Abstract: Tunable impedance matching networks and tunable diplexer matching systems are provided. A tunable impedance matching network can include an impedance element connected between first and second nodes for communicating signals between the first and second nodes. For example, the impedance element can be a transmission line or an inductor. Further, the matching network can include a first capacitor connected in parallel with the impedance element, wherein the first capacitor is tunable. The matching network can also include a second capacitor comprising first and second terminals. The first terminal of the second capacitor can be connected to the first node. The second terminal of the second capacitor can be connected to a local voltage reference for the first node. A third capacitor comprises first and second terminals. The first terminal of the second capacitor can be connected to the second node. The second and third capacitors can also be tunable.

Abstract: Micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) variable capacitors and actuation components and related methods are provided. A MEMS variable capacitor can include first and second feed lines extending substantially parallel to one another. Further, MEMS variable capacitors can include first and second capacitive plates being spaced apart from the first and second feed lines. The first and second capacitive plates can be separately movable with respect to at least one of the first and second feed lines for varying the capacitance between the first and second feed lines over a predetermined capacitance range.

Abstract: Micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) variable capacitor apparatuses, system and related methods are provided. According to one embodiment, a method for varying the capacitance of two conductive plates is provided. The method can include providing a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) variable capacitor. The variable capacitor can include first and second actuation electrodes wherein one of the actuation electrodes is movable with respect to the other actuation electrode when a voltage is applied across the first and second actuation electrodes. Further, the variable capacitor can include first and second capacitive electrodes. The method can include applying a voltage to the first and second actuation electrodes for movement of at least one of the capacitive electrodes in a substantially straight direction with respect to the other capacitive electrode upon application of voltage across the first and second actuation electrodes to change the capacitance between the first and second capacitive electrodes.

Abstract: Micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) variable capacitor apparatuses, system and related methods are provided. According to one embodiment, a MEMS variable capacitor is provided. The variable capacitor can include first and second actuation electrodes being spaced apart, and at least one of the actuation electrodes being movable when a voltage is applied across the first and second actuation electrodes. Further, the variable capacitor can include a first capacitive electrode attached to the first actuation electrode. The variable capacitor can also include a second capacitive electrode attached to the second actuation electrode and spaced from the first capacitive electrode for movement of at least one of the capacitive electrodes with respect to the other capacitive electrode upon application of voltage across the first and second actuation electrodes to change the capacitance between the first and second capacitive electrodes.

Abstract: According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a MEMS fixed capacitor and a method for fabricating the MEMS fixed capacitor. The MEMS fixed capacitor can include a first stationary, capacitive plate on a substrate. Further, the MEMS fixed capacitor can include a non-conductive, stationary beam suspended above the substrate.

Abstract: According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a tunable duplexer. The tunable duplexer can include a common node for communicating signals comprising a plurality of frequencies. Further, the tunable duplexer can include first and second band nodes for communicating first and second predetermined frequency bands, respectively, of the plurality of frequencies. The tunable duplexer can also include a filter coupled between the common node and the first and second band nodes. The filter can include pole-zero elements adapted to pass signals of the first and second predetermined frequency bands to the first and second band nodes, respectively. Further, the filter can be adapted to block signals of the first and second predetermined frequency band to the second and first band nodes, respectively.

Abstract: Micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) variable capacitor apparatuses, system and related methods are provided. According to one embodiment, a method for varying the capacitance of two conductive plates is provided. The method can include providing a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) variable capacitor. The variable capacitor can include first and second actuation electrodes wherein one of the actuation electrodes is movable with respect to the other actuation electrode when a voltage is applied across the first and second actuation electrodes. Further, the variable capacitor can include first and second capacitive electrodes. The method can include applying a voltage to the first and second actuation electrodes for movement of at least one of the capacitive electrodes in a substantially straight direction with respect to the other capacitive electrode upon application of voltage across the first and second actuation electrodes to change the capacitance between the first and second capacitive electrodes.

Abstract: An in-line flow control device for a well chokes flow through a conduit while allowing access therethrough.

Abstract: A fountain, suitable in particular for use in domestic locations, comprises a generally vertical fluid inlet tube, a spray tube surrounding the fluid inlet tube and free to move linearly in the direction of the length of the latter, the spray tube being open at its lower end and having at least one flow-restricting orifice at its upper end, and a liquid container surrounding the spray tube. A pump may be provided to feed fluid, e.g. air or water, to the fluid inlet tube. Liquid ejected from the orifice or orifices may be collected in a catchment vessel and returned to the liquid container for recycling.

Abstract: Melt polycondensation of bis(aminophenyl)sulphone with dicarboxylic acid, especially aliphatic dicarboxylic acid, using as catalyst a specified Group VB compound, or metal salt or complex thereof. Typical catalysts are phosphinates or phosphonates in admixtures with metal salts.