Abstract: A field emission device for use as a backlight of a liquid crystal display comprises a conductive anode having a light-emitting layer and a cathode separated from the anode by a spacer. The cathode comprises nanofiber electron emitters. For example, the nanofiber electron emitters comprise a substrate, a conductive film adhered to the substrate and a plurality of isolated, hemispheroidal nanofiber clusters that are capable of emitting electrons at high current density and low field strength.

Abstract: A sealed sensor housing for use in measuring the concentration of an additive or impurity in gasoline comprises a housing body of metal formed by a deformation process with no substantial machining, and the housing body is joined together with an inlet tube, an outlet tube and an electrode such that the electrode is hermetically sealed in the housing body. The deformation process may be hydroforming, deep drawing, coldforming, forging or stamping.

Abstract: An electron emitter is formed by in situ growth from the vapor on catalyst clusters that are adhered by an adhesion layer to a conductive electrode. The emitter comprises hemispheroidal nanofiber clusters that emit electrons at low field strengths and high current densities, producing bright light by the interaction of the electrons and a fluorescent and/or phosphorescent film on an anode spaced across an evacuated gap. The nanofibers may be grown such that the nanofiber clusters are entangled, restricting movement of individual nanofibers.

Abstract: A field emission device for use as a backlight of a liquid crystal display comprises a conductive anode having a light-emitting layer and a cathode separated from the anode by a spacer. The cathode comprises nanofiber electron emitters. For example, the nanofiber electron emitters comprise a substrate, a conductive film adhered to the substrate and a plurality of isolated, hemispheroidal nanofiber clusters that are capable of emitting electrons at high current density and low field strength.

Abstract: A thermal switch for breaking an electrical circuit to prevent overheating s described. The thermal switch includes a bimetallic thermocouple in the form of a snap disc and a leaf spring. The leaf spring supports an electrical contact. When the leaf spring is in its stressed position, the electrical contact keeps an electrical circuit closed. When the temperature rises too high, the snap disc snaps in a direction which causes the leaf spring to move into its unstressed position, thereby opening the circuit. When the temperature has decreased, the switch can be reset.