Abstract: A micromechanical sensor and a method for manufacturing a micromechanical sensor which has at least one membrane are provided. The membrane is made of a first material which is accommodated in a surrounding second material, and the membrane is configured for sensing a medium surrounding it. The membrane is reinforced, at least partly, by a third material at break-sensitive points on the membrane rim. Reinforcement of the membrane rim increases the stability and thus also the service life of the membrane and the sensor.

Abstract: A micromechanical sensor and a method for manufacturing a micromechanical sensor which has at least one membrane are provided. The membrane is made of a first material which is accommodated in a surrounding second material, and the membrane is configured for sensing a medium surrounding it. The membrane is reinforced, at least partly, by a third material at break-sensitive points on the membrane rim. Reinforcement of the membrane rim increases the stability and thus also the service life of the membrane and the sensor.

Abstract: An optical sensor for detecting wetting of a surface (11), In particular of a vehicle window, has at least one transmitter (13) and at least one receiver (15) for electromagnetic waves, the surface being located in a sensor region (16) between the at least one transmitter (13) and the at least one receiver (15). The development of wetting on the sensor region (16) of the surface (11) causes a signal change. The optical sensor has a light-carrying element (18), in which the electromagnetic waves are guided bidirectionally into the sensor region (16) and out of the sensor region (16), and a retroreflector (10) is disposed in the sensor region (16) in such a way that it returns the electromagnetic waves, reflected before the surface (11), back to the surface (11) and from there to the light-carrying element (18).

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of optical components, at least one three-dimensional optical waveguide structure being produced in a light-sensitive substrate by locally subjecting the substrate to an exposure so that a difference in refractive index between the substrate and the at least one optical waveguide structure is created. Provision is made for an exposure to occur at least twice, at different angles of incidence for the light perpendicular to a light wave propagation direction of the optical waveguide structure; the substrate surrounding what will later be the optical waveguide structure thereby experiences a diminution in refractive index, the optical waveguide structure being defined using a mask.

Abstract: A pigment is mixed with an epoxy resin or varnish binder in a weight ratio from 5:1 to 6:1 to make a paste, which is then applied as a thin layer by screen printing on top of the counterelectrode layer previously baked onto a metal substrate. In another baking step the new layer for producing a reflective coating is heated to between 120.degree. and 180.degree. C., in which temperature range the binder produces small bubbles before hardening, so that the layer that is produced is permeable to ions when the layer becomes soaked with electrolyte in the assembled electrochromic device. The metal substrate is shaped by drawing to provide the electrolyte cavity after the application of the counterelectrode and the reflecting background layer thereon, since the deformation does not damage either of these layers.

Abstract: The counterelectrode (16) of an electrochromic indicator device is made of a paste of activated carbon and an organic binder baked on a metal plate (15). The shape of the metal plate can be dished after the layer is baked on without damage. Activated carbon in the counterelectrode, operating with the usual electrolyte and a transition metal oxide electrochromic electrode, makes possible a high-charge density from migration of ions with the application of very small voltages. The electrochromic effect can be extinguished simply by a short-circuit, especially if polyvinyl alcohol is provided as a supplementary binder by dipping the baked counterelectrode therein and baking again, and even more so if the activated carbon paste contains finely divided gold from decomposition of a gold compound during baking. The counterelectrode layer can be applied by screen printing.

Abstract: To provide for alphanumeric representation, for example to indicate speed limits, traffic signals and the like, a frame forming a flat plate and defining a display surface is formed with grooves in which electromagnetically operated indicating elements are positioned, the indicating elements having differently colored regions, the colors either matching or contrasting with that of the display surface so that, either, the region surrounding the indicating element will appear blank, or have the aspect of a bar; by arranging the elements in bar codes, alphanumeric information can be provided. The indicating elements are held in any one pivoted position by permanent magnets and moved between positions by a pulse applied to a solenoid to change the position of the element from one to another stable, magnetically biassed position.