Abstract: Fibrous micro-composite materials are formed from micro fibers. The fibrous micro-composite materials are utilized as the basis for a new class of MEMS. In addition to simple fiber composites and microlaminates, fibrous hollow and/or solid braids, can be used in structures where motion and restoring forces result from deflections involving torsion, plate bending and tensioned string or membrane motion. In one embodiment, fibrous elements are formed using high strength, micron and smaller scale fibers, such as carbon/graphite fibers, carbon nanotubes, fibrous single or multi-ply graphene sheets, or other materials having similar structural configurations. Cantilever beams and torsional elements are formed from the micro-composite materials in some embodiments.

Abstract: A water repellent glass treatment for automotive applications comprising a windshield washer solvent which contains quaternary compounds, preferably siloxane based quaternary ammonium compounds, fatty quaternary ammonium compounds, and mixtures thereof which are dispersible in water, alcohol's and water alcohol mixtures and imparts a good degree of hydrophobicity to the windshield surface. The fluid is used in underhood washer solvent reservoirs and applied to the windshield of the automobile in the conventional manner and is packaged in diluted solution or a concentrate for addition to the windshield cleaner/solvent solution.

Abstract: A fixture for holding a semiconductor die against an abrasive media for the purpose of thinning the die is described. The fixture provides means for aligning the back of the die to a reference plane that is coplanar with the plane of the abrasive and is in contact with the abrasive media during the thinning process.

Abstract: A wireless system is provided for switching the pickups of a guitar. The system may work in conjunction with MIDI devices such as effects processors. The system includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter receives input from the MIDI device via a DIN connector and generates a control signal which corresponds to a preselected combination of pickups which have been programmed and stored in memory. A second DIN connector is provided to function as a pass-thru. The pickup combinations stored in memory are associated with a program from the MIDI device. A display is provided to indicate to the musician which program is in current use. The receiver is positioned within the cavity of the guitar and includes a plurality of relays coupled to the pickups of the guitar. Based on the control signal received, the relays are activated in order to provide the selected pickup combination.