Abstract: An apparatus powered by batteries may include a first processor and a second processor. The first processor may consume more electrical power than the second processor. The second processor acquires data from one or more sensors. At a predetermined time or other trigger, the second processor activates the first processor that is then used to send the acquired data to an external device. For example, items are stowed on the apparatus that includes weight sensors. The second processor awakens hourly, acquires weight data indicative of the weight of items stowed on the apparatus, and returns to a sleep mode. After 24 hours of acquiring weight data, the second processor activates the first processor to send the accumulated weight data to an external device, such as a server, using a network interface. Power consumption is substantially reduced, allowing the apparatus to operate without external power for extended periods of times.

Abstract: A visual display device for vehicles and portable operation is provided, comprising a display arrangement for the display of data and a holding device for securing the display arrangement to the vehicle. Data and/or power may be provided either internally or externally through the holding device to the display arrangement. The visual display device is easily movable to accommodate the user's preferences, and may be transportable to locations other than the vehicle. Additionally, the visual display unit may function as a wireless terminal for an auxiliary television unit by receiving satellite or wireless transmissions and transmitting these to the auxiliary television unit. Methods for using the visual display device attached to a vehicle and as a portable unit are also provided, allowing for a wide range of data sources and internal power configurations.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a moulded article from expanded resin particles, the method comprising: placing the particles and a dielectric heat transfer fluid in a mould located between a pair of electrodes; generating a radio-frequency electromagnetic field between the electrodes; applying the electromagnetic field to the mould to dielectrically heat the heat transfer fluid and hence the particles; and heating the particles to a temperature sufficient to cause their surfaces to soften, so that the particles fuse, thereby to form the moulded article as shaped by the mould; preferably, wherein the radio-frequency electromagnetic field has a wavelength greater than an average dimension (or dimensions) of the moulded article.

Abstract: A visual display device for vehicles and portable operation is provided, comprising a display arrangement for the display of data and a holding device for securing the display arrangement to the vehicle. Data and/or power may be provided either internally or externally through the holding device to the display arrangement. The visual display device is easily movable to accommodate the user's preferences, and may be transportable to locations other than the vehicle. Additionally, the visual display unit may function as a wireless terminal for an auxiliary television unit by receiving satellite or wireless transmissions and transmitting these to the auxiliary television unit. Methods for using the visual display device attached to a vehicle and as a portable unit are also provided, allowing for a wide range of data sources and internal power configurations.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for preapplying discrete amounts of underfill material of a component on a component substrate before the solder bumps of the component are joined by reflow with a packaging substrate to create a microelectronics package. The underfill material is preferably applied by a noncontact dispensing technique as discrete amounts at interstitial areas on an active surface of the component substrate defined between nearest-neighbor solder bumps. The underfill material forms a continuous meniscus of underfill material across the interstitial areas not occupied by the solder bumps and forms a collar encircling each of the solder bumps. The cured underfill material strengthens and improves the reliability of the solder joints formed by the bump reflow.