Abstract: Mechanisms can be designed to manage non-contact forces to reduce energy consumption and/or to control interactions between the parts. Management of non-contact forces is especially useful in micro-scale and nano-scale mechanisms, where van der Waals attraction between parts of the mechanism may be significant to the operation of the mechanism.

Abstract: Logic mechanisms operate to define the position of at least one mechanical output based on the position of two or more mechanical inputs, and employ at least one control element that functions to determine (at least in part) whether an output is moved, and which provides the same function in more than one position. Some mechanisms are configured to determine, based on the input positions, whether a path to transmit motion to an output exists or does not exist. Some mechanisms are configured to determine, based on the input positions, whether or not motion of a driven element can be accommodated without moving an output.

Abstract: A selective motion transfer mechanism acts to transmit rotary motion between a common element and a selected one of multiple channel elements. The common element can be positioned in alignment with any one of the channel elements, and when so aligned, rotation of one of the aligned elements causes rotation of the other.

Abstract: Logic mechanisms operate to define the position of at least one mechanical output based on the position of at least one mechanical input. Some mechanisms are configured to determine, based on the input position(s), whether a path to transmit motion to an output exists or does not exist. Some mechanisms are configured to determine, based on the input position(s), whether or not motion of a driven element can be accommodated without moving an output. Some mechanisms are configured to determine, based on the input position(s), whether or not one or more elements are constrained to transmit motion to an output.

Abstract: Logic mechanisms operate to define the position of at least one mechanical output based on the position of two or more mechanical inputs, and employ at least one control element that functions to determine (at least in part) whether an output is moved, and which provides the same function in more than one position. Some mechanisms are configured to determine, based on the input positions, whether a path to transmit motion to an output exists or does not exist. Some mechanisms are configured to determine, based on the input positions, whether or not motion of a driven element can be accommodated without moving an output.

Abstract: Mechanisms can be designed to manage non-contact forces to reduce energy consumption and/or to control interactions between the parts. Management of non-contact forces is especially useful in micro-scale and nano-scale mechanisms, where van der Waals attraction between parts of the mechanism may be significant to the operation of the mechanism.

Abstract: Logic mechanisms operate to define the position of at least one mechanical output based on the position of at least one mechanical input. Some mechanisms are configured to determine, based on the input position(s), whether a path to transmit motion to an output exists or does not exist. Some mechanisms are configured to determine, based on the input position(s), whether or not motion of a driven element can be accommodated without moving an output. Some mechanisms are configured to determine, based on the input position(s), whether or not one or more elements are constrained to transmit motion to an output.

Abstract: A buffered cam assembly, which is particularly well-suited for use to provide a clock input for a mechanical computing system, interposes a buffer element between a cam surface and a follower. The buffer element engages the cam surface and acts to significantly reduce the effect of any irregularities in the cam surface on the resulting motion of the follower, allowing the output waveform of movement of the follower to more closely approximate an intended ideal output waveform.

Abstract: Devices powered by fuel cells can be operated for extended durations when the fuel cells are adapted to extract the necessary reactants for generating power from the surrounding environment and when the concentration of reactants in that environment is maintained at a sufficient level by interaction between the environment and a reactant-enriched atmosphere.

Abstract: A buffered cam assembly, which is particularly well-suited for use to provide a clock input for a mechanical computing system, interposes a buffer element between a cam surface and a follower. The buffer element engages the cam surface and acts to significantly reduce the effect of any irregularities in the cam surface on the resulting motion of the follower, allowing the output waveform of movement of the follower to more closely approximate an intended ideal output waveform.

Abstract: Provided is an optical waveguide comprising a core surrounded by a cladding, wherein the core is in the shape of a trapezoid with sidewall angles between 60° and 85° and an opto-electronic circuit comprising the optical waveguide. Operational characteristics of the optical waveguide are shown to be superior to those of incumbent devices.

Abstract: A buffered cam assembly, which is particularly well-suited for use to provide a clock input for a mechanical computing system, interposes a buffer element between a cam surface and a follower. The buffer element engages the cam surface and acts to significantly reduce the effect of any irregularities in the cam surface on the resulting motion of the follower, allowing the output waveform of movement of the follower to more closely approximate an intended ideal output waveform.

Abstract: Devices powered by fuel cells can be operated for extended durations when the fuel cells are adapted to extract the necessary reactants for generating power from the surrounding environment and when the concentration of reactants in that environment is maintained at a sufficient level by interaction between the environment and a reactant-enriched atmosphere.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a passivation layer comprising a photocrosslinked fluoropolymer and a process for forming the layer. Passivation layers comprising the crosslinked fluoropolymer have low dielectric constants, low water absorptivity and are able to be photoimaged so as to provide the very fine features needed for modern electronic equipment.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a passivation layer comprising a photocrosslinked fluoropolymer and a process for forming the layer. Passivation layers comprising the crosslinked fluoropolymer have low dielectric constants, low water absorptivity and are able to be photoimaged so as to provide the very fine features needed for modern electronic equipment.

Abstract: Deposited thin-film dielectrics having columnar grains and high dielectric constants are formed on heat treated and polished metal foil. The sputtered dielectrics are annealed at low oxygen partial pressures.

Abstract: The invention is a method for forming a thin layer of particulate on a substrate by applying a layer of a composition comprising the particulate and a dispersing agent on the substrate, treating the layer with charged gas to remove the dispersing agent from the layer; and induction heating to form operative connection of the particulate.

Abstract: The invention is a method for forming a thin layer of particulate on a substrate by applying a layer of a composition comprising the particulate and a dispersing agent on the substrate, treating the layer with charged gas to remove the dispersing agent from the layer; and induction heating to form operative connection of the particulate.

Abstract: Deposited thin-film dielectrics having columnar grains and high dielectric constants are formed on heat treated and polished metal foil. The sputtered dielectrics are annealed at low oxygen partial pressures.

Abstract: An integral structure is provided for chemical processing and manufacture, in which a plurality of laminae are joined together and having inlet and outlet ports connected by a three dimensionally tortuous channel. Chemicals are introduced through the inlet ports and processed along the channel, with desirable product withdrawn through the outlet ports. The laminae are of materials selected to be compatible with the chemical process, from the group consisting of elements of groups III, IV or V of the Periodic Table, ceramics, glasses, polymers, composites and metals. Processes of manufacture of the apparatus and processes utilizing the apparatus are also disclosed herein.