Abstract: The present subject matter relates generally to the use of thermally induced self-assembly of surfactants, such as poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) or 4-octylphenol polyethoxylate, to vary the transparency or opacity of a composition containing the same. The compositions of the present subject matter can be used in smart window technologies.

Abstract: GER fluids are improved by the addition of a polar molecule additive. By addition of a polar molecule additive, yield stresses under electric field are improved by over 50% while the current density is reduced to less than a quarter of the original GER. The reversible response time still remains the same, and the sedimentation stability is greatly enhanced. The zero field viscosity of the modified GER fluid remains the same as that of the original GER fluid without the additive. The improved GER characteristics improve general functionality as an electrical-mechanical interface, attendant with applications to car clutches, fluid brakes, and vehicle shock absorbers.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling flow of ER fluid. The apparatus has a first channel 10 for conveying carrier fluid 1 of a first dielectric constant and droplets 2 of a second dielectric constant in the carrier fluid. The apparatus further comprises a second channel 20 conveying the ER fluid and a first conductor 100 for conveying an electrical potential from the second channel to the first channel. A circuit 61 is provided for applying potential difference between the first and second channels. When a droplet is present in the first channel, the ER fluid is solidified in the second channel; when no droplet is present, the ER fluid flows as liquid in the second channel. Therefore the apparatus acts as an IF gate. Arrangements for other types of fluidic logic gate are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a giant electrorheological (ER) effect includes an upper high voltage electrode and a lower high voltage electrode, the upper high voltage electrode and the lower high voltage electrode each covered with a water-absorbing material and have water absorbed thereon. The apparatus also includes a fluid channel formed by layers and positioned in a gap between the upper high voltage electrode and the lower high voltage electrode; a pressure sensor positioned at one of the high voltage electrodes; a pump to flow silicon oil through the fluid channel; and a high voltage source configured to apply a voltage to the upper high voltage electrode. A method for generating a ER utilizes the apparatus.

Abstract: The microspheres have many possible applications including smart drug delivery, breaking and damper devices. In one arrangement, a microsphere comprises a shell 120 and a core 110. The core comprises a liquid, which may be a drug, while the shell comprises magnetic particles. The microsphere is deformable in response to application of an external magnetic field. Also disclose is an arrangement in which a microsphere has a magnetic core and a PDMS shell.

Abstract: GER fluids are improved by the addition of a polar molecule additive. By addition of a polar molecule additive, yield stresses under electric field are improved by over 50% while the current density is reduced to less than a quarter of the original GER. The reversible response time still remains the same, and the sedimentation stability is greatly enhanced. The zero field viscosity of the modified GER fluid remains the same as that of the original GER fluid without the additive. The improved GER characteristics improve general functionality as an electrical-mechanical interface, attendant with applications to car clutches, fluid brakes, and vehicle shock absorbers.

Abstract: A three-dimensional scaffold microstructure comprising a plurality of collapsed polymer columns for use in cell culture or nematode studies.

Abstract: Electronic-fluidic hybrid form dividers, constructed by a simple planer droplet generation structure, a pair of signal electrodes, and a responsive control valve, which is programmed to respond to only certain signal droplets, by a basic electronic principle: change of voltage share between impedances. Detected fluidic information is addressed in both electronic and fluidic forms, and the fluidic pathway is well-confined in a simple planar structure, although its control valve is in a second layer, thereby minimizing any fluidic disturbance. Various configurations comprise a plurality of identical structures, which can alter their cumulative function by re-assignment of required voltage share. The hybrid divider can be assembled into a fluidic universal logic gate, of a simple two inlet and one outlet signal channels structure, and switch between sixteen functions by re-assigning voltage share.

Abstract: A PDMS-based composite and a synthesis method thereof are disclosed. The PDMS-based composite comprises a PDMS gel and a plurality of conducting particles distributed within the PDMS gel. The weight percentage of the conducting particles in the PDMS-based composite is in the range of 86% to 91%. The synthesis method comprises the steps of: wetting a plurality of conducting particles using a low flash point solvent; mixing the wetted conducting particles with a PDMS gel; evaporating the low flash point solvent to form a mixture; and curing the mixture to form the product per se.

Abstract: An acoustic energy absorption metamaterial includes at least one enclosed planar frame with an elastic membrane attached having one or more rigid plates are attached. The rigid plates have asymmetric shapes, with a substantially straight edge at the attachment to said elastic membrane, so that the rigid plate establishes a cell having a predetermined mass. Vibrational motions of the structure contain a number of resonant modes with tunable resonant frequencies.

Abstract: Electronic-fluidic hybrid form dividers, constructed by a simple planer droplet generation structure, a pair of signal electrodes, and a responsive control valve, which is programmed to respond to only certain signal droplets, by a basic electronic principle: change of voltage share between impedances. Detected fluidic information is addressed in both electronic and fluidic forms, and the fluidic pathway is well-confined in a simple planar structure, although its control valve is in a second layer, thereby minimizing any fluidic disturbance. Various configurations comprise a plurality of identical structures, which can alter their cumulative function by re-assignment of required voltage share. The hybrid divider can be assembled into a fluidic universal logic gate, of a simple two inlet and one outlet signal channels structure, and switch between sixteen functions by re-assigning voltage share.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling flow of ER fluid. The apparatus has a first channel 10 for conveying carrier fluid 1 of a first dielectric constant and droplets 2 of a second dielectric constant in the carrier fluid. The apparatus further comprises a second channel 20 conveying the ER fluid and a first conductor 100 for conveying an electrical potential from the second channel to the first channel. A circuit 61 is provided for applying potential difference between the first and second channels. When a droplet is present in the first channel, the ER fluid is solidified in the second channel; when no droplet is present, the ER fluid flows as liquid in the second channel. Therefore the apparatus acts as an IF gate. Arrangements for other types of fluidic logic gate are also disclosed.

Abstract: We present an invention on the synthesis of elastic, bio-compatible functional microstructures wherein the designed electrical functionalities are achieved by mixing conducting nano to micro-particles with PDMS gels. The methodology for constructing planar and three-dimensional microstructures by soft-lithographic technique is presented. Applications such as electrodes, conducting strips, two and three-dimensional microstructures for electrical wiring connections, micro heaters, micro heater arrays, flexible thermochromic displays, and applications for microfluidic devices are demonstrated, all with demonstrated elastic flexibility and fall-proof characteristics while maintaining their functionalities. Results obtained are very promising for the utilization of such composites in future micro-fabrications, especially for the bio-chips and microfluidic devices.

Abstract: The subject disclosure relates to microfluidic devices, systems and methodologies that facilitate generation of droplets, control, and/or manipulation thereof with electrorheological (ER) fluids. In one aspect, ER fluids can be employed with a carrier fluid or as a carrier fluid to enable droplet generation, control, and/or manipulation. As a further advantage, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can include droplet generation, control, and/or manipulation for liquids, gases, combinations, etc. Further non-limiting embodiments are provided that illustrate the advantages and flexibility of the disclosed structures.

Abstract: The microspheres have many possible applications including smart drug delivery, breaking and damper devices. In one arrangement, a microsphere comprises a shell 120 and a core 110. The core comprises a liquid, which may be a drug, while the shell comprises magnetic particles. The microsphere is deformable in response to to application of an external magnetic field. Also disclose is an arrangement in which a microsphere has a magnetic core and a PDMS shell.

Abstract: A waveguide structure is described wherein microwaves or radio-frequency waves can be guided in their propagation through channels whose cross-sections contain fractal patterns, with relevant dimensions much smaller than the wavelengths of the guided waves. A finite section of such waveguide can be used as an efficient delay line.

Abstract: A three dimensional (3D) fractal structure with H as the mother element is hereby disclosed. Such a 3D structure can act as selective total microwave reflectors or selective microwave filters in transmission. When excited through current injection, such a 3D fractal structure can act as highly efficient antenna for radiating or detecting pre-determined microwaves, with the relevant wavelength much larger than the size of the radiation or detection structure.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sound attenuation panel comprising, a rigid frame divided into a plurality of individual cells, a sheet of a flexible material, and a plurality of weights. Each weight is fixed to the sheet of flexible material such that each cell is provided with a respective weight and the frequency of the sound attenuated can be controlled by suitable selecting the mass of the weight.

Abstract: We present an invention on the synthesis of elastic, bio-compatible functional microstructures wherein the designed electrical functionalities are achieved by mixing conducting nano to micro-particles with PDMS gels. The methodology for constructing planar and three-dimensional microstructures by soft-lithographic technique is presented. Applications such as electrodes, conducting strips, two and three-dimensional microstructures for electrical wiring connections, micro heaters, micro heater arrays, flexible thermochromic displays, and applications for microfluidic devices are demonstrated, all with demonstrated elastic flexibility and fall-proof characteristics while maintaining their functionalities. Results obtained are very promising for the utilization of such composites in future micro-fabrications, especially for the bio-chips and microfluidic devices.

Abstract: A three dimensional (3D) fractal structure with H as the mother element is hereby disclosed. Such a 3D structure can act as selective total microwave reflectors or selective microwave filters in transmission. When excited through current injection, such a 3D fractal structure can act as highly efficient antenna for radiating or detecting pre-determined microwaves, with the relevant wavelength much larger than the size of the radiation or detection structure.