Abstract: The application discloses embodiments of a lapping head including a sensor device in the base structure of the rotating lapping head. For operation, rotation is imparted to the lapping head through a drive motor coupled to the lapping head through a rotating shaft. As disclosed, the sensor device is electrically connected to one or more electronic components or circuitry through the rotating shaft and a rotating electrical connector coupled to the rotating shaft. In embodiments disclosed, the sensor device is an eddy current sensor configured to measure a gap dimension between a sensor element on the lapping head and a conductive platen to provide an in-situs measurement of workpiece thickness.

Abstract: The application discloses embodiments of a lapping head including a sensor device in the base structure of the rotating lapping head. For operation, rotation is imparted to the lapping head through a drive motor coupled to the lapping head through a rotating shaft. As disclosed, the sensor device is electrically connected to one or more electronic components or circuitry through the rotating shaft and a rotating electrical connector coupled to the rotating shaft. In embodiments disclosed, the sensor device is an eddy current sensor configured to measure a gap dimension between a sensor element on the lapping head and a conductive platen to provide an in-situs measurement of workpiece thickness.

Abstract: A flexible conductor formed on a flexible substrate. In one embodiment, a semiconductor device is disclosed. The semiconductor device comprises a periodic structure of islands and at least one conductor. The at least one conductor comprises a series of repeating geometric features affixed to the periodic structure of islands. The geometric features of the conductor are adapted to stretch the conductor rather than break the conductor when the substrate is bent.

Abstract: A lamp driver system that facilitates improved reliability and performance for a display system is provided. The lamp driver system includes a fault detector and an output steering device. The fault detector determines when a failure occurs in a lamp illuminating the display system. The output steering device selectively drives the lamps to illuminate the display system. Specifically, when a failure in a first lamp is detected by the fault detector, the output steering device is used to selectively drive a second lamp to provide the needed illumination to the display system. The lamp driver system thus can provide redundancy in the display system by automatically switching to a backup lamp when a failure in the first lamp is detected. This redundancy can improve the reliability and performance of the display system.

Abstract: An aperture lamp system that facilitates improved reliability and performance in a display system is provided. The aperture lamp system provides improved reliability by providing a second lamp coupled to a first lamp through a coupling aperture. When the first lamp fails, the second lamp can be used to provide illumination to the display. Specifically, light from the second lamp passes through the coupling aperture to the first lamp, where it can exit the first lamp and illuminate the display. Thus, by coupling the first and second lamps together through a coupling aperture, a lamp system is provided where either the first lamp or second lamp can be used to provide illumination for the display. Thus, the first and second lamps provide redundancy, with this redundancy used to improve the reliability of the display system.