Abstract: An elevator system wherein a cab is moved within a shaft by a tractive drive system that transmits torque frictional force on the interior surface of the shaft, enabling the cab to travel without cables and travel for long distances. The tractive drive system automatically regulates these normal forces. A method of controlling a plurality of these cabs disposed within a plurality of shafts by means of electronic systems.

Abstract: A load-bearing exoskeleton capable of supporting at least part of the weight of a shielding garment. Additionally, some of the user's upper-body weight, resulting from the rotational moment about the hip caused by the user's trunk in flexion, may be supported. The load-bearing exoskeleton may be a completely passive orthosis, or it may include one or more active orthotic elements. The exoskeleton may include one or more sagittally-extending load-bearing structures that provide a supportive force to counteract at least some of the weight of the shielding garment. The exoskeleton may include a shielding garment attachment mechanism, a pelvis assembly, and one or more leg assemblies that are configured to allow for user movement when in one or more unlocked positions, while facilitating a greater transmission of weight of a shielding garment when in one or more locked positions.

Abstract: An active exoskeletal spinal orthosis that can reduce the spinal compression and muscle effort involved in resisting gravitational bending moments. The spinal orthosis includes upper and lower members that fit around the body in the area of the spine. Actuators extend between the upper and lower members. By applying a corrective moment, a distraction force, or both to a user via the actuators, the spinal orthosis allows for supported multi-planar maneuverability within a set range of motion. A controller activates the actuators based on sensor feedback that is indicative of pressure or some other sensed physical parameter related to the bending moment.

Abstract: An active exoskeletal spinal orthosis that can reduce the spinal compression and muscle effort involved in resisting gravitational bending moments. The spinal orthosis includes upper and lower members that fit around the body in the area of the spine. Actuators extend between the upper and lower members. By applying a corrective moment, a distraction force, or both to a user via the actuators, the spinal orthosis allows for supported multi-planar maneuverability within a set range of motion. A controller activates the actuators based on sensor feedback that is indicative of pressure or some other sensed physical parameter related to the bending moment.

Abstract: The invention provides a curable two layer effect providing coating system which provides a visual appearance and effect previously obtainable only with a curable three layer effect providing coating system. The two layer effect providing coating system of the invention consists essentially of a first layer consisting of a first coating composition (a), and a transparent second layer applied directly to the first layer and consisting of a second coating composition (b) comprising an effective amount of an interference metal oxide coated mica having a hue shift of at least 100°. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the first coating composition (a) will be tinted so as to match the color of the second coating composition (b) when viewed at an angle of 110° from vertical.

Abstract: A metallurgical interconnect composite is provided defined by a compliant, metallurgical, open cell, porous substrate which has a plurality of Z-axis conductive pathways extending from one side of the substrate to the other side. Each conductive pathway terminates in a solder covered surface area.

Abstract: A Faraday cage is provided for EMI/RFI shielding which includes a substrate having an electrical ground; at least one electronic component electrically connected to the substrate; a conductive housing; and an electrically conductive adhesive. The electrically conductive adhesive may be defined by a substrate having numerous passageways through the substrate. The passageways are defined by a plurality of walls of the material making up the substrate. The walls are covered with a layer of conductive metal. The passageways are filled with a non-conductive adhesive resin. The conductive housing is adhesively electrically mounted to the electrical ground of the substrate, over the electronic component, to shield electromagnetic and radio frequency interference.

Abstract: An electrical interconnect is described which is a structure comprising a polymer matrix of a microstructure of nodes separated by void spaces and being interconnected by fibrils. The nodes are generally aligned elongated columns and have conductive particles embedded in them. The void spaces may be filled with a nonconductive adhesive.

Abstract: A conductive through-hole hole is formed by through a dielectric sandwiched between conductors forming a noncircular hole in a conductor, etching a hole through the dielectric and by deforming at the conductor which has been undercut during the etching.

Abstract: Dielectric materials having low dielectric constant are provided, the materials comprising fabrics impregnated with thermosetting resins, at least a portion of the fibers in the fabrics being fluorocarbon fibers. Also provided is a method of manufacture of these dielectric materials. The dielectric materials are useful in the fabrication of multilayer printed circuit boards.

Abstract: A system for automated manufacture of a pressure vessel, the system including a cutting station at which an elongated cylinder is cut into a selected length forming the vessel shell, a first, second and third computer control shell indexing station, each indexing station having means to rotate the shell about its horizontal axis in response to computer control, a computer control multi-axes arm robot having means to grasp and manipulate a cutting torch and a welding torch, the robot moving to the first index station to cut holes in the shell at preselected locations and, at the second indexing station for welding piping fittings in the shell having holes cut therein, and at the third indexing station for welding a head on each end of the shell to close the vessel. In the preferred arrangement the robot is mounted on a track which runs parallel to the first, second and third indexing stations.

Abstract: Dielectric materials having low dielectric constant are provided, the materials comprising fabrics impregnated with thermosetting resins, at least a portion of the fibers in the fabrics being fluorocarbon fibers. Also provided is a method of manufacture of these dielectric materials. The dielectric materials are useful in the fabrication of multilayer printed circuit boards.

Abstract: A conductive through-hole hole is formed through a dielectric sandwiched between conductors by forming a noncircular hole in a conductor, etching a hole through the dielectric and by deforming at the conductor which has been undercut during the etching.

Abstract: A conductive through-hole hole is formed by liquid chemically etching a hole completely through a dielectric sandwiched between conductors and by deforming at least one conductor which has been undercut during the etching.

Abstract: A conductive through-hole is formed by plasma etching a hole completely through a dielectric sandwiched between conductors and by deforming at least one conductor which has been undercut during the etching.

Abstract: An integrated process for laminating a continuous layer of photosensitive composition to the surface of each member of a series of substrate elements and automatically trimming the layer from the leading and trailing edges of the laminated substrate elements.