Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed wherein a battery comprises at least one electrode formed from a graphitic carbon nanostructured surface wherein the nanostructured surface consists of a plurality of nanoposts formed from graphitic carbon such that the graphitic nanoposts serve both as an operational feature (i.e., dielectric/electrode) and control feature of the battery itself. In one embodiment, the nanostructured surface consists of a plurality of nanoposts wherein a select portion of each nanopost is formed to serve as the dielectric of the nanostructured battery, and the balance of each nanopost is utilized to impart the control features to the nanostructured battery.

Abstract: A device comprising an analytical sample substrate having at least one region that comprises a plurality of sample-support-structures. Each of the sample-support-structures have at least one dimension of about 1 millimeter or less. A sum of areas of contact surfaces of the sample-support-structures is substantially less than a total area of the region. The contact surfaces define a prescribed sample path to an analytical depot located on the analytical sample substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus, comprising a first mechanical structure having a first rigid surface, an area of the first rigid surface having a nanostructured surface. The apparatus also includes a second mechanical structure having a second rigid surface and opposing the first mechanical structure. The second rigid surface is cooperable with the nanostructured surface such that a microscopic particle is locatable between the nanostructured surface and the second rigid surface.

Abstract: A cell-array battery is disclosed having end-of-life cells that can be activated at the end of a battery's life to, illustratively, neutralize the toxic chemicals inside the battery. In one embodiment, neutralization of the electrolyte in the battery is achieved through immobilization of the electrolyte at the end of the life of the battery by, for example, a vitrification process. Using electrowetting techniques, the electrolyte is made to contact a neutralizing substance between the nanostructures in one or more end-of-life cells, thus causing a reaction that results in the electrolyte becoming immobilized by, for example, a polymer substance. In a second illustrative embodiment, when the electrolyte contacts the substance between the nanostructures in one or more end-of-life cells, the chemical composition of the electrolyte is changed into a less toxic chemical compound, thus neutralizing the electrolyte.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed wherein the movement of a droplet disposed on a nanostructured or microstructured surface is determined by at least one characteristic of the nanostructure feature pattern or at least one characteristic of the droplet. In one embodiment, the movement of the droplet is laterally determined by at least one characteristic of the nanostructure feature pattern such that the droplet moves in a desired direction along a nanostructured feature pattern. In another embodiment, the movement of the droplet is determined by either at least one characteristic of the nanostructure feature pattern or at least one characteristic of the droplet in a way such that the droplet penetrates the feature pattern at a desired area and becomes substantially immobile.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus, comprising a first mechanical structure having a first rigid surface, an area of the first rigid surface having a nanostructured surface. The apparatus also includes a second mechanical structure having a second rigid surface and opposing the first mechanical structure. The second rigid surface is cooperable with the nanostructured surface such that a microscopic particle is locatable between the nanostructured surface and the second rigid surface.

Abstract: A cell-array battery is disclosed having end-of-life cells that can be activated at the end of a battery's life to, illustratively, neutralize the toxic chemicals inside the battery. In one embodiment, neutralization of the electrolyte in the battery is achieved through immobilization of the electrolyte at the end of the life of the battery by, for example, a vitrification process. Using electrowetting techniques, the electrolyte is made to contact a neutralizing substance between the nanostructures in one or more end-of-life cells, thus causing a reaction that results in the electrolyte becoming immobilized by, for example, a polymer substance. In a second illustrative embodiment, when the electrolyte contacts the substance between the nanostructures in one or more end-of-life cells, the chemical composition of the electrolyte is changed into a less toxic chemical compound, thus neutralizing the electrolyte.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a liquid switch. The liquid switch comprises a substrate having a surface with first and second regions thereon and a fluid configured to contact both of the regions. The regions each comprise electrically connected fluid-support-structures, wherein each of the fluid-support-structures have at least one dimension of about 1 millimeter or less. The regions are electrically isolated from each other.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a substrate having a surface with electrically connected and electrically isolated fluid-support-structures thereon. Each of the fluid-support-structures have at least one dimension of about 1 millimeter or less. The electrically connected fluid-support-structures are taller than the electrically isolated fluid-support-structures.

Abstract: An apparatus that comprises a liquid mirror. The liquid mirror includes a liquid that forms an interface with a fluid adjacent to the liquid. The liquid mirror also includes a layer of reflective particles located at the interface, wherein the layer forms a reflective surface.

Abstract: Apparatus including a chip substrate having a first chip surface facing away from a second chip surface; an array of microelectronic elements on the first chip surface; and an array of conductors each in communication with one of the microelectronic elements, the conductors passing through the chip substrate and fully spanning a distance between the first and second chip surfaces.

Abstract: Apparatus including a chip substrate having a first chip surface facing away from a second chip surface; an array of microelectronic elements on the first chip surface; and an array of conductors each in communication with one of the microelectronic elements, the conductors passing through the chip substrate and fully spanning a distance between the first and second chip surfaces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed wherein nanostructures or microstructures are disposed on a surface of a body (such as a submersible vehicle) that is adapted to move through a fluid, such as water. The nanostructures or microstructures are disposed on the surface in a way such that the contact between the surface and the fluid is reduced and, correspondingly, the friction between the surface and the fluid is reduced. In an illustrative embodiment, the surface is a surface on a submarine or other submersible vehicle (such as a torpedo). Illustratively, electrowetting principles are used to cause the fluid to at least partially penetrate the nanostructures or microstructures on the surface of the body in order to selectively create greater friction in a desired location of the surface. Such penetration may be used, for example, to create drag that alters the direction or speed of travel of the body.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a liquid switch. The liquid switch comprises a substrate having a surface with first and second regions thereon and a fluid configured to contact both of the regions. The regions each comprise electrically connected fluid-support-structures, wherein each of the fluid-support-structures have at least one dimension of about 1 millimeter or less. The regions are electrically isolated from each other.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a liquid switch. The liquid switch comprises a substrate having a surface with first and second regions thereon and a fluid configured to contact both of the regions. The regions each comprise electrically connected fluid-support-structures, wherein each of the fluid-support-structures have at least one dimension of about 1 millimeter or less. The regions are electrically isolated from each other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed wherein nanostructures or microstructures are disposed on a surface of a body (such as a submersible vehicle) that is adapted to move through a fluid, such as water. The nanostructures or microstructures are disposed on the surface in a way such that the contact between the surface and the fluid is reduced and, correspondingly, the friction between the surface and the fluid is reduced. In an illustrative embodiment, the surface is a surface on a submarine or other submersible vehicle (such as a torpedo). Illustratively, electrowetting principles are used to cause the fluid to at least partially penetrate the nanostructures or microstructures on the surface of the body in order to selectively create greater friction in a desired location of the surface. Such penetration may be used, for example, to create drag that alters the direction or speed of travel of the body.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a substrate having a surface configured to accommodate a fluid thereover. A plurality of fluid-support-structures are on the surface. Each of the fluid-support-structures has at least one dimension of less than one millimeter. A well in the substrate has an opening on the surface. A medium is locatable between the plurality of fluid-support-structures and in the well. The medium located between the fluid-support-structures is in communication with the medium in the well.

Abstract: A MEMS microphone is fabricated into an integrated physical device which also comprises a solar cell. The solar cell provides power to the MEMS microphone, and may do so with use of a capacitor, which may also be incorporated into the device, and serves to provide power to the MEMS microphone when the solar cell is unable to do so (e.g., at night). A wireless transmitter and antenna may also be incorporated into the device, in order to transmit acoustic data which has been captured by the MEMS microphone. In one embodiment of the invention, the MEMS microphone comprises a fixed backplate and a diaphragm, and the solar cell is advantageously comprised in the diaphragm thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in one embodiment, an apparatus. The apparatus, without limitation, may include a substrate with a surface, and a polymer layer attached to a region of the surface. The apparatus may further include a plurality of nanostructures, a first end of each nanostructure being in the polymer layer and a second end of each nanostructure protruding through the polymer layer, wherein the nanostructures are configured to move from a first position to a second position in response to a change in thickness of the polymer layer from a first thickness to a second thickness.

Abstract: An apparatus, comprising a plurality of closed cells disposed on a surface of a substrate. Each of the closed cells has at least one dimension that is less than about 1 millimeter and are configured to hold a medium therein. The apparatus also comprises a foam that contacts the closed cells. The foam has fluid walls that include a surfactant, and bubbles of the foam layer are filled with the medium.