Abstract: Electrode structures including transparent electrode structures, in particular self supporting electrode structures, are described herein. Further, applications of the herein novel electrode structures are provided, including electronic writing tablets, electronic paper and fabrication methods for electronic writing tablets and electronic paper. The electrode structure may be transparent and self-supporting, thereby providing a novel electrode structure as compared to conventional transparent electrodes.

Abstract: An optomechanical switch comprised of light or laser movable liquid crystal is disclosed. The optomechanical switch consists of a plate of light movable liquid crystal rotatably disposed with respect to a substrate. When activated with a light or laser source, the light movable liquid crystal is rotated angularly to create transmissive and reflective states of transmission for the optical beam.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a vertical integrated circuit is disclosed. Integrated circuits are fabricated on a substrate with layers of predetermined weak and strong bond regions where deconstructed layers of integrated circuits are fabricated at or on the weak bond regions. The layers are then peeled and subsequently bonded to produce a vertical integrated circuit. An arbitrary number of layers can be bonded and stacked in to a separate vertical integrated circuit. Also disclosed are methods of creating edge interconnects and vias through the substrate to form interconnections between layers and devices thereon.

Abstract: Electro-optical glazing structures (1) having total-scattering and total-transparent modes of operation which are electrically-switchable for use in dynamically controlling electromagnetic radiation flow in diverse applications.

Abstract: A network of modules is provided that maximizes agricultural land usage. Each module includes a water collection structure supported above agricultural land. The water collection structure may include a mechanism for distributing photonic energy to plants growing on the agricultural land; and a water distribution system for distributing collected water from said water collection structure to plants growing on the agricultural land and/or the soil in which said plants are planted. Plural modules are networked together with plumbing that serves to both provide water transport to and from the modules and structural support to the network of modules. Such a configuration is particularly useful to increase land usage efficiencies on sloped land.

Abstract: Practical applications of a class of nematic elastomer which has light avoidance characteristics are disclosed. Such practical applications include a switching device, a load carrying device and programmable mask. The use of different light sources, including the use of an autonomous device are further disclosed.

Abstract: A module is provided that maximizes agricultural land usage. The module includes a water collection structure supported above agricultural land. The water collection structure may include a mechanism for distributing photonic energy to plants growing on the agricultural land; and a water distribution system for distributing collected water from said water collection structure to plants growing on the agricultural land and/or the soil in which said plants are planted. The present module may also include energy storage systems, thereby allowing the module to be partially or completely self-sustaining.

Abstract: A system and method of shipping container freight is disclosed. A system including wayports and a convoy of small ships allows the safe efficient transport of conventional freight containers from shipping ports to destination ports. A linking mechanism between the convoy of ships can be selectively lengthened or shortened to ensure the safety of the convoy.

Abstract: A reflective strain gauge includes an holographically-formed polymer dispersed liquid crystal (H-PDLC) film comprising layers of liquid crystal (LC) droplets in a matrix polymer, the H-PDLC film having a reflection or transmission grating capable of reflecting or transmitting light of a selected wavelength, and means for adhering the film to a surface of a workpiece for monitoring the strain at said surface. A change in the nature of the reflected light is an indication of strain. Also included is a polarizing material having an holographically-formed polymer dispersed liquid crystal (H-PDLC) film comprising layers of liquid crystal (LC) droplets in a matrix polymer, the H-PDLC film having a reflection grating capable of reflecting light of a selected wavelength, wherein the reflection grating of the H-PDLC film is oriented, such that the refractive index parallel to said axis of orientation (ne) is greater than the refractive index perpendicular to said axis (no).

Abstract: A self-cleaning transparent structure is described herein having dust resistant qualities and improved optical qualities. A transparent surface is provided with randomly positioned protrusions attached to a transparent surface. The protrusions act upon particles that settle on the protrusions, by diminishing the particles surface adhesion. Furthermore, the transparent features of the transparent surface are no diminished, since the period between each protrusion is less than the wavelength of visible light.

Abstract: The present invention circumvents inherent inefficiencies of photosynthesis by exposing chloroplast (or equivalents thereof) to light in a periodic manner during the organisms' “daylight” cycle. Optical, electro-optical, and/or electromechanical techniques are introduced to conventional farming methods to increase the conversion efficiency and farming yield many-fold. A module is provided that carries out the above benefits. The module includes: a solar distribution sub-system; and a structure having a plurality of growing levels configured and dimensioned to support a desired quantity of plant life and associated nutrient sources (e.g., soil, hydroponic, or an equivalent nutrient source).

Abstract: A method for fabricating multi layer devices on a substrate with a buried oxide layer is disclosed. Multi layer microelectromechanical, microfluidic, and integrated circuit devices are fabricated on a substrate with layers of predetermined weak and strong bond regions with deconstructed layers of devices at or on the weak bond regions. The layers are then peeled and subsequently bonded to produce a multi layer microelectromechanical and microfluidic devices. An arbitrary number of layers can be bonded and stacked to create either microelectromechanical or microfluidic device or a hyrbid type of device.

Abstract: A light controlling film is described comprising a polymerized polymer network of a crosslinked high molecular weight polymeric material and a low molecular weight cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) material, wherein the high molecular weight and the low molecular weight form a material having cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) order such that the film is a reflective circular polarizer whose bandwidth is controllable by an electric field impressed in the film.

Abstract: A layered structure generally includes a first layer suitable for having a useful element formed therein or thereon selectively attached or bonded to a second layer. A method to form a layered structure generally comprises selectively adhering a first substrate to a second substrate.

Abstract: Flow through capacitors are described herein having improved capabilities. In general, asymmetric flow through capacitors are formed, increasing overall capacitance. The asymmetry may be accomplished by utilizing electrodes of different materials, different dimensions, or the same materials with different capacitance properties.

Abstract: A system and method for converting an analog voltage signal to a digital representation at high speeds, known as an analog to digital converter (A/D converter), is provided. The invention teaches an N-bit A/D converter, made by N superconducting, preferably HTC, transmission lines. The N lines are arranged adjacently and in parallel with each other. On each line 2N?1 JJs are imbedded in series. The JJs form a matrix over the configuration of the N superconducting transmission lines in such a manner that across the lines the JJs give N digit binary numbers, while in the length direction these N digit binary numbers fall in numerical order. A scanning electron beam is made to impinge on this arrangement. The beam is scanned across the lines at a high frequency, while it is deflected by the applied voltage signal along the direction of the lines. The beam generates a voltage step on any one of the N lines on condition of hitting any one of the JJs.

Abstract: A flow through capacitor system is provided having one or more movable electrodes. A movable electrode may be in the form of a movable belt structure or a roller. The system further includes at least one subsystem for removing ions that accumulate at the one or more movable electrodes.

Abstract: Disclosed are super broadband circularly polarizing film materials and novels methods of fabricating and using the same. The circularly polarizing materials are made from a film of material, such as a CLC polymer having a cholesteric order, in which a liquid crystal material, such as a nematic liquid crystal material, is distributed in a non-linear fashion across the thickness of the film in a plurality of liquid crystal-rich and liquid crystal-depleted sites in the CLC polymer. The pitch of the helices of the CLC molecules in the polyermized CLC material varies in a non-linear (e.g. exponential) manner along the depth dimension (i.e. transverse to the surface) thereof. The resulting circularly polarizing materials have reflection and transmission characteristics over bands of operation approaching 2000 nm. Depending on the final spiral structure of the materials utilized, the CLC circularly polarizing materials reflect either left-handed or right-handed circularly polarized light.

Abstract: Patterned platelets are platelets made with specified shapes and sizes. The various sizes and shapes of the platelets are used to code articles and substances to which they are applied. The patterned platelets can be in inks or paints applied to articles. The platelets can be further coded by markings thereon or by spectral or polarization codes rather than just the distribution of sizes and shapes. The patterned platelets can be made from any materials buy subtractive or additive processes. A patterned platelet can also be made by an actinic polymer being applied to a substrate and a mask applied to allow only the desired size and shape to be exposed to radiation curing the unmasked portion of the polymer on the substrate. The polymer can be cholesteric liquid crystals with the properties of reflecting polarized light of selected wavelengths to code the crystals in addition to the size and shape codes.

Abstract: An oxygen enrichment system is provided. The system includes an electrochemical cell for generating oxygen from ambient air. The electrochemical cell extracts oxygen from ambient air based on hydroxide conduction. A mixer is provided in fluid communication with ambient air, and an outlet provides oxygen enriched air to a user or air-breathing apparatus. In further embodiments, a purification system is also included. The air enrichment system may be employed with suitable batteries to provide a portable air enrichment device.