Abstract: A method of manufacturing semiconductor circuits or electronic packages is provided. The step of splitting up wide metal areas into metal stripes is included into the physical design step of such devices. This method does not increase the data complexity significantly and guarantees correctness of the design. Furthermore, the method allows to solve the dishing problem that is inherent to copper wiring technologies.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catalytic converter system for controlling exhaust emissions from a combustion engine wherein the catalytic converter has three catalysts zones. A zone which is first in line with the direction of the flow of exhaust and which includes a light-off catalyst such as palladium. A second zone in line of the direction of the exhaust flow includes a hydrocarbon adsorber/catalyst. A third zone in line of the direction of the exhaust flow includes a catalyst system converter CO and NO.sub.x. The three-zone system of the present invention produces hydrocarbon efficiencies above 98 percent and retains hydrocarbon efficiencies above 50 percent in cold performance situations immediately after start-up of the combustion engine.

Abstract: As a preferred embodiment, a computer keyboard dome sheet is illustrated in the figures showing a extruded sheet 30 with an elongated body 32 with parallel extruded ridges 44 corresponding to the keyboard rows 16a-16f. Apertures or cutouts are formed in the ridges 46 at desired intervals between the key positions to form individual ridge domes 48 having parallel front and rear walls 54 and 56 that are collapsible to bring a switch actuating keel 66, 92 into engagement with the switch structure to actuate an electrical switch to indicate that the key switch has been depressed.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation valve assembly for controlling the recirculation of exhaust gases in an internal combustion engine having a base with an exhaust gas chamber formed therein, a cover closing the chamber, a valve member mounted within the exhaust gas chamber for metering exhaust gas passage through the chamber, an actuator energizable to operate the valve within the exhaust gas chamber and a heat deflector assembly placed between the cover and the base to reduce heat transfer from the exhaust gas chamber to the actuator. The heat deflector assembly is constructed of a first gasket member which is configured to form a seal between the cover and the base and the second heat deflector member mounted to the lower surface of the gasket member, facing the exhaust gas chamber and separating the gasket member from direct impingement of exhaust gases thereon. As a result, durability of the insulative gasket member is ensured.

Abstract: A molded plastic housing for a small electric motor having a radial end wall and an axially projecting portion for mounting the stator and journalling the motor shaft. An annular stator is mounted on and about the projecting portion and shaft bearings are mounted in axially spaced relationship in interference fit respectively at end sections of the housing portion and in direct engagement with the molded plastic. Reduced diameter and reduced thickness zones at the end sections provide for resilient and firm bearing retention and alignment. Four (4) circumaxially spaced slots at each end section with flats radially inwardly thereof provide for the reduced thickness and reduced diameter. The bearings engage the flats in an interference fit.

Abstract: A lamp member is adapted for use in a lighting unit having a light transmitting cover. The lamp member comprises a base, a tungsten-halogen capsule supported within the base, a first envelope, and a filament structure axially oriented with the first envelope. The lamp member further includes spacer means for maintaining the lamp member and the cover in a spaced-apart relationship when the lamp member is in the spring-biased position within the housing. The spacer means is secured to the lamp member and is in operative contact with the cover. One example of the spacer means is a cylindrical cap made of a ceramic material, the cap being disposed at the top of the capsule and secured thereon. The cylindrical cap is dimensioned so that the size of the replacement lamp is substantially the same size as prior incandescent lamps of which the invention is designed to replace.

Abstract: A bearing and seal assembly for use in an electric motor rotor or stator bore about a central shaft. The bearing and seal assembly comprises a drawn aluminum sleeve disposed in and secured to the wall of the bore and having opposite end portions projecting beyond the bore wall. A sleeve bearing is press fit in the sleeve with the sleeve press fit or adhesively secured in the bore. An annular seal is press fit in one projecting end portion of the sleeve and is thus held in precise coaxial relationship with the bearing. The opposite projecting end portion of the sleeve provides a seat for an O-ring at a diametrically enlarged portion thereof. A cap in snap engagement with the rotor or stator, or alternatively with the sleeve, engages the O-ring and closes a lubricant chamber surrounding the bearing and within the sleeve. The assembly method includes press fitting of the bearing and seal in the sleeve with the elements mounted on an assembly pin for precise concentricity or coaxial relationship.

Abstract: A bearing and seal assembly for use in an electric motor rotor or stator bore about a central shaft. The bearing and seal assembly comprises a drawn aluminum sleeve dipsosed in and secured to the wall of the bore and having opposite end portions projecting beyond the bore wall. A sleeve bearing is press fit in the sleeve with the sleeve press fit or adhesively secured in the bore. An annular seal is press fit in one projecting end portion of the sleeve and is thus held in precise coaxial relationship with the bearing. The opposite projecting end portion of the sleeve provides a seat for an O-ring at a diametrically enlarged portion thereof. A cap in snap engagement with the rotor or stator, or alternatively with the sleeve, engages the O-ring and closes a lubricant chamber surrounding the bearing and within the sleeve. The assembly method includes press fitting of the bearing and seal in the sleeve with the elements mounted on an assembly pin for precise concentricity or coaxial relationship.

Abstract: An air impeller of molded plastic construction includes a plurality of similar circumaxially arranged air moving blades and a central hub section. At the hub section, a plurality of similar axially projecting flexible fingers are formed integrally and arranged in a circumaxially spaced series to form a collet which defines a cylindrical hub cavity. A metal hub of cylindrical form and apertured centrally is disposed in the cavity and has a set screw for positive connection with a drive shaft entered in its central aperture. An arcuate clamping ring disposed about the fingers urges the fingers radially inwardly into engagement with the hub and thus retains the hub in the cavity. Radially aligned gaps in the fingers and the clamping ring receive an outer end portion of the set screw to lock the hub and clamping ring against rotation relative to the fingers. Lips may be provided at outer end portions of the fingers and a radial wall at an opposite end of the hub cavity cooperates to secure the hub axially.