Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for producing uniform, isotropic stresses in a sputtered film. In the presently preferred embodiment, a new sputtering geometry and a new domain of transport speed are presented, which together allow the achievement of the maximum stress that the film material can hold while avoiding X-Y stress anisotropy and avoiding stress non-uniformity across the substrate.

Abstract: A photolithographically patterned spring contact is formed on a substrate and electrically connects contact pads on two devices. The spring contact also compensates for thermal and mechanical variations and other environmental factors. An inherent stress gradient in the spring contact causes a free portion of the spring contact to bend up and away from the substrate. An anchor portion remains fixed to the substrate and is electrically connected to a first contact pad on the substrate. The spring contact is made of an elastic material and the free portion compliantly contacts a second contact pad, thereby electrically interconnecting the two contact pads. The free portion is initially fixed to the substrate to intentionally form the inherent stress gradient in the elastic member. The free portion is released from the substrate by etching a release layer deposited on the substrate so the inherent stress gradient in the elastic member biases the free portion away from the substrate.

Abstract: A photolithographically patterned spring contact is formed on a substrate and electrically connects contact pads on two devices. The spring contact also compensates for thermal and mechanical variations and other environmental factors. An inherent stress gradient in the spring contact causes a free portion of the spring contact to bend up and away from the substrate. An anchor portion remains fixed to the substrate and is electrically connected to a first contact pad on the substrate. The spring contact is made of an elastic material and the free portion compliantly contacts a second contact pad, thereby electrically interconnecting the two contact pads.

Abstract: A photolithographically patterned spring contact is formed on a substrate and electrically connects contact pads on two devices. The spring contact also compensates for thermal and mechanical variations and other environmental factors. An inherent stress gradient in the spring contact causes a free portion of the spring contact to bend up and away from the substrate. An anchor portion remains fixed to the substrate and is electrically connected to a first contact pad on the substrate. The spring contact is made of an elastic material and the free portion compliantly contacts a second contact pad, thereby electrically interconnecting the two contact pads.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided which compensates for environmental factors which cause misdirection of ink drops ejected from an ink jet printhead. Ink drops are electrostatically accelerated in a direction perpendicular to a print substrate, decreasing the ink drop flight time from the printhead to print substrate. The decrease in flight time decreases the misdirecting effect of the environmental factors on the ink drops since the environmental factors act on the ink drops for a shorter amount of time. Accelerating the ink drops also increases the spot size created when the drop impacts the print substrate, decreasing the amount of ink needed to create an image on the print substrate. The decrease in ink use results in less cockle and curl in the print substrate. The device also provides electrostatic deflection of the ink drops in directions parallel to the print substrate, increasing the resolution of the printhead.

Abstract: A photolithographically patterned spring contact is formed on a substrate and electrically connects contact pads on two devices. The spring contact also compensates for thermal and mechanical variations and other environmental factors. An inherent stress gradient in the spring contact causes a free portion of the spring contact to bend up and away from the substrate. An anchor portion remains fixed to the substrate and is electrically connected to a first contact pad on the substrate. The spring contact is made of an elastic material and the free portion compliantly contacts a second contact pad, thereby electrically interconnecting the two contact pads.

Abstract: A photolithographically patterned spring contact is formed on a substrate and electrically connects contact pads on two devices. The spring contact also compensates for thermal and mechanical variations and other environmental factors. An inherent stress gradient in the spring contact causes a free portion of the spring contact to bend up and away from the substrate. An anchor portion remains fixed to the substrate and is electrically connected to a first contact pad on the substrate. The spring contact is made of an elastic material and the free portion compliantly contacts a second contact pad, thereby electrically interconnecting the two contact pads.

Abstract: A testing device tests devices having a matrix of signal generators or sensors. The testing device uses a test plate having a plurality of signal generators or sensors arranged in a pattern matching the matrix of sensors or signal generators on the device to be tested. Individual signal generators or sensors on the test plate are electromagnetically coupled to a corresponding signal generator or sensor on the device to be tested. The signal generators or sensors on the test plate produce a pattern of signals or sense signals output by the device to be tested. Comparison of the signals output or sensed by the testing device to the signals output or sensed by the device to be tested indicates if the device to be tested is operating properly. A particular testing device is provided for testing the matrix of display electrodes in an active matrix liquid crystal display before liquid crystal processing of the display is completed.