Abstract: A modification circuit (30) is thermally coupled to and electrically isolated from a circuit element (20) of a utilization circuit (10). During modification, current pulses are passed through an isolation circuit (40) to the modification circuit which heats the circuit element, e.g., a resistor, of the utilization circuit substantially above the normal operating temperature range of the element, thereby modifying the electrical characteristics of the resistor and therefore those of the utilization circuit to which it is connected. During normal operation of the utilization circuit the circuit element of the utilization circuit is electrically isolated from the modification circuit.

Abstract: A resistor structure (10) having a heating element (35) and a resistor (32), and a method of trimming the resistor (32). The heating element (35) is separated from the resistor (32) by a layer of dielectric material (19). The resistor (32) has a layer of resistive material (23) on an etch control layer (22). The resistor (32) is trimmed by providing current pulses (62) through the heating element (35). Heat generated by the current pulses flows to the resistor (32) and anneals or trims the resistor (32). A resistor trimming variable, e.g. a voltage across resistor contacts (30, 31), is monitored and the current pulses are modulated in accordance with the value of the resistor trimming variable (63). The trimming step is terminated when the desired resistance value of the resistor (32) is attained.

Abstract: A resistor structure (10) having a heating element (35) and a resistor (32), and a method of trimming the resistor (32). The heating element (35) is separated from the resistor (32) by a layer of dielectric material (19). The resistor (32) has a layer of resistive material (23) on an etch control layer (22). The resistor (32) is trimmed by providing current pulses (62) through the heating element (35). Heat generated by the current pulses flows to the resistor (32) and anneals or trims the resistor (32). A resistor trimming variable, e.g. a voltage across resistor contacts (30, 31), is monitored and the current pulses are modulated in accordance with the value of the resistor trimming variable (63). The trimming step is terminated when the desired resistance value of the resistor (32) is attained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an amusement device to simulate laser and phasor sights and sounds in Star Wars-like play situation. The device, shaped like a guantlet for circumscription about the user's arm allows a variety of collimated light rays accompanied by appropriate sounds to be selectively transmitted toward the "enemy" by the activation of one or more switches precoordinated with the desired sight/sound simulated mode of "destruction". The rays are emitted in a plane parallel to the user's hand to permit reasonably precise aiming.