Abstract: An interconnection device is disclosed for providing electrical connection between two conducting elements that requires less applied force than a standard ohmic connection device of the same connection area. A surface of at least a first conducting element includes a plurality of atomically sharp projections for creating a strong electric field near the tip of each projection, each projection being disposed within a locally depressed portion of an insulating layer that serves to maintain a space between each tip and a second conducting element that contacts the insulating layer. The strong electric field at each tip induces a variety of conduction modes each contributing to an aggregate current flow from the first conducting element to the second. In an alternate embodiment, a plurality of projections are disposed on the peaks and valleys of a rough surface without an insulating layer, the projections providing a variety of conduction modes.

Abstract: An interconnection device for providing electrical connection between two separable conducting elements that requires less applied force than a standard ohmic connection device of the same connection area includes a surface of at least a first conducting element that includes a plurality of atomically sharp projections for creating a strong electric field near the tip of each projection, each projection being disposed within a locally depressed portion of an insulating layer that serves to maintain a space between each tip and a second conducting element that contacts the insulating layer. The strong electric field at each tip induces a variety of conduction modes each contributing to an aggregate current flow from the first conducting element to the second. In an alternate embodiment, a plurality of projections are disposed on the peaks and valleys of a rough surface without an insulating layer, the projections providing a variety of conduction modes.

Abstract: An interconnection system for transferring either electrical energy in the form of power and data signals or both is disclosed. Capacitive coupling devices are shown connected to a memory device such as an erasable programmable read only memory chip, in a form suitable for use in a smart data entry card. The capacitive coupling devices employ a dielectric medium having a relatively high dielectric constant due to the orientation of the crystals of the dielectric medium. Barium Titinate having a dielectric constant of 18,000 in the direction of the crystal axis is used. Only small bearing pressures sufficient to wipe contaminants from the exposed contact pads are required.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a metal surface by means of a laser to improve the surface characteristics, prior to plating thereover with a noble metal, such as gold. More particularly, the method hereof includes the steps of illuminating the desired areas of said metal surface with a laser beam; provided, however, the laser power density is controlled to vaporize surface contaminants and embedded foreign materials, without significantly altering the properties of the metal, in preparation for plating said cleaned areas with said noble metal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the integrity of metal plated composites is disclosed. Plating improvements are achieved by first irradiating a nickel plated substrate, prior to application of a noble metal plating layer, to smooth any surface discontinuities or irregularities. Excimer laser pulses, having a duration of less than 100 nanoseconds, are employed to partially liquefy the upper surface of the nickel plating on the substrate. This invention is compatible with conventional plating processes, such as electroplating.

Abstract: A method for solid phase welding gold to electrical contact terminals is disclosed. The contact zones of the terminals are moved past and held against a rotating cylinder that has gold electrolytically deposited thereon. The gold is transferred from the cylinder to the contact zones of the terminals by friction welding. The deposited gold is also described.

Abstract: A nuclear fusion device comprising a condensed phase fuel element and accelerated ion beams which ionize and compress the fuel element and initiate nuclear fusion reactions. In one of the embodiment beams comprising electrons in addition to ions are employed. A method is provided comprising synchronization, acceleration and focusing of the said beams on the fuel target. Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus and method for a continuous nuclear fusion process. Another object is a clean fusion process. A further object of the invention is to provide a neutron generator.

Abstract: The system for collecting energy from the sun is composed of a transparent panel having a plurality of channels open at both ends, a liquid capable of absorbing about 85-100% of the energy from impinging rays of the sun per centimeter thickness of the liquid, means for introducing the liquid into the panel and means for removing the liquid from the panel. Energy from the sun is collected by circulating the liquid capable of absorbing 85-100% of energy from impinging rays of the sun in a transparent panel which is exposed to the sun per centimeter thickness of the liquid. Heat absorbed by the circulating liquid may be transferred through the medium of heat exchanger and used to heat a building, for hot water and the like.