Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to repair defects in a circuit, such as during or subsequent to the manufacture of the circuit. Defects may be detected through, for example, optical processing of an acquired image of the circuit or by measuring the strength of a signal emitted across a pair of conductor plates. If defects are detected, conductive particles may be applied to the circuit to correct the detected defects.

Abstract: This invention addresses how an end user can create an electroluminescent device (1, 31) using basic components obtained by the end user as retail items. The layers or subassemblies (15, 17) are created first. Then the layers are assembled to form a completed device customized as selected by the end user. The subassemblies may be created layer-by-layer by thermal inkjet. Elements used typically will be made by manufacturers and sold commercially separately. This encompasses the printing of conductive patterns for electroluminescence on paper. In one aspect a display has a main body that may be permanent and useful indefinitely, while a part carrying the conductive pattern defining the display is readily removed and is replaced by another such part on which a new conductive pattern is printed. For tight contact with the main body, the display provides releasable pressure. Air pockets are minimized with a thin layer of highly viscous dielectric liquid.

Abstract: A floor care apparatus has a nozzle assembly housing an agitator. A motor couples to the agitator to drive it at two or more speeds and constant suction power. A user indicates their mode-of-operation preference by positioning a switch. An agitator motor control circuit, responsive to the switch, effectuates motor control by supplying either a fixed duty cycle signal or a substantially constant voltage signal. The fixed duty cycle signal includes a waveform with a substantially constant voltage value that is on for a first or first and second of four quarters of the waveform period. Thereafter, it repeats for additional periods. The switch preferably embodies a resistor network and a fixed current source that creates a voltage input to an A/D converter that falls within a specified range. Other apparatus embodiments contemplate multiple agitators with one or more agitator motors. A suction fan motor, separate from the agitator motor(s), may also exist.