Abstract: A congruence between the element that provides an electrical conductive path in a component of micron dimensions and an imaging of that element provides a basis for predicting the effectiveness and the consistency in the functioning of the element in an actual operating environment. The element is formed first into a sandwich whereby the operating end is deformed against a light transparent surface. By directing a beam of light into the end of that light transparent surface, the asperity of the operating end produces a light scattering effect that is imaged by microscopic optics that is located facing the operating end.

Abstract: A system for cleaning clogged orifices of a fluid head includes both apparatus and method by which reverse flow of a cleaning solution is combined with providing the vibrational energy of an ultrasonic frequency generator to the fluid head. A liquid pump and a filter interconnect between the input terminal of a fluid head to be cleaned and the input to the cleaning chamber of the apparatus so that a liquid cleaning solution reverse flushes the clogged fluid head, while the ultrasonic frequency generator is providing vibrational energy to break loose stubborn clogs.

Abstract: A system of logic modules providing AND, OR and NOT logical elements most useful in education and entertainment situations where it is important to avoid excessive costs and where speed is not a requirement utilizes electrical continuity and a lack of electrical continuity between pairs of electrical conductors to represent predetermined values of logical variables.

Abstract: Solder particles 220 are deposited onto metallized contacts of a direct chip attach (DCA) site located on a substrate 301. The contacts 302 are coated with a layer of flux 303. A pick up head 211 is positioned in a reservoir 201 of solder particles 220 and particles are attracted to the apertures in the end 213 of the head. The apertures have an arrangement corresponding to the footprint of the metallized contacts on the substrate. The head 211 is positioned adjacent the substrate 301 and the particles 220 released. The particles 220 stick to the flux 303 coated on the contacts 302. The particles are reflowed, leveled and again coated with flux. An integrated circuit chip is then placed on the leveled reliefs 501 and the reliefs reflowed again to attach the chip onto the contacts 302.

Abstract: The control technique of the present invention includes a computer readable medium with several programs. A first program for controlling the steps that run a sequence of steps for setting certain devices in a start condition. A second program includes instructions for setting a start condition. A third program includes instructions for controlling a timer to set time intervals involved in the sequence of steps. A fourth program includes instructions for monitoring predetermined processes.

Abstract: A hybrid electric hydraulic drive system, having a first cylinder (75) having a left chamber (32) and a right chamber (34) separated by a piston (22). A second cylinder (76) has a single or sole chamber (74) for receiving hydraulic fluid with the second cylinder enclosing a second piston (78). The second cylinder is substantially equal in length to the first cylinder and is rigidly attached to the first cylinder. A pump (14) is fluidly connected to the left chamber (32) by a first fluid passage (16) and is fluidly connected to the right chamber (34) by a second fluid passage (18). A third fluid passage (80) is directly connected to the right chamber (34) and to the sole fluid chamber (74) of the second cylinder (76). A first rod (30) is connected to the piston (22) and a second rod (84) is connected to the second piston (78). The first and second rods are connected by a connecting element so the rods move in unison.

Abstract: In an apparatus for soldering/desoldering components having a nozzle with larger and smaller ends, the larger end for attaching to an exhaust for drawing a vacuum and to a supply of heated gas for at least softening solder, an insert is attached at the smaller end of the nozzle to adjust the size of that opening for receiving each of a plurality of components, fitting different inserts to different sizes of components.

Abstract: A network computer system and method for analyzing a system of continuous process lines. Groupware is used to implement the analysis stage of continuous flow manufacturing (CFM) methodology using a network of portable computers. Preferably in one meeting, in response to prompts of a facilitator, participants input all the required qualitative and quantitative data about each process line in the system being analyzed. The input data is anonymously displayed to all the participants, the data is corrected and verified by group consensus achieved informally or by automatic tabulation of anonymous voting as needed. The verified data is organized into a GroupWare database (flat files and/or a part of a relational database). Bridge programs automatically read the GroupWare database and reorganize the data to create a program input database. Then preferably in the same meeting a flow chart program (e.g.

Abstract: The technique involves attaching a stiffener to a flexible substrate that has solder balls on the substrate. The steps include locating the flexible substrate on the stiffener with the solder balls on the side away from the stiffener, and drawing a vacuum to hold the flexible substrate in place. Locating the stiffener on a support with a pressure sensitive adhesive on a surface facing away from the support, and drawing a vacuum to hold the stiffener in place. Then, applying a pressure around the solder balls against the flexible substrate in the order of 2000 pounds per square inch to force the flexible substrate against the stiffener.

Abstract: A mechanical, electrical and optical scanning apparatus for producing a digital image of a two-dimensional original object in which the combined motions of multiple platforms or carriages along one dimension of the two-dimensional original object provides both low resolution scan of the original object and high resolution scan of the original object as well as intermediate resolutions. One of the platforms carries a camera with precision zoom/focus control for receiving light energy from said original object along the other of its dimensions converting it into electrical energy in a digital format. This platform provides low resolution scanning. The other platform carries the original object and provides high resolution scanning but moves only a fraction of the length of the original object. Combined motion of the two platforms provides high resolution scanning along the entire length of the two-dimensional original object.

Abstract: A locomotion simulator has two independently controlled movable footpads. Each footpad is positioned dynamically in three-dimensions. The top of each footpad has a controlled rotational motion, and the assembly having the two footpads is rotated under control. In operation, a user, whose feet are tracked in position and angle, walks or runs on the simulator and the footpads are controlled to simulate ground contact. Controlled rotation and translation movements permit simulation of turning, climbing, and decending.

Abstract: A technique involves trapping a command-not-found message instead of displaying it when an erronous command is entered at a user terminal and connecting it to a translation file of successful command signals which is searched for a match. There are several alternatives including displaying a failing command signal for editing, verification, review or confirmation. If a match is revealed, a substitute command signal can be displayed also for these activities.

Abstract: The technique involves attaching a stiffener to a flexible substrate that has solder balls on the substrate. The steps include locating the flexible substrate on the stiffener with the solder balls on the side away from the stiffener, and drawing a vacuum to hold the flexible substrate in place. Locating the stiffener on a support with a pressure sensitive adhesive on a surface facing away from the support, and drawing a vacuum to hold the stiffener in place. Then, applying a pressure around the solder balls against the flexible substrate in the order of 2000 pounds per square inch to force the flexible substrate against the stiffener.

Abstract: An assembly support mount includes at least two flexible, retention posts spaced apart with ends to engage a heat sink frictionally to support the heat sink relative to an electronic device. The flexible retention posts are attached to a substrate without the need for holes in the substrate and extend past a heat generating device into openings in a heat sink where they are attached by any number of means, preferrably by frictionally engaging the openings in the heat sink.

Abstract: A metal carrier has a dielectric material with a thickness of less than 0.004 inch and electrical voltage insulation characteristics of at least 2500 volts formed on a surface. A donut configured land defines at least one via or opening for removing dielectric material selectively. Reflow solder is used to form electrical interconnections, and the vias provide thermal dissipation sufficient to conform to safety requirements.

Abstract: A point sampling method for improving the images produced by a computer graphics system which uses quality measures together with a hill-climbing technique to generate an optimal rook placement of sample points. Two quality measures are used, the root-mean-square (rms) transition error and the maximal circle size. To derive the optimal rook placement, points are placed initially in any rook placement, such as along the diagonal of the pixel. New rook placements are generated by interchanging the x-coordinates of any pair of points. The optimal placement is determined by in a sequence of steps. At each step, all possible pair interchanges are tested by computing the quality measure for each of the possible interchanges. After all are evaluated, the sequence is concluded by making the interchange that provided the most improvement in the quality measure. The point placement after each interchange is used as the basis for the next step in the process.

Abstract: A radially expandable device particularly adaptable for use as an endoprothesis is described along with a method of fabrication. The method begins by obtaining a number of individual, separate generally circular hoops by a number of ways, such as cutting a length of wire, forming it into a generally circular loop, and attaching the ends together. In another aspect of this method of fabrication, the individual, separate generally circular hoops are obtained by cutting the needed number from a tubing. Thereafter, a wave-like pattern is formed in each hoop, with a die, in a direction transverse the axis of the wire, creating a predetermined number of rings and attaching them at the crest point to form a stent that can be compressed for inserting into a lumen where it can be expanded to provided a needed support.

Abstract: In an apparatus for soldering/desoldering components having a nozzle with larger and smaller ends, the larger end for attaching to an exhaust for drawing a vacuum and to a supply of heated gas for at least softening solder, an insert is attached at the smaller end of the nozzle to adjust the size of that opening for receiving each of a plurality of components, fitting different inserts to different sizes of components.

Abstract: A system for simulating the forces associated with touching objects in a virtual reality simulator system includes a panel that contains an example of the various types of switches, knobs and any other item or object being simulated that is to be touched by a user of the system. The panel is attached as the payload of a robotic positioning device controlled by a computer. The computer is connected to a tracker and a flexible lightweight data glove worn by the user. The computer maintains a database that includes the positions of all of the controls being simulated by the system. The computer uses the trajectory data to determine the position of the robotic device.

Abstract: A capacitor structure is described as having a plurality of dielectric materials located so that each dielectric material is in parallel between capacitor plates. The capacitor value of this structure is preset, therefore, for operation electrically at different specific temperatures. The description gives a specific stacked arrangement for the various dielectric materials in which this capacitor can be formed, as one example of that to which it is adaptable.