Abstract: The present invention relates to connector tools for seating connectors on a substrate such as a printed circuit board (PCB). The connector tool is a machined structure having a plurality of walls that define intersecting slots that mate with an array of male connector pins and include one or more ribs to reduce damage if the tool is dropped on the floor. The ribbed walls strengthen the connector tool, but do not interfere with the mating array of male connector pins. The connector tool also includes push shoulders to contact the connector apart from the array of male connector pins so as to seat the connector onto the PCB without connector tool and connector damage.

Abstract: This invention relates to a substrate with via and pad structure(s) to reduce solder wicking. Each via and pad structure connects a component to conductive layers associated with the substrate. The substrate includes one or more plated vias, solder mask(s) surrounding the plated vias, and a conductive pad with a conductive trace connected to each plated via. The conductive pad extends beyond the terminal sides to increase solder formation and the solder mask reduces solder formation at the terminal end of the component. The via and pad structure is suitable for a variety of components and high component density. The invention also provides a computer implemented method for calculating the maximum distance of a conductive pad extending beyond the terminal side of a component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to secured wireless handsets that discourage or reduce unauthorized removal, loss, or theft of a handset, while allowing the person to communicate hands free. In an embodiment the wireless handset includes a first attachment of a T-nut secured the wireless handset. The T-nut is attached to the cradle by a threaded bolt. A second attachment secures the cradle to a designated communication site such as in a vehicle. In another embodiment, the first attachment includes a security block for obstructing the release mechanisms of a latch on the cradle to secure the wireless handset to the cradle. The secured wireless handsets described are also applicable to non-vehicular communication sites where wireless handset removal from the communication site is a concern.

Abstract: The invention is related to an electric field proximity detection system suitable for use as a touch sensitive keyboard or to be used in close proximity without direct contact. In an embodiment of a circuit useful in the system, an AC signal is coupled to a single electrode functioning as an antenna radiating an electric field through a high impedance circuit. A conductive object in close proximity disturbs the field causing a voltage change across nodes of the high impedance circuit that is compared by a detector circuit that generates a DC output indicating an object is close to the electrode. In another embodiment, the circuit couples to an analog multiplexer to control a plurality of electrodes. In another embodiment, a row and column address scheme couples a plurality of electrodes and increases resolution without substantially increasing complexity. The circuits may be integrated in a semiconductor to reduce size and cost.

Abstract: The present invention relates to structures and methods that reduce ESD damage to electronic devices. In an embodiment, the structure is a parallel plate dissipative capacitor formed by sandwiching a dissipative dielectric layer between two conductive layers in series to the electronic device. The dissipative dielectric layer includes a nonconductive dielectric doped with a voltage dependent resistive material that defines a conductive threshold voltage. The structure functions as a voltage dependent resistor in response to an applied voltage such as an ESD surge voltage exceeding the defined conductive threshold voltage and dissipates the applied voltage into thermal energy before it can reach the electronic device and cause damage. The dissipative dielectric layer restores to a dielectric and the structure functions as a capacitor when the excess voltage is depleted that is drops below the defined conductive threshold voltage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antennas for radio signal frequencies, an electromagnetic shield and a mechanical package for electronic components. The antenna uses a three-dimensional conductive structure to enclose the components that are used for the transmission and reception of wireless devices. This conductive structure preferably encloses electronic components. The structure can be divided into two or more sections such that each section is enclosed providing shielding from external electromagnetic fields. Each conductive section is connected to the antenna port or ports of the device it contains. The conductive mechanical package is preferably sized to resonant at the desired frequency of operation. If the electromagnetic fields to be radiated are within and outside the package, the internal bulkheads can be used to control the desired resonant modes. Photonic band gap structures can be also used to connect the pole elements.

Abstract: A production operation is controlled by electronically scanning and reading printed information at intervals along a component tape. The printed information is continuously scanned and read from the carrier tape portion or the cover tape portion of the component tape as components are removed from the component tape during a production operation. In a production facility, the data from many component tapes is transmitted simultaneously to a production control system where all data is processed. The processed data is used to automatically control a production operation by using the printed information to control resources of the production operation, resources including component inventory, equipment, and facilities.

Abstract: The invention relates to a form route manager in a computer network. In one embodiment, the form route manager includes a sequenced list of e-mail addresses, means for determining if an e-mail received in the e-mail system originates from the last e-mail address in the sequenced list, and if so, deleting the e-mail, and if not, sending the e-mail to the next e-mail address in the sequenced list. In another, the form route manager includes a sequenced list of e-mail addresses, means for receiving a web page, including the document and a step indicator, means for determining from the step indicator and the route, whether it is the first step, the next step, and the next e-mail address, means for updating the step indicator to the next step, the e-mail address to the next e-mail address, and if it is the first step, assigning a second URL to the document, and means for sending the e-mail with the second URL, the updated step indicator and the document to the next e-mail address.

Abstract: The present invention relates to project and role based workflow systems and methods used in conjunction with e-mail systems and/or the World Wide Web. Project identifiers, the roles of the users in an organization, and/or the organizational structure itself, define the route of the workflow in one or more relational database tables. In an embodiment, rather than creating a different route for each workflow, the route may use role to map the workflow to the e-mail addresses of the people who are to execute the workflow. The role may be specified or may be determined based on other information such as an organization chart. A mapping table can also identify alternate or backup personnel where the role table specifies a list of e-mail addresses with a selection rule.

Abstract: The invention relates to a form route manager in a computer network. In one embodiment, the form route manager includes a sequenced list of e-mail addresses, means for determining if an e-mail received in the e-mail system originates from the last e-mail address in the sequenced list, and if so, deleting the e-mail, and if not, sending the e-mail to the next e-mail address in the sequenced list. In another, the form route manager includes a sequenced list of e-mail addresses, means for receiving a web page, including the document and a step indicator, means for determining from the step indicator and the route, whether it is the first step, the next step, and the next e-mail address, means for updating the step indicator to the next step, the e-mail address(to the next e-mail address, and if it is the first step, assigning a second URL to the document and means for sending the e-mail with the second URL, the updated step indicator and the document to the next e-mail address.

Abstract: The invention relates to message-based workflow systems and methods for computer networks. In one embodiment, the invention provides: (1) an e-mail system; (2) PC's, terminals, and/or workstations; and (3) a form route manager connected by the e-mail system. In another, the invention provides an e-mail-based workflow system for processing a document, connected to a computer network and a system for sending an e-mail, including a form route manager, connected to the computer network, capable of receiving and sending the e-mail, and capable of defining a route, a step-by-step sequence of e-mail addresses, in the network.

Abstract: A component tape includes a carrier tape with an elongate cover tape applied over pockets of the carrier tape. The component tape includes information printed on a portion of the component tape. The printed information includes a count or quantity of electronic components carried by the component tape, where the count at a particular location on the component tape indicates the position of the corresponding electronic component on the component tape. An indicator is printed corresponding to each quantity count that indicates which component position of the tape corresponds to the printed count. The printed information may also include a variety of information associated with the components, information comprising part number, tolerance and value description, batch number, lot number, component manufacturer, and component vendor. The printed information is produced by direct marking, as with laser etching or printing, or by imaging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to message-based workflow systems and methods for computer networks. In one embodiment, the present invention provides three elements: (1) an e-mail system; (2) PC's, terminals, or workstations connected by the e-mail system; and (3) a form route manager connected by the e-mail system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to message-based workflow systems and methods for computers operating on the World Wide Web. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a form route manager connected to an e-mail system and the World Wide Web. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a form route manager and computers connected to the e-mail system and the World Wide Web.

Abstract: The present invention relates to message-based workflow systems and methods for computer networks. In one embodiment, the present invention provides three elements: (1) an e-mail system; (2) PC's, terminals, or workstations connected by the e-mail system; and (3) a form route manager connected by the e-mail system.