Abstract: A method for manufacturing low cost electroluminescent (EL) illuminated membrane switches is disclosed. The method includes the first step of die cutting, embossing or chemically etching the metal foil surface of a metal foil bonded, light transmitting flexible electrical insulation to simultaneously form one or more front capacitive electrodes, membrane switch contacts and electrical shunt, electrical distribution means and electrical terminations that together comprise a flexible printed circuit panel. This continuous flexible printed circuit substrate is then coupled to a precisely positioned indexing system. Next, the front metal foil capacitive electrodes are coated with a light transmissive electrically conductive layer.

Abstract: A bonding pad for an integrated circuit, having a conductive base layer. The conductive base layer has slots formed in it, where the slots extend completely through the conductive base layer. An insulating layer is disposed on top of the conductive base layer. The insulating layer protrudes into the slots of the conductive base layer. The insulating layer also includes a low k material. A conductive top layer is disposed on top of the insulating layer.

Abstract: A surgical knot pusher for pushing a suture knot along a suture strand, comprising an elongated tube with a flattened tip formed on the distal end of the elongated tube. The flattened tip is provided with opposing resilient jaws defining a slot therebetween which leads to an eyelet defined by the flattened tip for containing an advancing length of the suture while the suture knot is being pushed allowing the suture strand to easily enter the eyelet while preventing the suture strand from exiting the eyelet. A cutting assembly is slidably mounted within the elongated tube and comprises a rod with a blade having a straight linear edge mounted on one end and a handle on the other end. The blade is biased away from the flattened tip by a spring mounted on the rod, the spring engaging the flattened tip when the blade is moved toward the eyelet by pushing the handle toward the tip.

Abstract: An activating mechanism for activating an endoscopic ligator is disclosed. The activating mechanism includes a mounting component and an activating component coupled thereto. The mounting component inserts directly into the operating channel of an endoscope and is dimensioned to maintain a friction fit within the operating channel to mount the mechanism to the endoscope. The mounting component includes a channel for receiving an activation line of the ligating device which is threaded through the operating channel and the channel in the mounting component, and onto the activating component of the activating mechanism. The activation line attaches to a spool of the activating component. The activating component further provides a drive pin and a roller clutch for setting the activating component in an engaged or a disengaged position and a knob for rotating the drive pin. When the drive pin is engaged with the roller clutch, the knob can only rotate in one direction.