Abstract: The present invention is a polymer film conductive composition comprising, based on total composition: (a) 3-20 wt. % of polyamide-imide resin; (b) 0-10 wt. % cyanate ester resin; (c) 40-85 wt. % finely divided metallic electrically conductive particles selected from the group consisting of silver, copper, nickel, silver coated copper, silver coated nickel, carbon black, graphite and mixtures thereof, wherein all of (a), (b) and (c) are dispersed in a 20-40 wt. % organic solvent.

Abstract: A hermetic multilayered ceramic semiconductor package for micromachined semiconductor devices. A low temperature co-fired ceramic assembly has a cavity and a top and bottom surface. Several vias extend between the top and bottom surfaces and several solder spheres are located on the top surface and are electrically connected to the vias. A micromachined semiconductor device abuts the bottom surface and covers the cavity such that a movable portion of the micromachined semiconductor device is unconstrained to move within the cavity. Solder is used to connect the vias to solder bumps on the semiconductor device. A seal ring is located between the micromachined semiconductor device and the ceramic assembly for hermetically sealing the micromachined semiconductor device.

Abstract: A non-contacting position sensor having radial bipolar tapered magnets. The sensor has a semicircular first plate and a second plate. Four semicircular magnets are affixed to the first plate and second plate. Each magnet has a thick end and a thin end. Two magnets generate a linearly varying magnetic field having a first polarity, while the other two magnets generate a linearly varying magnetic field having a second polarity. An air gap is formed in the space between the four magnets. A magnetic flux sensor is positioned within the air gap. The object whose position is to be monitored is rigidly attached to the magnet assembly, causing the magnetic flux sensor to move relative to the magnets within the air gap as the component moves. A varying magnetic field is detected by the magnetic flux sensor, resulting in an electrical signal from the magnetic flux sensor that varies according to its position relative to the four magnets.

Abstract: A fuel level indicator system that utilizes a resistor card having an arc-shaped resistive path with a first set of spaced apart conductor lines and an arc-shaped resistive ink material overlying the first set of conductor lines. There is provided a first and second set of insulative bars that are screened between and parallel to the first and second sets of spaced apart conductor lines respectively. The bars provide for decreased wear of the fuel level indicator system. The first conductor lines are formed at an angle with respect to a radial line drawn from the center of the resistive path arc. The resistor card also has an arc-shaped continuously solid conductor base and a second set of spaced apart conductor lines extending from the base at an angle with respect to a radial line drawn from the center of the arc-shaped conductor base. The system includes a wiper assembly having a pair of spaced apart arms. Each arm has a plurality of parallel fingers extending from one end.

Abstract: A vehicle seat belt tension sensor for detecting the magnitude of tension in a seat belt when an occupant is in the seat. A limit structure is attached between a vehicle member and the seat belt. A sensor is attached to the limit structure to generate an electrical signal in response to the sensor being placed in tension. The electrical signal changes as a function of tension on the seat belt. The limit structure moves between a first position in which the sensor carries all of the seat belt tension and a second position in which the limit structure carries all of the seat belt tension.

Abstract: A copper conductor formulation which exhibits outstanding properties when fired upon an aluminum nitride substrate is disclosed. The conductor formulation primarily includes copper and further includes oxygen-bearing copper, lead monoxide containing glass and a screening agent. A conductor formed in accord with the invention exhibits outstanding properties including initial and aged adhesion, conductivity and solderability.

Abstract: A low temperature co-fired ceramic assembly (LTCC) with a constraining core to minimize shrinkage of outer ceramic layers during firing. The outer ceramic layers have high density circuit features. A ceramic core includes several ceramic layers. Several via holes are located in the first and second ceramic layers. Several low density circuit features are located on the ceramic layers that make up the core. Outer ceramic layers are placed top and bottom of the ceramic core. The outer ceramic layers have via holes and high density circuit features. The circuit features patterned on the ceramic layers include resistors, capacitors, circuit lines, vias, inductors, or bond pads. The ceramic core is fired first in a furnace. The outer layers are then laminated to the ceramic core and fired. The ceramic core controls the shrinkage rate of the outer ceramic layers during firing allowing higher density circuit features on the outer layers.

Abstract: A wave transmission line terminator having application in computer data buss termination, single and multiple channel analog transmission line termination and other similar terminations uses thick film components including resistors and capacitors in combination with a ball grid array termination. The thick film resistors are placed on a first side of a substrate opposite the capacitors and ball grid array, and are electrically connected thereto by electrically conductive vias in the substrate. Several different configurations are disclosed which make the terminator more suitable for specific application.

Abstract: In forming an interconnection between a component and an electronic circuit, a base with precise component pockets is loaded with components. The components are patterned with a thin layer of solder paste. Next, a frame including a stencil, vertical walls and locating or keying features is placed onto the base. The stencil rests a controlled distance above the components. A multitude of solder spheres are dispensed into the frame. Solder balls retained within the frame are passed through the stencil and into contact with solder paste. Most preferably, due to controlled spacing between the stencil and components, only one solder ball is able to pass through each stencil hole. The remaining solder spheres in the frame are collected through various alternative techniques, including a disclosed emptying gate. Then the frame with stencil is removed from the base. The solder paste and solder spheres are heated, resulting in a reflow of the solder paste and a bonding of the solder spheres to the component.

Abstract: A low profile non-contacting position sensor for rotational engagement with a shaft. A pole piece has a first and a second piece. A backstrap retains the first and second pieces in parallel and opposing relationship. A shaft passes through at least one of the pieces. The pole piece is held to the shaft by a shaft retainer. A first and second magnet is disposed on the first and second pieces, respectively. A magnetic sensor is positioned between the first and second magnets. A magnetic field sensor such as a hall effect sensor is positioned in an gap and operates to provide an output signal representative of the field strength of the magnet as the shaft rotates. The output signal changes magnitude in relation to the relative position of the magnet with respect to the magnetic field sensor.

Abstract: A dual-axes position sensor 10 having an outer housing 12, an actuator 40, a linear Hall effect sensor assembly 20 for detecting position changes along a first (y) axis, and a linear Hall effect sensor assembly 30 for detecting position changes along a second (x) axis is disclosed. The housing 12 is preferably made out of a non-magnetic material such as plastic. Actuator 40 is rod shaped and coupled to a movable device or shaft (not shown) that is to have its position sensed. The linear Hall effect sensor assembly 20 is unattachably positioned to set on lip 52 of the housing 12, and includes a magnetically conducting pole piece 26, a magnet assembly 24 comprising an upper magnet 21 and a lower magnet 23 that are separated by an air gap 25. Magnet assembly 24 and pole piece 26 are positioned around a Hall sensor device support 14 in a“U” shaped configuration or form. Hall sensor device support 14 is fixedly attached to housing 12 via attachment area 54.

Abstract: An oscillator circuit suppresses unwanted oscillation frequencies and allows oscillation in the selected frequency band. The circuit has less sensitivity to aging of components that cause a shift in operating frequency. The oscillator includes a first and second inverting amplifier that each have an input terminal and an output terminal. A crystal resonator is connected between the input terminal of the first amplifier and the output terminal of the second amplifier. A suppression trap is connected between the first and second amplifier for suppressing oscillation outside the desired range of frequencies. The trap includes a parallel tank circuit that is connected between the output terminal of the first amplifier and the input terminal of the second amplifier. A capacitor is connected between the input terminal of the second amplifier and a ground.

Abstract: A vehicle seat weight sensor for sensing the weight of an occupant in a vehicle seat. The sensor includes a substrate that has a first and second end. The substrate is located between the seat bottom and the vehicle floor. Strain gauge resistors are located on the substrate for generating an electrical signal in response to the substrate being stressed by the weight of the seat occupant. The electrical signal changes as a function of the weight of the seat occupant. Several mounting configurations to the vehicle seat are shown.

Abstract: A contacting position sensor that has a carbon fiber contactor tip design for long life and low wear characteristics. The position sensor has a housing and a resistive element and is located on a substrate mounted within the housing. A carbon fiber contactor is mounted within the housing and has a first and second beam and carbon fibers attached to an end of each of the beams. The carbon fibers are in electrical contact with the resistive element. The carbon fibers are attached to the beam by a conductive epoxy or the carbon fibers are attached to the beam by a crimping. The contactor is attached to a rotor or a drive arm.

Abstract: A pointing device for controlling the positioning, movement and operation of a cursor on the display screen. Specifically, the device has a base with an end of a shaft mounted therein. Resistors and conductive pads are mounted on the base. A cable is provided with several electrical conductors and an interposer is mounted between the cable and the base for electrically connecting the resistors and the pads to the conductors. The interposer provides an electrical path between the resistors and the conductors. The interposer can be a conductive film adhesive or a pressure sensitive adhesive having vias filled with a conductive epoxy.

Abstract: A heater control system for ovenized oscillators that is capable of changing the relative influence of multiple temperature sensors in order to keep a uniform temperature profile across the oscillator enclosure. A resonator is located near a heater in an enclosure. Several temperature sensors are located in proximity to the resonator for sensing temperature. One of the sensors is closer to the heater and another sensor is closer to an outer wall of the enclosure. A control circuit is connected between the sensors and the heater to provide a control signal to the heater, in response to the sensors. An adjustment circuit is connected to each of the sensors, for adjusting the relative influence that each sensor has on the control circuit.

Abstract: A magnet molding tool for controlling the orientation of magnetic particles in a polymer bonded magnet during injection molding. A magnet mold has a mold cavity. A flux generator is connected to the magnet mold for applying a magnetic field in the cavity. An upper plate is attached to the magnet mold to modify the magnetic field in the cavity such that the orientation of the magnetic particles varies proportionally to the dimensions of the plate.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a zero-speed rotary pulse generator is disclosed. The zero-speed rotary pulse generator detects and counts shaft rotation of DC motors. The invention measures the rotation of a shaft by being coupled to a disc-shaped magnet having alternating polarity on its face. The magnet rotates at the same speed as the motor. Positioned close to the rotating magnet is a Hall effect device that can sense the alternating magnet polarity as the shaft rotates. The Hall effect device provides a digital output based upon the direction and the strength of the magnetic field it senses.

Abstract: A pointing stick 10 for controlling the positioning, movement and operation of a cursor 209 on the display screen 213. The pointing stick 10 includes a solid structure 20 having a base 24 and a shaft 22 integrally formed with and perpendicular to the base. A film 30 is mounted on the base and a sensor 32 is mounted on the film. The sensor is capable of sensing strains on the base that are indicative of the direction that the shaft is being forced. The sensor functions by using strain sensitive resistors that change resistance based upon the amount of strain that they are subject to. The strain sensitive resistors are coupled to circuitry that will produce signals in response to the strain on the gages. The resulting signals are used to either control the movement of the cursor around the display screen, or to do what is commonly called "clicking" a mouse button for selection of items or dragging of items on the display screen.

Abstract: A magnet molding tool for controlling the orientation of magnetic particles in a polymer bonded magnet during injection molding. The tool has magnet mold having a mold cavity. A flux generator is connected to the magnet mold. The flux generator applies a magnetic field in the cavity. A non-magnetic cap is attached to the magnet mold and is dimensioned to modify the magnetic field in the cavity such that the orientation of the magnetic particles in the cavity varies proportionally to the dimensions of the non-magnetic cap. In an alternative embodiment, a slot is formed in the magnet mold and dimensioned to modify the magnetic field in the cavity.