Abstract: A high quality-factor, tunable radio frequency or microwave resonator is disclosed. The resonator includes one or more microelectromechanical switches positioned along its length. The switches are comprised of metal membrane bridges spanning the microstrip resonator. The bridges are connected to radial stubs that comprise reactive loads. An electrostatic potential differential between the bridge and microstrip resonator causes the bridge to collapse, thereby coupling a radial stub to the microstrip. The imposition of the reactive loads on the resonator causes the resonant frequency to change. Multiple resonators employed in a filter configuration can be variably coupled using microelectromechanical bridges that engage or disengage capacitive air gaps between two microstrip lines, to control filter bandwidth over wide tuning ranges.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for facilitated automatic washing and rinsing of previously used lithographic plate members having substantially flat central portions and pre-formed parallel flanged peripheral edges which comprises removing one or more used plates from a press plate drum, placing the plate on a feed fixture, longitudinally propelling the plate member, applying one or more cleaning solvents to the surface of the plates, scrubbing the surfaces of the plates, rinsing the surfaces thereof with one or more solvents, removing of excess rinse liquids from the surfaces of the plates, sealing the surfaces with a water soluble preserving substance and storing of the plate members until reuse thereof, while accommodating and preserving the peripheral pre-formed flanges of the lithographic plates as they pass through the apparatus, and recycling the cleaning solvent.