US Patent 7403322 - Micromirror alignment platform

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7403322.html

Micromechanical mirrors have been developed over the past several decades in applications such as fiber optic switching, projection displays, 3D imaging, and adaptive optics. In many of these applications alignment between the light source and the micromirrors can be critical. This patent from Lucent Technologies teaches a common positioning stage provided for a plurality of micromirrors to facilitate such alignment. Claim 1 reads:

1. A MEMS device, comprising:

a stationary part; and

a movable part movably connected to the stationary part, wherein the movable part comprises a platform and a plurality of mirrors mounted on the platform, wherein: each mirror is adapted to move with respect to the platform; and the platform is adapted to translate with respect to the stationary part.

US Patent 7323033 - Variable permeability surface using nanoposts

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7323033.html

This patent from Lucent teaches using nanoposts to maintain a fluid separated from a porous membrane. Application of a voltage can be used to control the surface tension of the fluid and create a variable permeability membrane. Applications include controlling the electrolytic fluid in a battery to preserve battery life and controlling the breathability and water resistance of fabrics. Claim 1 reads:

1. Apparatus comprising: a substrate having a plurality of openings; and a plurality of nanostructures disposed on a surface of said substrate, the plurality of nanostructures being able to suspend a fluid above the surface without the fluid contacting the surface, wherein said plurality of openings are disposed between at least a portion of the nanostructures in a way such that at least a portion of said fluid passes through said plurality of openings when the fluid is caused to penetrate the plurality of nanostructures and contact the substrate.

US Patent 7229847 - Electrode-molecule interconnects using imprint stamp

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7229847.html

A variety of techniques have been used to form interconnects between molecular structures and electrodes but many of these techniques result in shorts that can decrease the effectiveness of a molecular junction. This patent from Lucent teaches use of an imprint stamp to form electrodes for molecular interconnects to help alleviate shorting defects caused when an opposing electrode is deposited. Claim 1 reads:

1. A process for forming electrical contacts to a molecular layer comprising: coating raised and relief portions of a surface of a stamp with a metal layer; foaming an attached layer of anchored molecules by covalently bonding first ends of said anchored molecules to one of either a conductive or semiconductive substrate or said metal layer; and placing the other of said conductive or semiconductive substrate or said metal layer in contact with said attached layer of anchored molecules, said conductive or semiconductive substrate or said metal layer covalently bonding to free ends of said anchored molecules.