Abstract: A scanning probe microscope includes a scanning probe tip and an electrostatic surface actuator operatively coupled to the scanning probe tip. The electrostatic surface actuator includes a movable member that has a first surface with a first plurality of electrodes disposed on the first surface and a stationary member that has a second surface with a second plurality of electrodes disposed on the second surface. The first and second surfaces are disposed in a confronting relationship The movable and stationary members are resiliently coupled so that the movable member is capable of being displaced with respect to the stationary member. The first and second pluralities of electrodes are configured to generate electrostatic forces in response to voltages applied. The electrostatic forces laterally displace the movable member in the direction generally parallel to the first and second surfaces. The scanning probe tip is controllably positioned by displacement of the movable member.

Abstract: A drainage assembly (10) comprises a frame (11) for defining at least part of the surface boundary of a surface drainage aperture; and a grating (14) having formed therein a plurality of apertures. The grating (14) is hingedly secured to the frame (11) and is moveable, when so secured, between an operative position in which the grating (14) is contiguous with the frame (11); and an open position in which the grating (14) lies hinged away from the frame (11). The grating (14) includes protruding therefrom a pair of forks (34, 36). The frame (11) includes a pair of journal bearings (37, 38). The forks each have protruding therefrom a respective protuberance (39) that is receivable in a respective journal recess (42) formed in the journal bearings.

Abstract: There is described a fuel cell or electrolytic cell comprising an ion-conductive polymeric material which includes a first repeat unit of formula (I): —(O-Ph1-CO-Ph1-O-Ph1-CO-Ph1)-, and a second repeat unit of formula (II): —(O-Ph2-O-Ph3-CO-Ph4)-, or of formula (III): (O-Ph2-O-Ph3-SO2-Ph4)-; wherein Ph1, Ph2, Ph3 and Ph4 independently represent phenyl moieties and wherein said second repeat unit is provided with ion-exchange sites. The polymeric material may include a third repeat unit which is amorphous.

Abstract: A drainage assembly (10) comprises a frame (11) for defining at least part of the surface boundary of a surface drainage aperture; and a grating (14) having formed therein a plurality of apertures. The grating (14) is hingedly secured to the frame (11) and is moveable, when so secured, between an operative position in which the grating (14) is contiguous with the frame (11); and an open position in which the grating (14) lies hinged away from the frame (11).

Abstract: A system of expanding addressing in an addressing constrained environment. A bus that defines a limited number of addresses couples together a master and a plurality of slaves. When each slave has multiple possible target ports, a maximum granularity provided by the addressing may be exceeded. By using a portion of a transmission header as an internal address, the maximum addressing may be expanded to greater granularity. The internal address is then translated in the slave to recover the external address in the header.

Abstract: In the embodiments described in the specification, a deck/hall extended coverage horizontal sprinkler arrangement has a sprinkler body with frame arms oriented in a vertical plane and a deflector mounted on the frame arms having semi-conical sections on opposite sides of the frame arms. The semi-conical sections are open in the direction toward the sprinkler orifice and include centrally located horizontal openings with vanes extending forwardly above the opening and top surfaces which are flattened and extend outwardly beyond the edges of the conical surfaces of the semi-conical sections.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for synchronizing ATM cells is disclosed. A synchronization unit receives a data clock signal and a plurality of control signals. Based on those signals, a sync pulse is generated. If synchronization is not achieved within a predetermined time period, the sync pulse is shifted one bit location. Through iterative shifting of the sync pulse, synchronization is ultimately achieved.

Abstract: A passive microvalve comprises a substrate having a first aperture. An upper plate is mounted on the substrate and has a second aperture opening into a space defined between the substrate and the upper plate. A closure member is mounted in the space and is movable between a first position in which it allows fluid flow between the first and second apertures and a second position in which it closes the second aperture.

Abstract: A packaged product is provided. The packaged product includes a container having an opening closed by a valve and a foaming detergent composition which is stored within the container. The valve has an open position for dispensing the foaming composition from the container and a closed position for preventing escape of the foaming composition from the container; The foaming detergent composition has less than 25% by weight of water. A propellant gas, such as carbon dioxide, nitrous oxides, or mixtures thereof, is stored within the container. A nozzle is attached to the container which has a channel and a discharge opening. The channel interconnects the opening of the container and the discharge opening of the nozzle. The channel is straight, continues and uninterrupted along its length between the opening of the container and the discharge opening of the nozzle such that greater than about 80% of said foaming detergent composition can be discharged from the container during use.