Abstract: The system allows the generation and distribution of energy on board a motor vehicle provided with a propulsion unit, a tank for fuel at least one distribution network or line for electric energy, electrical energy generation devices connected to the at least one distribution network or line, and a plurality of selectively activatable electrical utilizer devices or apparatus connected or connectable to the at least one distribution network or line. The electrical energy generator devices includes (at least) a microcombustor electricity generator matrix or battery connected to the fuel tank, and a supervision and control unit associated with this generator matrix or battery and coupled to the distribution network or line and arranged to control the operation of the generator matrix or battery in a predetermined manner as a function of the electrical power required or consumed by the network or line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical biosensor comprising a porous matrix. In the specific case, reference is made to anodized porous alumina, on the surface of which the biological component specific for the analyte in question is immobilized, and to an optical-signal detector connected to said matrix. The present patent further relates to a biosensor having the porous matrix and the optical detector integrated in a single structure, in particular to biosensors with porous matrix other than porous alumina, for example porous silicon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical biosensor comprising a porous matrix. In the specific case, reference is made to anodized porous alumina, on the surface of which the biological component specific for the analyte in question is immobilized, and to an optical-signal detector connected to said matrix. The present patent further relates to a biosensor having the porous matrix and the optical detector integrated in a single structure, in particular to biosensors with porous matrix other than porous alumina, for example porous silicon.

Abstract: A system for the production of electrical energy, comprising: a combustion chamber (14) made of material that is able to withstand high temperatures, an injection device (16) connected to said combustion chamber (14) by means of an injection conduit (15), means (17) for supplying combustion support substance into the combustion chamber (14) and means (18) for the removal of gaseous combustion products, means (26) for the selective emission of radiation onto the outer surface of the combustion chamber (14). The combustion chamber (14) is enclosed in a conversion chamber (20) within which are maintained sub-atmospheric pressure conditions, so that a substantial part of the heat developed by the combustion reaction is converted into electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: The system allows the generation and distribution of energy on board a motor vehicle provided with a propulsion unit, a tank for fuel at least one distribution network or line for electric energy, electrical energy generation devices connected to the at least one distribution network or line, and a plurality of selectively activatable electrical utiliser devices or apparatus connected or connectable to the at least one distribution network or line. The electrical energy generator devices includes (at least) a microcombustor electricity generator matrix or battery connected to the fuel tank, and a supervision and control unit associated with this generator matrix or battery and coupled to the distribution network or line and arranged to control the operation of the generator matrix or battery in a predetermined manner as a function of the electrical power required or consumed by the network or line.

Abstract: The system allows the generation and distribution of energy on board a motor vehicle provided with a propulsion unit, a tank for fuel at least one distribution network or line for electric energy, electrical energy generation devices connected to the at least one distribution network or line, and a plurality of selectively activatable electrical utiliser devices or apparatus connected or connectable to the at least one distribution network or line. The electrical energy generator devices includes (at least) a microcombustor electricity generator matrix or battery connected to the fuel tank, and a supervision and control unit associated with this generator matrix or battery and coupled to the distribution network or line and arranged to control the operation of the said generator matrix or battery in a predetermined manner as a function of the electrical power required or consumed by the said network or line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical biosensor comprising a porous matrix. In the specific case, reference is made to anodized porous alumina, on the surface of which the biological component specific for the analyte in question is immobilized, and to an optical-signal detector connected to said matrix. The present patent further relates to a biosensor having the porous matrix and the optical detector integrated in a single structure, in particular to biosensors with porous matrix other than porous alumina, for example porous silicon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical biosensor comprising a porous matrix. In the specific case, reference is made to anodized porous alumina, on the surface of which the biological component specific for the analyte in question is immobilized, and to an optical-signal detector connected to said matrix. The present patent further relates to a biosensor having the porous matrix and the optical detector integrated in a single structure, in particular to biosensors with porous matrix other than porous alumina, for example porous silicon.

Abstract: A spectrophotometer comprises selection means for selecting one or more of the components of a light beam corresponding to different wavelengths, formed by optical micro-filters.

Abstract: A miniaturized sensor device comprises at least one pair of active projecting elements or cantilevers, which are set parallel to one another and at a micrometric or sub-micrometric distance apart and are designed to be submerged at least partially in a fluid. Each pair comprises a first cantilever, equipped with actuator means, and a second cantilever, equipped with sensor means. The actuator means can cause a movement of the first cantilever, whilst the sensor means can detect a movement of the second cantilever, induced by the movement of the first cantilever, for generating accordingly a measurable signal, which represents the lubricating capacity of the fluid.

Abstract: Noxious emissions present in the exhaust gases of an internal-combustion engine of a motor vehicle are controlled by making use of an IR spectrophotometer provided on board the motor vehicle, for the purpose of obtaining an analysis of all the main components of the exhaust gases of the engine. The IR spectrophotometer is of the type with electrostatic micro-shutters so as to present overall dimensions designed to enable its use on board the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A miniaturized sensor device comprises at least one pair of active projecting elements or cantilevers, which are set parallel to one another and at a micrometric or sub-micrometric distance apart and are designed to be submerged at least partially in a fluid. Each pair comprises a first cantilever, equipped with actuator means, and a second cantilever, equipped with sensor means. The actuator means can cause a movement of the first cantilever, whilst the sensor means can detect a movement of the second cantilever, induced by the movement of the first cantilever, for generating accordingly a measurable signal, which represents the lubricating capacity of the fluid.

Abstract: The generator comprises at least one source of pressurized gas and a closed hydraulic circuit containing a solution comprising an electrically conducting vehicle liquid in which a charge of micro- or nanoparticles of a metal material is dispersed. The circuit has at least one inlet port connected to the source so that, when in operation, it receives a flow of pressurized gas capable of causing circulation of the solution within the circuit in a predetermined direction, forming a two-phase gas-liquid mixture with it, a restriction in cross section, downstream from the inlet port calibrated in such a way as to cause an increase in velocity and condensation of the two-phase mixture, and at least one outlet port, located downstream from the restriction through which the gas mixed with the solution can be released and discharged from the circuit.

Abstract: A junction for photovoltaic cells, optical sensors or the like comprises a microporous or nanoporous silicon layer and a metal or semiconductor layer deposited so as to fill at least partially the pores of the silicon layer.

Abstract: A micro-actuator includes a shape memory thin film having one end fixed to a substrate and one remaining part which, at room temperature, is in the martensitic phase and assumes a curly-configuration, whereas at a higher temperature than a threshold value it changes to the austenitic condition, wherein the film is completely stretched upon the substrate.

Abstract: A device for electrochemotherapy comprises an electric micro- or nano-capacitor which can be injected in the blood circulation of a human or animal body, including a pyroelectric or piezoelectric layer which can be excited from the outside of the human or animal body, for generating an electric field in the immediate vicinity of a tumor cell, together with the administration of a chemotherapeutic agent. The chemotherapeutic agent may be administered with independent means, but preferably is bound to the outer surface of the microcapacitor and is delivered because of the temperature increase which is generated at the time of the microcapacitor excitation.

Abstract: The system allows the generation and distribution of energy on board a motor vehicle provided with a propulsion unit, a tank for fuel at least one distribution network or line for electric energy, electrical energy generation devices connected to the said at least one distribution network or line, and a plurality of selectively activatable electrical utiliser devices or apparatus connected or connectable to the said at least one distribution network or line. The said electrical energy generator devices comprise (at least) a microcombustor electricity generator matrix or battery connected to the fuel tank, and a supervision and control unit associated with this generator matrix or battery and coupled to the distribution network or line and arranged to control the operation of the said generator matrix or battery in a predetermined manner as a function of the electrical power required or consumed by the said network or line.

Abstract: The generator comprises at least one source of pressurized gas and a closed hydraulic circuit containing a solution comprising an electrically conducting vehicle liquid in which a charge of micro- or nanoparticles of a metal material is dispersed. The circuit has at least one inlet port connected to the source so that, when in operation, it receives a flow of pressurized gas capable of causing circulation of the solution within the circuit in a predetermined direction, forming a two-phase gas-liquid mixture with it, a restriction in cross section, downstream from the inlet port calibrated in such a way as to cause an increase in velocity and condensation of the two-phase mixture, and at least one outlet port, located downstream from the restriction through which the gas mixed with the solution can be released and discharged from the circuit.

Abstract: The device includes a combustor comprising an inlet chamber or region intended to receive a flow of fuel and a combustion supporter at high pressure, an outlet chamber or region or combustion product exhaust at relatively lower pressure, and at least one separation element of nano-porous or micro-porous semi-conductor material which separates the inlet chamber or region from the outlet chamber or region. The separation element has a plurality of nano-pores or micro-pores passing therethrough which define communication passages between the inlet clad chamber or region and the outlet chamber or region. The surface of these pores is at least partly clad in a layer of an electrically conductive or semi-conductive material which, relative to the semi-conductor material of the separation element forms an essentially extended junction, in particular a p-n junction or a Schottky junction or a hetero junction.

Abstract: The electricity generator comprises a microcombustor provided with a fuel injector and acting to produce at an exhaust outlet a flow of exhaust gas in plasma state comprising positive ions and electrons separated from one another, and a conversion device coupled to the outlet of the microcombustor. The conversion device comprises an electrically insulating duct coupled to the said outlet of the microcombustor and provided in its initial portion with separation and capture electrodes for capturing the negative charges (electrons) of the plasma in such a way that downstream the plasma comprises only positive ions. After the initial portion the duct has an intermediate portion provided with an outer cladding of conductive material insulated from the plasma, the ends of which are connectable to a load.