Abstract: A method for forming micron-sized or smaller drops of liquid, and the use of the method in fabricating micro electro mechanical and micro mechanical devices is disclosed. A micropipette is formed having an inside diameter no larger than the size of the drops to be formed. The micropipette is connected to a system capable of developing a positive and optionally negative pressure within the micropipette. The tip of the micropipette is placed in liquid. The liquid is drawn into the micropipette via capillary action or from the negative pressure developed by the system. The micropipette is then positioned to deliver liquid to an intended location on a surface. To deliver the liquid, a positive pressure is developed within the micropipette. The positive pressure forces a micron-sized or smaller drop of liquid out of the micropipette. The method can be used to form micron-sized or smaller drops of adhesive for fixing in place various structural members that form microdevices.

Abstract: Apparatus that solves the problem of pattern recognition in a temporal signal that is subject to distortions and time warp. The arrangement embodying the invention comprises a neural network, an input interconnection network, and a plurality of signal modification circuits. A plurality of input leads delivers a preselected characteristic stimulus to associated signal modification units, and in response to an applied stimulus, each signal modification unit develops a plurality of output signals that begins at the time of stimulus application, rises to a peak, and decays thereafter. The mean time delay of each output (time to reach the peak) is different for each of the modification unit output signals. The outputs of the signal modification units are applied to the input interconnection unit wherein connections are made in accordance with the sequences that are to be recognized.

Abstract: A network comprising analog amplifiers with a resistive interconnection matrix that connects each amplifier output to the input of all other amplifiers. The connections embodied in the matrix are achieved with conductances whose values are computed in accordance with the set of decomposition functions for which the solution is sought. In addition to the specified connectivity implemented. Further included is a second matrix that connects externally applied voltages to the amplifier inputs via resistors whose values are also computed in accordance with the set of decomposition functions for which the solution is sought. Still further and in accordance with another aspect of the invention, means are included for varying the amplifier gains from an initial low value to an ultimately high value in the process of arriving at a solution to an applied problem.