Abstract: An image is captured or otherwise converted into a signal in an artificial vision system. The signal is transmitted to the retina utilizing an implant. The implant consists of a polymer substrate made of a compliant material such as poly(dimethylsiloxane) or PDMS. The polymer substrate is conformable to the shape of the retina. Electrodes and conductive leads are embedded in the polymer substrate. The conductive leads and the electrodes transmit the signal representing the image to the cells in the retina. The signal representing the image stimulates cells in the retina.

Abstract: An image is captured or otherwise converted into a signal in an artificial vision system. The signal is transmitted to the retina utilizing an implant. The implant consists of a polymer substrate made of a compliant material such as poly(dimethylsiloxane) or PDMS. The polymer substrate is conformable to the shape of the retina. Electrodes and conductive leads are embedded in the polymer substrate. The conductive leads and the electrodes transmit the signal representing the image to the cells in the retina. The signal representing the image stimulates cells in the retina.

Abstract: An image is captured or otherwise converted into a signal in an artificial vision system. The signal is transmitted to the retina utilizing an implant. The implant consists of a polymer substrate made of a compliant material such as poly(dimethylsiloxane) or PDMS. The polymer substrate is conformable to the shape of the retina. Electrodes and conductive leads are embedded in the polymer substrate. The conductive leads and the electrodes transmit the signal representing the image to the cells in the retina. The signal representing the image stimulates cells in the retina.

Abstract: An image is captured or otherwise converted into a signal in an artificial vision system. The signal is transmitted to the retina utilizing an implant. The implant consists of a polymer substrate made of a compliant material such as poly(dimethylsiloxane) or PDMS. The polymer substrate is conformable to the shape of the retina. Electrodes and conductive leads are embedded in the polymer substrate. The conductive leads and the electrodes transmit the signal representing the image to the cells in the retina. The signal representing the image stimulates cells in the retina.

Abstract: An automatic lens delivery device using a linear actuator which is specially adapted for low torque, low heat applications, and can be used to insert a lens into a user's eye. The linear actuator uses two semiconductor devices which are moved one relative to the other. The movable device pushes a push rod that delivers a lens.

Abstract: An image is captured or otherwise converted into a signal in an artificial vision system. The signal is transmitted to the retina utilizing an implant. The implant consists of a polymer substrate made of a compliant material such as poly(dimethylsiloxane) or PDMS. The polymer substrate is conformable to the shape of the retina. Electrodes and conductive leads are embedded in the polymer substrate. The conductive leads and the electrodes transmit the signal representing the image to the cells in the retina. The signal representing the image stimulates cells in the retina.

Abstract: An image is captured or otherwise converted into a signal in an artificial vision system. The signal is transmitted to the retina utilizing an implant. The implant consists of a polymer substrate made of a compliant material such as poly(dimethylsiloxane) or PDMS. The polymer substrate is conformable to the shape of the retina. Electrodes and conductive leads are embedded in the polymer substrate. The conductive leads and the electrodes transmit the signal representing the image to the cells in the retina. The signal representing the image stimulates cells in the retina.

Abstract: A precision controller of the movement of at least a first fluid, includes a precision motor. Valve apparatus is operably coupled to the precision motor. Orifice apparatus is fluidly coupled to a source of fluid and to the valve apparatus, whereby actuation of the valve apparatus by the precision motor acts to selectively expose and cover the orifice to implement fluid valving.

Abstract: A genetic testing system includes a miniaturized thermal cycling device and an integrated, unitary microchip based detection device with microfluidic controls, on chip electronics. The genetic testing system further uses dipped or coated polymeric materials on processed silicon as a means to facilitate amplification chemistry.

Abstract: An automatic lens delivery device using a linear actuator which is specially adapted for low torque, low heat applications, and can be used to insert a lens into a user's eye. The linear actuator uses two semiconductor devices which are moved one relative to the other. The movable device pushes a push rod that delivers a lens.

Abstract: An automatic lens delivery device using a linear actuator which is specially adapted for low torque, low heat applications, and can be used to insert a lens into a user's eye. The linear actuator uses two semiconductor devices which are moved one relative to the other. The movable device pushes a push rod that delivers a lens.

Abstract: A genetic testing system includes a miniaturized thermal cycling device and an integrated, unitary microchip based detection device with microfluidic controls, on chip electronics. The genetic testing system further uses dipped or coated polymeric materials on processed silicon as a means to facilitate amplification chemistry.

Abstract: An automatic lens delivery device using a linear actuator which is specially adapted for low torque, low heat applications, and can be used to insert a lens into a user's eye. The linear actuator uses two semiconductor devices which are moved one relative to the other. The movable device pushes a push rod that delivers a lens.

Abstract: A micromechanical device or microactuator based upon the piezoelectric, pyroelectric, and electrostrictive properties of ferroelectric thin film ceramic materials such as PZT. The microdevice has a device substrate and a deflectable component. The deflectable component is mounted for deflection on the device substrate and has a sensor/actuator. The sensor/actuator has first and second electrodes and a piezoelectric thin film disposed between the first and second electrodes. The thin film is preferably PZT. The sensor/actuator is disposed on a sensor/actuator substrate. The sensor/actuator substrate is formed of a material selected for being resistive to attack by hydrofluoric acid vapor. The invention also relates to a method for fabricating such micromechanical devices or microactuators.

Abstract: An automatic lens delivery device using a linear actuator which is specially adapted for low torque, low heat applications, and can be used to insert a lens into a user's eye. The linear actuator uses two semiconductor devices which are moved one relative to the other. The movable device pushes a push rod that delivers a lens.

Abstract: A linear actuator device. A first mode of operation uses a single clamping technique whereby a piezoelectric element is slowly expanded, in a way such that a clamping force between that element and its base holds it in place. The piezoelectric element is then contracted in size very quickly, and the inertia created by that action overcomes the clamping force and moves relative to the base. A second mode uses a double clamping technique where first the rear is clamped and the front moved forward then the front is clamped and the rear moved forward. All of these embodiments preferably use semiconductor materials, enabling formation of very thin layers and small devices.

Abstract: An automatic lens delivery device using a linear actuator which is specially adapted for low torque, low heat applications, and can be used to insert a lens into a user's eye. The linear actuator uses two semiconductor devices which are moved one relative to the other. The movable device pushes a push rod that delivers a lens.

Abstract: A micromechanical structure or microactuator based upon the piezoelectric, pyroelectric, and electrostrictive properties of ferroelectric thin film ceramic materials such as PZT with a thickness between 0.1 and 10 micrometers. The thin film ceramic material is sandwiched between first and second electrodes and may contain an intermediate electrically insulating thin film. This structure with electrodes is formed on a deformable or movable structure integral to a semiconductor or bulk ceramic substrate. Electrical connection is established between the upper and lower electrodes. A potential difference or voltage is established between the electrical interconnection points to produce a force, movement, or mechanical deformation. The invention also relates to a method for making such micromechanical structures or microactuators.

Abstract: A pump is provided for use in a solid state mass-spectrograph for analyzing a sample gas. The spectrograph is formed from a semiconductor substrate having a cavity with an inlet, gas ionizing section adjacent the inlet, a mass filter section adjacent the gas ionizing section and a detector section adjacent the mass filter section. The pump is connected to each of the sections of said cavity and evacuates the cavity and draws the sample gas into the cavity. The pump includes at least one piezoelectrically-actuated diaphragm. Upon piezoelectrical actuation, the diaphragm accomplishes a suction stroke which evacuates the cavity and draws the sample gas into the cavity. Preferably, the diaphragm is formed from a pair of electrodes sandwiching a piezoelectric layer.

Abstract: Micromachining methods for fabricating micromechanical structures which include plunger elements free to reciprocate within cavities are fabricated using processing steps in common with those employed in high density interconnect (HDI) technology for multi-chip module packaging. A polymer, such as a polyimide, is utilized as a micromachinable material. In one embodiment, cavities are formed in the polymer material by laser ablation, employing a sacrificial layer as a mask. Electroplated copper may be employed as a sacrificial release layer. One particular structure is a micromechanical electric switch including an array of individual switch contacts actuatable in common.