Abstract: An apparatus for determining the relative height between two targets is disclosed. The present invention also discloses a method for determining the relative height between two targets; the method is substantially similar to the operational aspects of the device of the present invention. The method requires no angular measurements in order to determine the different height between the two targets, but rather only distance measurements that can be performed simply and accurately. The apparatus for determining the relative height between two targets a disclosed.

Abstract: A method for the real time determination of the three dimensional position of a movable target with respect to a fixed coordinate system, the method utilizing a responder mounted on the target, at least one primary transmitter/receiver of known position and a plurality of secondary transmitter/receivers of known positions.

Abstract: A graphite path is formed along the surface of a diamond plate, preferably a CVD diamond plate, by means of a laser or ion-implantation induced conductivity. The path advantageously can be the surface of a sidewall of a via hole drilled by the laser through the plate or a path running along a side surface of the plate from top to bottom opposed major surfaces of the plate. The graphite path is metallized, as by electroplating or electroless plating. In this way, for example, an electrically conducting connection can be made between a metallized backplane located on the bottom surface of the plate and a wire-bonding pad located on the top surface of the plate.