Abstract: A hybrid solar thermal collector is provided. The hybrid solar collector comprises a photovoltaic element to convert sunlight into electricity; and a solar thermal collector device comprising an absorber element to convert sunlight into heat; wherein the absorber element is immersed in a heat transfer fluid in use.

Abstract: A solar thermal collector is provided. The collector comprises a housing defining an inlet, and an outlet for a heat transfer fluid, said housing comprising a window to allow sunlight to pass there through; a heat transfer core disposed within the interior of the housing said housing designed to be heated by exposure to said sunlight; and a heat absorbing component in proximity to the heat transfer core, said heat absorbing component designed to at least partially absorb heat losses from the heat transfer core; wherein a positioning the components within the housing defines at least one path for the heat transfer fluid for preheating of the heat transfer fluid prior to said heat transfer fluid passing through the heat transfer core.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a method for rotating an impeller device. Said method comprises (a) positioning at least one ejector tube to eject a working fluid onto the impeller device; (b) locating a kinetic droplet in an ejector tube; (c) introducing a charge of vapor into the ejector tube behind the kinetic droplet so that expansion of the vapor in the ejector tube causes the kinetic droplet to accelerate out of the ejector tube and to impinge on the impeller device; and (d) repeating steps (b) and (c) in a synchronized fashion.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a device for modulating light. The device comprises a plurality of nano-scale particles; a conformal structure defining a surface to which the nano-scale particles conform under influence of a displacement force; and a displacement mechanism to apply the displacement force to the nano-scale particles; wherein the nano-scale particles when they conform to the conformal structure change the optical characteristics of the conformal structure.

Abstract: An interference modulator (IMod) incorporates anti-reflection coatings and/or micro-fabricated supplemental lighting sources. An efficient drive scheme is provided for matrix addressed arrays of IMods or other micromechanical devices. An improved color scheme provides greater flexibility. Electronic hardware can be field reconfigured to accommodate different display formats and/or application functions. An IMod's electromechanical behavior can be decoupled from its optical behavior. An improved actuation means is provided, some one of which may be hidden from view. An IMod or IMod array is fabricated and used in conjunction with a MEMS switch or switch array. An IMod can be used for optical switching and modulation. Some IMods incorporate 2-D and 3-D photonic structures. A variety of applications for modulation of light are discussed. A MEMS manufacturing and packaging approach is provided based on continuous web fed process.

Abstract: An interferometric modulator (Imod) cavity has a reflector and an induced absorber. A direct view reflective flat panel display may include an array of the modulators. Adjacent spacers of different thicknesses are fabricated on a substrate by a lift-off technique used to pattern the spacers which are deposited separately, each deposition providing a different thickness of spacer. Or a patterned photoresist may be used to allow for an etching process to selectively etch back the thickness of a spacer which was deposited in a single deposition. A full-color static graphical image may be formed of combined patterns of interferometric modulator cavities. Each cavity includes a reflector, and an induced absorber, the induced absorber including a spacer having a thickness that defines a color associated with the cavity.

Abstract: An interference modulator (Imod) incorporates anti-reflection coatings and/or micro-fabricated supplemental lighting sources. An efficient drive scheme is provided for matrix addressed arrays of IMods or other micromechanical devices. An improved color scheme provides greater flexibility. Electronic hardware can be field reconfigured to accommodate different display formats and/or application functions. An IMod's electromechanical behavior can be decoupled from its optical behavior. An improved actuation means is provided, some one of which may be hidden from view. An IMod or IMod array is fabricated and used in conjunction with a MEMS switch or switch array. An IMod can be used for optical switching and modulation. Some IMods incorporate 2-D and 3-D photonic structures. A variety of applications for the modulation of light are discussed. A MEMS manufacturing and packaging approach is provided based on a continuous web fed process.

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 micro electromechanical systems device.

Abstract: Embodiments of MEMS devices comprise a conductive movable layer spaced apart from a conductive fixed layer by a gap, and supported by rigid support structures, or rivets, overlying depressions in the conductive movable layer, or by posts underlying depressions in the conductive movable layer. In certain embodiments, both rivets and posts may be used. In certain embodiments, these support structures are formed from rigid inorganic materials, such as metals or oxides. In certain embodiments, etch barriers may also be deposited to facilitate the use of materials in the formation of support structures which are not selectively etchable with respect to other components within the MEMS device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for a viewspace provider. The method comprises providing a viewspace at a location; and engaging in a transaction with an entity for a monetary amount associated with the provision of the viewspace.

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: An Interferometric Modulator (IMod) is a microelectromechanical device for modulating light using interference. The colors of these devices may be determined in a spatial fashion, and their inherent color shift may be compensated for using several optical compensation mechanisms. Brightness, addressing, and driving of IMods may be accomplished in a variety of ways with appropriate packaging, and peripheral electronics which can be attached and/or fabricated using one of many techniques. The devices may be used in both embedded and directly perceived applications, the latter providing multiple viewing modes as well as a multitude of product concepts ranging in size from microscopic to architectural in scope.

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: An interference modulator (Imod) incorporates anti-reflection coatings and/or micro-fabricated supplemental lighting sources. An efficient drive scheme is provided for matrix addressed arrays of IMods or other micromechanical devices. An improved color scheme provides greater flexibility. Electronic hardware can be field reconfigured to accommodate different display formats and/or application functions. An IMod's electromechanical behavior can be decoupled from its optical behavior. An improved actuation means is provided, some one of which may be hidden from view. An IMod or IMod array is fabricated and used in conjunction with a MEMS switch or switch array. An IMod can be used for optical switching and modulation. Some IMods incorporate 2-D and 3-D photonic structures. A variety of applications for the modulation of light are discussed. A MEMS manufacturing and packaging approach is provided based on a continuous web fed process.

Abstract: An interference modulator (IMod) incorporates anti-reflection coatings and/or micro-fabricated supplemental lighting sources. An efficient drive scheme is provided for matrix addressed arrays of IMods or other micromechanical devices. An improved color scheme provides greater flexibility. Electronic hardware can be field reconfigured to accommodate different display formats and/or application functions. An IMod's electromechanical behavior can be decoupled from its optical behavior. An improved actuation means is provided, some one of which may be hidden from view. An IMod or IMod array is fabricated and used in conjunction with a MEMS switch or switch array. An IMod can be used for optical switching and modulation. Some IMods incorporate 2-D and 3-D photonic structures. A variety of applications for modulation of light are discussed. A MEMS manufacturing and packaging approach is provided based on continuous web fed process.

Abstract: A MEMS-based display device is described, wherein an array of interferometric modulators are configured to reflect light through a transparent substrate. The transparent substrate is sealed to a backplate and the backplate can contain electronic circuitry for controlling the array of interferometric modulators. The backplate can provide physical support for device components, such as electronic components which can be used to control the state of the display. The backplate can also be utilized as a primary structural support for the device.

Abstract: An interference modulator (Imod) incorporates anti-reflection coatings and/or micro-fabricated supplemental lighting sources. An efficient drive scheme is provided for matrix addressed arrays of IMods or other micromechanical devices. An improved color scheme provides greater flexibility. Electronic hardware can be field reconfigured to accommodate different display formats and/or application functions. An IMod's electromechanical behavior can be decoupled from its optical behavior. An improved actuation means is provided, some one of which may be hidden from view. An IMod or IMod array is fabricated and used in conjunction with a MEMS switch or switch array. An IMod can be used for optical switching and modulation. Some IMods incorporate 2-D and 3-D photonic structures. A variety of applications for the modulation of light are discussed. A MEMS manufacturing and packaging approach is provided based on a continuous web fed process.

Abstract: Improvements in an interferometric modulator that cavity defined by two walls.

Abstract: Improvements in an interferometric modulator that cavity defined by two walls.

Abstract: An electromechanical device is disclosed. The device includes a variable capacitor, and a switch circuit configured to pre-charge an input node with a pulse charge at said selected voltage level. The switch circuit includes only a first switch coupled to the variable capacitor and the first switch is configured to respond to an enable signal having a duration shorter than a mechanical time constant of the variable capacitor and the first switch is configured to apply the selected voltage level across the variable capacitor to cause the pulse charge to accumulate on the variable capacitor.