Abstract: An RF MEMS device comprising one or more free-standing thin films configured for motion in response to actuation or stimulation, the one or more thin films comprising an alloy of aluminum and magnesium, and optionally one or more further materials. The resultant thin film has improved hardness and reduced creep relative to conventional thin films.

Abstract: An RF MEMS device comprising one or more free-standing thin films configured for motion in response to actuation or stimulation, the one or more thin films comprising an alloy of aluminum and magnesium, and optionally one or more further materials. The resultant thin film has improved hardness and reduced creep relative to conventional thin films.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microfluidic system comprising a plurality of ciliary actuator elements (10) located at an inner surface (14) of a wall (15) of a microchannel (16) of the microfluidic system at a first location. The microfluidic system furthermore comprises a magnetic field generator formed by at least one current wire (17) integrated in the wall (15) of the micro channel (16) at a second location substantially opposite to the first location with respect to a centre line of the microchannel (16). The present invention also provides a method for the manufacturing of such microfluidic systems and to a method for controlling a fluid flow through a microchannel (16) of such a microfluidic system.

Abstract: An electrical zipper-type connector is provided which can be used in wearable electronics applications. The connector has a first connector part (20) with an array of connector members (21, 24) and a second connector part (30) with an array of connector members (31, 34), which can mate with the first array of connector members. The first and second connector parts (20, 30) have contacts for forming a conductive path when the connector parts (20, 30) are mated with one another. Once the connector parts (20, 30) have been mated a force is applied between the contacts, which maintains them in electrical contact. The force can be applied in a variety of ways, such as by: a resilient coating (26) on the connector parts; a cord which pulls the connector parts together; having one connector part clasp the other connector part; or binding the connector parts together.

Abstract: A filament or fibre (2) comprising: a first conductive layer (4); an electro-optically active layer (6); a second conductive layer (8); wherein the filament or fibre has an off-state and an on-state, the electro-optically active layer comprising a combination of an electro-optically active substance and a polymer.

Abstract: A filament or fiber (2) comprising a volume modulation coloration producing substance (6); containment means (8) for containing the substance in the form of an elongated core which containment means is at least partially light transmitting; and stimulation means (4) for stimulating the substance to produce a change in the volume of the substance, thereby changing the color of the filament or fiber.

Abstract: A fabric (2; 20) formed from a plurality of first fibers or filaments (4), and a plurality of second fibers or filaments (6); the first fibers or filaments being non-conductive and comprising an electro-optically active material; and the second fibers or filaments being conductive; whereby a voltage difference between two second fibers causes a colour change in a first fiber positioned therebetween.

Abstract: A fabric (2; 20) formed from a plurality of first fibres or filaments (4), and a plurality of second fibres or filaments (6); the first fibres or filaments being non-conductive and comprising an electro-optically active material; and the second fibres or filaments being conductive; whereby a voltage difference between two second fibres causes a colour change in a first fibre positioned therebetween.