Abstract: There is provided a programmable receiver for detecting signals reflected from, or transmitted through, a material for analyzing flaws in the material, having a circuit for dividing the signals into a multiplicity of separate, independent sections for selective evaluation of waveform portions as contained in each of the sections. A method for detecting and analyzing flaws in materials is also provided.

Abstract: An infrared (IR) heater array apparatus that provides focused lines of IR radiation for soldering integrated circuit components or devices, especially fine pitch integrated circuit devices (FPD), in aligned combination with printed circuit boards. The apparatus is configured for concentric mounting in combination with the placement head of placement apparatus wherein FPDs and other IC devices may be bonded to the circuit board while the device is held in place by the placement apparatus. One preferred embodiment of the apparatus includes an array of IR lamps and associated lamp envelopes and lenses, together with control apparatus for operating the IR lamps and aligning the focused IR radiation generated thereby. The radiation generated by the IR lamps is configured to provide a desired line pattern of energy which is directed onto the leads of a device being soldered. The perimeter of the energy pattern is programmably alterable to suit particular device lead sizes and configurations.

Abstract: A guidance type placement apparatus for placing and mounting integrated circuit (IC) components or devices, especially fine pitch integrated circuit devices (FPD), in aligned combination with printed circuit boards. The apparatus includes a mechanical positioning subsystem, an image acquisition/processing subsystem, a master control subsystem, and optionally, a heater array subsystem. The mechanical positioning subsystem is sequentially operative to position the circuit board and IC device for the generation of images thereof, to align the IC device with a designated placement site on the board, and to mount the IC device in aligned combination with the board. The image acquisition subsystem is operative to generate images of at least one pair of diagonally opposed corners of the placement site and IC device from the same optical perspective. Images generated by the image acquisition subsystem provide feedback control to regulate the placement process to attain and verify lead-to-pad alignment.

Abstract: A computer power system comprises an AC-to-DC power supply for providing DC power to the computer during the presence of AC line power and a backup power supply for providing DC power from batteries directly to the DC operated components of the computer system, completely bypassing the AC to DC power supply, when AC line voltage is absent or low.

Abstract: A guidance type placement apparatus for placing and mounting integrated circuit (IC) components or devices, especially fine pitch integrated circuit devices (FPD), in aligned combination with printed circuit boards. The apparatus includes an image acquisition/processing subsystem. The image acquisition subsystem is operative to generate images of at least one pair of diagonally opposed corners of the placement site and IC device from the same optical perspective. Images generated by the image acquisition subsystem provide feedback control to regulate the placement process to attain and verify lead-to-pad alignment.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for detecting the occurrence of a binding or complex-forming reaction between specific substances by utilizing the binding reaction to modify an electrical circuit, and then measuring a change in the electrical state of the circuit. A diagnostic element useful in such a method includes a layer of a biogenic substance, such as an antigen, coated onto a non-conductive base between a pair of electrical conductors superposed on the base. Antibodies which react with the antigen are treated so that they become bound to fine electrically conductive, metallic particles. The electrically conductive particles having antibody bound thereto are then added to the antigen layer deposited on the base and allowed to react therewith. Electrically conductive particles are thereby bound to the base due to the binding reaction between the antigen and antibody to thereby form aggregates of electrically conductive particles which modify the circuit.

Abstract: The wrist release is a device for monitoring wrist movement during a golf swing, and for learning the proper wrist movement needed to lower golf scores. The wrist release comprises an electronic circuit having signaling means and a unique transducer. The transducer comprises a housing having a bore, with a movable element disposed therein. The movable element is connected to means for monitoring a golfer's wrist movement. When the golfer has cocked his wrists properly, the movable element activates the electronic circuit, causing the signaling means to issue a feedback signal to the golfer. If the golfer does not cock his wrists properly, the feedback signal will be early, or nonexistent. In other embodiments, the device can be used to monitor arm extension, wrist cupping, or knee bending during a golf swing.

Abstract: A pivot trainer useful in learning a proper golf swing pivot comprises an electronic circuit having a unique transducer. The pivot trainer is designed to be worn by the golfer in proximity to his hips, because the pivot trainer monitors effective hip movement. The transducer comprises an electrically conducting movable element. The transducer translates about the electrically conducting movable element, which is held stationary within the transducer under the influence of inertial forces generated by golfer hip rotation. If the hips are properly rotated, and the golfer pivots properly, a variable element contacts a movable element, completing the circuit, causing a feedback signal to issue therefrom. The variable element can be positioned in a plurality of positions within the transducer, thus changing the amount of inertia needed to complete the circuit. This allows the golfer to progress from his currently employed swing to a more effective golf swing.

Abstract: A device comprising a housing containing a pellet, a diaphragm, and means for applying a force for translating the pellet towards the diaphragm to produce a signal disposed within the housing is mounted by C clamps onto a golf club shaft. The signal issues at critical times during a proper golf swing. These signals assist a golfer in improving his swing, resulting in a swing that has a greater balance, synchronicity, symmetry and tempo than before.

Abstract: A simple, rapid and reliable assay for measuring functional enzyme inhibitor levels in body fluids and tissues, especially functional .alpha..sub.1 -proteinase inhibitor levels in human plasma or serum. .alpha..sub.2 -Macroglobulin is first inactivated, then porcine pancreatic elastase incubated with the samples to form a complex between the elastase and the functional .alpha..sub.1 -PI. Deficient individuals are detected by the presence of a color change following addition of substrate. If desirable, residual enzyme activity can then be calculated and the .alpha..sub.1 -PI levels present in the original sample determined. The method provides a means for early screening of individuals with a genetic deficiency in circulating levels of .alpha..sub.1 -PI, thereby facilitating treatment and prevention of familial emphysema.

Abstract: A coating of lanthanum hexaboride LaB.sub.6 is sputtered on a substrate, preferably an electrically conductive substrate such as tungsten, in an insert gas atmosphere and at a pressure in the range of 2 to 50.times.10.sup.-3 torr. The coated substrate is subsequently heated to a temperature in the range of 750.degree. C. to 1000.degree. C. in a non-oxidizing atmosphere to provide an adherent, dense, smooth LaB.sub.6 coating on the substrate, suitable for use as an electron beam emission cathode.

Abstract: An infrared (IR) heater array apparatus that provides focused lines of IR radiation for soldering integrated circuit components or devices, especially fine pitch integrated circuit devices (FPD), in aligned combination with printed circuit boards. The apparatus is configured for concentric mounting in combination with the placement head of placement apparatus wherein FPDs and other IC devices may be bonded to the circuit board while the device is held in place by the placement apparatus. One preferred embodiment of the apparatus includes a rectangular frame member having four radiation slits, a rectangular array of four IR lamps and associated lamp envelopes mounted in combination outside the frame member, X and Y pairs of reflecting members rotatably mounted within the frame member, and control subsystems for operating the IR lamps and aligning the focused IR radiation generated thereby.

Abstract: A variable parameter heater for applying heat in a predetermined profile to a work surface. The heater has a plurality of elongated members which are interconnected to form a frame. Elongated members are slidingly adjustable to provide the intended heat profile. Each elongated member contains first and second rows of apertures. Heated air is delivered to the work surface past selectively energized heating elements disposed in the first row of apertures. Cool air where required is delivered to the work surface through the second row of apertures. The heater may include a vacuum probe for depositing or removing components relative to the work surface. The vacuum probe may also direct cool air to the work surface. Mirrors may be mounted upon elongated members to provide enhanced viewing of the work surface. In case of disablement, elongated members are individually removeble for repair or replacement.

Abstract: This invention relates to a peritoneal dialysis solution which comprises as an osmotically active agent an osmotically effective amount of a mixture of peptides, the mixture consisting substantially of peptides having a molecular weight of about 300 to about 2000 daltons, and an equivalent weight between about 150 to about 1500.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of non-contact surface contour measurement by triangulation of reflected radiation from the surface. More particularly, the invention relates to a system for gathering x, y, z data points with respect to the surface contour of an object by means of time based triangulation methods.

Abstract: A multi-band graphic equalizer is provided that includes a plurality of controllable frequency response determining elements, each element having a primary effect in its primary frequency band and a secondary effect in at least one adjacent frequency band, a graphic input device for entering an input that graphically represents a desired frequency response characteristic, and a controller connected between the input means and the frequency response determining elements for calculating the necessary frequency response characteristic for each controllable frequency response element based on the in band and out of band effects of each element to produce the desired overall frequency response characteristic and for generating a plurality of sets of control signals, one set of control signals for each frequency response determining element, so that the overall frequency response characteristic produced by the plurality of frequency response determining elements is as close as possible to the desired frequency resp

Abstract: An erosion and corrosion resistant coating is formed of a plurality of alternating layers of metallic and ceramic materials. The two materials selected for the layers have complementary wear resistant characteristics, such that one is relatively ductile and the other is relatively brittle. The concentration of the two materials at the interface between adjacent layers is graded to improve the adhesion of the layers and to provide a more unified coating. Prefereably radio-frequency sputtering is employed to deposit the coating, since it does not produce excessive heating which could negate any prior heat treatment of the substrate onto which the coating is deposited.

Abstract: A computer power system comprises an AC-to-DC power supply for providing DC power to the computer during the presence of AC line power and a backup power supply for providing DC power from batteries directly to the DC operated components of the computer system, completely bypassing the AC to DC power supply, when AC line voltage is absent or low.

Abstract: An erosion and corrosion resistant coating is formed of a plurality of alternating layers of metallic and ceramic materials. The two materials selected for the layers have complementary wear resistant characteristics, such that one is relatively ductile and the other is relatively brittle. The concentration of the two materials at the interface between adjacent layers is graded to improve the adhesion of the layers and to provide a more unified coating. Preferably radio-frequency sputtering is employed to deposit the coating, since it does not produce excessive heating which could negate any prior heat treatment of the substrate onto which the coating is deposited.