Abstract: Apparatus including: a substrate, having a substrate surface, at least a portion of which is transparent or apertured; and an array of objects each having a maximum dimension smaller than 1 mm attached to the substrate and having an axis about which the object can rotate, wherein the object has two stable positions, a first stable position at which the object covers a transparent or apertured portion of the substrate and a second stable position at which the transparent portion is at least partially uncovered.

Abstract: Apparatus including a substrate, having a substrate surface; an object having a maximum dimension smaller than 1 mm; an axle, having an axis, attached to the object body; and an axle support attached to the substrate and having a support surface. The axle has a rounded cross-section, as manufactured and forms a non-zero angle with a perpendicular to the surface. The object is capable of rotating about the axle.

Abstract: A visual display is provided comprising a plurality of pixels each of which comprises: a surface having an area less than one square millimiter comprising first and second regions having surface finishes; and a thin planar panel having first and second sides having surface finishes, wherein the panel is rotatably coupled to the surface so as to rotate between a first and a second position about an axis parallel to the surface; wherein the panel in the first position is positioned over the first region with its second side facing the first region and wherein in the second position the panel is positioned over the second region with its first side facing the second region.