Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for forming an electrical circuit out of a conductor embedded in two layers of substrate are disclosed. Portions of the two layers of substrate and the conductor are removed, forming a cavity through the two layers and the conductor. A blocker material is deposited along the wall of the cavity. A portion of the blocker material and adjacent layer of the substrate is removed forming another cavity in contact with a part of the conductor. A surface of the second cavity is then electroless plated by a conductive metal to form part of the electrical circuit.

Abstract: A tip resistant system for use with a belay tether includes a user tether having a first length and configured to be connectable between a user and the belay tether. The user tether has a belay tether connector adjacent one end of the user tether, and a user connector adjacent an opposite end of the user tether. An auxiliary tether having a second length less than the first length of the user tether and configured to be connectable between the user and the user tether includes a user tether connector located adjacent a first end of the auxiliary tether, and an auxiliary user connector located adjacent a second end of the auxiliary tether opposite the user tether connector. The tip resistant system operates to maintain a user in a desired static attitude. A quick disconnect for use with a belay tether is also provided.

Abstract: A braking system includes a vehicle having a front brake and a rear brake. The system includes a moveable structure connected to a rear brake. The rear brake may be a hydraulic brake. When the rear brake is actuated, the moveable structure moves. The movement of the structure pressurizes hydraulic fluid in a tube which actuates a front hydraulic brake.

Abstract: Fibers to be added to concrete to improve its properties are coated with an alkali-insoluble polymer, to provide adhesion of the fibers to the concrete. In a further improvement, nanoparticles are dispersed in an alkali-soluble polymer coating, and this is used to coat the fibers. When the fibers are mixed into the concrete mix, the nanoparticles are dispersed throughout the concrete, avoiding problems from agglomeration of the nanoparticles if simply added to the concrete mix.

Abstract: Various inventions are disclosed in the microchip manufacturing arts. Conductive pattern formation by semi-additive processes are disclosed. Further conductive patterns and methods using activated precursors are also disclosed. Aluminum laminated surfaces and methods of circuit formation therefrom are further disclosed. Circuits formed on an aluminum heat sink are also disclosed. The inventive subject mater further discloses methods of electrolytic plating by controlling surface area of an anode.

Abstract: A multi-fluid injector system and methods of operation thereof are presented. One embodiment of such a fluid injector system includes an automatic refill procedure for a fluid injector system comprising a fluid injector and an operably engaged syringe. The procedure includes the step of determining, using an electronic control device operably controlling the fluid injector system, whether a fluid injection procedure involving the syringe is impending. If the electronic control device determines that the fluid injection procedure is not impending, such that the automatic refill will not interfere with the fluid injection procedure, an automatic refill of the syringe is initiated.

Abstract: A solar cell comprising an epitaxial sequence of layers of semiconductor material forming a solar cell deposited using an MOCVD reactor; a metal layer disposed on top of the sequence of layers of semiconductor material, the metal layer including a top surface layer composed of gold or silver; a polymer film; depositing a first metallic adhesion layer disposed on the polymer film that has a coefficient of thermal expansion substantially different from that of the top surface layer on one surface of the polymer film; a second metallic adhesion layer deposited over the first metallic adhesion layer and having a different composition from the first metallic adhesion layer and having no chemical elements in common; and the second metallic adhesion layer of the polymer film being permanently bonded to the metal layer of the sequence of layers of semiconductor material by a thermocompressive diffusion bonding technique.

Abstract: Systems and methods for an enhanced ultrasound biofeedback therapy for an improved speech remediation treatment for an individual include transmitting a plurality of ultrasound (US) waves toward a tongue of the individual; receiving a plurality of reflected US waves; converting the plurality of reflected US waves into a plurality of US signals to transmit to an ultrasound machine; and generating one or more enhanced images of the tongue at least partially based on the US signals in real-time, the enhanced images including identified Regions of Interest (ROIs) along tongue sub-parts comprising the tongue root, the tongue dorsum, and the tongue blade and respective ROI points identified therein. An interactive visual story is generated and updated in real-time with a tongue-mapping trajectory of the individual on a display based on the enhanced one or more images to determine a successful or unsuccessful sound production.

Abstract: A multi-fluid injector system and methods of operation thereof are presented. One embodiment of such a fluid injector system includes an automatic refill procedure for a fluid injector system comprising a fluid injector and an operably engaged syringe. The procedure includes the step of determining, using an electronic control device operably controlling the fluid injector system, whether a fluid injection procedure involving the syringe is impending. If the electronic control device determines that the fluid injection procedure is not impending, such that the automatic refill will not interfere with the fluid injection procedure, an automatic refill of the syringe is initiated.

Abstract: Methods of patterning electroless metals on a substrate are presented. The substrate is covered by a blocking reagent. After formation of a catalyst blocking layer on the substrate, portions of the catalyst blocking layer are removed to form a circuit pattern. A catalyst is placed the surfaces of both the catalyst blocking layer and the exposed substrate. The catalyst blocking layer prevents or reduces catalytic activity of the catalyst. Electroless metal plating is performed to plate a metal at the active portions of the catalyst.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for forming an electrical circuit out of a conductor embedded in two layers of substrate are disclosed. Portions of the two layers of substrate and the conductor are removed, forming a cavity through the two layers and the conductor. A blocker material is deposited along the wall of the cavity. A portion of the blocker material and adjacent layer of the substrate is removed forming another cavity in contact with a part of the conductor. A surface of the second cavity is then electroless plated by a conductive metal to form part of the electrical circuit.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are contemplated for depositing metals to the surface of a substrate. A first precursor ink including a metal is applied to a surface of the substrate, and the precursor ink is reduced to deposit the metal to the substrate, preferably by thermal reduction, forming a first metal layer. A second precursor ink having a second metal is then applied to the substrate, at least partially over the first metal layer. The second precursor ink is then reduced, typically by chemical reduction, depositing the second metal over the first metal layer in a globular fashion. Precursor inks are also disclosed having an alkyl metal carboxylate, a cyclic amine, and at least one of an ester, a hydrocarbon, or an ether.

Abstract: Methods and systems are contemplated for making portions of electrical circuits with embedded electrical components, and the electrical circuits produced thereby. A layer of dielectric material is deposited over a substrate, and a cavity is formed in the dielectric material. An electrical component (e.g., integrated chip, etc.) is deposited in the cavity and covered by a further dielectric material, embedding the electrical component. Another cavity is formed in the further dielectric material, and a catalyst (e.g., electrolytic deposition catalyst, electroless deposition catalyst, etc.) is deposited over the further dielectric material and at least a portion of the electrical component. A conductor is then plated at the catalyst, preferably contacting the I/O ports of the electrical component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems that utilize a catalyst or thin metal film by atomic level deposition (ALD) of one or more metals that allows fine traces deposition to the trench formed in a dielectric material, thereby minimizing potential physical damage due to embedded conductor format and making the fine space between traces to prevent electromigration in the traces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for deposition of metal conductors using asymmetrical electrolytic plating, in which one surface (e.g., top) of a substrate is coated with an electrical conductor, and an opposite (e.g., bottom, or other) surface of which is not coated. A channel is formed between the two sides of the substrate, passing through the substrate and, in some embodiments, passing through the conductor. Electrolytic plating is performed such that metal is deposited from the edge of the conduct proximal to the channel, along the side walls of the channel, and up to, and in some embodiments on to, the other side of the substrate. Use of etching or plate resist layers are also contemplated.

Abstract: The control device is used to control delivery of fluids from a multi-fluid delivery system during a medical injection procedure. The fluid delivery system includes an injector used to deliver injection fluids to a patient. The control device is operatively associated with the injector for controlling discrete flow rates of injection fluids delivered to the patient. The control device includes first and second actuators associated with the manual control device, and an electronic substrate disposed within the manual control device and having a conductive pattern. The first actuator is operatively associated with the conductive pattern. The conductive pattern includes a plurality of predetermined digital values corresponding to discrete flow rates of injection fluids to be delivered by the injector.

Abstract: Fibers to be added to concrete to improve its properties are coated with an alkali-insoluble polymer, to provide adhesion of the fibers to the concrete. In a further improvement, nanoparticles are dispersed in an alkali-soluble polymer coating, and this is used to coat the fibers. When the fibers are mixed into the concrete mix, the nanoparticles are dispersed throughout the concrete, avoiding problems from agglomeration of the nanoparticles if simply added to the concrete mix.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for coupling metals to aluminum surfaces are provided. The compositions are prepared as aqueous solutions or suspensions, and can be applied to the aluminum surface using conventional printing techniques. Rheology of the printable composition can be adjusted to provide a gel or a cream. Curing steps, if necessary, are performed at low temperatures that are compatible with plastic/polymer components of mass produced devices, such as aluminum RFID antennae.

Abstract: A braking system includes a moveable structure connected to a rear brake. The rear brake may be a hub brake or a disc brake. A cable to the front brake is connected to the moveable structure. When the rear brake is actuated, the moveable structure moves. The movement of the structure pulls the cable to actuate the front brake. The movement may include a translation, rotation, or both.