Abstract: CTE differentials between chips and organic dielectric carriers, boards or other substrates to which the chips are attached are accommodated with a layer of a thermoplastic material, preferably a thermotropic polymer whose physical properties can be altered by extrusion or other physical processes, such as liquid crystalline polyesters, that modifies the thermal expansion of at least one component of the package and thereby reduces CTE differentials. The material may be applied to the entire surface of a chip carrier, printed circuit or other substrate, or form an interior layer of a multi-layered structure. It may also be applied to selected regions or areas on the surface of a carrier or other substrate where adjustment is required.

Abstract: A computer system for high-performance video and audio manipulations comprising a locked memory cartridge and an audio/video/compact disk (CD) drive controller/coprocessor. The computer system has a central processing unit (CPU) with at least one bus associated therewith, with the bus having at least one bus line. The cartridge comprises a readable memory, a memory control circuit, a lock control circuit, and a connector all in circuit communication with each other. The connector allows the memory, the memory control circuit, and the lock control circuit to be pluggably connected in circuit communication with the CPU. The memory control circuit scrambles some of the bus lines, thereby scrambling the data in the memory on reset, and unscrambles the bus lines responsive to inputs from the lock control circuit.

Abstract: A system and method for the fault simulation testing of circuits by using a behavioral model is provided. The behavioral model includes a fault bus, decoder, and input and output ports. The decoder decodes mapping fault values, which are applied to the fault bus, to either a no-fault or to a specific fault which is internally encoded into the behavioral model. Accordingly, a single behavioral model can be used to dynamically model a fault-free circuit or machine and one or more faulty circuits or machines based on the mapping fault data applied to each model's fault bus. A fault simulation tool applies test simulation data having mapping fault and test parameter data to at least two identically coded behavioral models (i.e., a fault-free model and a faulty model, as defined by the applied mapping fault data). Output data are generated by each behavioral model and recorded by the fault simulation tool.

Abstract: A circuit board is provided which has contacts on the surface arrayed to engage contact pads on a chip carrier bounded by a grid. A plurality of primary through holes are provided in the circuit board location within the grid and electrically connected to chip contact pads thereabove. A plurality of secondary through holes are provided which are located outside the grid and electrically connected to the inside of the chip contact pads. The spacing of the contacts on top of the board is less than the spacing of the contacts on the bottom.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ablatively photodecomposable polymer having a photoabsorber bound to the polymer (the "ablatively photodecomposable polymer") which does not phase separate, nor does it crystallize. The ablatively photodecomposable polymer provides even ablation, high resolution and in preferred embodiments, can withstand potassium permanganate etchant and ferric chloride etchant. The ablatively photodecomposable polymer is strippable, although it can remain on the substrate if desired. The ablatively photodecomposable polymer comprises a polymer to which a photoabsorber is bound, either covalently or ionically. The present invention is also directed to a process for forming a metal pattern on a substrate employing the ablatively photodecomposable polymer.

Abstract: Window sashes such as double hung sashes often are assembled with a counterbalancing mechanism to facilitate the opening and closing of the window. When the sashes are made from vinyl, the counterbalancing of the window is commonly achieved by the use of a pair of coil springs, one mounted within a channel in the sash on either side of the window. A programmable motorized hand tool is used to apply tension quickly to each of the springs thereby improving production rates and quality control while reducing the risks of repetitive motion injury to the person using the hand tool. A programmable stepper controller drives the motor and controls the functions of the hand tool such as the speed and direction of rotation, the number of revolutions and the start-up and operating torques.

Abstract: A package for mounting an integrated circuit chip to a circuit board or the like is provided. The package includes a chip carrier which has a metal substrate including first and second opposed faces. A dielectric coating is provided on at least one of the faces, which preferably is less than about 20 microns in thickness, and preferably has a dielectric constant from about 3.5 to about 4.0. Electrical circuitry is disposed on the dielectric coating, said circuitry including chip mounting pads, connection pads and circuit traces connecting the chip mounting pads to the connection pads. An IC chip is mounted by flip chip or wire bonding or adhesive connection on the face of the metal substrate which has the dielectric coating thereon. In any case, the IC chip is electrically connected to the chip mounting pads either by the solder ball or wire bond connections.

Abstract: A low profile riser card assembly for a computer system is provided by incorporating two uniaxial back to back peripheral connectors. The peripheral card connectors extend outwardly along a single axis from opposing sides of a riser card. The riser card is attached to a riser card connector mounted on the circuit board and is held in a perpendicular to the axis and in an upright position with respect to the circuit board. In the assembly of the present single invention, the uniaxial back to back peripheral card connectors are retained on the riser card in a parallel orientation with respect to the riser card connector to produce a low profile computer assembly.

Abstract: The present invention permits solder joints to be made directly to via and through holes without the solder being wicked into the vias or through holes, by filling plated through holes with an epoxy or cyanate fill composition. When cured and overplated, the fill composition provides support for the solder joint and provides a flat solderable surface for the inter-connection. In certain embodiments, the cured fill compositions, offer a further advantage of being conductive. The invention also relates to several novel methods for filling through holes with such fill compositions, and to resistors located in through holes and vias.

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive, drillable, reduced CTE laminate and circuitized structures comprising the reduced CTE laminate, is provided. The reduced CTE laminate comprises: from about 40% to 75%, preferably from about 55% to 65%, by weight resin; from about 0.05% to 0.3%, preferably from about 0.08% to 0.10%, by weight curing agent; from about 25% to 60%, preferably from about 30% to 40%, by weight, woven cloth; from about 1% to 15%, preferably from about 5% to 10%, by volume, non-woven quartz mat. The present invention also generally relates to a method for reducing the CTE of circuitized structures, and to methods for making reduced CTE laminate and circuitized structures comprising reduced CTE laminate.

Abstract: The present invention permits solder joints to be made directly to via and through holes without the solder being wicked into the vias or through holes, by filling plated through holes with an epoxy or cyanate fill composition. When cured and overplated, the fill composition provides support for the solder joint and provides a flat solderable surface for the inter-connection. In certain embodiments, the cured fill compositions, offer a further advantage of being conductive. The invention also relates to several novel methods for filling through holes with such fill compositions, and to resistors located in through holes and vias.

Abstract: A three piece stair nosing is used in new construction and the reconstruction and repair of stairs, primarily for industrial and commercial applications. The stair nosing comprises a metal sub-channel, a front channel including a tread surface, and a rear channel. The sub-channel includes one or more anchors to be embedded in uncured concrete which, when hardened, secures the sub-channel to the stair pan. The front channel includes a metal base and a tread bonded to the base to provide a skid resistant surface. The front channel is locked into place on top of the sub-channel with locking tabs and is secured to the sub-channel with fasteners after which the rear channel is press fit into place to complete the assembly.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a method of treating the surface of an organic substrate, particularly a circuitized surface of an organic substrate, which method reduces the spread of adhesive resin that is subsequently deposited on the surface, is provided. This method comprises the steps of applying a treatment solution comprising a fatty acid compound, an alkalizing agent, and a solvent comprising water and from about 5% to about 90% by volume of an organic solvent selected from the group consisting of an alcohol, a glycol ether, and combinations thereof to the surface; and then removing substantially all of the solvent from the solution to provide a thin film on the surface of said substrate. The film comprises the fatty acids that were present in the treatment solution. In a preferred embodiment the treatment solution further comprises a chelating agent.

Abstract: A system and method for compressing and decompressing multi-spectral images in two color spaces is provided. The system and method employ the transformation, compression and reconstruction of color space components from which difference data between the original color space components and the reconstructed color space components may be derived. A compressed data stream including compressed color space data and compressed difference data in a another color space is generated. The difference data may be utilized to reconstruct a lossless or near lossless image of the original.

Abstract: There is disclosed a representative plant of Aglaonema designated "001CKF", which is one displaying variegated foliage consisting of two colors on the top leaf surface, comprising green and silver extensive from the leaf margins to the midrib in irregular sizes and patterns but appearing as alternating stripes following the pattern of the veins and a green-white petiole; and a bottom surface that is a lighter green than the green of the top surface with small green-white spots scattered throughout which are faintly visible on the top surface; and having a vigorous growth habit and a cold resistance.

Abstract: A hybrid Guzmania plant is compact in size, having a height including inflorescence of fourteen to sixteen inches and a spread of about twelve to thirteen inches. It has broad and closely-set leaves. The leaves are medium-dark green in color and contrast sharply with the vivid red color of the bracts.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of peach tree, designated `R1-T2`, originated as a seedling in a block of `John Boy`. It is a midseason variety maturing 5 to 7 days after `John Boy` and 5 to 7 days before `Loring`. The fruit is yellow-fleshed, freestone, large sized, and flavorful. The surface of the fruit is 70 to 80% attractive orange-red over a yellow-orange background.

Abstract: A Guzmania hybrid having leaf variegation which is regular in placement. The variegation contributes to an appearance which is lighter and brighter than other variegated hybrids. The bract color remains for two to three months when the plant is maintained under indoor lighting conditions.

Abstract: A pink bromelaid hybrid has an almost rose-like appearance due to the closeness of the scape bracts, and consistent rose pink coloration from base to apex, surrounding the floral bracts which are translucent and colorless at the base and the apex, blending into a more intense pink color in the middle. The overlapping effect of the bracts is white.