Abstract: A wireless pointing device which sits in the palm of a user's hand. The palm mouse includes a first portion which includes a ball for generating pointing signals, a control circuit for processing the pointing signals, a top section having a top surface which is generally ovoid in shape, and a bottom section having a bottom surface which is generally flat in shape and which contains an aperture through which the ball protrudes. A second portion includes a J-shaped flexible member attached to the first portion for cupping the hand. A communication circuit includes a transmitter within the first portion, a first antenna within the J-shaped member, a power supply within the first portion, a receiver coupled to the computer, and a second antenna coupled to the receiver. A preferred embodiment of the palm mouse has at least one switch on the J-shaped member, which is activated by the user's thumb.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an encapsulated liquid crystal display includes adhering a pair of rectangular, interior substrates, at least one of which is flexible, to each other on three of the four sides of their peripheries. A liquid crystal material is then introduced between the interior substrates. The interior substrates are placed between a pair of rigid exterior substrates. A transparent resin is then applied between the interior substrates and the exterior substrates. The exterior substrates are forced toward the interior substrates. The transparent resin is then cured, thereby adhering the interior substrates to the exterior substrates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively exposing an uneven substrate surface. The method can be used to remove a coating from the upper portions of the substrate surface by applying photoresist over the coating, placing a prism on the coated substrate, projecting light rays through the prism toward the substrate surface, removing either the exposed or unexposed photoresist, and removing the exposed coating.

Abstract: A device for determining the susceptability of microorganisms, i.e., bacteria, to antibiotics is provided. The device utilizes a layer of light transmissive material having a plurality of flat, opaque louver elements set in a transparent matrix which permit transmission of visible light and illumination of a sample being tested. A method for determining the susceptability is also provided.

Abstract: A temperature compensated sensing device for sensing a particular condition includes first and second conductive layers in surface-to-surface contact with and separated by a layer of poled, pyroelectric material. In a preferred embodiment, the second conductive layer is electrically grounded and the first conductive layer is etched to define two interdigitated, electrically unconnected sets of conductive portions. The sets of conductive portions are heated when exposed to the condition desired to be detected and, in turn, heat areas of the pyroelectric layer. As a result, electrostatic charges are developed on the heated pyroelectric areas and appear as voltage potentials on the heated conductive portions. Electronic circuitry having a differential amplifier is electrically connected to the conductive portions for sensing the voltage potentials thereon and for triggering an alarm when certain voltage potentials exist.