Abstract: A system and computer-implemented method for detecting concealed cargo and/or concealed passengers in a vehicle includes obtaining weight distribution data for the vehicle; obtaining vehicle loading data; measuring a center of mass of the vehicle to obtain an actual center of mass position of the vehicle; and executing one or more computer program modules configured to determined a predicted center of mass position of the vehicle using the obtained vehicle loading data and the obtained weight distribution data of the vehicle; compare the actual center of mass position of the vehicle with the predicted center of mass position of the vehicle; and provide a signal if the actual center of mass position of the vehicle departs from the predicted center of mass position of the vehicle by at least a predetermined threshold, the signal being representative of concealed cargo and/or concealed passengers in the vehicle.

Abstract: Self powered microelectromechanical oscillators are provided for various applications.

Abstract: A system and computer-implemented method for detecting concealed cargo and/or concealed passengers in a vehicle includes obtaining weight distribution data for the vehicle; obtaining vehicle loading data; measuring a center of mass of the vehicle to obtain an actual center of mass position of the vehicle; and executing one or more computer program modules configured to determined a predicted center of mass position of the vehicle using the obtained vehicle loading data and the obtained weight distribution data of the vehicle; compare the actual center of mass position of the vehicle with the predicted center of mass position of the vehicle; and provide a signal if the actual center of mass position of the vehicle departs from the predicted center of mass position of the vehicle by at least a predetermined threshold, the signal being representative of concealed cargo and/or concealed passengers in the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing high-capacitive RF MEMS switches are provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a micro-electro-mechanical switch assembly including a substrate, an electrode disposed on a portion of the substrate, a dielectric layer disposed on at least a portion of the electrode, a metal layer disposed on at least a portion of the dielectric layer, and a flexible membrane having first and second ends supported at spaced locations on the substrate base, where the flexible membrane is configured to move from a default position to an actuated position in response to a preselected switching voltage applied between the flexible membrane and the electrode, and where, in the actuated position, the flexible membrane is in electrical contact with the metal layer.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) switch (10, 110) has an electrode (22, 122) covered by a dielectric layer (23, 123), and has a flexible conductive membrane (31, 131) which moves between positions spaced from and engaging the dielectric layer. At least one of the membrane and dielectric layer has a textured surface (138) that engages the other thereof in the actuated position. The textured surface reduces the area of physical contact through which electric charge from the membrane can tunnel into and become trapped within the dielectric layer. This reduces the amount of trapped charge that could act to latch the membrane in its actuated position, which in turn effects a significant increase in the operational lifetime of the switch.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) switch (10, 110) has an electrode (22, 122) covered by a dielectric layer (23, 123), and has a flexible conductive membrane (31, 131) which moves between positions spaced from and engaging the dielectric layer. At least one of the membrane and dielectric layer has a textured surface (138) that engages the other thereof in the actuated position. The textured surface reduces the area of physical contact through which electric charge from the membrane can tunnel into and become trapped within the dielectric layer. This reduces the amount of trapped charge that could act to latch the membrane in its actuated position, which in turn effects a significant increase in the operational lifetime of the switch.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) switch (10, 110) has an electrode (22, 122) covered by a dielectric layer (23, 123), and has a flexible conductive membrane (31, 131) which moves between positions spaced from and engaging the dielectric layer. At least one of the membrane and dielectric layer has a textured surface (138) that engages the other thereof in the actuated position. The textured surface reduces the area of physical contact through which electric charge from the membrane can tunnel into and become trapped within the dielectric layer. This reduces the amount of trapped charge that could act to latch the membrane in its actuated position, which in turn effects a significant increase in the operational lifetime of the switch.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) switch (10, 110) has an electrode (22, 122) covered by a dielectric layer (23, 123), and has a flexible conductive membrane (31, 131) which moves between positions spaced from and engaging the dielectric layer. At least one of the membrane and dielectric layer has a textured surface (138) that engages the other thereof in the actuated position. The textured surface reduces the area of physical contact through which electric charge from the membrane can tunnel into and become trapped within the dielectric layer. This reduces the amount of trapped charge that could act to latch the membrane in its actuated position, which in turn effects a significant increase in the operational lifetime of the switch.