Abstract: A device for detecting the amount or concentration of particulate matter in a gas medium comprises a structure for the deposit of solid particles, at least a first and a second electrode associated to the structure, and means for measuring an electric quantity between the first and second electrode. A plurality of cavities is defined in the structure, which act as collectors of solid particles, the structure being arranged so as to induce the accumulation of the particles inside the cavities.

Abstract: Bidimensional or three-dimensional, single-layer or multilayer nanostructure, whose electric conductivity B in the total structure has a highly non-linear behavior due to local tunnel effect between adjacent clusters, and it can be varied at will by varying the voltage applied to the electrodes.

Abstract: A lighting device has a light source, comprising a volume (11) inside which combustion of a fuel-comburent mixture is confined. A photonic crystal structure (16) is positioned inside the volume (11). The photonic crystal structure (16) operates to inhibit or limit emission from said passage of at least a part of infrared radiation and simultaneously allow emission of visible light radiation. (FIG.

Abstract: The generator comprises at least one source of pressurized gas and a closed hydraulic circuit containing a solution comprising an electrically conducting vehicle liquid in which a charge of micro- or nanoparticles of a metal material is dispersed. The circuit has at least one inlet port connected to the source so that, when in operation, it receives a flow of pressurized gas capable of causing circulation of the solution within the circuit in a predetermined direction, forming a two-phase gas-liquid mixture with it, a restriction in cross section, downstream from the inlet port calibrated in such a way as to cause an increase in velocity and condensation of the two-phase mixture, and at least one outlet port, located downstream from the restriction through which the gas mixed with the solution can be released and discharged from the circuit.

Abstract: The combustor comprises a stationary structure, and at least one annular rotor supported rotatably about a shaft by contactless suspension means. The rotor comprises a first and a second main annular portions which are interconnected by an intermediate annular portion and in each of which there is defined a combustion chamber that has a directed lateral opening for the ejection of the combustion gases. Each combustion chamber has an injector of fuel and oxidizer and an igniter which extend through a circular opening in the said intermediate annular portion of the rotor. The injectors and the associated igniters extend through narrow circular slits defined between each main annular portion and the intermediate portion of the rotor. This intermediate portion communicates with the region outside the rotor through a circularly extending radial exhaust nozzle of convergent-divergent type connected to the said circular opening and having in cross section the shape of a De Laval nozzle.

Abstract: A light-emitting device comprises a structure defining an orderly and periodic series of cavities of nanometric dimensions, in which a process of catalytic combustion is confined. The dimensions and/or the distance between the micro-cavities are selected to obtain a light emission in the visible and prevent and/or attenuate at the same time emission of infrared radiation.

Abstract: The electricity generator comprises a microcombustor provided with a fuel injector and acting to produce at an exhaust outlet a flow of exhaust gas in plasma state comprising positive ions and electrons separated from one another, and a conversion device coupled to the outlet of the microcombustor. The conversion device comprises an electrically insulating duct coupled to the said outlet of the microcombustor and provided in its initial portion with separation and capture electrodes for capturing the negative charges (electrons) of the plasma in such a way that downstream the plasma comprises only positive ions. After the initial portion the duct has an intermediate portion provided with an outer cladding of conductive material insulated from the plasma, the ends of which are connectable to a load.

Abstract: An electroluminescent device (1) comprises a supporting substrate (2); at least two electrodes (3) positioned on the substrate (2); at least a three-dimensional percolated layer (4), positioned on the substrate (2) between the two electrodes (3), having a metallic mesoporous structure defining a multitute of cavities of micrometric or nanometric dimensions. Present in the cavities of the three-dimensional percolated layer (4) are a multitude of luminescent inclusions (5), which operate to emit light when energized by electrons which, as a result of electron tunneling, effect pass through the three-dimensional percolated layer (4).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical biosensor comprising a porous matrix. In the specific case, reference is made to anodized porous alumina, on the surface of which the biological component specific for the analyte in question is immobilized, and to an optical-signal detector connected to said matrix. The present patent further relates to a biosensor having the porous matrix and the optical detector integrated in a single structure, in particular to biosensors with porous matrix other than porous alumina, for example porous silicon.

Abstract: An electroluminescent device (1) comprises a supporting substrate (2); at least two electrodes (3) positioned on the substrate (2); at least a three-dimensional percolated layer (4), positioned on the substrate (2) between the two electrodes (3), having a metallic mesoporous structure defining a multitute of cavities of micrometric or nanometric dimensions. Present in the cavities of the three-dimensional percolated layer (4) are a multitude of luminescent inclusions (5), which operate to emit light when energized by electrons which, as a result of electron tunneling, effect pass through the three-dimensional percolated layer (4).

Abstract: A device for determining the position of a movable object (10) along a path of motion, comprising: a coded magnetic element (14) provided with a plurality of coded segments (16), each of which has a unique identification code, and a sensor element (20) so positioned as to recognize the code of the coded sector (16) which is positioned in correspondence with the sensor element (20).

Abstract: A method for making three-dimensional structures of nanometric or micrometric dimensions comprises the following steps: obtaining of a photopolymeric or UV mixture including nanoparticles orientable in space; deposition of a layer of the mixture on a respective substrate; exposure of the layer to UV-radiation and control of the polymerization of the mixture by means of variation of its index of refraction; application of a magnetic and/or electrical field for producing a desired positioning of the nanoparticles, in order to induce the growth of surface projections from the layer of mixture; and polymerization of the mixture.

Abstract: A light-emitting device, in particular a backlight device, comprises a transparent substrate (2) having a front surface and a rear surface, in which associated to the rear surface are means for generating an electromagnetic radiation that is able to pass through the substrate and come out of the front surface. According to the invention, the device comprises a layer of porous alumina which operates so as to inhibit propagation of said electromagnetic radiation in the directions parallel to the plane of the substrate, thus improving the efficiency of extraction of light from the substrate and increasing the directionality of the emitted light.

Abstract: A luminous signalling device comprises a body made of transparent synthetic material, basically in the form of a plate having two larger faces set opposite one another, at least one of which carries an image. A plurality of LED devices of the SMD type which emit white light is coupled externally to at least one of the walls that define the peripheral edge of the aforesaid plate body. The arrangement is such that the rays of white light coming out of the LED devices undergo multiple total reflections within the plate body, which thus functions as a light guide. In areas corresponding to selected areas of the image, the face of the plate body is made up of diffusing optical elements designed to diffuse outwards the rays of light that are incident on said areas within the body.

Abstract: High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is used as a coating for optical elements operating in transmission in the infrared spectrum, which are made up of a material other than polyethylene, such as hygroscopic salt, semiconductor materials, fluorides, chalcogenides, silver halides, and others, so as to exploit the optical properties of HDPE, at the same time keeping the thickness reduced.

Abstract: An infrared sensor device for motor-vehicles, designed to detect the presence of an overtaking vehicle, comprising at least two cells sensitive to infrared radiation, placed on one side of the reflecting plate on the outside rear view mirror of a motor-vehicle, behind focusing optics. Each cell emits a signal proportional to the infrared radiation it receives. An electronic circuit emits a global signal proportional to the difference between the signals emitted by the two cells, so that said global signal enables the presence of an overtaking vehicle to be distinguished from that of other vehicles travelling in the opposite direction, as well as avoiding false alarms due to electronic and electromagnetic noise.

Abstract: A reflector (R) for a lighting device having a light source elongated in one direction has a three-dimensional curved shape which provides a maximum efficiency of the device with the required control on the direction of the light beam at the output.

Abstract: A lighting device includes a thin transparent plate in which a plurality of micro-lenses arranged in a matrix are integrated. A second thin transparent plate is supported so as to be movable relative to the first plate by means of at least one pair of flexures. A plurality of micro-lenses arranged in a matrix are also integrated in the second plate.

Abstract: A lighting device which can be used for illuminating pedestrian crossings or in other applications where it is necessary to form a defined and uniform rectangular pattern includes a parabolic reflector element and a planar screen with an array of cylindrical microlenses or microprisms on a surface thereof.