Abstract: A MEMS comprises a back-plate (7) having an inner portion (7a) and an outer portion (7b), the inner portion (7a) connected to the outer portion (7b) by a sidewall (7c). A raised section or anchor ring (60) is formed in the outer portion (7b) of the back-plate, in a region of the back-plate near the inner perimeter of the outer portion. The anchor ring may comprise angled sidewalls. The thickness of the back-plate may be greater than the thickness of the material supporting the anchor ring. Embodiments are also disclosed in which a membrane comprises a raised portion and an outer portion connected by an angled sidewall.

Abstract: Non-transitory computer-readable media, systems, apparatus, and computer-implemented methods are described herein for facilitation of generation and selective provision of a modular advertising unit over a plurality of communication channels to a plurality of end user computing devices. In various embodiments, the modular advertising unit comprising may include a first graphic configured to be operable by a user with an end user computing device to reveal, in place of at least a portion of the first graphic, a second graphic to the user. In various embodiments, the modular advertising unit may also include instructions configured to cause the end user computing device, in response to execution of the instructions by the end user computing device, to automatically provide a report, to the computing device or another computing device associated with an advertising entity, about operation of the first graphic.

Abstract: A Roots pump comprises a plurality of multi-toothed rotary pumps, each forming a pump stage, and connection channels connecting respective adjacent pump stages. The invention provides that the connection channels are arranged in partitioning walls separating the adjacent pump stages.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the photovoltaic generation of electrical energy. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic arrays for use in photovoitaically generating electrical energy. Aspects of the present invention provide a variety of photovoltaic roofing elements and systems that include, for example, interlocking geometries to provide for water handling and integration with conventional roofing materials; and wire management features that can protect wiring and associated electrical components from physical and/or environmental damage.

Abstract: A MEMS capacitive transducer with increased robustness and resilience to acoustic shock. The transducer structure includes a flexible membrane supported between a first volume and a second volume, and at least one variable vent structure in communication with at least one of the first and second volumes. The variable vent structure includes at least one moveable portion which is moveable in response to a pressure differential across the moveable portion so as to vary the size of a flow path through the vent structure. The variable vent may be formed through the membrane and the moveable portion may be a part of the membrane, defined by one or more channels, that is deflectable away from the surface of the membrane. The variable vent is preferably closed in the normal range of pressure differentials but opens at high pressure differentials to provide more rapid equalisation of the air volumes above and below the membrane.

Abstract: A MEMS capacitive transducer with increased robustness and resilience to acoustic shock. The transducer structure includes a flexible membrane supported between a first volume and a second volume, and at least one variable vent structure in communication with at least one of the first and second volumes. The variable vent structure includes at least one moveable portion which is moveable in response to a pressure differential across the moveable portion so as to vary the size of a flow path through the vent structure. The variable vent may be formed through the membrane and the moveable portion may be a part of the membrane, defined by one or more channels, that is deflectable away from the surface of the membrane. The variable vent is preferably closed in the normal range of pressure differentials but opens at high pressure differentials to provide more rapid equalization of the air volumes above and below the membrane.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the photovoltaic generation of electrical energy. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic arrays for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. Aspects of the present invention provide a variety of photovoltaic roofing elements and systems that include, for example, interlocking geometries to provide for water handling and integration with conventional roofing materials; wire management features that can protect wiring and associated electrical components from physical and/or environmental damage; and wind clip and ledge features configured to prevent against wind uplift of the photovoltaic roofing elements when installed.

Abstract: A MEMS capacitive transducer with increased robustness and resilience to acoustic shock. The transducer structure includes a flexible membrane supported between a first volume and a second volume, and at least one variable vent structure in communication with at least one of the first and second volumes. The variable vent structure includes at least one moveable portion which is moveable in response to a pressure differential across the moveable portion so as to vary the size of a flow path through the vent structure. The variable vent may be formed through the membrane and the moveable portion may be a part of the membrane, defined by one or more channels, that is deflectable away from the surface of the membrane. The variable vent is preferably closed in the normal range of pressure differentials but opens at high pressure differentials to provide more rapid equalisation of the air volumes above and below the membrane.

Abstract: A screw vacuum pump, in particular for compression against atmospheric pressure, comprises a pump housing defining a suction chamber. Two meshing screw rotors are arranged in the suction chamber. Further, an overpressure outlet provided, which comprises an overpressure opening in a side wall of the suction chamber. Further, an overpressure valve is arranged in the overpressure outlet. The width (b) of the overpressure opening in the longitudinal direction of the screw rotors is smaller than or equal to a tooth width (B) of the screw rotors.

Abstract: A MEMS device comprises a membrane layer and a back-plate layer formed over the membrane layer. The membrane layer comprises an outer portion and an inner portion raised relative to the outer portion and a sidewall for connecting the inner portion and the outer portion. The sidewall is non-orthogonal to the outer portion.

Abstract: A fastener system including a threaded fastener having a slot formed in the fastener head. Facets are formed in the slot walls, each facet having an angle of less than ninety degrees with respect to the base of the slot such that the slot has a variable width and at least a portion of the width of the base is greater than the width of the opening of the slot. A driver bit includes a blade configured to be inserted into the slot of the fastener. At least a portion of the free end of the blade has an increased width such that the blade is locked within the slot of the fastener when torque is applied to the driver bit.

Abstract: A vacuum pump comprises pumping elements arranged in a pumping chamber. An electric motor drives the pumping element. A frequency inverter is provided for changing the rotational speed of the electric motor. The frequency inverter is arranged in a frequency inverter housing immediately connected to the pump housing. An air cooler and a liquid cooler are arranged in the frequency inverter housing to cool the frequency inverter.

Abstract: A MEMS transducer includes a substrate, a membrane layer and a back-plate layer. The membrane layer is supported by the substrate. The back-plate layer is supported by the membrane layer and includes a respective sidewall portion and a respective raised portion. One or more columns, separate from the sidewall portion of the back-plate layer, connect the back-plate layer, the membrane layer and the substrate.

Abstract: An Interactive Submergible Tow Craft pulled by a powered vessel such as water skies and tubes for tubing. A user seated in the craft has control over a pair of rudders which rotate either upward or downward causing the craft to submerge in water or breach the craft while being pulled through the water. The craft may be broken down into smaller parts for customization, maintenance or easy transport.

Abstract: Accurate “Mixing” of a sound signal has hitherto required a recording studio environment. Currently, both professional music producers facing budgetary limitations and amateur music makers without access to such meet a difficulty in producing music which has been correctly “Mixed” and “Auditioned”. We therefore propose a “Mixing” and “Mix Audition” tool, which can use standard headphones as the method of reproducing the direct sound, together with a DSP system that can be used with a computer based music production system to simulate specific listening experiences.

Abstract: A screw vacuum pump, in particular for compression against atmospheric pressure, comprises a pump housing defining a suction chamber. Two meshing screw rotors are arranged in the suction chamber. Further, an overpressure outlet provided, which comprises an overpressure opening in a side wall of the suction chamber. Further, an overpressure valve is arranged in the overpressure outlet. The width (b) of the overpressure opening in the longitudinal direction of the screw rotors is smaller than or equal to a tooth width (B) of the screw rotors.

Abstract: A micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) transducer comprises a layer of dielectric material having an electrode formed in the layer of dielectric material. A region of the layer of the dielectric material is adapted to provide a leakage path which, in use, removes unwanted charge from the layer of dielectric material.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the photovoltaic generation of electrical energy. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic products for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. One aspect of the invention is a photovoltaic element comprising: a top face and a plurality of lateral sides; one or more photovoltaic cells defining a photovoltaic region on the top face, the photovoltaic region extending substantially to one or more of the lateral sides; and one or more selvage edges disposed along one or more of the lateral sides to which the photovoltaic region does not extend.

Abstract: An automated water control system for a shower or bath that provides means for automated controls that give the user management of both water temperature and water flow as well as historical statistics on consumption.

Abstract: A MEMS device comprises a back-plate (7) having an inner portion (7a) and an outer portion (7b), the inner portion (7a) connected to the outer portion (7b) by a sidewall (7c). A raised section or anchor ring (60) is formed in the outer portion (7b) the back-plate, in a region of the back-plate near the inner perimeter of the outer portion. The anchor ring may comprise angled sidewalls. The thickness of the back-plate may be greater than the thickness of the material supporting the anchor ring. Embodiments are also disclosed in which a membrane comprises a raised portion and an outer portion connected by an angled sidewall.