Abstract: Obtained are a semiconductor device which can be implemented with high density of integration while ensuring a constant capacitor capacitance in high reliability and a method of fabricating the same. The semiconductor device, including a memory cell region and a peripheral circuit region, comprises an insulating film, having an upper surface, formed on a major surface of a semiconductor substrate to extend from the memory cell region to the peripheral circuit region. A capacitor lower electrode is formed in the memory cell region to upwardly extend beyond the upper surface of the insulating film on the major surface of the semiconductor substrate. A capacitor upper electrode is formed on the capacitor lower electrode through a dielectric film, to extend onto the upper surface of the insulating film. The capacitor lower electrode includes a capacitor lower electrode part having a top surface and a bottom surface.

Abstract: A flash memory and a method of forming a flash memory, includes forming a polysilicon wordline on a substrate, the wordline having first and second sidewalls, the first sidewall being tapered, with respect to a surface of the substrate, to have a slope angle and the second sidewall having a slope angle greater than the slope angle of the first sidewall. Thereafter, a polysilicon spacer is formed on the second sidewall while simultaneously removing the polysilicon on the first sidewall. The polysilicon spacer forms a floating gate which is surrounded on a plurality of sides by the second sidewall.

Abstract: A MOS technology power device comprises a semiconductor substrate, a semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type superimposed over the semiconductor substrate, an insulated gate layer covering the semiconductor layer, a plurality of substantially rectilinear elongated openings parallel to each other in the insulated gate layer, a respective plurality of elongated body stripes of a second conductivity type formed in the semiconductor layer under the elongated openings, source regions of the first conductivity type included in the body stripes and a metal layer covering the insulated gate layer and contacting the body stripes and the source regions through the elongated openings.

Abstract: Conductive links are provided between conductive materials, e.g., metals, separated by a non-conductive material, e.g., a silicon based glass material. In a preferred embodiment a single pulse of laser energy is applied to at least one of the conductive materials to produce mechanical strain therein which strain initiates a fracturing of the non-conductive material so as to provide at least one fissure therein extending between the conductive materials. The laser energy pulse further causes at least one of the conductive materials to flow in such fissure to provide a conductive link between the conductive materials. Preferably, the non-conductive material is formed in layers such that an interface between the layers controls the fissures.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer is diced before thinning. The wafer is diced only part of the way through, to form grooves which are at least as deep as the final thickness of each chip to be obtained from the wafer. Then, the wafer is placed into a non-contact wafer holder, and the wafer backside is blanket etched with a dry etch, for example, atmospheric pressure plasma etch. The wafer is thinned until the grooves are exposed from the backside. The dry etch leaves the chip's backside smooth. After the grooves have been exposed, the dry etch is continued to remove damage from the chip sidewalls and to round the chips' bottom edges and corners. As a result, the chip becomes more reliable, and in particular more resistant to thermal and other stresses.

Abstract: A method for joining a semiconductor integrated circuit chip in a flip chip configuration, via solder balls, to solderable metal contact pads, leads or circuit lines on the circuitized surface of an organic chip carrier substrate, as well as the resulting chip package, are disclosed. The inventive method does not require the use of a solder mask, does not require the melting of the bulk of any of the solder balls and does not require the use of a fluxing agent.

Abstract: A resin sealing type semiconductor device, a manufacturing method thereof and a packaging structure thereof are capable of downsizing the semiconductor device and attaining high-density packaging. For this, the resin sealing type semiconductor device with leads exposed in an outer surface, is provided with spot leads adhered to a circuit forming surface of a semiconductor element with an insulating adhesive tape interposed therebetween, each independently regularly arrayed, and exposed to outside with the semiconductor element disposed inside.

Abstract: A novel construction board composition is disclosed comprising a unique combination of synthetic binders selected for their ability to establish a strengthened permanent bond in the final dry state for use in a construction board composition comprising primarily gypsum, and in a construction board composition comprising an expanded mineral such as Perlite which largely reduces the amount of gypsum over current gypsum construction board formulations, thus reducing the weight while maintaining the strength of the construction board structure. In a preferred embodiment, the lightweight, strengthened gypsum construction board of the present invention also comprises an optional covering veneer that is applied to provide increased strength, moisture resistance, and fire retardency, and the back paper top ply is treated to provide increased flexural strength.

Abstract: An integral high strength threaded pipe connection formed on joints of plain-end pipe, and a method for manufacturing, wherein the ends of the joints are rough machined, swaged, and then finish machined, preferably but not necessarily, with only one chucking.

Abstract: A pivot mechanism comprising first and second frames linked so as to pivot, in which locking members may co-operate with teeth on one of the frames in order to lock the mechanism, and at least one stop member which is joined to the second frame and which is arranged so that the locking member abuts at an angle against said stop member if the pivot mechanism is subjected to a pivot torque in a first direction of rotation whilst the locking member is in its locked position: if this torque exceeds a threshold value, the stop member is displaced towards the over-locking member and pushes it against the teeth of the frame in order to lock it.

Abstract: The invention provides a seat frame supporting a pad formed in a predetermined shape and engaging with a skin for covering the pad. It comprises a first roll formed frame having a closed rectangular cross sectional shape and wholly formed so as to extend along a front edge and both side edges of the pad and a second roll formed frame having a closed rectangular cross sectional shape and wholly formed so as to extend along a rear edge of the pad, in which both end portions of the first roll formed frame and both end portions of the second roll formed frame are connected to each other. Accordingly, a strength of the seat frame can be improved without increasing a weight.

Abstract: A blow-molded wheel including an axle retainer assembly. The retainer assembly includes a housing having transverse sleeves that support an axle and a spring biased retainer pin that mounts to an annular groove at the axle. The housing is supported in a cavity formed into a wheel spoke and a bore of a wheel hub and is retained upon the shrinkage of the plastic around the housing. An aperture of the pin sleeve facilitates retraction of the pin and release of the wheel from the axle.

Abstract: A fitting space having an annular opening, in which an elastic ring whose diameter of a section is D is to be fitted, is formed between a pin-press-fit hole of a link and an exposed end portion of a pin. A link inner wall face and a pin outer peripheral face in the fitting space are formed with tapered faces whose diameters decrease as they go toward an inmost of the fitting space at angles &agr; and &bgr; (&agr;> &bgr;) with respect to the axial line of the pin, respectively. The elastic ring contacts with the respective tapered faces in the fitting space at the angles &agr; and &bgr; with respect to a perpendicular passing a center of its section. Dimensions d1 and d2 between contact points at the respective tapered faces and a horizontal line passing the center of the section of the elastic ring, the diameter D of the section of the elastic ring, and the angles &agr; and &bgr; have a relation of &agr;> &bgr;, D> d1+ d2 (where d1=D/2· cos &agr;, d2= D/2·cos &bgr;).

Abstract: A tuning fork type vibrator including two arms and a base is supported by a supporting substrate mounted on a stem, and an oscillation limiting member formed from a ring-shaped rubber-like elastic body is mounted with its one face secured to the stem so as to surround the base. When an external vibration or impact is applied, the tuning fork type vibrator oscillates in response to the vibration or impact, but the oscillation range of the tuning fork type vibrator is limited by the presence of this oscillation limiting member, and thus bumping of the tuning fork type vibrator against the surrounding members such as the stem is prevented. Moreover, a gyro characteristic is not impaired, and a loss of the gyro function due to a stop of drive vibration does not occur.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a field emission element including the steps of: forming a conductive film on an antireflection film; forming a resist pattern on the antireflection film through photolithography; forming holes through the antireflection film and conductive film by using the resist pattern as a mask; removing the resist pattern, depositing a first sacrificial film over a substrate and etching back the first sacrificial film to leave a side spacer on an inner wall of the hole of the conductive film; depositing a second sacrificial film over the substrate and forming a conductive emitter electrode on the second sacrificial film; and partially removing the second sacrificial film to expose a tip portion of the emitter electrode. This method can form a gate hole at a high precision in size.

Abstract: A photocathode having a UV glass substrate and a laminate composed of a SiO2 layer, a GaAlN layer, a Group III-V nitride semiconductor layer and an AlN buffer layer provided on the UV glass substrate in succession. The UV glass substrate, which absorbs infrared rays, can be heat treated at a high speed by photoheating. Further, the UV glass substrate, which is transparent to ultraviolet rays, permits ultraviolet rays to be introduced into the Group III-V nitride semiconductor layer where photoelectric conversion occurs.

Abstract: An inverter air conditioner for controlling room temperature to a predetermined temperature by controlling the number of revolutions of a compressor and controlling variables of the refrigerating cycle including the opening degree of an expansion valve and the air quantity of a heat exchanger. The inverter air conditioner detects a number-of-revolution command value for the compressor and changes controlled variables of the refrigerating cycle, such as the opening degree of the expansion valve and the air quantity of the heat exchanger, in accordance with the number-of-revolution command value thereby, achieving room temperature control.

Abstract: An input/output buffer capable of supporting multiple transmission logic bus specifications. The input/output buffer has a coordinating controller, a logic control circuit, a first transistor, a second transistor, a first resistor element, and a second resistor element. The logic control circuit picks up a microprocessor-type signal to determine the type of microprocessors used. According to the microprocessor type, conductivity of the first transistor, the second transistor, the first resistor element and the second resistor element are reassigned to fit the particular logic bus specification of the microprocessor. Hence, a single chipset on a main circuit board is able to accommodate various types of microprocessors.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit enables a drive circuit and a reception circuit to be constituted. The drive circuit drives long wiring in high speed while achieving realization of reduced area when large capacity of load is driven. The reception circuit receives this signal in high speed. There is provided an inverter within the drive circuit. An n-type MOS transistor is adopted as drive transistor. Drive power of the n-type MOS transistor is larger than that of a p-type MOS transistor. It is capable of driving signal with large load in long wiring such as bus line. Thus the drive circuit is realized in that the drive circuit drives the long wiring in high speed while achieving realization of reduced area. Further, it is capable of realizing a reception circuit suppressing through-current during the time period when the signal is changed.

Abstract: A low voltage current source generates low voltage signals for powering a variable frequency oscillator. The low voltage signals are at a slightly higher voltage until a negative substrate bias is achieved. The oscillator operates at a low frequency for low power consumption when no charge pumping is needed and at a higher frequency when charge pumping is in fact needed or when charge pumping will most likely be needed. The variable frequency oscillator controls a timing signal generator which generates the timing signals used to control the overall operation of the charge pump system. Voltage translation circuitry translates the low voltage current source signals into higher voltage signals which are used to translate the substrate voltage from its negative value to a positive value so that the substrate voltage may be compared to a reference voltage using a conventional comparator.

Abstract: A charge pump system includes a charge pumping circuit for outputting a high voltage VPP at a node. An oscillator circuit, coupled to the charge pumping circuit, drives the charge pumping circuit with at least one clock signal. A current source generates a pulldown current. A voltage divider circuit is coupled between the node and the current source. The voltage divider circuit cooperates with the current source to form a feedback loop for controlling the oscillator circuit to run at variable, optimum frequency for controlling the rate-of-rise and the amplitude of the high voltage VPP while minimizing power-supply current drain.

Abstract: A conventional differential transistor pair is provided with a dynamic bias circuit. The input voltage signal for the differential pair is also full-wave rectified and the rectified signal is used to bias dynamically the differential pair while the input voltage signal is being applied. One or more bias transistors having a control electrode fed with the rectified signal is connected in series with the differential pair. The result is that as the input signal magnitude increases the amount of bias increases dynamically and increases linearly for larger signals. Desired responses other than linearity can be achieved by making the signal that is fed to the rectifier vary according to any predetermined function.

Abstract: A low clearance alarm bumper apparatus (10) includes a bumper (12) that can be suspended adjacent a doorway and below the level of the header for activating an alarm circuit (16) upon being tilted in response to an impact, such as when a forklift carrying a tall load approaches the doorway. Upon impact, the preferred bumper (12) activates a pair of lamps (36, 38) and a speaker (40) to produce an audible alarm to warn the forklift driver that the load is too tall to clear the doorway header.

Abstract: A security system comprising a plurality of remote wireless units, a central control unit and an adaptive console for translating messages in radio frequency signals into messages in signals suitable for transmission over a wire in order to augment the wireless capability of the system. The adaptive console has a wireless receiver for receiving the radio frequency signal, which includes identification and status information from a wireless remote units. The adaptive console also has a processing unit which translates the identification and status information from the radio frequency signal to corresponding function data derived from a mapping of valid identification and status information to function data, the function data representative of a function to be performed by the security system. The adaptive console also has a transmitter which transmits a signal over a wired connection which includes the corresponding function data to the central control unit or a wired security unit.

Abstract: A bed includes a base, a support surface coupled to the base, and a controller configured to control at least one function. A control panel is coupled to the controller. At least one lockout switch is coupled to the controller.

Abstract: The invention encompasses an electrical apparatus. Such apparatus comprises a first substrate having first circuitry supported thereby. The first circuitry defines at least a portion of a radio frequency identification device. At least one first electrical node is supported by the substrate and in electrical connection with the first circuitry. The apparatus further comprises an input device comprising a second substrate and second circuitry on the second substrate. The second circuitry is in electrical communication with at least one second electrical node. Neither of the first nor second electrical nodes is a lead, and the second electrical node is adhered to the first electrical node to electrically connect the input device with the radio frequency identification device. The invention also encompasses a termite-sensing apparatus. Additionally, the invention encompasses methods of forming electrical apparatuses, and methods for sensing termites.

Abstract: To monitor a patient, an alligator clip is fastened to the patient by a cord having a length of between five inches and five feet. The other end of the cord is connected to a switch which is activated when the patient moves beyond the length of the cord to cause a message to be announced. A disposable pressure pad is located under the patient and armed by the application of weight to the pad. Upon removal of the weight the alarm is given.

Abstract: A keyboard 11 with the function of examining user's physical condition to make a computer 12 to be able of generating a message for reminding the user of his (her) physical condition. The keyboard comprises a plurality of keys 111, a sensing unit 112, wherein the sensing unit 112 senses keystrokes of the keys 111 and produces corresponding physical parameters, whereby the computer 12 generates the message according to the physical parameters. The keyboard 11 will make the computer 12 to be able of alarming the users when their keystroke count, rate, or force exceed a corresponding predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A geographic-based communications service system has a mobile unit for transmitting/receiving information, and access points connected to a network. The access points are arranged in a known geographic locations and transmit and receive information from the mobile unit. When one of the access points detects the presence of the mobile unit, it sends a signal to the network indicating the location of the mobile unit and the information requested by the mobile unit. Based on the signal received from the access point, the network communicates with information providers connected to the network and provides data to the mobile unit through the access point corresponding to the location of the mobile unit.

Abstract: Apparent distance of a pixel within an optical field of view is determined. Incoming light is scanned along a raster pattern to direct light for a select pixel onto a light distance detector. The distance is sampled for each pixel or for a group of pixels. The light distance detector includes a concentric set of rings sensors. The larger the spot of light corresponding to the pixel, the more rings are impinged. The diameter of the spot is proportional to the distance at which the light originated (e.g., light source or object from which light was reflected). Alternatively, a variable focus lens (VFL) adjusts focal length for a given pixel to achieve a standard spot size. The distance at which the light originated correlates to the focal length of the VFL.

Abstract: An LED display unit disclosed. A plurality of pixels are provided on an insulation substrate. Each pixel comprises vertically arranged green, red, and blue LEDs, wherein the green LED is above the red LED, and the blue LED is below the red LED. Each pixel is positioned in a corresponding one of cavities defined in a predetermined pattern on the insulation substrate, and each cavity provides a light repletion surface on the inner wall.

Abstract: A position detecting device for an object within virtual set comprises providing the object with an emitting device and using the device in conjunction with a plain or patterned chroma-key background to provide the exact position of a TV camera or alone to provide a position for another object or actor.

Abstract: A fiber tracking management system controls fibers clinging to an inkjet printhead in an inkjet printing mechanism, to stop these fibers from trailing across freshly printed wet ink and leaving unsightly fiber tracks. The system includes a sled which supports a fiber crushing member that contacts the printhead when the sled is in the servicing position and crushes fibers dangling from the printhead against the printhead. The printhead carriage has a datum which extends over the printzone and collects fibers from a wiper following printhead wiping. The system also has a fiber remover which removes fibers deposited along the exterior surface of the datum. The fiber remover may be a clutch actuator or other mechanism which plucks the fibers off the carriage, or a compressible pad which smashes the fibers and scrubs ink residue from the datum. A method of controlling fibers clinging to an inkjet printhead is also provided.

Abstract: A combined deflection electrode and phase sensor electrode for a deflection type ink jet printer is made up of a ceramic support plate 19, a conductive layer 21 acting as the deflection electrode, layers of insulator 25 covering the conductive layer 21, and a patch of conductive material on the layers of insulator 25 to provide a phase sensor electrode 29 (Alternative constructions are also disclosed). A time of flight sensor electrode 31 may also be provided in the same way. The layers of insulator 25 prevent the sensor electrodes 29, 31 from being electrically connected, by splashes of conductive ink, to the deflection electrode provided by the conductive layer 21. The sensor electrodes 29, 31 can have a larger sensing area than separately provided electrodes, allowing them to be further from the ink jet and thereby easing alignment requirements.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus according to the present invention structured to synthesize a plurality of images having different quantities of exposure to enlarge the image pickup dynamic range is intended to prevent rise of the noise level of the connection point of the images. A maximum value detection circuit controls the quantity of exposure of an image pickup device to be a first quantity of exposure and a second quantity of exposure smaller than the first quantity of exposure and optimizes the second quantity of exposure in accordance with the second quantity of exposure. A first image signal corresponding to the first quantity of exposure and a second image signal corresponding to the thus-optimized second quantity of exposure are synthesized by a synthesizing circuit.

Abstract: Lenses are provided in an assortment of frequently used prescriptions and are preground to a desired final contour. The lenses are optionally provided with a lug, temple and modern and with a split bridge member attached thereto to provided a half eyeglass assembly. Alternately, the parts may be provided unassembled. Proper lenses are selected on the basis of a prescription by a consumer and are assembled by the consumer to form a completed pair of eyeglasses. A bridge assembled from the split bridge members is adjustable to set a desired interpupillary distance. The positions of holes for attaching the bridge and lug to the lenses are line-symmetrical with respect to a vertical axis of each lens so as to allow the lens to be used as either a right or left lens.

Abstract: An illumination system for a microlithographic exposure apparatus comprises an adjustable axicon, a variable zoom element, and a multipole illumination mode generating element. By controlling the optical components, the illumination mode can be varied continuously between conventional, annular, and multipole.

Abstract: A driving system includes a driving mechanism for producing a driving force, a drive controlling device for controlling the driving mechanism, and a temperature adjusting mechanism collecting heat from the driving mechanism, wherein cooling amount of the temperature adjusting mechanism is controlled on the basis of a signal applied from the drive controlling device to the driving mechanism. The cooling amount required for the driving mechanism or the amount of heat generation in the driving mechanism is predicted, on the basis of a signal applied to the driving mechanism, and the cooling amount is then controlled.

Abstract: A housing for a magnification loupe is provided having a body portion for an eyepiece lens and a nose portion for an objective lens. The body portion for the eyepiece lens includes outer circumferential threads over which the objective nose portion fits. The objective nose portion includes a pin slot defining an arc across the body of the nose. The arc is configured such that a pin may be secured through the holes in the nose piece to co-act with the threads of the eyepiece body such that radial movement is prohibited.

Abstract: A real image type finder optical system comprising, in order from the object side, an objective optical system of non-telecentric system, a first prism having a wedge angle of 3°, a second prism, a third prism, and an eyepiece lens. The second prism has a first face as the entrance surface in contact with the back surface of the first prism, a second face forming an angle of 22.5° with respect to the first face and a third face for transmitting the optical axis bend by these second face and first face. The third prism has a first face as the entrance surface spaced in parallel from and confronting the third face of the second prism, a second face forming 45° with respect to the first face in order to bend the optical axis toward the object side at an angle of 90° within a horizontal plane, and a third face formed as roof faces for bending the optical axis bent by the second face toward the first face at an angle of 45° within a horizontal plane.

Abstract: The light beam scanning device has a casing injection molded from magnesium or magnesium alloy as the material. A polygon mirror and a motor are sealed in the inside of the casing and a cover covering the latter. Since the thickness of the magnesium or magnesium alloy material can be reduced, heat generated from a motor is dissipated satisfactorily. Heat dissipating fins are formed to the casing to promote heat dissipation and enhance the strength of the casing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical element fixing device, and particularly to a prism mounting device for an optical device using light beam which passes through a prism or lens, a lens fixing device for aligning and fixing the center of a lens with a prescribed optical axis, and a device for fixing a reflecting mirror of an optical device. The invention can easily and securely position the prism to be press-contacted to the lens within a case, in which changes in the magnitude of press-contacting with the passage of time is very small. And, the lens can be securely fixed with its center accurately aligned with a prescribed optical axis. Besides, the reflecting mirror is fixed by a simple structure and a contact between the reflecting mirror and a plate spring is not limited to one point.

Abstract: In a motor drive for driving a motor having three-phase coils in both a high rotation speed mode making the motor at a high rotation speed and a low rotation speed mode making the motor at a low rotation speed which is extremely lower than the high rotation speed, the motor drive comprises a mode selection circuit for making a connection of the three-phase coils unipolar and bipolar connections on the high and the low rotation speed modes, respectively. A frequency generation pattern detects a rotation speed of the motor. On the basis of the rotation speed detected by the frequency generation pattern, a combination of a PLL circuit and a driving transistor drives the motor at the high and the low rotation speeds on the high and the low rotation speed modes, respectively.

Abstract: An energy absorbing disc travel limiter which not only mechanically defines a limit to the extent to which a disc in a disc drive can be axially displaced in response to applied mechanical shocks, but which also acts to damp the shock-induced motion of the discs, thus preventing contact between the discs and the actuator head mounting arms. The amount of damping provided by the disc travel limiter is determined by selection of the material of the disc travel limiter and selection of certain dimensions of the disc travel limiter.

Abstract: A disk player has a disk cartridge for being loaded thereon, and accommodating a disk-type recording medium. The disk cartridge has a shutter arranged thereon, for performing slide-opening/closing in order to expose an information surface of the disk-type recording medium. The disk player is comprised of a carrier mechanism for carrying the disk cartridge to an information regenerating location and an information recording location, and a shutter sliding mechanism for slide-opening/closing the shutter. The shutter assumes an intermediate position of sliding when the disk cartridge is located at one of the information regenerating location and the information recording location, and assumes a terminal position of sliding when the shutter is located at the other one of the locations. The disk player also includes a driving mechanism comprised of an engaging element and an engaged element which is separated from the engaging element when the information recording mechanism is not driven.

Abstract: A read sensor with self-aligned low resistance leads and a method of making are provided. In the method a masking step has been eliminated by employing first, second and third protective capping layers in the construction of the read sensor and first and second lead layers. The first capping layer serves as a protective layer for the read sensor sites, the second capping layer protects low resistance lead layer portions during removal of the first capping layer from high resistance lead layer sites and then serves as a sacrificial layer during removal of spin valve material from the low resistance lead layer sites. The third capping layer protects the first and second lead layers during milling of low resistance lead layer material in field regions about the read sensor and first and second lead layers. The method aligns front edges of the low resistance lead layer portions with a rear edge of the read sensor so as to lower the overall resistance of the lead layers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a capacitor construction for a more uniformly thick capacitor dielectric layer, and a method for fabricating the same. The method has special utility where the bottom electrode comprises composite layers over which the capacitor dielectric demonstrates differential growth during deposition. Exposed portions of an underlying first electrode layer, are covered either by a conductive or dielectric spacer, or by a dielectric padding. For the preferred embodiments, in which the bottom electrode comprises titanium carbonitride over rough polysilicon, a dielectric padding may be formed during a rapid thermal nitridation step, which causes silicon nitride to grow out of an exposed polysilicon sidewall. Alternatively, a sidewall spacer may be formed by deposition an additional layer of titanium nitride over the original titanim nitride strap, and performing a spacer etch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ceramic capacitor having metal plate terminals that absorb thermal stress and mechanical stress caused by flexure of the substrate. A ceramic capacitor element is provided with terminal electrodes at the two side end surfaces facing opposite each other. The metal plate terminals are each connected to one of the terminal electrodes at one end thereof, are each provided with a folded portion in a middle area and a terminal portion to be connected to the outside toward the other end from the folded portion.

Abstract: A lighting device for momentarily providing light to an appliance to which it is mounted. The lighting device has a nonconductive base structure adapted to be mounted onto the appliance or to be incorporated into the appliance or other appliance engaging structure. The base structure has a cavity, a retaining slot and apertures into which a battery, a light bulb and a conductive connector structure are placed. The conductive connector structure has a switch which extends from the base structure and through the exterior cover. The cover is constructed to receive the base structure and has a forwardly extending hood which is adapted to direct light to the appliance. Various mounting structures are provided for attaching the lighting device to an appliance or other objects.

Abstract: A protective cover for protecting a lighting device from direct contact with contaminants or components which may interfere with proper operation thereof. The contaminant (e.g., blood, body tissue, dirt, oil, grease, paint, etc.) or other component (e.g., adhesive pad) can interfere with the desired internal reflection of the light propagating through a light transmitting member, by changeing the angle of reflection of the propagating light. The result is that optical energy is absorbed by the contaminant or component and converted to heat, thus causing the contaminant or component to quickly rise to an undesirable temperature. The present invention protects a lighting device from such interference, while maintaining its versatility.