Abstract: A method of assembling an adjustable fluid-filled lens assembly comprising biaxially tensioning an elastomeric membrane to a surface tension of greater than 180 N/m, typically greater than 1000 N/m; thermally conditioning the tensioned membrane, e.g., for one hour at a temperature of about 80° C., to accelerate relaxation of the membrane; mounting the membrane to a peripheral support structure whilst maintaining the tension in the membrane; assembling the mounted membrane with one or more other components to form an enclosure with the membrane forming one wall of the enclosure; and thereafter filling the enclosure with a fluid. The membrane may be formed from an aromatic polyurethane, and the fluid may be a phenylated siloxane. In some embodiments, the membrane is able to hold a substantially constant surface tension of at least 180 N/m for a period of at least 12 months.

Abstract: A method of assembling an adjustable fluid-filled lens assembly comprising biaxially tensioning an elastomeric membrane to a surface tension of greater than 180 N/m, typically greater than 1000 N/m; thermally conditioning the tensioned membrane, e.g., for one hour at a temperature of about 80° C., to accelerate relaxation of the membrane; mounting the membrane to a peripheral support structure whilst maintaining the tension in the membrane; assembling the mounted membrane with one or more other components to form an enclosure with the membrane forming one wall of the enclosure; and thereafter filling the enclosure with a fluid. The membrane may be formed from an aromatic polyurethane, and the fluid may be a phenylated siloxane. In some embodiments, the membrane is able to hold a substantially constant surface tension of at least 180 N/m for a period of at least 12 months.

Abstract: A method of assembling an adjustable fluid-filled lens assembly comprising biaxially tensioning an elastomeric membrane to a surface tension of greater than 180 N/m, typically greater than 1000 N/m; thermally conditioning the tensioned membrane, e.g., for one hour at a temperature of about 80° C., to accelerate relaxation of the membrane; mounting the membrane to a peripheral support structure whilst maintaining the tension in the membrane; assembling the mounted membrane with one or more other components to form an enclosure with the membrane forming one wall of the enclosure; and thereafter filling the enclosure with a fluid. The membrane may be formed from an aromatic polyurethane, and the fluid may be a phenylated siloxane. In some embodiments, the membrane is able to hold a substantially constant surface tension of at least 180 N/m for a period of at least 12 months.

Abstract: A method of assembling an adjustable fluid-filled lens assembly comprising biaxially tensioning an elastomeric membrane to a surface tension of greater than 180 N/m, typically greater than 1000 N/m; thermally conditioning the tensioned membrane, e.g., for one hour at a temperature of about 80° C., to accelerate relaxation of the membrane; mounting the membrane to a peripheral support structure whilst maintaining the tension in the membrane; assembling the mounted membrane with one or more other components to form an enclosure with the membrane forming one wall of the enclosure; and thereafter filling the enclosure with a fluid. The membrane may be formed from an aromatic polyurethane, and the fluid may be a phenylated siloxane. In some embodiments, the membrane is able to hold a substantially constant surface tension of at least 180 N/m for a period of at least 12 months.

Abstract: A composition for depositing an imprint onto an elastomeric substrate, includes an aqueous film-forming polymeric emulsion suspended in an aqueous medium. The present invention is further directed to methods of depositing the same as an imprint onto the elastomeric substrate, and articles formed therefrom.

Abstract: A composition for depositing textured imprints onto an elastomeric substrate includes an aqueous film-forming polymeric emulsion suspended in an aqueous medium. In particular, the composition is formulated for deposition onto a substrate to impart visual or tactile texture to the substrate upon deposition. The present invention is further directed to methods for depositing the same as textured imprints onto the elastomeric substrate, and articles formed therefrom.

Abstract: A fluid pump comprising a flow channel containing an fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and bounded by two side walls, a substantially planar flap positioned inside the flow channel, and an actuator capable of transmitting an oscillating force or torque to the flap, where the side walls extend from the inlet to the outlet and are substantially planar and parallel to the flap and extend beyond the downstream end of the flap towards the outlet by a distance such that ld?lf/2, where lf is the length of the flap, where the side wall separation, h, length, lw, and width, ww, satisfy the relationships: lw>h and ww>h, whereby in use, the actuator drives oscillatory motion of the flap in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side walls with motion of the flap having larger amplitude near the outlet than near the inlet.

Abstract: A device that is intended for the sampling of fluids, comprises a base and a lid. Between the base and the lid there is provided an opening and a first open-sided channel extending from the opening to a second open-sided channel for the collection of fluid therein. The depth of the second channel is smaller than that of the first channel.

Abstract: A gas flow generator comprising: an ultrasonic driver comprising a piezoelectric or electrostrictive transducer mounted on a substrate, operation of the transducer being arranged to cause the driver to bend; a first membrane disposed on or formed integrally with the transducer or the substrate; and a second membrane mounted substantially parallel with the driver and spaced a given distance therefrom, one of the membranes being perforate, whereby ultrasonic bending of the driver on actuation of the transducer causes a gas flow through the perforate membrane.

Abstract: A sensing apparatus for detecting a translation of a body relative to a surface, the apparatus comprising: a rolling component for contact, in use, with the surface, the rolling component being retained by, and able, in use, to rotate independently of the body; one or more indicator means associated with the rolling component and rotatable therewith; and one or more transducers for producing one or more signals in response to a rotation of the indicator means relative to the one or more transducers wherein, in use, the rolling component rolls upon the surface in response to a relative translation of the body to the surface, thereby causing the positional orientation of the indicator means to change with respect to the transducers.

Abstract: A device that is intended for the sampling of fluids, comprises a base and a lid. Between the base and the lid there is provided an opening and a first open-sided channel extending from the opening to a second open-sided channel for the collection of fluid therein. The depth of the second channel is smaller than that of the first channel.

Abstract: There is disclosed an ejection apparatus for ejecting material from a fluid. An ejection cell (5) contains fluid from which the material is to be ejected and has an ejection upstand (6) which defines a location from which the material is ejected. One or more ejection electrodes (9) are disposed in the cell substantially surrounding the ejection upstand (6).

Abstract: The present invention relates to liquid projection apparatus in the form of a face-shooter array. Material layers are used as the basis to fabricate the device to overcome constructional difficulties associated with other technologies. The device utilizes excitation of the surface layers (100) incorporating nozzles (8) which are arranged over one surface layer with addressability, forming a liquid projection array, capable of operation at high frequencies with a wide range of liquids.

Abstract: A droplet generator for generating a plurality of streams of ink droplets in a continuous ink jet printer comprises a stimulator plate, and the capability of supplying ink to the stimulator plate. The stimulator plate is substantially planar and comprises a substrate, a flexible membrane having a line of nozzles, and an actuator for vibrating the membrane at a resonant frequency. During use, a standing wave is generated such that the line of nozzles is positioned on a locus of uniform vibrational amplitude.

Abstract: A nozzle plate apparatus for an inkjet printer has a nozzle aperture (8) which includes a plurality of elements (9) sub-dividing the aperture into a plurality of smaller apertures.

Abstract: An apparatus for ejecting material from a liquid has an ejection location 91) with an electrode (3). An electrical potential is applied to the ejection location electrode to form an electric field at the location together; liquid is supplied to the ejection location which contains the particulate material to be ejected from the ejection location. A secondary electrode (5, 8) is disposed adjacent to the ejection location and the voltage on the ejection location electrode is controllable so as to reduce the sensitivity of the head to influence by external electric fields.

Abstract: An ejection apparatus for ejecting material from a liquid has an ejection cell (2) for containing the liquid in use. The cell (2) has a protrusion (3) disposed so as to be contacted by liquid in the cell on more than one side and defining a predetermined location for a meniscus of the liquid at an opening in the cell. An ejection electrode (6) is disposed in the cell at a position inwardly of the cell with respect to the predetermined location of the meniscus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for supplying material to a substrate (109). The apparatus includes a member (3) having a surface with a plurality of features (8) which locate, in use, menisci of a liquid (1) supplied to the member. An actuator (4) induces mechanical vibrations within the liquid located by the features to cause liquid droplets (7) to be sprayed. Liquid (1) is supplied to the member and electrical charge is supplied to the member and electrical charge is supplied to the liquid by, for example, an electrode (14). Electrical charge or potential is also supplied to the substrate (109) so that the droplets are directed towards the substrate to deposit material thereon.

Abstract: A liquid supply apparatus having a receptacle for containing a liquid to be supplied, air and a controlling means having a valve for controlling the volume of air in the receptacle. Liquid is supplied through an outlet from the receptacle. The receptacle is controlled so the liquid supplied to the outlet is at a negative pressure while the liquid is moved to an outlet.

Abstract: A method of depositing material on a surface (136) is described in which a bulk medium (for example ink 122) in the form of a composition of dispersed insoluble material (for example ink particles) and a support medium is supplied to a cell (120). A movement of the insoluble material within the bulk medium is effected towards a transfer aperture (128) within the cell, thereby concentrating the insoluble material within the bulk medium. Thereafter the insoluble material is removed from the concentration within the bulk medium through the aperture (128) and deposited onto the surface (136).