Abstract: An antenna system for receiving communication signals from satellites having plurality of subplates, a plurality of antenna nodes supported on the top surface of each subplate, and an electronic control unit to which the subplates are fixed and aligned and a collapsible support stand fixed to the bottom of the electronic control unit opposite the subplates in which the subplates, electronic control unit and stand interconnect to form an easily assembled lightweight antenna assembly that may be disassembled into easily portable components.

Abstract: An integrated LCC-based strain gage sensor, in which at least two LCC traces or strands run across a microcavity within the cylinder head gasket. In one aspect of the present invention, a system is provided comprising a signal source and a microcavity through which an input signal from the signal source passes and which alters the input signal as a result of a response of the microcavity to a strain. An LCC connects the microcavity and the signal source and an input signal propagates through the LCC. The microcavity may comprise one or more reflective surfaces which alters the input signal as a result of a change in a dimension of the microcavity. In another aspect of the invention, the microcavity produces an output signal that has an intensity or frequency different from that of the input signal upon undergoing a deformation.

Abstract: An integrated control system comprising an integrated circuit that controls at least one component or subsystem of an engine and a first light source that generates a first light signal when triggered through the integrated circuit. The first light signal propagates from the first light source through an LCC that may also serve as a substrate, wherein the signal that actuates the component of the engine can be the first light signal or a signal generated after the first light signal is produced. The component or subsystem of the engine may be an ignition system or a fuel injection system. The present invention is also directed to a method of controlling a component or subsystem of an engine.

Abstract: An optical signal transmission system comprises a metal conduit for transmitting optical signals between an optical signal transmitter and an optical signal receiver. The metal conduit is preferably formed of metal tubing and defines a hollow light channel containing air or other gas through which light propagates. In one aspect, metal conduits are interconnected by a polymeric coupling that transmits light between hollow light channels without loss due to misalignment or gaps between the channels.

Abstract: A voice-activated control system in which a voice command transmitted to an audio signal receiver such as a microphone is digitized by a voice recognition program that produces an address and a function corresponding to the component to which the voice command is directed. The digitized signal is converted by an IR transceiver or an encoder/decoder to an IR signal, which is transmitted via an LCC bus to one or more devices attached to it. The device that has the appropriate address is actuated to perform the function and/or provide feedback to the system. The invention also includes voice-activated systems that rely on a centralized control approach while a third type of system uses a hybrid system that uses both lcc-based and electrical-based input. The present invention is also directed to various methods of activating and controlling one or more components of a system through a voice-activated system.

Abstract: An integrated control system comprising an integrated circuit that controls at least one component or subsystem of an engine and a first light source that generates a first light signal when triggered through the integrated circuit. The first light signal propagates from the first light source through an LCC that may also serve as a substrate, wherein the signal that actuates the component of the engine can be the first light signal or a signal generated after the first light signal is produced. The component or subsystem of the engine may be an ignition system or a fuel injection system. The present invention is also directed to a method of controlling a component or subsystem of an engine.

Abstract: An integrated LCC-based strain gage sensor, in which at least two LCC traces or strands run across a microcavity within the cylinder head gasket. In one aspect of the present invention, a system is provided comprising a signal source and a microcavity through which an input signal from the signal source passes and which alters the input signal as a result of a response of the microcavity to a strain. An LCC connects the microcavity and the signal source and an input signal propagates through the LCC. The microcavity may comprise one or more reflective surfaces which alters the input signal as a result of a change in a dimension of the microcavity. In another aspect of the invention, the microcavity produces an output signal that has an intensity or frequency different from that of the input signal upon undergoing a deformation.

Abstract: A micro soldering apparatus and method comprising a system (10) for attaching an electronic component (12) to a substrate (14). The system (10) comprises a soldering tool (16) including a dispensing orifice assembly (18) for pulsatingly dispensing a controlled quantity of molten solder (19) to a component (12) and substrate (14) so that the component is joined to the substrate (14) mechanically and electrically upon solidification of the molten solder (19). There is no physical contact between the dispensing orifice assembly (18) and joint. The system (10) also includes a controller for the soldering tool (16). The controller functions in response to process control parameters so that the controlled quantity of molten solder (19) is dispensed through a non-oxidizing atmosphere by a pressure pulse applied to the molten solder.