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: 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: 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: 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: 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: An apparatus and system for wet/dry and other processing of manufactured articles. Belts mounted on pulleys provide support while minimally contacting article surfaces for maximum exposure to chemical, radiation, or other wet/dry processing treatments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for forming uniform dendrites, on circuit features that does not result in large, elongated dendrites along the edges of the circuit features. The method comprises the following steps: providing a substrate having circuitry disposed thereon; applying a photoresist to the substrate at a thickness which is preferably about the height of the intended dendrite height; imaging the photoresist to expose all or a portion of the top surface of the circuitry; forming the dendrites; and removing the photoresist. The photoresist which is employed to control the dendrite height is applied so that the photoresist either: abuts the edge of the circuitry leaving the top surface of the circuitry exposed; or abuts the edge of the circuitry and extend over the top edge of the circuitry so that a portion of the top surface of the circuitry is exposed; or does not touch the circuitry nor an area surrounding the base of the circuitry.

Abstract: A saddle stitching machine is modified by attaching a device which permits the machine to process outside Z-folded sheets when collating a plurality of sheets together for a magazine or other publication. The device operates in synchronization with a suction take-offs and gripper disc of a pocket to permit the sheets to be removed from a stack and deposited on a saddle without jamming. The device utilizes one or more oscillating fingers operating off a cam journaled to the shaft of the gripper disc, and air jets to facilitate transport of each sheet through the stitcher for deposit on the saddle.

Abstract: A temperature sensing and indicating device, comprising a housing, a microprocessor and an arm. The arm is retractable and extendible into and out of the housing, such that the length of the arm external to the housing can be varied in a predetermined manner. A probe having a temperature sensor therewithin is enclosed by the arm such that varying the external length of the arm exposes varying lengths of the probe whereby the exposed length of the probe is designed to be inserted into a medium such that the temperature sensor senses the temperature of the medium and converts the temperature sensed into a signal. Through the utilization of a programmable microprocessor, the signal is conditioned and converted and drives a display causing the display to provide a visual indication of the temperature sensed. The visual indication is comprised of a digital numeric display and an analog display.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved apparatus and method for encapsulating the solder ball interconnections of an integrated circuit assembly which accommodates the use of high viscosity encapsulating materials and enables flush molding to be accomplished without substantially altering the exposed surface of the integrated circuit chip. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of this invention, an integrated circuit chip assembly including an integrated circuit chip mounted on a chip carrier or directly on a circuit board in a standoff relationship by solder ball connections is provided. A mold is placed over the integrated circuit chip. The mold of one embodiment has a compliant material disposed on the molding surface of the mold cavity. The mold also has at least one inlet hole for dispensing encapsulant into the mold, at least one opening for applying a vacuum to the mold and at least one vent.

Abstract: A pearl shine pigment preparation as a pre-product for a printing ink in ch pearl shine pigment is made into a paste with a binding agent and optionally with a solvent and/or additives and the paste is put into a compact particle form. For that purpose the paste is compressed to form compact particles by tabletting, briquetting, pelleting or extruding. In that compacted form the pearl shine pigment preparation can be used for the production of printing inks, in particular intaglio printing inks.

Abstract: A new and distinct strain of apple, designated `CB515`, originated as a limb sport on an `Empire` tree. It matures with `Empire` or slightly earlier and develops red color 21/2 weeks earlier than the parent. Other significant improvements over `Empire` include increased color intensity, a higher percentage of red color and increased spur density and cropping.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Pittosporum characterized by its growth habit and distinctive leaf variegation with the adaxial side of the leaf blades having a spotted and blotched basic field with a moderately narrow and discontinuous border that is mainly located along the margins of the distal half of the leaf blade and the abaxial side of the leaf blade having a basic field with a notable absence of the spots and blotches found on the adaxial side, but which nevertheless, has a border that is a reverse replica of that at the adaxial side. The leaf margin has an undulated and pronounced recurved form.

Abstract: A medium sized Guzmania hybrid that has a uniform variegation throughout and a suffusion of red color blending into the yellow color of the floral bracts after anthesis. The variegation brightens the colors of the parent.

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 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.