Abstract: Shape-programmable liquid crystal elastomers. The shape-programmable liquid crystal elastomers being synthesized by filling an alignment cell with liquid crystal monomers. The liquid crystal monomers align to a surface of the alignment cell and then are polymerized with a dithiol chain transfer agent. The alignment cell is configured to impose a director orientation on a portion of the shape-programmable liquid crystal elastomer. For some embodiments, liquid crystal elastomer laminates are prepared by arranging a plurality of liquid crystal elastomers such that a director orientation of each liquid crystal elastomer of the plurality is in registered alignment with an adjacent liquid crystal elastomer of the plurality. The arrangement is secured and the plurality of liquid crystal elastomers cured.

Abstract: An improved air ionizer apparatus includes an air inlet, a high voltage source, an electrode electrically connected to the high voltage source for generating ions and an air outlet. An air mover is provided for causing air to flow into the air ionizer through the air inlet and out of the air ionizer through the air outlet. A foraminous filter comprising an electrically conductive material is electrically coupled to at least one of a voltage source and ground. The filter is positioned over at least one of the air inlet, the air outlet and the electrode, such that air flowing into the air inlet, air flowing out of the air outlet or air flowing past the electrode flows through the filter. In a preferred embodiment, the filter comprises a metal grid or screen.

Abstract: An improved air ionizer apparatus includes an air inlet, a high voltage source, an electrode electrically connected to the high voltage source for generating ions and an air outlet. An air mover is provided for causing air to flow into the air ionizer through the air inlet and out of the air ionizer through the air outlet. A foraminous filter comprising an electrically conductive material is electrically coupled to at least one of a voltage source and ground. The filter is positioned over at least one of the air inlet, the air outlet and the electrode, such that air flowing into the air inlet, air flowing out of the air outlet or air flowing past the electrode flows through the filter. In a preferred embodiment, the filter comprises a metal grid or screen.