Abstract: A cost-effective communication filter is prepared by etching the surfaces of a shaped and fired ceramic core, applying an electroless nickel solution to create a nickel layer of limited thickness, electroplating the nickel plated core with a silver layer, patterning the nickel and silver plated core by removing metallization from selected surface areas and then heating the patterned filter block to bond the metal layers. The resulting filters comprise a rigid dielectric core defining a plurality of through-hole passages extending between opposing sides of the core. Present on the core is a pattern of metallized and unmetallized regions wherein the metallized regions of the pattern include an inner layer of nickel and an outer silver-containing layer.

Abstract: A resistive film for use in a potentiometer. The film is in contact with a movable wiper. The film includes a cured polymer resin and a cured thermosetting resin. Conductive particles of carbon black and graphite are dispersed in the film. The conductive particles cause the resins to be electrically resistive. Carbon nanoparticles are also dispersed in the film. The nanoparticles increase the wear resistance of the resistive film and reduce electrical noise as the wiper moves across the film.

Abstract: A hall effect seat belt tension sensor for a vehicle. The sensor has a housing mounted to a seat belt. An anchor plate is mounted between the seat belt and a fixed point on a vehicle. The anchor plate is partially mounted in housing. A spring is mounted between the housing and the anchor plate. Tension on the seat belt causes the anchor plate to move relative to the housing. A magnetic field generator is mounted to the anchor plate. The magnetic field generator moves as the anchor plate moves. A magnetic field sensor is mounted to the housing. The sensor generates an electrical signal in response to movement of the magnetic field generator.

Abstract: A low temperature co-fired ceramic assembly (LTCC) with a constraining core of differing dielectric constants that minimizes shrinkage of the outer ceramic layers during firing. The ceramic assembly has a planar ceramic core. The core has a first ceramic layer with a first dielectric constant and a second ceramic layer adjacent to the first ceramic layer. The second ceramic layer has a second dielectric constant. A third ceramic layer has a third dielectric constant. A fourth ceramic layer has a fourth dielectric constant. The ceramic core is located between the third and the fourth ceramic layers. Several electrically conductive vias extend through the first, second, third and fourth ceramic layers. Several circuit features are located on the first, second, third and fourth ceramic layers. The vias electrically connect the circuit features on the layers.

Abstract: A dual band voltage controlled oscillator that has low phase noise. The oscillator includes two voltage controlled oscillators that are each coupled to a tank circuit for adjusting the output frequency. One voltage controlled oscillator operates at a low frequency and one operates at a high frequency. Both voltage controlled oscillators are coupled to a combiner circuit that provides the oscillator output signal. A low frequency bandstop filter is coupled to the output of the second voltage controlled oscillator. The low frequency bandstop filter operates so as to reject the low frequency.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring torque and position of a shaft having an internal torsion bar. The sensor has a torque sensor, located in the housing and connected to the shaft. The torque sensor has a rotor in electrical contact with a first and second resistive track disposed on an opposed disc. A position sensor is located in the housing and is connected to the shaft. The position sensor has a third contactor mounted to the housing in electrical contact with a third resistive track located on the disc. Several electrical terminals are located in the housing and are electrically communicated with the contactors to provide an electrical signal indicative of the torque and position of the shaft to an external electrical circuit. A slip ring is attached between the rotor and the housing. The slip ring has a fourth and fifth contactor in contact with the torque sensor. The slip ring is adapted to electrically connect the torque sensor to the electrical terminals.

Abstract: A control device, like a pointing stick, for controlling the positioning, movement and operation of a responsive electrical device, like a cursor on a computer display screen. There is a compact gimbal mounted joystick 10 that has a stick assembly 14; a gimbal assembly 12 having the stick assembly mounted thereon; a sensor 42 and 44, mounted to the gimbal assembly, for generating an output signal indicative of a position of the stick assembly; and a switch 50, positioned below the stick assembly, to be activated when the stick assembly is sufficiently displaced to close the switch. Additionally there is a biasing means 56, positioned about the switch and extending to the gimbal assembly, the biasing means forcing the gimbal assembly into a centering position when not in use.

Abstract: A weighing device designed to accurately measure an object's weight that is easier and more cost effective to produce. In particular, the device consists of a strain gage load cell having a pair of substrates mounted in parallel. The first and second substrates each contain a pair of resistors which are embedded in the surface of the substrate pair, forming a Wheatstone Bridge configuration. The substrates may be formed of ceramic.

Abstract: A new and distinct Hosta plant cultivar is disclosed, characterized by a better performance in the sun than other Hosta varieties known to the inventor; large, oval-shaped leaves; very low cold requirements and bright green leaves with wide, creamy yellow-white margins.

Abstract: A new and distinct Chrysanthemum plant cultivar is disclosed, characterized by large decorative type inflorescences, consistent flowering response to short days, blooming consistently after 49 days of short day length, purple pink ray florets, free branching habit, and a consistent natural season flowering habit during the second week in August.

Abstract: A new and distinct Chrysanthemum plant cultivar is disclosed, characterized by large decorative type inflorescences, consistent flowering response to short days, blooming consistently after 49 days of short day length, light purple-pink ray florets, free branching habit, and a consistent natural season flowering habit during the third week of September.

Abstract: A new and distinct Chrysanthemum plant cultivar is disclosed, characterized by small decorative type inflorescences, consistent flowering response to short days, blooming consistently after 49 days of short day length, bright orange ray florets, free branching habit, and a consistent natural season flowering habit during the third week of September.

Abstract: A new and distinct Chrysanthemum plant cultivar is disclosed, characterized by large decorative type inflorescences, consistent flowering response to short days, blooming consistently after 49 days of short day length, dark pink ray florets, free branching habit, and a consistent natural season flowering habit during the second week of August.

Abstract: A new and distinct Chrysanthemum plant cultivar is disclosed, characterized by large decorative type inflorescences, consistent flowering response to short days, blooming consistently after 49 days of short day length, dark red ray florets, free branching habit, and a consistent natural season flowering habit during the third week of September.

Abstract: A new and distinct Chrysanthemum plant cultivar is disclosed, characterized by large decorative type inflorescences, consistent flowering response to short days, blooming consistently after 49 days of short day length, yellow ray florets, free branching habit, and a consistent natural season flowering habit during the first week of September.

Abstract: A new and distinct Chrysanthemum plant cultivar is disclosed, characterized by large decorative type inflorescences, consistent flowering response to short days, blooming consistently after 49 days of short day length, dark red-purple ray florets, free branching habit, and a consistent natural season flowering habit during the second week of September.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Agave plant named ‘AGAVWS’ that is characterized by variegated leaves that are green with white margins.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Lavender plant named ‘Patleigh’ that is characterized by dark purple flowers with yellow sterile bracts and yellow green leaves with a citrus fragrance.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Magnolia plant named ‘Cleopatra’ that is characterized by purple flowers, an upright habit and flowering during the first year of growth.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Lavender plant named ‘Myrleigh’ that is characterized by violet flowers, light violet sterile bracts, flowers having a musk fragrance and grey-green foliage.