Abstract: An energy harvesting apparatus is described that utilizes hydraulic actuation and creates a continuous, revolving motion of a chain of energy-producing elements within an energy-producing channel (the channel being in the form of a tube, for example). In particular, the arrangement of the present invention is based upon a specially-designed dual-loop channel topology that allows for efficient conversion of a unidirectional flow of a fluid entering the energy-producing channel into a smooth, continuous revolving motion of a chain of energy-producing elements within the channel.

Abstract: An energy harvesting apparatus utilizes a modular structure to preserve the proper alignment between a chain of energy-producing elements and an energy-producing channel (within which the chain is located and free to slide along, creating electrical energy from mechanical movement). The channel includes a plurality of rigid modules that are separated by flexible segments of tubing. The rigid channel modules house the energy-producing electrodes and/or coils. The chain includes a plurality of rigid modules that are attached along a flexible string in a spaced-apart configuration. The rigid chain modules house the energy-producing magnets and/or conductive droplets. The combination of the flexible channel segments and chain string allow for freedom of motion of the apparatus (required for human locomotion, for example), while providing the desired “fixed” alignment between the rigid energy-producing modules.

Abstract: A closed-loop apparatus for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy utilizes a closed-loop channel including sections of different cross-section (including a first group of sections having a constrained cross-section and a second group sections having an enlarged cross-section). An energy-producing configuration (such as coils and/or electrodes) is formed to surround at least a portion of the channel. A closed-loop chain of energy-producing elements is positioned in channel such that when the chain moves along the channel, the mechanical motion generates electrical energy. The chain is formed to include a set of expandable assemblies that change in dimension as they pass through the different cross-section areas of the channel. An inert fluid is injected into the channel at one or more locations by a mechanical force, resulting in the creation of a pressure-induced force differential that initiates and maintains the movement of the chain with respect to the channel.

Abstract: A method of manufacture comprising forming a plurality of cells on a substrate, wherein each of the cells has at least one dimension that is less than about 1 millimeter and is configured to hold a medium therein, and wherein each of the cells has walls that laterally enclose an area of a surface of the substrate and has a top opening. The method also comprises contacting the cells with a fluid and introducing a surfactant and a medium into the fluid to thereby form a foam layer contacting the walls of cells. Bubbles of the foam layer have fluid walls that include the surfactant, the bubbles are filled with the medium, and the bubbles remain substantially stationary on the top openings of the cells for a period on average of at least about 1 minute.

Abstract: Superlyophobic Surface Structure, including a substrate having a surface; a plurality of nanoscale raised features on the substrate surface, each nanoscale raised feature having a length measured in a direction approximately perpendicular to the substrate surface, each nanoscale raised feature having a raised feature diameter along the length and measured in a direction approximately parallel to the substrate surface; a nanoscale top feature on each of a plurality of the nanoscale raised features, each nanoscale top feature having a top feature diameter measured in a direction approximately parallel to the substrate surface; in which an average top feature diameter is greater than an average raised feature diameter. Method of fabricating a Superlyophobic Surface Structure.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a substrate having a top surface, a substantially regular array of raised structures located over the top surface, and a layer located on the top surface between the structures. Distal surfaces of the structures are farther from the top surface than remaining portions of the structures. The layer is able to contract such that the distal surfaces of the structures protrude through the layer. The layer is able to swell such that the distal surfaces of the structures are closer to the top surface of the substrate than one surface of the layer.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a plurality of closed-cells on a substrate surface. Each of the closed-cells comprise one or more internal walls that divide an interior of each of the closed-cells into a single first zone and a plurality of second zones. The first zone occupies a larger area of the closed-cell than any one of said second zones and the first and second zones are interconnected to form a common volume.

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.

Abstract: A method of controlling the flow resistance of a fluid disposed on a surface of a substrate. The method comprises contacting a fluid with a plurality of cells on a substrate and adjusting amounts of a surfactant and a medium in the fluid to thereby form a foam layer contacting the walls of the cells. Each of the cells has at least one dimension that is less than about 1 millimeter and is configured to hold the medium therein. Each of the cells has walls that laterally enclose an area of a surface of the substrate and has a top opening. Bubbles of the foam layer have fluid walls that include a surfactant, are filled with the medium, and remain substantially stationary on the top openings of the cells for a period on average of at least about 1 minute.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a mechanical-to-electrical energy converting device utilizes an array of microfluidic droplets in association with a planar electrode and separated by a dielectric layer to form a capacitive structure. An elastic spacer is also disposed between the planar electrode and array of droplets, such that as the spacer is compressed, the contact area of the droplets and the dielectric is increased—increasing the total capacitance value. Periodic changes in the force applied to the elastic spacer (such as associated with vibrational motion) creates a periodic change in the capacitance value, generating an electrical current flow between the planar electrode and array of conductive droplets.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a substrate having a top surface, a substantially regular array of raised structures located over the top surface, and a layer located on the top surface between the structures. Distal surfaces of the structures are farther from the top surface than remaining portions of the structures. The layer is able to contract such that the distal surfaces of the structures protrude through the layer. The layer is able to swell such that the distal surfaces of the structures are closer to the top surface of the substrate than one surface of the layer.

Abstract: Device comprising: a first substrate; a plurality of first raised elements on the first substrate, the first raised elements mutually spaced apart by first channel regions on the first substrate, each of the first raised elements having a first distal end, the first distal ends forming a first array; hydrophobic molecules on the first raised elements; and primary reactive molecules on the first raised elements for generating hydrophilic reaction products. Techniques for utilizing the device.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a substrate having a top surface, a substantially regular array of raised structures located over the top surface, and a layer located on the top surface between the structures. Distal surfaces of the structures are farther from the top surface than remaining portions of the structures. The layer is able to contract such that the distal surfaces of the structures protrude through the layer. The layer is able to swell such that the distal surfaces of the structures are closer to the top surface of the substrate than one surface of the layer.

Abstract: A method that comprises returning a droplet of conducting liquid of a tunable liquid microlens to a calibration position. Returning the droplet includes applying a first set of voltages between the conducting liquid and a first set of electrodes to move the droplet to a different position than the calibrated position. Returning the droplet further includes applying a second set of voltages between the conducting liquid and a second set of electrodes to return the droplet to the calibration position.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a mechanical-to-electrical energy converting device having a plurality of electrodes and a fluidic body which comprises spatially separated conductive and dielectric liquid regions. Said fluidic body is configured to reversibly move as a whole with respect to said plurality of electrodes under the influence of a mechanical force. Each cycle of said reversible motion of said fluidic body causes multiple alternations of the amount of electrical charge accumulated by the electrodes, whereby generating electrical current flow between said electrodes.

Abstract: Superlyophobic Surface Structure, including a substrate having a surface; a plurality of nanoscale raised features on the substrate surface, each nanoscale raised feature having a length measured in a direction approximately perpendicular to the substrate surface, each nanoscale raised feature having a raised feature diameter along the length and measured in a direction approximately parallel to the substrate surface; a nanoscale top feature on each of a plurality of the nanoscale raised features, each nanoscale top feature having a top feature diameter measured in a direction approximately parallel to the substrate surface; in which an average top feature diameter is greater than an average raised feature diameter. Method of fabricating a Superlyophobic Surface Structure.

Abstract: Device including channel having channel input and output. Channel has interior channel surface extending along channel path from channel input to output. In one implementation, channel includes plurality of channel sections in serial communication along channel path. Each of channel sections includes first internal circumference spaced apart along channel path from second internal circumference, in each of channel sections the first and second internal circumferences being substantially different. Each of channel sections includes sub-surface of interior channel surface. At least region of sub-surface of each channel section includes distribution of raised micro-scale features. As another implementation, at least first region of interior channel surface includes distribution of raised micro-scale features interrupted by plurality of raised barriers spaced apart along channel path on interior channel surface.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a substrate having a surface with a volume-tunable-material on the surface and fluid-support-structures over the surface and partially embedded in the volume-tunable-material. Each of said fluid-support-structures has at least one dimension of about 1 millimeter or less, and the fluid-support-structures are moveable in response to a volume transition of the volume-tunable-material.

Abstract: Superlyophobic Surface Structure, including a substrate having a surface; a plurality of nanoscale raised features on the substrate surface, each nanoscale raised feature having a length measured in a direction approximately perpendicular to the substrate surface, each nanoscale raised feature having a raised feature diameter along the length and measured in a direction approximately parallel to the substrate surface; a nanoscale top feature on each of a plurality of the nanoscale raised features, each nanoscale top feature having a top feature diameter measured in a direction approximately parallel to the substrate surface; in which an average top feature diameter is greater than an average raised feature diameter. Method of fabricating a Superlyophobic Surface Structure.

Abstract: Device comprising: a first substrate; a plurality of first raised elements on the first substrate, the first raised elements mutually spaced apart by first channel regions on the first substrate, each of the first raised elements having a first distal end, the first distal ends forming a first array; hydrophobic molecules on the first raised elements; and primary reactive molecules on the first raised elements for generating hydrophilic reaction products. Techniques for utilizing the device.