Abstract: The present invention features methods and apparatuses for sealing tiled, flat-panel displays (FPDs). Tile edges corresponding with the display's perimeter edges are designed with a wide seal. Interior edges, however, have narrow seals in order to maintain the desired, constant, pixel pitch across tile boundaries. In some cases, this invention applies specifically to arrays of tiles 2×2 or less, and, in other cases, to N×M arrays, where N and M are any integer numbers. The tiles are enclosed with top and bottom glass plates, which are sealed with an adhesive bond to the tiles on the outside perimeter of the tiled display. Vertical seams (where tiles meet at the perimeter of the FPD) are sealed with a small amount of polymer. The seal may be constructed between a cover plate and a back plate, sandwiching the tiles. The AMLCD edges may be coated with either a non-permeable material or a polymer having an extremely low permeability (for example, Parylene™).

Abstract: A component pick and place apparatus includes a housing including; a rotatable frame and a plurality of pick-up and place heads mounted on the frame. The pick-up and place heads are rotatable from a first position to at least a second position, and includes a spindle which is movable from a retracted position to an extended position. A first actuator moves the spindle at the first position from the retracted position to the extended position for picking up or placing the component; and a second actuator moves a spindle so that when a pick-up and place head is at the second position a spindle is moved from the retracted position to the extended position for ascertaining the position of the picked-up component. This apparatus eliminates positional errors of the pick-up and place head spindle as it moves from its retracted position to its extended position when the component is placed.

Abstract: The present invention features designs of pixels and designs of control features for seals on AMLCD tiles optimized for tiling AMLCD flat panel displays (FPDs) which have visually imperceptible seams. The FPD structure has an image view plane which is continuous and remote from the pixel apertures or image source plane on the inside of the tiles. The image is formed on the view plane by a distributed ultra low magnification flies-eye optical system (a screen) that is integrated with the tiles, effectively excluding and obscuring an image of the seams. The innovations described herein minimize the defects on the perimeter pixels by effectively damming the waviness of the front of the seal near the perimeter pixels on the tiles. Dark space required for the seal between the interior tile edges and active regions of the pixels is decreased, as is the space allocated for wiring thereby increasing the feasible aperture ratios near the mosaic edges and all apertures.

Abstract: A power and communications connection arrangement for a miniature, unmanned aircraft having data handling capability. The aircraft has a microprocessor for managing flight control, a GPS receiver, a communications radio frequency transceiver, and data handling apparatus. The latter may be any of a sensor for gathering environmental data, sensing aircraft altitude or attitude, a data relay station, or any combination of these. The data handling apparatus is part of a removable module mounted to and detachable from the aircraft. The connection arrangement includes stationary power and communications terminals fixed to the module, and corresponding free power and data cables completing respective power circuits and communications links within the aircraft. In the preferred embodiment, the microprocessor, at least one sensor, and a battery pack are located in the module, and a radio transceiver, a GPS receiver, controls such as rudder and elevator, and other sensors are located in the airframe.

Abstract: The present invention features a method for providing status information to a client based on data residing in an electronic database or e-file. The database of the information is maintained and updated, and is periodically analyzed to determine whether at least a portion of the data has changed since the last analysis or communication. If so, the client is automatically informed by the system, which initiates an automatic voice response (AVR) call out to the client. The client verifies that he or she is the true intended recipient of the status information before it is communicated. A log of this communication is also maintained by the system. The client has the opportunity to respond to the system AVR call and/or correct or provide additional information, the client voice response being stored in an appropriate voice mailbox.

Abstract: Apparatus for and method of locating a subject being monitored as to whereabouts. A beacon having a radio frequency transmitter and receiver is attached to the subject. At least three scanning platforms each having a radio receiver and transmitter and, optionally, an onboard microprocessor and an atomic clock, issue signals which will evoke response signals from the beacon. A central station having a microprocessor, radio receiver and transmitter, and preferably, a display or other output for annunciating location of the sought subject, manages the search. At least one scanning platform is a miniature, unmanned, remotely a piloted vehicle, preferably an aircraft, which passes over a predetermined search area. Response signals from the beacon, when received at a scanning platform, are processed to enable determination of location of the beacon and hence the sought subject by triangulation. Time and location data are acquired by interaction with the global positioning system by the scanning platforms.

Abstract: The present invention features a water-repelling octave assembly consisting of an octave bowl having an elongated, hollow portion extending beyond the inner wall of the octave well into the bore of an oboe. The extended portion of the octave vent prevents moisture within the oboe's bore from entering the octave bowls and thereby disabling the upper register of the instrument. The inventive octave bowl provides an oboe which can be played for prolonged periods of time without need for swabbing by eliminating the accumulation of water in the oboe's octave vents. The invention also works well with the English horn, oboe d'amore and may be applied to other woodwind instruments.