Abstract: A micro spectrophotometer is monolithically constructed on a silicon substrate. The spectrophotometer includes a concave grating, which is used for dispersing optical waves as well as focusing reflected light onto a photodiode array sited on a silicon bridge. The silicon bridge is bent 90° from the surface of the silicon substrate in order to orthogonally intersect the output light from the grating. A precision notch is defined in the silicon substrate for coupling to an optical input fiber. Signal processing circuitry is etched on the substrate using conventional CMOS processes for initial processing of information received from the photodiode array.

Abstract: A method of operating a computing system that includes a display for rendered graphical images and an electronic tag reader configured to read an identifier of the electronic tag providing signals indicating target regions within images presented by the display. The method includes presenting a start image on the display, wherein the start image includes a first surface perceptible as viewed from a start viewpoint within a three-dimensional data space, receiving an identifier from an electronic tag indicating a target image, and presenting the target image on the display.

Abstract: A bistable flap array display in which flaps selectively cover portions of a background substrate in response to fluid flow and a flap catchment mechanism, each flap rendering at least one pixel of the display. The catchment mechanism can be electrostatically based and the fluid can reduce the charge required to operate the catchment mechanism by creating a partial vacuum that lifts the flaps until the flow can impinge on the flap directly.

Abstract: A system for identifying multiple electronic tags that includes a plurality of electronic tags attachable to a single object, each electronic tag having a non-overlapping readable region, and each electronic tag having a unique identifier. One or more electronic tag readers are configured to read the unique identifier of each electronic tag within the non-overlapping readable region, and a computing system is connected to the electronic tag reader to provide digital services in response to reading the unique identifier of each electronic tag. In certain embodiments, the electronic tags can have integral sensor systems that detect, for example, light, location, acceleration, or other physical properties, allowing provision of particular digital services related to the sensed properties.

Abstract: A system for N-space navigation of digital data sets comprising an electronic tag having a digitally readable identifier, an electronic tag reader configured to read the identifier of the electronic tag, and a computing system connected to the electronic tag reader to provide digital navigation services of N-space data sets in response to reading the unique identifier of each electronic tag.

Abstract: A device structure is defined in a single-crystal silicon (SCS) layer separated by an insulator layer, such as an oxide layer, from a handle wafer. The SCS can be attached to the insulator by wafer bonding, and is selectively etched, as by photolithographic patterning and dry etching. A sacrificial oxide layer can be deposited on the etched SCS, on which polysilicon can be deposited. A protective oxide layer is deposited, and CMOS circuitry and sensors are integrated. Silicon microstructures with sensors connected to CMOS circuitry are released. In addition, holes can be etched through the sacrificial oxide layer, sacrificial oxide can be deposited on the etched SCS, polysilicon can be deposited on the sacrificial oxide, PSG can be deposited on the polysilicon layer, which both can then be patterned.

Abstract: A micro spectrophotometer is monolithically constructed on a silicon substrate. The spectrophotometer includes a concave grating, which is used for dispersing optical waves as well as focusing reflected light onto a photodiode array sited on a silicon bridge. The silicon bridge is bent 90° from the surface of the silicon substrate in order to orthogonally intersect the output light from the grating. A precision notch is defined in the silicon substrate for coupling to an optical input fiber. Signal processing circuitry is etched on the substrate using conventional CMOS processes for initial processing of information received from the photodiode array.

Abstract: A touchable user interface including multiple robotic modules that can “walk” over each other to allow reconfiguration of the interface. Each module preferably includes motive devices as well as connective devices communication between the modules and a control unit that send commands to the interface, thereby enabling its reconfiguration. Depending on the needs of the user/builder, the interface can be an input interface, or both. The interface can also act as robotic appendage/manipulator capable of engaging and manipulating a wide variety of objects and/or substances by engulfing such objects and/or substances in “pseudopods” and structural voids which the modules are moved by instructions from the control unit.

Abstract: A modular electronic assembly comprising a plurality of modules. Each modules power connection plates including a single dynamically defined root power connection plate and at least one dynamically defined branch power connection plate. Each module has a power distribution controller for dynamically defining the single root power connection plate and branch power connection plate(s) and distributing power between the modules only from branch power connection plates to root power connection plates of the modules connected by power connection plates. A constant current power supply is connected to at least one of the plurality of modules to provide a substantially constant current to all of the plurality of modules connected together by power connection plates.

Abstract: Construction of fluid conduit systems in printed circuit boards or other dielectric laminate substrates is disclosed. The fluid conduits can be angled or curved to provide greater directional control of fluid flow. Conduits are created by lamination of a first laminate layer and a second laminate layer. The first laminate layer is composed of a dielectric base material impregnated with a resin, with a first aperture defined therethrough, while the second laminate layer has a second aperture. The second aperture is positioned with respect to the first aperture to only partially overlap, together defining an angled conduit. Fluid flow through the conduits can be controlled using microdevice valves.

Abstract: A variable fluid flow valve is disclosed. The valve can be batch fabricated in two dimensional valve arrays, with all valves in the array being controlled in parallel to achieve high flow rates without increasing response time. Typically, each valve includes a valve housing having an aperture plate defining an elongated aperture therethrough, and an opposing plate positioned in spaced apart relationship to the aperture plate. In one embodiment a flexible film or strip is attached at its first end to the aperture plate and at its second end to the opposing plate. In another embodiment of the invention, the flexible film is attached at only one end and is free to move at the other end. In both types of valves, valve action is provided by using electrodes to variably move the flexible film from an aperture blocking to an aperture non-blocking position. The flexible film may be moved in a continuously variable manner or a discretely variable manner, depending upon the electrode configuration.

Abstract: A system for detecting and damping vibrations in printer components, mechanical devices, buildings, or large structures has a plurality of light beam detectors for generating signals corresponding to a reference light beam position. The light beam detectors are partially transparent to allow passage of the light beam through the detector, permitting multiple detectors to use the same reference light beam. The detectors are attached to vibration susceptible structural elements, with detected movement of the light beam with respect to the partially transparent light beam detector corresponding to movement of the vibration susceptible structural element. Motion control units connected to the detectors can be used to control or damp detected vibrations in real-time.

Abstract: A valve array for supporting objects such as paper with controlled fluid flow is disclosed. Optional valve arrays can be used to controllably eject marking agents for marking or coating a paper or other suitable substrate. Each valve in the valve array has one or more flap elements positioned in a valve chamber. These flap elements are movable to alternatively block the fluid flow through valve chamber outlets with the aid of various catch mechanisms for controllably latching the flap elements. The catch mechanisms have a disabled state and an activated state for holding and allowing release of the flap elements. Once the catch mechanism are disabled, the flap elements are free to move to another position, provided they can overcome the mechanical fluid flow forces that tend to hold it in position. To counter and utilize such forces for moving the flap elements, an impulse mechanism kicks the flap element into the valve chamber, away from the catch mechanisms.

Abstract: A personal storage device for receipt, storage, and transfer of digital information to other electronic devices has a pocket sized crush resistant casing with a volume of less than about ten cubic centimeters. A processor is positioned within the casing cavity and attached to the crush resistant casing, while a memory module also positioned within the casing cavity is configured to store received executable applications and data. An infrared transceiver is mounted on the crush resistant casing and in electronic communication with the processor and memory module to provide for receipt and storage of executable applications, and receipt, storage, and transfer of digital information to other electronic devices. The digital information stored by the personal storage device can be intermittently synchronized with other electronic devices.

Abstract: A valve array system including microelectromechanical valves embedded in a dielectric substrate is disclosed. These microelectromechanical valves can be batch fabricated using resin impregnated dielectric laminates having photolithographically formed circuitry for electrical connections. Movable components of valves, including electromagnetic or electrostatically actuated membranes, flaps, or beams, can be formed from laminate material using sacrifice layers and etching.

Abstract: A bistable valve useful for paper handling applications is disclosed. The valve can be batch fabricated in two dimensional valve arrays, with each valve in the array being controlled by passive matrix addressing. Typically, each valve includes a valve housing an electrically conductive movable element such as cantilever beam, diaphragm or film. Valve action is provided by use of housing embedded switching electrodes for moving the movable element between an aperture blocking position and an aperture open position. To reduce unswitched movement when the switching electrode bias is reduced or not present, electrostatic or mechanical catches can be used.

Abstract: A bistable valve useful for paper handling applications is disclosed. The valve can be batch fabricated in two dimensional valve arrays, with each valve in the array being controlled by passive matrix addressing. Typically, each valve includes a valve housing having an aperture plate defining an aperture therethrough, and an opposing plate positioned in spaced apart relationship to the aperture plate. A flexible film or strip is attached at its first end to the aperture plate and at its second end to the opposing plate. Valve action is provided by use of at least two switching electrodes for moving the flexible film between an aperture blocking position and an aperture open position, with at least one of the switching electrodes positioned adjacent to the aperture plate and at least one of the switching electrodes positioned adjacent to the opposing plate. To reduce unswitched movement when the switching electrode bias is reduced or not present, at least two electrostatic or mechanical catches are used.

Abstract: A dry etch apparatus for micromachining a substrate having a first and a second layer of dissimilar materials joined together at a heterojunction includes a chuck for holding the substrate. The chuck has a first electrical contact positionable to contact the first layer, and second electrical contact positionable to contact the second layer, with the first and second electrical contacts being electrically isolated from each other. A voltage source is connected to the first electrical contact of the chuck to apply a voltage potential across the heterojunction of the substrate. When a plasma containing chemically reactive ions is directed against the second layer, etching of non-masked regions continues unless it is substantially stopped at the voltage biased substrate heterojunction. The substrate can be cooled or periodically recoated with erodable protective material to limit sidewall damage to the substrate while still allowing downward etching into the substrate.

Abstract: A paper handling system for air mediated transport of sheets or pages of paper is disclosed. Microelectromechanical valves and sensors are embedded in a dielectric substrate for tracking and controlling paper transport. These microelectromechanical systems can be batch fabricated using resin impregnated dielectric laminates having photolithographically formed circuitry for electrical connections. Use of high speed sensor and valve control systems permit dynamic adjustments to paper trajectory during paper transport.

Abstract: An acoustic ink printhead includes a substrate having an inlet side, an outlet side, and a plurality of acoustic lenses acoustically coupled to a substrate. Each acoustic lens has an identical focal length for focusing acoustic energy at an associated position adjacent to the substrate. A top plate is attached to the substrate to define a channel that permits ink flow between the inlet side and the outlet side. The top plate has a plurality of variable size openings to permit ejection of acoustically impelled droplets of ink flowing in the channel. Because of the varying size of the openings in the top plate, the ink menisci in the plurality of openings is maintained at a substantially constant distance with respect to the substrate, improving uniformity of droplets ejected.