Abstract:
Aspects according to the present invention provide a method and implant suitable for implantation inside a human body that includes a power consuming means responsive to a physiological requirement of the human body, a power source and a power storage device. The power source comprises a sheathed piezoelectric assembly that is configured to generate an electrical current when flexed by the tissue of the body and communicate the generated current to the power storage device, which is electrically coupled to the power source and to the power consuming means.
Abstract:
A non-invasive motion and respiration monitor receives impulses from a subject's movement, heartbeat, and respiration. The raw signal is biased and digitized, and a signal processor applies a Fast Fourier Transform to the signal. The transformed signal is filtered to isolate the component representing heart rate from the component representing respiration. An Inverse Fast Fourier Transform is then applied to the component signals, which are sent to a processor. The processor is programmed to detect irregularities in the respiration and heart rate. If severe irregularities or complete cessation is detected in either signal, a mechanical stimulator is actuated to try to stimulate the subject, and an alarm is sounded to alert a caregiver such as a parent or nurse.
Abstract:
Provided is a method for producing a silicon element. A substrate configuration is provided that includes a silicon layer having a first face and a thickness corresponding to a specified thickness of the silicon element to be formed. The configuration includes a layer of an electrically-insulating material located below and adjacent to the silicon layer. A substantially vertical trench is etched from the first face in the silicon layer to a depth that exposes the insulating layer. Then the trench in the silicon layer is exposed to a gaseous environment that is reactive with silicon, to substantially lateral etch the silicon layer preferentially at the depth of the insulating layer along a surface of the insulating layer. This lateral etch is continued for a duration that results in release of a silicon element over the insulating layer. Also provided is a process for etching an angled trench in a silicon layer. Here, a substrate configuration is provided including a first silicon layer having at least one trench etched through the first silicon layer, and layer of an electrically-insulating material located below and adjacent to the silicon layer. The insulating layer includes an aperture that is located at a non-central location with respect to the trench and that corresponds to a prespecified trench angle. Included is a second silicon layer, in which the angled trench is to be formed, below and adjacent to the insulating layer. The trench in the first silicon layer is exposed to a gaseous environment that is reactive with silicon to etch that region of the second silicon layer that is exposed by the aperture in the insulating layer to a selected angled trench depth and prespecified trench angle.
Abstract:
Embodiments are directed to compositions comprising photoluminescent elements (e.g., quantum dots) that absorb UV radiation and emit longer wavelength non-ultraviolet radiation (luminescent down shifting), effectively sequestering the UV radiation. In certain aspects the photoluminescent elements are dispersed on or in a material. In a further aspect the material is transparent to light. In one respect the photoluminescent elements are dispersed in a transparent film.
Abstract:
Aspects according to the present invention provide a method and implant suitable for implantation inside a human body that includes a power consuming means responsive to a physiological requirement of the human body, a power source and a power storage device. The power source comprises a piezoelectric assembly that is configured to generate an electrical current when flexed by the tissue of the body and communicate the generated current to the power storage device, which is electrically coupled to the power source and to the power consuming means.
Abstract:
A self-aligned tunable metamaterial is formed as a wire mesh. Self-aligned channel grids are formed in layers in a silicon substrate using deep trench formation and a high-temperature anneal. Vertical wells at the channels may also be etched. This may result in a three-dimensional mesh grid of metal and other material. In another embodiment, metallic beads are deposited at each intersection of the mesh grid, the grid is encased in a rigid medium, and the mesh grid is removed to form an artificial nanocrystal.
Abstract:
A self-aligned tunable metamaterial is formed as a wire mesh. Self-aligned channel grids are formed in layers in a silicon substrate using deep trench formation and a high-temperature anneal. Vertical wells at the channels may also be etched. This may result in a three-dimensional mesh grid of metal and other material. In another embodiment, metallic beads are deposited at each intersection of the mesh grid, the grid is encased in a rigid medium, and the mesh grid is removed to form an artificial nanocrystal.
Abstract:
A non-invasive motion and respiration monitor receives impulses from a subject's movement, heartbeat, and respiration. The raw signal is biased and digitized, and a signal processor applies a Fast Fourier Transform to the signal. The transformed signal is filtered to isolate the component representing heart rate from the component representing respiration. An Inverse Fast Fourier Transform is then applied to the component signals, which are sent to a processor. The processor is programmed to detect irregularities in the respiration and heart rate. If severe irregularities or complete cessation is detected in either signal, a mechanical stimulator is actuated to try to stimulate the subject, and an alarm is sounded to alert a caregiver such as a parent or nurse.