sub.g /.omega..sub.o).sup.2 +(.omega..sub.g /.omega..sub.o -1.25).

Abstract: An improved arrow rest and archery bow are disclosed. The arrow rest has guides for directing an arrow shaft to an arrow support region defined between the guides. Preferably, two adjustable, spring-biased contacts are disposed in the arrow support region for supporting the arrow. The guides allow an archer substantial latitude for initial placement of the arrow shaft on the rest. Furthermore, the guides will return a jarred arrow shaft to the arrow support region. A support structure interconnects the guides with an archery bow.

Abstract: An optical modulator/optical switch is disclosed. The modulator/switch includes a reflective zone plate defined in a movable zone plate support. The reflective zone plate focuses an optical signal reflected therefrom. In response to a control signal, a controlled voltage source applies a voltage across the movable zone plate support and a layer spaced from the zone plate support. The applied voltage generates an electrostatic force that causes the zone plate support to move towards the other layer. When the zone plate support moves, the reflective zone plate's orientation to an optical signal incident thereon changes. Such a change in orientation alters the path of the optical signal reflected from the reflective zone plate. The reflected optical signal can be directed to different receiving waveguides by changing the amplitude of the applied voltage.