Abstract: An infection transmission control system is provided. The system can include pliable grips configured to wrap around a surface of a publicly used object. The system can include a securing mechanism structured to hold in place the pliable grips around the publicity used object and wherein the pliable grips when engaged with the securing mechanism form a layer which is structured to minimize physical contact between a user of the system and the surface of the publicly used object. Further, a finger pointer protection system is provided. The system includes a conductive silicon fingertip protective cap configured to fit on a person's index finger. The system also includes a fingertip storage container structured to allow storage of the silicon fingertip protective cap securely. The pliable grips and the fingertip protective cap can be created in a disposable version.

Abstract: An assembly for a circuit board includes a substrate, at least one circuit component formed on the substrate, and a frame. The frame comprises a first substantially planar surface attached to the substrate, and a hole formed through the frame and defined by a wall that surrounds the at least one circuit component. A method of manufacturing the circuit board includes the step of attaching the substantially planar surface of the frame to the substrate in an arrangement in which the at least one circuit component is surrounded by a wall that defines the hole.

Abstract: Media-exposed interconnects for transducer modules are disclosed. The transducers may be sensing transducers, actuating transducers, IC-only transducers, or combinations thereof, or other suitable transducers. The transducers may be used in connection with implantable medical devices and may be exposed to various media, such as body fluids. The media-exposed interconnects for transducer modules may allow transducers to communicate electrically with other components, such as implantable medical devices.

Abstract: A bonding tool for use in a laser bonding apparatus comprises an elongated body portion and a foot portion coupled thereto. The foot portion extends substantially transversely from the body portion and has a laser aperture and a guide channel therethrough. The guide channel is disposed between the body portion and the laser aperture.

Abstract: An assembly for a circuit board includes a substrate, at least one circuit component formed on the substrate, and a frame. The frame comprises a first substantially planar surface attached to the substrate, and a hole formed through the frame and defined by a wall that surrounds the at least one circuit component. A method of manufacturing the circuit board includes the step of attaching the substantially planar surface of the frame to the substrate in an arrangement in which the at least one circuit component is surrounded by a wall that defines the hole.

Abstract: A low resistance path extends from a first region of a semiconductor substrate to a second region thereof. The low resistance path is produced by depositing a metal such as aluminum on the surface of the substrate and then directing a laser beam onto the metal causing the metal and a portion of the substrate beneath the metal to melt forming an alloy of the metal and the substrate material.

Abstract: The present invention is a heated hair styling device comprising a handle (20), a body (30), an LCD visual interface (50), and an audible signal (70) to notify a user of particular states of operation of the hair styling device. The LCD (50) display provides information of at least one operating condition of the device, for example, the temperature of the device, the heat setting, the amount of time that the device has been “on”, etc.

Abstract: An implantable medical device substrate is free form cut to the shape of the interior of the device. The free form shape allows more efficient use of not only the interior space of the device but also of the substrate itself. Integrated circuit components are formed to fit the shape of the substrate, freeing areas in the device for additional components, or allowing the device to be made smaller through a maximized use of the available space-volume.

Abstract: A feedthrough configuration for a hermetically sealed implantable medical device includes a metal case having an aperture and a feedthrough in the aperture which includes a ferrule sealed in the aperture, a pin extending through the ferrule and the aperture, an insulating material supporting the pin within the ferrule and an electrically conductive block spaced from the ferrule and in electrical connection with the pin. A device for electrical or electromagnetic protection can be connected to a peripheral upstanding portion of the ferrule and a peripheral skirt portion of the block. This arrangement of feedthrough elements can be particularly useful if the protective device is a chip capacitor which typically has a flat-sided configuration that can bridge the space between the ferrule and the block and be connected at one end to the block and at the other end to the ferrule.