Abstract: An electrostatic discharge protection device for a high-density printed circuit board consists of a layered structure starting at the bottom layer with a ground conductor. A dielectric layer covers the ground conductor to electrically isolate it from a circuit trace that is on top of the dielectric layer. A via is formed in the dielectric layer such that a portion of the ground conductor is exposed, and the via is strategically located such that the edge of the via is tangent to an edge portion of the circuit trace. The via forms a spark gap between the edge portion of the circuit trace and the underlying ground conductor, using air as the dielectric medium.

Abstract: A method for a human user to interactively enter an alphanumeric text message into a multiline display device (12) using a keypad (14) containing a number of keys. On one portion (22) of the display, the alphanumeric text message that the user is entering is displayed. On a second portion (23) of the display, a listing of subsets (24, 25) of alphanumeric symbols is shown, with each subset being mapped to a corresponding key on the keypad. The user selects the subset of alphanumeric symbols containing the one alphanumeric symbol to be entered into the alphanumeric text message and depresses the key that is mapped to the selected subset. In response to this action, the second portion of the display then changes to show the alphanumeric symbols contained in the selected subset, with each alphanumeric symbol mapped to a specific key on the keypad. The user then selects the desired alphanumeric symbol and depresses the proper key.

Abstract: A method of diluting reacted fuel gas that is exhausted from a fuel cell. The reacted fuel gas is transferred from the fuel cell (10) into a hydrogen diluting mechanism (16) prior to release into the atmosphere, so that when the reacted fuel gas is subsequently released into the atmosphere, the percentage of hydrogen immediately surrounding the fuel cell does not exceed 4 percent by volume.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing the performance of a fuel cell system (100) using an agitation means (150). The method of managing the performance involves, monitoring operational parameters (110) of individual fuel cells and the overall fuel cell system, comparing performance parameters (120) of the system against target values, selecting a control method (130) from a set of available control methods based on the result of comparison of the performance parameters against the target values and using that control method to initiate and control an agitation process, and actuating (140) an agitation means using the selected control method so as alter the monitored operational parameters (160).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing thermal performance of a fuel cell system having a fuel cell assembly and a fuel storage container is disclosed. The fuel cell system 100 consists of one or more fuel cells 110, each having a major surface 140, and disposed next to each other in a side-by-side adjacent arrangement and a fuel storage container 120 having an exterior wall 150. The fuel cells 110 are positioned such that distance between the major surfaces 140 and the fuel storage container wall 150 along a direction normal to the major surfaces is substantially the same. In addition, one or more of the fuel cells are in thermal contact with the fuel storage container such that cell waste heat is transferred to the fuel storage container.

Abstract: A high density multi-layer printed circuit board (100) is formed by building additional dielectric and metallization layers over a central core (110) of conventional PCB laminate construction. The central core has a metallization pattern (113, 114) on at least one surface. A photoimaged dielectric layer (130) is deposited on one side of the central core and overlies the metallization pattern. Vias (136) are formed in this dielectric layer by a photoimaging process, and an additional metallization pattern (133) on this layer is electrically connected to the underlying metallization pattern through these vias. A non-photoimageable dielectric layer (120) is deposited on the other side of the central core. Vias (126) are formed in this dielectric layer by a laser drilling process, and an additional metallization pattern (123) on this layer is electrically connected to an underlying metallization pattern through these laser drilled vias.

Abstract: A water management system reduces the problems with flooding and also enhances the flow of fuel gas to the anodes. Individual unit cells (20) in an array are separated by cell walls (24), the array is covered by a fuel manifold (36), and the manifold is arranged so that the individual unit cells have their own respective chambers. Each chamber is arranged so that the fuel gas flows from one chamber into another through an opening or vent (35) in the chamber wall. The opening contains a hydrophobic portion (38) that serves to urge liquid water that accumulates in the opening to migrate away.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for generating energy, utilizing a fuel cell. Air is freely guided to the fuel cell, while a fuel gas is provided to the fuel cell from a pressurized fuel supply via a regulator. The portable power supply is most applicable to use with handheld electric devices, and contains a fuel storage means (110) for storing a supply of fuel, a fuel delivery means (120) connected to the fuel storage means, an energy conversion device (140) connected to the fuel delivery means for converting the fuel to electricity. The fuel storage means, the fuel delivery means, and the energy conversion device are all contained in a volume less than 500 cubic centimeters.

Abstract: A switchable antenna (10) with a base antenna assembly (11), a secondary antenna assembly (12) and a switch. Base and secondary antenna assemblies (11,12) have respective housings (21,23) to respectively house helical antennas (31,40). Secondary antenna assembly (12) is mounted to and operably coupled to base antenna assembly (11) with a connector (13). A contact member (18) of base antenna assembly (11) has a contact ball bearing (20) and a conductive plate (22). Secondary antenna assembly (12) has a contact member (19) with a conductive plate (25) and a dimple (26). The switch is formed by connector (13), ball bearing (20) and conductive plates (22,25) and selectively electrically couples adjacent ends (32,41) of helical antennas (31,40) by relative rotation about a common longitudinal axis (43).

Abstract: An integrated circuit package (10) comprises a semiconductor die (14), and a substrate (16) for receiving the semiconductor die. The substrate has an aperture(s) (18) below the semiconductor die for providing moisture relief during temperature excursions. The semiconductor die is wirebonded to the substrate. An encapsulant (12) seals the top surface of the semiconductor die and serves to bond the semiconductor die to the substrate. The encapsulant also covers portions of the top side of the substrate.

Abstract: A substrate 15 has an electrically adjustable trim pad 50 on the bottom side. A circuit pattern 18 resides on the top side, covered by an RF shield 20. The trim pad is located on the bottom side directly below the RF shield, and is electrically connected 52 to the circuit pattern. A number of surface mount connections 30, typically C5 solder bumps, are located on the bottom side, and surround the trim pad. The trim pad is trimmed after the RF shield is attached, thus providing more accurate tuning of the circuit on the top side.

Abstract: Two parts (120, 160) can be mated and secured from relative movement in three different orthogonal directions or planes by the use of a novel, two piece, plastic fastener structure. The snap fastener has an integral interlocking tab (170) that serves to constrain the movement in a third direction or plane. The snap fastener additionally consists of an operative component (110) and a securing component (150). The operative component has a resilient member (112) that deforms to receive a catch member (152) on the securing component when the operative component and the securing component are snapped or mated together. One of the two components contains an opening (180), while the other contains a body portion shaped more or less like a tab or tongue which is capable of being inserted within the opening when the two components are mated. When so inserted, the relative movement of the two components is restricted in three directions, without the use of a remotely located securing means.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly consists of a polymer electrolyte membrane (100) with an electrode on each side. The polymer electrolyte membrane has an integral sensor (115) disposed on the surface. The sensor monitors the physical, thermal, chemical or electrical state of the membrane electrode assembly. Information obtained from the sensor is used to identify a defective membrane electrode assembly, and the operation of the fuel cell is altered based on the identified defective membrane electrode assembly.

Abstract: A feeder system (1) for supplying electrical components (20) to a pick-and-place machine (14). The feeder system has a two storage hoppers (2a,2b) respective storage outlets (6a,6b), There is a pick up location (3) and a passage (4) provides communication between the storage outlets (6a,6b) and the pick up location (3). A first fluid jet outlet 31 associated with storage outlets (6a,6b) provides fluid blasts to agitate components (20) the hoppers (2a,2b). A second fluid jet outlet (32) associated provides fluid blasts to propel the components (20) towards the pick up location (3).

Abstract: A radio communication device (10) has a controller (11), an antenna mount (12), a reference voltage source (13), a voltage bias supply (14), transceiver circuitry (15) and an annunciator (16). Device (10) also has an antenna (17) that is detachably mounted to antenna mount (12). The base of antenna (17) has a conductive track (19) which is selectively insulated. Uninsulated portions of conductive track (19) connects electrical contacts on antenna mount (12) such that a code signal can be provided on signal lines connecting antenna mount (12) to controller (11). The electrical contacts are distributed on a contact housing (30) of antenna mount (12). In response to the code signal, controller (11) controls annunciator (16) to provide an indication to a user of device (10) whether antenna (17) is selected appropriately or improperly connected. The code signal is provided independent of radiofrequency signals received or transmitted via transceiver circuitry (15).

Abstract: A male connector assembly (1) has a former (2) and a foldable substrate (3) supporting leads (4) that are electrically coupled to respective connector pads (5). The substrate (3) is folded adjacent at one end to provide a connector portion (13), with opposite inwardly facing surfaces are adhered to the former (2). The male connector assembly (1) has mounting pads (15) to which are mounted respective spherical solder deposits (16). When connector assembly (1) engages a socket (21), a connector assembly (20) Is provided in which the spherical solder deposits (16) engage recesses (24) and connector pads (5) are electrically coupled to electrical contacts (25) of socket (21).

Abstract: An ultrasonically welded joint is made by placing a thermoplastic film (5) between two thermoplastic members (10, 20). The two thermoplastic members each have a mating part of a complex joint. One part of the joint, known as the shear joint (40), serves to shear away part (6) of the film when the two members come together, and another section of the same joint, known as the mash joint (30), serves to bond the film and the two members all together during the ultrasonic welding process.

Abstract: A high density electrical interconnect is achieved by incorporating a flexible circuit (140) that is removably connected to a low insertion force, ball grid array connector (100). The flexible circuit has a plurality of conductive runners (142), and each of the runners has a termination (144). The terminations are arranged in an array on the end of the flexible circuit. The low insertion force connector consists of a substrate (120) that has a pattern of pads (122) corresponding to the array on one side. The other side of the substrate has a corresponding array (124) that is electrically connected to the pads by conductive vias. An alignment feature (470) aligns the array on the flexible circuit to the pattern of pads on the substrate. Contact between the flexible circuit and the substrate is maintained by a compression means (150) that provides sufficient compressive force (310) to establish electrical connection between the array and the pads.