Abstract: In a method of forming micro traces, stamping techniques are employed to define a target pattern of the micro traces. The stamping is applied to electrically conductive material and may be limited to pressure, but a thermal stamping approach may be utilized. Following the stamping, a portion of the conductive material is removed, leaving the target pattern of conductive micro traces. In the pressure-application step, the pressure or the combination of pressure and temperature is sufficient to at least weaken the integrity of the bulk conductive material along the area of contact. Typically, this step causes shearing of the conductive material. Following the pressure-application step, excess conductive material is removed. In some embodiments of the invention, the thickness of the micro traces is not determined in a single step. The original thickness may be formed using a “seed” material. The subsequent material buildup may occur after the target pattern is established.

Abstract: In a method of forming micro traces, stamping techniques are employed to define a target pattern of the micro traces. The stamping is applied to electrically conductive material and may be limited to pressure, but a thermal stamping approach may be utilized. Following the stamping, a portion of the conductive material is removed, leaving the target pattern of conductive micro traces. In the pressure-application step, the pressure or the combination of pressure and temperature is sufficient to at least weaken the integrity of the bulk conductive material along the area of contact. Typically, this step causes shearing of the conductive material. Following the pressure-application step, excess conductive material is removed. In some embodiments of the invention, the thickness of the micro traces is not determined in a single step. The original thickness may be formed using a “seed” material. The subsequent material buildup may occur after the target pattern is established.

Abstract: An automatic pool cleaner is provided of the type for random travel over submerged floor and side wall surfaces of a swimming pool or the like to dislodge and collect debris. The pool cleaner includes an electric-powered traction drive system for rotatably driving cleaner wheels, and an electric-powered water management system including a water supply pump and related manifold unit for venturi-vacuuming and collection of settled debris within a porous filter bag. A directional control system including an on-board compass monitors turning movements of the pool cleaner during normal random travel operation, and functions to regulate the traction drive system in a manner to prevent, e.g., excess twisting of a conduit such as a power cable tethered to the pool cleaner.

Abstract: A plenum chamber mounted to the underside of a filter cover of a portable spa provides a source of constant water flow for a waterfall. The plenum chamber is fed by a line from a water flow system of the portable spa. The plenum chamber has a shaped exit that causes a predetermined waterfall effect. A light source located at the shaped exit lights up the waterfall. Another light source is located in the filter housing to create backdrop lighting for the waterfall. The light sources are preferably fiber optic or arrays.

Abstract: A filter housing for a portable spa utilizes a coaxial channel structure at the flow output of the filter housing to separate the water flow from the filter housing. In one embodiment, the water from the filter housing, exiting at the bottom of the housing, is piped by way of a high pressure pump, to the jets in the spa. The water from the filter housing taken at about halfway between the top and bottom of the filter housing is piped, by way of a circulation pump to a heater and a water purifier system back into the spa, preferably to a return aperture in the footwell of the spa. In another embodiment water exiting the filter housing is split into separate flow paths at the bottom of the filter housing, to the jets in the spa and into the circulation loop back into the spa.

Abstract: A filter housing for a portable spa utilizes a coaxial channel structure at the flow output of the filter housing to separate the water flow from the filter housing. In one embodiment, the water from the filter housing, exiting at the bottom of the housing, is piped by way of a high pressure pump, to the jets in the spa. The water from the filter housing taken at about halfway between the top and bottom of the filter housing is piped, by way of a circulation pump to a heater and a water purifier system back into the spa, preferably to a return aperture in the footwell of the spa. In another embodiment water exiting the filter housing is split into separate flow paths at the bottom of the filter housing, to the jets in the spa and into the circulation loop back into the spa.

Abstract: A plenum chamber mounted to the underside of a filter cover of a portable spa provides a source of constant water flow for a waterfall. The plenum chamber is fed by a line from a water flow system of the portable spa. The plenum chamber has a shaped exit that causes a predetermined waterfall effect. A light source located at the shaped exit lights up the waterfall. Another light source is located in the filter housing to create backdrop lighting for the waterfall. The light sources are preferably fiber optic or arrays.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for driving a digital display adapted to depict a first number of bits per color field during each frame. In use, a second number of bits is displayed which is greater than the first number of bits. This is accomplished by alternating the display of the bits between frames. To this end, additional bits of color are displayed without increasing the number of bits per color field during each frame.

Abstract: An image generation system is provided. A display matrix is provided and has a plurality of display elements which can include liquid crystal. Each display element includes a pixel. A plurality of display circuits are electrically connected to a display element. A plurality of memory cells are associated with each of the circuits, or form part of the circuit, and a selector continuously electrically connected to more than one of the plurality of memory cells, the selector outputting to the pixel data from one memory cell at a time. Peripheral control circuits preferably control read and write operations to the memory cells. Also provided is a light emitting mechanism, which may be a mechanism provided at each pixel, a light modulating mechanism provided at each pixel, and/or an illumination source for illuminating the pixels. Logic suppresses image flicker utilizing balanced binary color. A method for generating an image is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for driving a digital display adapted to depict a first number of bits per color field during each frame. In use, a second number of bits is displayed which is greater than the first number of bits. This is accomplished by alternating the display of the bits between frames. To this end, additional bits of color are displayed without increasing the number of bits per color field during each frame.

Abstract: An image generation system is provided. A display matrix is provided and has a plurality of display elements which can include liquid crystal. Each display element includes a pixel. A plurality of display circuits are electrically connected to a display element. A plurality of memory cells are associated with each of the circuits, or form part of the circuit, and a selector continuously electrically connected to more than one of the plurality of memory cells, the selector outputting to the pixel data from one memory cell at a time. Peripheral control circuits preferably control read and write operations to the memory cells. Also provided is a light emitting mechanism, which may be a mechanism provided at each pixel, a light modulating mechanism provided at each pixel, and/or an illumination source for illuminating the pixels. Logic increases response speed of an image display utilizing a digitally controlled waveform. A method for generating an image is also provided.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator is provided with an expandable cummerbund and an auxiliary harness which is attached to the cummerbund. The buoyancy compensator comrpises a vest having a back portion, right and left shoulder flaps, and right and left front portions. A cummerbund includes an elastic central portion which is attached to the back portion and a pair of non-elastic end portions. The cummerbund is adapted to be secured about the waist of the wearer and can expand and contract as the wearer changes his elevation in the water. An auxiliary harness is provided by a pair of straps which are attached to the end portions of the cummerbund and which can be releasably connected to the shoulder portions.