Abstract: A static interferometric image device including a plurality of solidified liquid layers is formed over a substrate by an inkjet process such that the layers are lateral to one another. In some embodiments, the substrate includes pre-defined cavities, and the liquid layers are formed in the cavities. In other embodiments, the substrate includes a substantially planar, stepped, or continuously transitioning surface, and the solidified liquid layers are formed on the surface. Optical fillers or spacers are provided for defining interferometric gaps between absorbers and reflectors in the display device, based at least partially on an image that the display device is designed to display.

Abstract: Charge balanced display data writing methods use write and hold cycles of opposite polarity during selected frame update periods. A release cycle may be provided to reduce the chance that a given display element will become stuck in an actuated state.

Abstract: A surgical tool for deploying an implant includes an elongate outer shaft having a proximal end, a distal end and a central channel therebetween. An elongate inner shaft is at least partially slidably received in the central channel and an actuator mechanism is operatively coupled with either the outer or inner shaft. The tool also includes a piercing element that is coupled with the outer shaft and releasably coupled with the implant.

Abstract: A field effect transistor comprises an electrostatically moveable gate electrode. The moveable gate is supported by at least two posts, and the source, drain, and channel of the transistor are centrally located under the moveable layer. At least one electrode is positioned on at least two sides of the source, drain, and channel.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for fabricating a microelectromechanical systems device. The method comprises fabricating a first layer comprising a film having a characteristic electromechanical response, and a characteristic optical response, wherein the characteristic optical response is desirable and the characteristic electromechanical response is undesirable; and modifying the characteristic electromechanical response of the first layer by at least reducing charge build up thereon during activation of the microelectromechanical systems device.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a device is provided including a substrate and a plurality of supports over the substrate. The device may further include a mechanical layer having a movable portion and a stationary portion. The stationary portion may disposed over the supports. In certain embodiments, the device further includes a reflective surface positioned over the substrate and mechanically coupled to the movable portion. The device of certain embodiments further includes at least one movable stop element displaced from and mechanically coupled to the movable portion. In certain embodiments, the at least a portion of the stop element may be positioned over the stationary portion.

Abstract: An interferometric mask covering a reflective conductive ribbon that electrically interconnects a plurality of photovoltaic cells is disclosed. Such an interferometric mask may reduce reflections of incident light from the conductors. In various embodiments, the mask reduces reflections, so that a front and back electrode pattern appears black or similar in color to surrounding features of the device. In other embodiments, the mask may modulate reflections of light such that the electrode pattern matches a color in the visible spectrum.

Abstract: A field effect transistor comprises an electrostatically moveable gate electrode. The moveable gate is supported by at least two posts, and the source, drain, and channel of the transistor are centrally located under the moveable layer. At least one electrode is positioned on at least two sides of the source, drain, and channel.

Abstract: Spinous process constraint structures include a first attachment element for placement over a first spinous process and a second attachment element for placement over a second spinous process. The attachment elements are joined by a single connector which may optionally include a compliance member for providing controlled elasticity between the spinous processes.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a method of testing humidity, comprising: i) determining a property of a device which encloses a plurality of interferometric modulators and ii) determining a relative humidity value or a degree of the relative humidity inside the device based at least in part upon the determined property, wherein the determined property comprises at least one of i) the thickness and width of a seal of the device and ii) adhesive permeability of a component of the device. In one embodiment, the determined property further comprises at least one of the following: i) temperature-humidity combination inside the device, ii) a desiccant capacity inside the device and iii) a device size.

Abstract: A system and method for an optical component that masks non-active portions of a display and provides an electrical path for one or more display circuits. In one embodiment an optical device includes a substrate, a plurality of optical elements on the substrate, each optical element having an optical characteristic which changes in response to a voltage applied to the optical element, and a light-absorbing, electrically-conductive optical mask disposed on the substrate and offset from the plurality of optical elements, the optical mask electrically coupled to one or more of the optical elements to provide electrical paths for applying voltages to the optical elements. In another embodiment, a method of providing an electrical signal to optical elements of a display comprises electrically coupling an electrically-conductive light-absorbing mask to one or more optical elements, and applying a voltage to the mask to activate the one or more optical elements.

Abstract: A display with patterned photovoltaic (PV) material integrated on the front side and/or back side of the display is disclosed. Light may reach PV material situated behind a display through fully or partially transmissive features or gaps within the display. Display-generated light may also reach PV material behind a display. A patterned PV material situated in front of a display may collect both ambient light as well as display-generated light.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical systems device having support structures formed of sacrificial material surrounded by a protective material. The microelectromechanical systems device includes a substrate having an electrode formed thereon. Another electrode is separated from the first electrode by a cavity and forms a movable layer, which is supported by support structures formed of a sacrificial material.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a light device that can emit light and sense light are disclosed. In one embodiment, a lighting device includes a light guide having a planar first surface, the light guide configured such that at least some ambient light enters the light guide through the first surface and propagates therein, and at least one light detector disposed along an edge of the light guide, the at least one detector optically coupled to the light guide to receive light propagating therein. The light detector can be configured to produce a control signal. In some embodiments, the lighting device also includes at least one light turning feature disposed on the first surface, the at least one light turning feature configured to direct light incident into the light guide through the first surface.

Abstract: Another embodiment has a method of driving a display device including an array of MEMS elements is disclosed. The MEMS elements are characterized by a preferred set of drive potential differences including preferred positive and preferred negative actuation potential differences, preferred positive and preferred negative hold potential differences, and a preferred release potential difference, where the preferred set of drive potential differences is symmetric about a voltage differing from 0V by an offset ?V. Another embodiment has a reduced set of supply voltages are used, while maintaining the charge balancing effects of applying potential differences of opposite polarity without visible artifacts.

Abstract: An interferometric mask covering a reflective conductive ribbon that electrically interconnects a plurality of photovoltaic cells is disclosed. Such an interferometric mask may reduce reflections of incident light from the conductors. In various embodiments, the mask reduces reflections, so that a front and back electrode pattern appears black or similar in color to surrounding features of the device. In other embodiments, the mask may modulate reflections of light such that the electrode pattern matches a color in the visible spectrum.

Abstract: A surgical tool for deploying an implant includes an elongate outer shaft having a proximal end, a distal end and a central channel therebetween. An elongate inner shaft is at least partially slidably received in the central channel and an actuator mechanism is operatively coupled with either the outer or inner shaft. The tool also includes a piercing element that is coupled with the outer shaft and releasably coupled with the implant.

Abstract: Spinous process constraint structures include a first attachment element for placement over a first spinous process and a second attachment element for placement over a second spinous process. The attachment elements are joined by a single connector which may optionally include a compliance member for providing controlled elasticity between the spinous processes.

Abstract: An optical accelerometer and method of determining an acceleration are disclosed. In one aspect, an accelerometer includes a light source, a substrate, a light guide attached to a first side of the substrate and configured to redirect light from the light source through the substrate. The accelerometer also includes a light detector, a proof mass attached to a second side of the substrate via one or more springs, wherein the second side is opposite the first side and wherein motion of the proof mass alters a characteristic of the light from the light source reaching the light detector, and a processor configured to determine an acceleration based on the characteristic of the light reaching the light detector.

Abstract: Methods and devices for restricting movement of a spinal segment by providing an adjustable constraining device that includes a tether and a compliance member coupled together. The tether is coupled to a superior spinous process and an inferior spinous process or a sacrum so that the construct of the compliance member and tethers provides a force resistant to flexion and a force resistant to extension of a spinal segment. In some embodiments, the construct of the compliance member and tethers may provide only a force resistant to extension.