Abstract: A sensor may include a deformable sensing element having a deformable conductor arranged to deform in response to deformation of the sensing element, wherein the deformation of the sensing element is selectively controlled. The sensing element may be selectively controlled by a restraining element. The restraining element may control the deformation of the sensing element by distributing forces applied to the sensing element. The sensing element may include a deformable body with the deformable conductor arranged to respond to elongation of the deformable body. The deformable conductor may include a conductive gel. A sensor may include a deformable body, a deformable conductor arranged to deform in response to deformation of the deformable body, and a restraining element arranged to selectively control the deformation of the deformable body.

Abstract: A resistor assembly including at least two connector elements and at least one strip-like or plate-like resistor element arranged between the connector elements. The resistor element has an upper side, a lower side and two longitudinal sides parallel to each other. The at least one resistor element is of a material of which the electrical conductivity is lower than the electrical conductivity of the material of the connector elements. The resistor element has, on at least its upper side or at least its lower side, at least one shaped element as a positioning aid.

Abstract: A strain gauge includes a flexible substrate; a functional layer formed of a metal, an alloy, or a metal compound, on one surface of the substrate; a resistor formed of a Cr composite film, on one surface of the functional layer; and an insulating resin layer with which the resistor is coated.

Abstract: A pressure sensor assembly includes a pressure sensor having a support structure and a sapphire isolation member coupled to the support structure and forming a region between a first surface of the sapphire isolation member and the support structure. A second surface of the sapphire isolation member has a sapphire etch surface formed thereon and is positioned to interface with fluid from or coupled to a process. A process seal is positioned against the second surface of the sapphire isolation member to prevent fluid from passing by the pressure sensor assembly. Electrical leads couple to a polysilicon strain gauge pattern positioned in the region on the first surface of the sapphire isolation member, and the polysilicon strain gauge pattern is configured to generate electrical signals indicative of the pressure of the fluid when the sapphire isolation member deflects responsive to the pressure.

Abstract: A system is for detecting a location of a touch input on a surface of a propagating medium. The system includes a transmitter coupled to the propagating medium and configured to emit a signal. The signal has been allowed to propagate through the propagating medium and the location of the touch input on the surface of the propagating medium is detected at least in part by detecting an effect of the touch input on the signal that has been allowed to propagate through the propagating medium. The system includes a piezoresistive sensor coupled to the propagating medium. The piezoresistive sensor is configured to at least detect a force, pressure, or applied strain of the touch input on the propagating medium.

Abstract: A wearable sensor apparatus is disclosed that includes a flexible substrate adapted to be coupled with a skin surface of an expectant mother. A conductor is disposed on the flexible substrate. The conductor can include micron-scale invaginations. The conductor can be capable of repeatable variation in resistance when subject to a strain. Also disclosed is a system for monitoring the health of a fetus in utero that includes a wearable sensor apparatus. The wearable sensor apparatus is configured to output a signal responsive to an electrical input. The system includes a computing system with one or more hardware processors. The computing system is programmed to implement a signal processing module configured to access the output signal from the wearable strain gauge and generate an output indicative of health of the baby in utero.

Abstract: A strain gauge and a metal strip having such a strain gauge, which has a first measuring grid, a second measuring grid, and a substrate on which these two measuring grids are positioned in a common plane. In order to enable achievement of an inexpensive strain gauge whose measurement results can be robustly compensated for in relation to a temperature disturbance variable, it is proposed that the multi-layer substrate have a metallic layer and an electrically insulating layer onto which electrically insulating layer these two measuring grids consisting of a piezoresistive material are printed.

Abstract: A strain gauge for measuring force and strain is provided that has reduced susceptibility to interfering electromagnetic fields. The strain gage includes a first insulation layer, which has a top side, a resistance element, which is arranged on the top side of the first insulation layer, a second insulation layer, which is arranged on the resistance element and which is joined to the first insulation layer at least in some sections, and an electrically conductive layer, which is arranged on the second insulation layer.

Abstract: A micromechanical piezoresistive pressure sensor includes a diaphragm configured to mechanically deform in response to an applied load, a sensor substrate located on the diaphragm, and a number of piezoresistive resistance devices located on the sensor substrate. The piezoresistive resistance devices are arranged in a first planar array defining a grid pattern having two or more rows, each row being aligned in a first direction. The piezoresistive resistance devices are configured to be electrically connected in a number of bridge circuits, whereby the piezoresistive resistance devices in each row is electrically connected in an associated bridge circuit. A method of using the micromechanical piezoresistive pressure sensor is also disclosed.

Abstract: A flexible touch display device includes a flexible display panel, bridge points, sensing electrodes, a first insulating layer, and touch electrodes. The bridge points and the sensing electrodes are disposed on a display area and a peripheral area of the flexible display panel, respectively. The first insulating layer covers the bridge points, the sensing electrodes, and the flexible display panel, and is provided with via holes in the display area to expose two opposite sides of each bridge point. The touch electrodes are disposed on the first insulating layer in the display area and electrically connected to the bridge points through the via holes to form a metal mesh structure. The sensing electrodes are configured to sense a bending position and a bending degree of the flexible display panel that are used to compensate and correct a touched position sensed by the touch electrodes in the bending position.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to force sensors and force sensor substrates for use with surgical devices.

Abstract: In some examples, a downhole torque measurement tool comprises a first surface of a structure and a second surface of the structure. The second surface is facing the first surface, and a shear stress sensor is positioned on the first surface. A flexible coupling is positioned between the shear stress sensor and the second surface, and the flexible coupling is coupled to the first and second surfaces.

Abstract: A pressure sensor for detecting a pressure of a fluid medium in a measuring chamber and a method for manufacturing the pressure sensor are provided. The pressure sensor includes a pressure connector, with the aid of which the pressure sensor is attachable to or in the measuring chamber, and a sensor element for detecting the pressure of the fluid medium. A feed channel is formed in the pressure connector. The sensor element is situated on a substrate. The feed channel is sealed off by the substrate and is designed to feed the fluid medium to the sensor element. The pressure connector and the substrate are designed as one piece and the sensor element is printed onto the substrate.

Abstract: A device to sense degree of twist in a screwdriver and the magnitude of force applied includes a contacting portion, a deformation portion, a sensing portion, and a processor. The contacting portion receives a grip and twist pressure through the deformation portion which is tiltedly fixed to the contacting portion. The deformation portion carries the sensing portion and elastically deforms under the force and/or the torsion. The sensing portion detects a deformation of the deformation portion and generates a corresponding electrical signal. The processor receives the signal and determines the values of the twist caused and the force applied.

Abstract: The invention relates to a kitchen scale comprising a carrying plate (1), a substructure (2) supporting the carrying plate, weighing cells (6) comprising at least one strain gauge (10), an electronics unit (4), which is capable of computing the weight of the load, and comprising a display device for displaying the ascertained weight and a battery compartment for accommodating a voltage source which supplies the electronics unit (4) with power. The weighing cell (6) has at least one strain gauge, which is at least partially provided with a parylene coating.

Abstract: A torque sensor including an annular deformation body, left side support body, right side support body, left side connection members which connect left side connection points of the annular deformation body with the left side support body, and right side connection members which connect right side connection points of the annular deformation body with the right side support body. Orthogonal projection images of the left side connection points on the basic plane and orthogonal projection images of the right side connection points on the basic plane are formed at mutually different positions.

Abstract: The piezoresistive pressure sensor (1) comprises a rigid flat support (2), a flat flexible membrane (3) having a flat external face (4) exposed to a pressure of a fluid and a flat internal face (5) delimiting in cooperation with a flat internal face (7) of the support (2) a chamber (9) accommodating the deformation of the membrane (3), an electrical measuring circuit comprising a resistive Wheatstone bridge (10) applied on the flat internal face (5) of the membrane (3) for detecting the deformation of the membrane (3), and at least an electrical resistor (Rc) for calibrating the value of the output signal when the fluid is at a reference pressure, the calibration resistor (Rc) being applied on the flat internal face (5) of the membrane (3).

Abstract: A method of fabricating integrated circuits (ICs) includes depositing a dielectric liner layer on a substrate including a semiconductor surface having a plurality of IC die formed therein each including functional circuitry including a plurality of interconnected transistors. A thin film resistor (TFR) layer including chromium (Cr) is deposited on the dielectric liner layer. The substrate is loaded into a hardmask layer deposition tool that includes a plasma source. The TFR layer is in-situ plasma pre-treated including flowing at least one inert gas and at least one oxidizing gas while in the hardmask layer deposition tool. A hardmask layer is deposited after the plasma pre-treating while remaining in the hardmask layer deposition tool. A pattern is formed on the hardmask layer, and the hardmask layer and TFR layer are etched stopping in the dielectric liner layer to form at least one resistor from the defined TFR layer.

Abstract: An interaction force detection apparatus includes a sensor, a driving element, a moving element, and a connecting element. The connecting element is connected to the driving element and the sensor. The driving element is adapted to interact with the moving element, so as to generate a pair of forces. The pair of forces includes a first force and a second force, and a magnitude of the first force is equal to that of the second force. The sensor detects the first force exerted on the driving element, and the second force is exerted on the moving element to generate a movement.

Abstract: A system includes a span block configured to couple with an extension from a top drive at a first end of the span block and configured to couple to a tubular at a second end of the span block. The system also includes a sensor block of the span block. The sensor block extends between the first end and the second end of the span block. Moreover, the sensor block is configured to provide an electronic indication of deformation of a portion of the sensor block in response to forces placed on the span block.

Abstract: In the pressure sensor of the present application, at least two resistors are simultaneously formed on the foldable portion and the fixed portion to ensure the uniformity and consistency of the resistance values of all the resistors, and at least one is a strain sensing resistor R1, the foldable portion is folded to the fixed portion, and the resistors are electrically connected to form a pressure measuring circuit. Connecting the pressure sensor to the desired panel can accurately detect the curved deformation of the panel. The resistors in a pressure measuring circuit are adjacently distributed, and the resistance value of the resistor changes with temperature at the same time, so that the influence of the temperature change on the pressure measuring circuit is very small, and the interference against the external environment is good.

Abstract: A member (10), for bearing a load, including a load receiving portion (12) at which the load is applicable to the member. A strainable portion (14) is connected to the load receiving portion to be strained by the load. A datum (16a) is defined and an elongate portion (18) defines another datum (18a). The datums are arranged such that relative displacement therebetween indicates an amount by which the strainable portion is strained. The strainable portion defines the datum.

Abstract: Several techniques for driving a force sensor to reduce common mode offset are disclosed. The force sensor can include at least one set of individual strain sensitive structures formed on or in a surface of a substrate. Each set of individual strain sensitive structures can include one or more strain sensitive structures. At least one external resistor is operably connected in series between a first output of one or more transmitter channels and at least one set of strain sensitive structures. The external resistor(s) effectively increases the resistances of the strain sensitive structures to reduce the common mode offset. Additionally or alternatively, one or more signal generators may be connected to one or more transmitter channels. Each signal generator is configured to produce one or more signals that is/are designed to reduce common mode offset.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for inserting a surgical port to minimize trauma. The system includes an access port and a guiding mechanism on the distal end of the access port, wherein the guiding mechanism has an adaptive atraumatic tip. The system also includes an introducer probe with a handle on the proximal end of the introducer probe, an atraumatic tip on the distal end of the introducer probe and a flexible body for insertion through the access port, the flexible body comprising one or more bendable elbows along the length of the introducer probe, wherein the introducer slidably engages the interior of the surgical access port to define an access path. The method includes inserting an access port down a sulcal path, inserting an introducer probe through the access port, and navigating the sulcal path with the introducer to the target.

Abstract: A strain-responsive sensor incorporating a strain-sensitive element is disclosed. The strain-sensitive element includes a matched-pair of resistive structures disposed on opposite sides of a substrate. One resistive structure is coupled to a crossover, either a physical crossover or a soft crossover, such that current within the resistive structures of the matched pair flows in the same direction. In addition, one resistive structure of the matched pair has a different loop area than the other resistive structure.

Abstract: A bend sensor includes a flexible circuit substrate, an insulation pad and a flexible conductive substrate. The flexible circuit substrate includes an insulating body, a first circuit and a second circuit. The first and second circuits are disposed on opposing sides of the insulating body. The first circuit has first fingers, while the second circuit has second fingers. The insulation pad disposed on the insulating body exposes the first and second fingers. The flexible conductive substrate disposed on the insulating pad has a conductive layer separated from the first fingers and the second fingers. While the bend sensor is bent, the conductive layer on the flexible conductive substrate would deform toward the flexible circuit substrate so as to form multiple contacts with the first and second fingers. Through these contacts, a number of resistors are formed to contribute a detectable resistance for the corresponding bending amplitude to be further realized.

Abstract: A sensor system includes a body, which includes an outer wall defining an inner opening centered about an axis, and radiating structures disposed in the opening and extending radially from the axis to the outer wall. The radiating structures are spaced circumferentially around the axis by a substantially equal angle. The system includes sensors that generate signals in response to deformations of the radiating structures. The signals provide vectors corresponding to the deformations. The deformations are caused by: (i) a torque about the axis, and (ii) a secondary torque or force. The system includes a controller electrically coupled to the sensors and configured to determine, by combining the vectors provided by the signals, a measurement of the torque about the axis. The sensors are arranged on the radiating structures such that combining the vectors substantially eliminates any effect of the secondary torque or force from the measurement.

Abstract: An expansion joint including a hollow elastomeric body having coupling flanges at each open end configured to connect to flanges of a pipe system. The hollow elastomeric body is made of a material including an elastomer and fibers. A stretchable sensor is located within the material of the hollow elastomeric body. The sensor is configured to provide a varying electrical characteristic when the sensor is stretched or contracts. An analysis circuit is connected to the sensor, the analysis circuit configured to receive the varying electrical characteristic and to emit a signal corresponding to a level of the electrical characteristic received by the analysis circuit.

Abstract: A touch display panel, a touch display device and a driving method are provided. The touch display panel includes an array substrate, an opposite substrate arranged opposite to the array substrate, a touch electrode arranged at a side of the array substrate facing the opposite substrate, and an antistatic layer arranged inside the touch display panel. The antistatic layer is located at a side of the opposite substrate facing the touch electrode, and the antistatic layer and the touch electrode are capable of forming a capacitive force sensor in the case that the antistatic layer is applied with a force scanning signal.

Abstract: A sensor system for measuring an elastic modulus and a shear modulus and a method for evaluating a tissue. The invention pertains to a method for determining the presence of and/or characterizing abnormal growths, using a piezoelectric finger sensor (PEFS) system. The PEFS system may be particularly useful for screening for tumors and various forms of cancer. Additionally, the PEFS system may be useful for various dermatological applications.

Abstract: A sensor including a sensing element comprising conductive features formed on a substrate; wherein the conductive features have been formed from a palladium complex ink composition that has been deposited onto the substrate to form the deposited features and wherein the deposited features have been heated to form the conductive features on the substrate. A method including disposing a palladium complex ink composition onto a substrate to form deposited features; and heating the deposited features to form conductive features on the substrate. A strain gauge sensor including a sensing element comprising conductive features formed on a substrate; wherein the conductive features conform to a two dimensional substrate surface; or wherein the conductive features conform to a three dimensional substrate surface.

Abstract: A marine deflector handling system includes a seismic survey vessel with a deflector towing sheave with a towing line to a seismic deflector bridle block. The bridle block includes, as counted from its outer end to its inner end: two triple head arms with each its triple head in their outer ends for fore and aft sets of bridle lines to a deflector, wherein said triple head arms in their inner ends are coupled together in a hinge bearing block which further holds an outer end of a grip adapter stem, wherein said grip adapter stem in its opposite, inner end is provided with a grip adapter axle block with a transverse through extending and protruding grip adapter axle arranged for being gripped by a crane jaw, wherein said grip adapter axle further holds an outer end of a sheave block stem with an inner end provided with a sheave block for said towing line.

Abstract: A flexible display device with high viewability is provided. The display device includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a first element layer, and a second element layer. The first element layer is positioned between the first substrate and the second substrate. The second element layer is positioned between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first element layer and the second element layer overlap with each other in a region. The first substrate and the second substrate have flexibility. The first element layer includes a display element and a first circuit. The display element is electrically connected to the first circuit. The second element layer includes a sensor element. The sensor element has a function of sensing distortion.

Abstract: A force sensing compliant enclosure for an electronic device may include at least one deformable housing wall. At least one strain concentration portion may be located on the deformable housing wall where strain caused by application of a force that deforms the deformable housing wall is greater than at other portions of the deformable housing wall. The strain concentrating portion may have a second thickness that is thinner than other portions of the deformable housing wall. One or more sensors may be positioned in the strain concentration portion and may sense strain caused by the application of the force that deforms the deformable housing wall.

Abstract: A load sensor is provided with a seat mounting hole between both end parts of a rectangular plate-like main body portion of a load receiving member. A plurality of strain detecting elements the resistance value of each of which changes depending on the amount of strain of the main body portion are disposed around the seat mounting hole. In plan view of the load receiving member, the center point of the seat mounting hole is offset from the center point of the arrangement of the plurality of strain detecting elements toward a part of the load receiving member that has relatively high rigidity.

Abstract: A pressure sensor module configured for implant at a desired site at which a pressure is to be measured. The pressure sensor module includes a pressure sensitive membrane which is in direct contact with the environment at which a pressure is to be measured. The pressure sensor module forms a part of a pressure measuring system which uses a telemetry link between the pressure sensor module and an external controller for data transmission and transfer. The pressure measuring system provides a dual stage power and data transfer capability for use with an implantable system. An exemplary use is in a three pressure sensor system including a flow control valve in a shunt to treat hydrocephalus. An embodiment of the invention includes a pressure sensor and associated electromagnetic coils embedded in the tip portion of the shunt for measuring the pressure of fluid externally of the shunt at the tip portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting clement (5) between two orthopedic components, in particular prosthesis or orthosis components, which are rigidly coupled to one another and comprise a top part (2) and a bottom part (8). The connecting element (5) has a laminar structure, and at least one sensor (20) is arranged in the connecting element (5) in order to determine an effective moment or an effective force.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of pressure sensor technologies, and discloses a discrete pressure sensor and an electronic device. The pressure sensor includes a pressure sensing chip and a force centralization sensing board component that is bonded onto the pressure sensing chip. The force centralization sensing board component has a hollowed area, the hollowed area has a force centralization position for centralizing force applied on the force centralization sensing board component, and the force centralization position is disposed against the pressure sensing chip. After pressure is applied in the hollowed area of the force centralization sensing board component, force is centralized to the force centralization position, conveyed to the pressure sensing chip in a centralized manner, and converted into control information to control an external electronic device through a circuit or the like of the electronic device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high degree of freedom control apparatus that includes a base attached to a strain gauge assembly movable in three orthogonal directions to provide signals indicative of a position of the strain gauge assembly relative to the base. An actuator assembly is supported on the base and movable by an operator's arm, hand, digit, or wrist relative to the base structure. The actuator assembly provides signals indicative of the position of the operator's arm, hand, digit or wrist in at least seven degrees of freedom relative to the base structure. The actuator assembly includes a wrist angle stage and a digit angle stage. The strain gauge assembly includes a spring plate and a load cell that is configured to provide a signal indicative of deflection of the load cell relative to the base.

Abstract: A slip ring has a rotating portion configured to take in signals from rotating electric transmission elements, and communicate those signals into a static portion. The rotating portion has a plurality of resistors which rotate. The resistors have an outer peripheral surface, and a containment ring surrounding the outer peripheral surface of the plurality of resistors. A method of testing a rotating component is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fastener comprises a head, and a shank having an outer surface and an axially-extending channel in the outer surface. Optically transmissive, strain-sensitive fills the channel.

Abstract: A dust proof structure for a stress-sensible screw is provided. The dust proof structure includes a sensing screw, a head, a dust proof boot and a displayer. The sensing screw includes a base and at least one exposed lead, and the exposed lead is located in the base and transmits a stress signal. The head includes a lead base, the head is fitted with the base, and the exposed lead is detachably connected to the lead base. The dust proof boot is disposed on the head, and sleeves a connecting portion between the lead base and the exposed lead. The displayer is electrically connected w the had for displaying the stress signal.

Abstract: The integrated electronic device is for detecting a local parameter related to a force observed in a given direction, within a solid structure. The device includes at least one sensor configured to detect the above-mentioned local parameter at least in the given direction through piezo-resistive effect. At least one damping element, integrated in the device, is arranged within a frame-shaped region that is disposed around the at least one sensor and belongs to a substantially planar region comprising a plane passing through the sensor and perpendicular to the given direction. Such at least one damping element is configured to damp forces acting in the planar region and substantially perpendicular to the given direction.

Abstract: A pizeoresistive type Z-axis accelerometer is provided, including a substrate; a plurality of anchors formed over the substrate; a plurality of cantilever beams, wherein the cantilever beams include a piezoresistive material; and a proof mass, wherein the proof mass is suspended over the substrate by respectively connecting the proof mass with the anchors, and the accelerometer senses a movement of the proof mass by the piezoresistive material.

Abstract: A piezoresistive sensor device and a method for making a piezoresistive device are disclosed. The sensor device comprises a silicon wafer having piezoresistive elements and contacts in electrical communication with the elements. The sensor device further comprises a contact glass coupled to the silicon wafer and having apertures aligned with the contacts. The sensor device also comprises a non-conductive frit for mounting the contact glass to a header glass, and a conductive non-lead glass frit disposed in the apertures and in electrical communication with the contacts. The method for making a piezoresistive sensor device, comprises bonding a contact glass to a silicon wafer such that apertures in the glass line up with contacts on the wafer, and filling the apertures with a non-lead glass frit such that the frit is in electrical communication with the contacts.

Abstract: A pressure transducer comprising a corrosion resistant metal diaphragm, having an active region, and capable of deflecting when a force is applied to the diaphragm; and a piezoresistive silicon-on-insulator sensor array disposed on a single substrate, the substrate secured to the diaphragm, the sensor array having a first outer sensor near an edge of the diaphragm at a first location and on the active region, a second outer sensor near an edge of the diaphragm at a second location and on the active region, and at least one center sensor substantially overlying a center of the diaphragm, the sensors connected in a bridge array to provide an output voltage proportional to the force applied to the diaphragm. The sensors are dielectrically isolated from the substrate.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods, consistent with embodiments herein, are directed to an apparatus having a stretchable substrate and a plurality of nanostructures. While the plurality of nanostructures are adhered to the stretchable substrate, the stretchable substrate and the nanostructures are stretched and/or operate in a stretched mode in which the nanostructures are characterized by a resistance corresponding to a strain imparted due to the stretching. When the substrate is relaxed or the stretching otherwise lessened, the nanostructures continue to be characterized as a function of the strain and the corresponding resistance, with buckled segments of the nanostructures being adhered along a surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A bend-detecting (bending) sensor is provided, including a flexible substrate, at least a pair of electrode patterns spaced apart from each other provided on the flexible substrate, and a paste layer containing conductive particles. The paste layer is coated onto the flexible substrate where the electrode patterns are formed, such that when the flexible substrate is bent, the density of the conductive particles between the electrode patterns changes and an electric resistance between the electrode patterns also changes, thereby sensing deformation of the flexible substrate, and eventually, a target to which the flexible display element or the flexible substrate is attached. When the bending sensor is applied to the flexible display device, the electrode patterns and the paste layer may be formed on the flexible substrate which is to form the flexible display element, thus forming a bending sensing structure with a thickness of the flexible display element or less.

Abstract: A pressure transducer comprising a corrosion resistant metal diaphragm, having an active region, and capable of deflecting when a force is applied to the diaphragm; and a piezoresistive silicon-on-insulator sensor array disposed on a single substrate, the substrate secured to the diaphragm, the sensor array having a first outer sensor near an edge of the diaphragm at a first location and on the active region, a second outer sensor near an edge of the diaphragm at a second location and on the active region, and at least one center sensor substantially overlying a center of the diaphragm, the sensors connected in a bridge array to provide an output voltage proportional to the force applied to the diaphragm. The sensors are dielectrically isolated from the substrate.

Abstract: A piezoresistive sensor device and a method for making a piezoresistive device are disclosed. The sensor device comprises a silicon wafer having piezoresistive elements and contacts in electrical communication with the elements. The sensor device further comprises a contact glass coupled to the silicon wafer and having apertures aligned with the contacts. The sensor device also comprises a non-conductive frit for mounting the contact glass to a header glass, and a conductive non-lead glass frit disposed in the apertures and in electrical communication with the contacts. The method for making a piezoresistive sensor device, comprises bonding a contact glass to a silicon wafer such that apertures in the glass line up with contacts on the wafer, and filling the apertures with a non-lead glass frit such that the frit is in electrical communication with the contacts.