Abstract: Thermal post vias are formed within a formed multi-layer, high density interconnect including a base and plural layers of metal conductors separated by dielectric material by the steps of:removing in a single step dielectric material at predetermined sites of the thermal post vias to define substantially cylindrical post holes, andforming the thermal post vias by emplacing conductor material, such as metal, into the post holes so that the material fully occupies and fills up the holes.

Abstract: A temperature indicating composition is provided for use on a recoverable article so that heating to produce recovery or to activate a heat-activatable sealant can be monitored. The composition comprises a thermochromic colorant in a binder that can be cured by UV radiation. Such a composition can be applied rapidly to polyolefin substrates by printing.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the moisture content of soil includes a chamber having a water-swellable material in the chamber, the chamber being sized so that the water-swellable material can swell to its fully swollen state, with the external resistance, if any, against the swelling being substantially constant. The device includes a device for transmitting water to the water-swellable material so that it is in equilibrium with the environment. A sensor responsive to the volume of the water-swellable material is provided to indicate the water content of the environment exterior of the apparatus. The preferred sensor is a magnet moveable by the water-swellable material and a Hall effect sensing device.