Abstract: An improved cryogenic compressor with piston position sensing is disclosed. Precision optical encoders using incremental or absolute encoding are incorporated into a compressor to allow for accurate position sensing of moving elements within the compressor. Appropriate electronic circuitry is used to interpret the position data to allow the user modify the frequency and stroke of the piston within the compressor. The invention may be used in systems with multiple compressor pistons or for position data for balance weights or displacers in a cryogenic refrigeration system.

Abstract: An integrated circuit constructed on a folded integrated circuit is described. The folded integrated circuit has a much smaller form-factor than the original (unfolded) circuit and is thus more suitable for use in miniature devices, such as, for example, electronic camera, electronic-film cartridge, cellular telephone, handheld computer, handheld digital music device, portable devices, handheld devices, and the like. In one embodiment, the integrated circuit is folded by thinning an area of the substrate such that the thinned area of the substrate becomes flexible. Conducting traces on the upper surface of the substrate connect an active region on one side of the thinned area to an active region on the other side of the thinned area. The substrate is folded at the thinned area to thereby reduce the size of the substrate. In one embodiment, a heat-sink is inserted between the folds to carry heat away from the substrate.

Abstract: A tire safety system mounts on a vehicle wheel rim inside a pneumatic tire. A tire air pressure sensor produces a tire air pressure reading mounted inside the tire. An inflatable member forms a toroidal expandable internal safety structure. The inflatable member is mounted against the vehicle wheel rim. The chemicals container inside the inflatable member receives an electrical signal at an activation input. The chemicals container creates pressurized gas inside the inflatable member for inflation when a signal is received at the activation input. A circumferential radially expandable protective belt mounted around the inflatable member expands with inflatable member inflation to accommodate operation the tire when expanded. A computer receiving tire air pressure readings from the tire air pressure sensor sends a signal to the activation input upon a sudden change in tire air pressure.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring and reporting instrument is mounted within a valve stem and has a valve cap. A single circuit can be provided having an LED, a sounder, a battery and a switch. A dual stage system, or a continuously variable system can be implemented by using a dual stage pressure switch or a continuously variable pressure switch. The battery may be housed within the cap and electrical contacts between the cap and stem allow discontinuation of the circuit or changing of the battery.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring and reporting instrument is mounted within a valve stem and has a valve cap. A single circuit can be provided having an LED, a sounder, a battery and a switch. A dual stage system, or a continuously variable system can be implemented by using a dual stage pressure switch or a continuously variable pressure switch. The battery may be housed within the cap and electrical contacts between the cap and stem allow discontinuation of the circuit or changing of the battery.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring and reporting instrument is mounted within a valve stem and has a valve cap. A single circuit can be provided having an LED, a sounder, a battery and a switch. A dual stage system, or a continuously variable system can be implemented by using a dual stage pressure switch or a continuously variable pressure switch. The battery may be housed within the cap and electrical contacts between the cap and stem allow discontinuation of the circuit or changing of the battery.

Abstract: A tire safety system mounts on a vehicle wheel rim inside a pneumatic tire. A tire air pressure sensor produces a tire air pressure reading mounted inside the tire. An inflatable member forms a toroidal expandable internal safety structure. The inflatable member is mounted against the vehicle wheel rim. The chemicals container inside the inflatable member receives an electrical signal at an activation input. The chemicals container creates pressurized gas inside the inflatable member for inflation when a signal is received at the activation input. A circumferential radially expandable protective belt mounted around the inflatable member expands with inflatable member inflation to accommodate operation the tire when expanded. A computer receiving tire air pressure readings from the tire air pressure sensor sends a signal to the activation input upon a sudden change in tire air pressure.

Abstract: An improved cryogenic compressor with piston position sensing is disclosed. Precision optical encoders using incremental or absolute encoding are incorporated into a compressor to allow for accurate position sensing of moving elements within the compressor. Appropriate electronic circuitry is used to interpret the position data to allow the user modify the frequency and stroke of the piston within the compressor. The invention may be used in systems with multiple compressor pistons or for position data for balance weights or displacers in a cryogenic refrigeration system.

Abstract: An integrated circuit package housing an electronic imager die for use in a conventional SLR camera is disclosed. The package includes a substrate with conductive circuitry and an electronic imager die with a surface area approximately the size of a camera focal image plane mounted thereon. A frame with an inwardly depending lip and integral channel is bonded to the substrate and is provided with a transparent window, the window and frame residing at the focal image plane. The window and frame protect the active die surface from contamination. The channel volume is used for wirebond interconnects from the inactive perimeter of the imager die to the substrate circuitry. Additionally, the substrate contains additional area for supporting electronics or optional circuitry, all of which reside at the film rails and along the film path.

Abstract: An electronic film cartridge includes a can section that defines an outer contour and is used to hold electronic components, and an imager assembly. The outer contour is configured so as to not completely depress at least one sensor mounted to the film compartment of a photographic camera into which the film cartridge is to be inserted. The electronic film cartridge is also configured to fit within different cameras with different dimensions between the film can area and the aperture.

Abstract: A system and method that will allow individuals and groups to be a part (either passive using a unidirectional system or active with a bi-directional system) of events that happen in a remote place at the same time these events happen.

Abstract: An integrated circuit package that provides a reference plane relative to an image plane of an image sensor is described. The reference plane is aligned with respect to the image plane of the sensor such that the sensor can be mounted in an optical assembly quickly, easily, accurately, and inexpensively. The package can be thin, allowing for use of the package in retrofit applications such as using the packaged image sensor in a conventional 35 mm camera. The package includes a standoff frame for mounting a transparent window. The package includes reference members, such as rails, that define the reference plane. The package provides a desired tolerance between the reference plane and image plane of the sensor when the sensor is bonded into the package. The window can be flat or configured as a lens to focus the image on the image plane. The window can be configured such that its front (outer) face becomes the image plane of the packaged image sensor.

Abstract: Apparatus for operating a conventional film camera having a conventional film back and defining an image plane, in an electronic mode of operation including a video module insertable inside a camera in the place of a conventional film and forward of the conventional film back and comprising a detector array disposed in the image plane and electronic circuitry associated with the detector array for still video image acquisition.

Abstract: Apparatus for operating a conventional film camera having a conventional film back and defining an image plane, in an electronic mode of operation including a video module insertable inside a camera in the place of a conventional film and forward of the conventional film back and comprising a detector array disposed in the image plane and electronic circuitry associated with the detector array for still video image acquisition.