Abstract: A laser source assembly (10) for providing an assembly output beam (12) includes a first MIR laser source (352A), a second MIR laser source (352B), and a beam combiner (241). The first MIR laser source (352A) emits a first MIR beam (356A) that is in the MIR range, and the second MIR laser source (352B) emits a second MIR beam (356B) that is in the MIR range. Further, the first MIR beam (356A) has a first linear polarization and the second MIR beam (356B) has a second linear polarization. The beam combiner (241) combines the first MIR beam (356A) and the second MIR beam (356B) to provide the assembly output beam (12). More specifically, the beam combiner (241) can include a combiner element that reflects light having the second linear polarization and that transmits light having the first linear polarization.

Abstract: An optical fiber switch (16) for alternatively directing an input beam (14) to a plurality of different locations (18A) (18B) (18C) (18D) includes an input fiber (30), a redirector (32), a redirector mover (382), a first output fiber (34), and a second output fiber (36). The input fiber (30) launches the input beam (14) along an input axis (30A). The redirector (32) is positioned in the path of the input beam (14). The redirector (32) redirects the input beam (14) so that a redirected beam (42) launches from the redirector (32) along a first redirected axis (360) that is spaced apart from the input axis (30A) when the redirector (32) is positioned at a first position (346), and launches from the redirector (32) along a second redirected axis (362) that is spaced apart from the input axis (30A) when the redirector (32) is positioned at a second position (348) that is different from the first position (346).

Abstract: An apparatus for dynamically positioning a rotary actuator that positions an objective lens in three dimensions relative to the surface of an optical disk. A first voice coil motor positions the actuator generally in two dimensions parallel to the surface of the disk and a second voice coil motor positions the objective lens generally along an arcuate path orthogonal to the surface of the disk.

Abstract: A flotation device for maintaining an aircraft in a floating and stable condition is provided. The flotation device comprises at least one flotation bladder mounted to the aircraft and an inflation mechanism for inflating the flotation bladder. A method for maintaining an aircraft in a floating condition is also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to an assembly for ornamentation of grave monuments. This assembly is designed to be attached to a memorial vase, that is secured to a cemetery grave marker. This assembly is enabled to provide the bereaved both illuminated and non-illuminated memorials for the deceased.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for dynamically positioning the objective lens in an optical disk drive to maintain focus despite loss of perpendicularity between the light beam and the information layer of the optical disk. Loss of perpendicularity may occur as a result of any number of factors, including irregularities in the manufacture of the disk, manufacturing tolerances and assembly of the disk drive components, bearing defect frequencies, shock and vibration. Failure to maintain perpendicularity may interference with the ability of the optical pick up unit of the drive to accurately read and write. The tilt focus mechanism of the present invention utilizes a rotary actuator that positions the objective lens in three dimensions relative to the surface of the optical disk.

Abstract: A flotation device for maintaining an aircraft in a floating and stable condition is provided. The flotation device comprises at least one flotation bladder mounted to the aircraft and an inflation mechanism for inflating the flotation bladder. A method for maintaining an aircraft in a floating condition is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing printed circuits utilizing direct printing methods to apply a pattern mask to a substrate. The pattern mask may be an etch resist mask for forming conductive pathways by an etching process, or the pattern mask may be a plating mask with conductive pathways being formed by a plating operation. The process of the present invention is applicable to forming both single-sided and double sided printed circuit boards.

Abstract: A method for producing printed circuits utilizing direct printing methods to apply a pattern mask to a substrate. The direct printing methods include correcting positional errors in a printing apparatus by ascertaining the errors in the printer through comparison of a printed pattern and a known standard pattern. Printer inputs are manipulated to compensate for the ascertained errors of the printer. The pattern mask applied by the corrected printer may be an etch resist mask for forming conductive pathways by an etching process, or the pattern mask may be a plating mask with conductive pathways being formed by a plating operation. The process of the present invention is applicable to forming both single-sided and double-sided printed circuit boards.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laminated actuator assembly and the method for making the actuator assembly. The actuator assembly is intended for use in miniature personal electronic devices, but could be used in any type of disk drive. The actuator is primarily constructed from strong, stiff, lightweight composite materials. The upper and lower planar elements of the actuator assembly, each comprising multiple composite layers, include a forward portion and a rearward portion. A flexure member, typically positioned between the layers of composite material, allows the forward portion of each planar element to pivot in unison relative to the rear portion of each planar element. In this manner, the position of an optical pick up unit or other read/write device positioned at the distal end of the actuator assembly can be adjusted relative to the surface of a data disk. The composite and flexure planar elements are formed in arrays of multiple component pieces with aligned registration members.

Abstract: A method for producing printed circuits utilizing direct printing methods to apply a pattern mask to a substrate. The direct printing methods include correcting positional errors in a printing apparatus by ascertaining the errors in the printer through comparison of a printed pattern and a known standard pattern. Printer inputs are manipulated to compensate for the ascertained errors of the printer. The pattern mask applied by the corrected printer may be an etch resist mask for forming conductive pathways by an etching process, or the pattern mask may be a plating mask with conductive pathways being formed by a plating operation. The process of the present invention is applicable to forming both single-sided and double-sided printed circuit boards.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing printed circuits utilizing direct printing methods to apply a pattern mask to a substrate. The pattern mask may be an etch resist mask for forming conductive pathways by an etching process, or the pattern mask may be a plating mask with conductive pathways being formed by a plating operation. The process of the present invention is applicable to forming both single-sided and double-sided printed circuit boards.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing printed circuits utilizing direct printing methods to apply a pattern mask to a substrate. The pattern mask may be an etch resist mask for forming conductive pathways by an etching process, or the pattern mask may be a plating mask with conductive pathways being formed by a plating operation. The process of the present invention is applicable to forming both single-sided and double sided printed circuit boards.

Abstract: A method for forming segmented through holes in a printed circuit board. The segmented through holes comprise a plurality of electrically conductive pathways disposed on the walls of a single through hole. The segmented through hole can be disposed in a two sided circuit board assembly or in a composite, multi layer circuit board assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laminated actuator assembly and the method for making the actuator assembly. The actuator assembly is intended for use in miniature personal electronic devices, but could be used in any type of disk drive. The actuator is primarily constructed from strong, stiff, lightweight composite materials. The upper and lower planar elements of the actuator assembly, each comprising multiple composite layers, include a forward portion and a rearward portion. A flexure member, typically positioned between the layers of composite material, allows the forward portion of each planar element to pivot in unison relative to the rear portion of each planar element. In this manner, the position of an optical pick up unit or other read/write device positioned at the distal end of the actuator assembly can be adjusted relative to the surface of a data disk. The composite and flexure planar elements are formed in arrays of multiple component pieces with aligned registration members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for dynamically positioning the object lens in an optical disk drive to maintain focus despite loss of perpendicularity between the light beam and the information layer of the optical disk. Loss of perpendicularity may occur as a result of any number of factors, including irregularities in the manufacture of the disk, amnufacturing tolerances and assembly of the disk drive components, bearing defect frequencies, shock and vibration. Failure to maintain perpendicularity may interfere with the ability of the optical pick up unit of the drive to accurately read and write. The tilt focus mechanism of the present invention utilizes a rotary actuator that positions the objective lens in three dimensions relative to the surface of the optical disk .

Abstract: A process for forming interconnection lines on a printed circuit board is described. The surface of a circuit board substrate is covered with a photoresist layer, and the photoresist layer in turn is covered with a halide emulsion layer. The emulsion layer is then exposed to a predetermined pattern of white light, and the image developed. The board is then exposed to UV light through the imaged emulsion layer which acts as a pattern masking selected portions of the photoresist mask. The emulsion layer is then stripped and the photoresist processed in conventional manner.

Abstract: Through-holes are formed in a printed circuit board substrate by chemical etching a metal foil clad circuit board having open positions in the metal foil where a hole is to be formed using N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, a mixture of methylene chloride and HF, or a mixture of methylene chloride, HF and xylene.

Abstract: A process for forming interconnection lines on a printed circuit board is described. The surface of a circuit board substrate is covered with a photoresist layer, and the photoresist layer in turn is covered with a halide emulsion layer. The emulsion layer is then exposed to a predetermined pattern of white light, and the image developed. The board is then exposed to UV light through the imaged emulsion layer which acts as a pattern masking selected portions of the photoresist mask. The emulsion layer is then stripped and the photoresist processed in conventional manner.

Abstract: A method for fabricating at least one via or hole in a multi-layer printed circuit board comprises separately drilling the board layers, stacking and laminating the drilled board layers utilizing conformal mapping digital imaging in a computer, and then finish drilling the holes. The invention also provides a method for correcting artwork to compensate for lamination distortion.