Abstract: A printed circuit board includes a multiple-layer electrical circuit board and a conductive arm, wherein the conductive arm has an unconnected end located opposite to the connected end of the conductive arm, wherein the conductive arm has a front side and a backside located opposite to the front side of the conductive arm, wherein the backside of the conductive arm is located adjacent to the multiple layer electrical circuit board. The unconnected end of the conductive arm includes a dimple portion formed integrally with and as a unitary part of a remaining portion of the conductive arm, the dimple portion being out of plane with in plane portions of the connected end of the conductive arm so that the dimple portion is at a greater distance from the circuit board than the in plane portions of the conductive arm, the dimple portion being connected to the in plane portions of the conductive arm via an integrally formed and unitary riser portion.

Abstract: A side-firing printhead comprises a stack that includes a plurality of slices, wherein each slice includes a PCB trigger layer and a diaphragm layer, the PCB trigger layer controls the flow of ink from the diaphragm layer, a first side of the diaphragm layer includes at least one cavity that delivers ink via one or more aperture braces. An aperture plate is coupled to one side of the stack to interface to the diaphragm layers contained therein, wherein the aperture plate contains a plurality of apertures that are located at each aperture brace. A first bracket is disposed on the top of the stack and a second bracket is disposed on the bottom of the stack, wherein at least one fastener couples the second bracket to the first bracket such that a predetermined amount of pressure is applied to the stack.

Abstract: A side-firing printhead comprises a stack that includes a plurality of slices, wherein each slice includes a PCB trigger layer and a diaphragm layer, the PCB trigger layer controls the flow of ink from the diaphragm layer, a first side of the diaphragm layer includes at least one cavity that delivers ink via one or more aperture braces. An aperture plate is coupled to one side of the stack to interface to the diaphragm layers contained therein, wherein the aperture plate contains a plurality of apertures that are located at each aperture brace. A first bracket is disposed on the top of the stack and a second bracket is disposed on the bottom of the stack, wherein at least one fastener couples the second bracket to the first bracket such that a predetermined amount of pressure is applied to the stack.

Abstract: A printed circuit board includes a multiple-layer electrical circuit board and a conductive arm, wherein the conductive arm has an unconnected end located opposite to the connected end of the conductive arm, wherein the conductive arm has a front side and a backside located opposite to the front side of the conductive arm, wherein the backside of the conductive arm is located adjacent to the multiple layer electrical circuit board. The unconnected end of the conductive arm includes a dimple portion formed integrally with and as a unitary part of a remaining portion of the conductive arm, the dimple portion being out of plane with in plane portions of the connected end of the conductive arm so that the dimple portion is at a greater distance from the circuit board than the in plane portions of the conductive arm, the dimple portion being connected to the in plane portions of the conductive arm via an integrally formed and unitary riser portion.

Abstract: A printed circuit board includes a multiple-layer electrical circuit board and a nickel arm, wherein the nickel arm has an unconnected end located opposite to the connected end of the nickel arm, wherein the nickel arm has a front side and a backside located opposite to the front side of the nickel arm, wherein the backside of the nickel arm is located adjacent to the multiple layer electrical circuit board. A dimple is formed at the unconnected end of the nickel arm and on the front side of the nickel arm. An air gap is formed between the backside of the arm and the multiple layer electrical circuit board, wherein the air gap permits the arm to flex within the air gap. A lead zirconium titanate element is laminated to the printed circuit board, wherein the dimple on the front side of the arm contacts a surface of the lead zirconium titanate element, wherein a restoring spring force of the nickel arm maintains electrical contactivity between the dimple and the lead zirconium titanate element.

Abstract: A printed circuit board includes a multiple-layer electrical circuit board and a nickel arm, wherein the nickel arm has an unconnected end located opposite to the connected end of the nickel arm, wherein the nickel arm has a front side and a backside located opposite to the front side of the nickel arm, wherein the backside of the nickel arm is located adjacent to the multiple layer electrical circuit board. A dimple is formed at the unconnected end of the nickel arm and on the front side of the nickel arm. An air gap is formed between the backside of the arm and the multiple layer electrical circuit board, wherein the air gap permits the arm to flex within the air gap. A lead zirconium titanate element is laminated to the printed circuit board, wherein the dimple on the front side of the arm contacts a surface of the lead zirconium titanate element, wherein a restoring spring force of the nickel arm maintains electrical contactivity between the dimple and the lead zirconium titanate element.

Abstract: A plurality of wireless sensors can be placed within a large system in various locations to monitor critical elements of that system. Each wireless sensor can include sensor elements usable to monitor one or more parameters of an element of the system and a wireless signal transmitter, such as, for example, a speaker or an antenna. Each sensor can transmit one or more unique identifying signals to a signal-receiving device, which can be processed by a signal processor. The signal processor can determine each received signal, the sensor corresponding to that identified signal, and the time the wireless signal was generated. Based on this information, the wireless signals can be diagnostically compared against expected values for the system being monitored and evaluated. If a discrepancy is detected, then the components and/or subsystems within the system that are implicated in the discrepant wireless signals can be evaluated for possible errors.

Abstract: This disclosure introduces a system which generates a visual, audio, and/or tactile warning to a driver of a lead vehicle when a possible rear-end collision is detected, based on the approach of a second vehicle from a rear direction. The system may also generate a warning signal (such as quick blinking red brake light, or an array of multi-color lights) directed to the approaching vehicle when it is determined to be approaching at an unsafe speed. The system may include one or more of: approaching-vehicle-sensors mounted on the back end of the lead vehicle, a computer processing system, a set of warning lights, a set of speakers within the lead vehicle, and an antenna and transmitter/receiver for communicating with systems of other vehicles. This system may include a connection to the existing taillight system and other existing systems in the lead vehicle.

Abstract: A process for producing a low-visibility retroreflective visual tag, which can be used to identify and/or determine the position of an object. This process involves placing an infra-red-blocking material over a retroreflective substrate to form the low-visibility retroreflective visual tag. This infra-red-blocking material is placed so as to form a pattern, which becomes visible to an infrared sensor when the low-visibility retroreflective visual tag is illuminated by an infra-red light source.

Abstract: This disclosure introduces a system which generates a visual, audio, and/or tactile warning to a driver of a lead vehicle when a possible rear-end collision is detected, based on the approach of a second vehicle from a rear direction. The system may also generate a warning signal (such as quick blinking red brake light, or an array of multi-color lights) directed to the approaching vehicle when it is determined to be approaching at an unsafe speed. The system may include one or more of: approaching-vehicle-sensors mounted on the back end of the lead vehicle, a computer processing system, a set of warning lights, a set of speakers within the lead vehicle, and an antenna and transmitter/receiver for communicating with systems of other vehicles. This system may include a connection to the existing taillight system and other existing systems in the lead vehicle.

Abstract: A portable, compact electronic device is disclosed which is adapted for communication with a personal digital assistant. The electronic device includes a housing having an opening adapted for receiving a medium adapted for printing or scanning and at least one coiled structure formed from a coilable material. At least one guide positions the coilable material as it is extended from the coiled structure. The printing or scanning medium is moved through an opening in the housing by rotating elements. An activation means is utilized to perform printing or scanning of the medium, under the controlled extension and retraction of the coilable material from the coiled structure.

Abstract: A plurality of wireless sensors can be placed within a large system in various locations to monitor critical elements of that system. Each wireless sensor can include sensor elements usable to monitor one or more parameters of an element of the system and a wireless signal transmitter, such as, for example, a speaker or an antenna. Each sensor can transmit one or more unique identifying signals to a signal-receiving device, which can be processed by a signal processor. The signal processor can determine each received signal, the sensor corresponding to that identified signal, and the time the wireless signal was generated. Based on this information, the wireless signals can be diagnostically compared against expected values for the system being monitored and evaluated. If a discrepancy is detected, then the components and/or subsystems within the system that are implicated in the discrepant wireless signals can be evaluated for possible errors.

Abstract: A portable, compact electronic device is disclosed which is adapted for communication with a personal digital assistant. The electronic device includes a housing having an opening adapted for receiving a medium adapted for printing or scanning and at least one coiled structure formed from a coilable material. At least one guide positions the coilable material as it is extended from the coiled structure. The printing or scanning medium is moved through an opening in the housing by rotating elements. An activation means is utilized to perform printing or scanning of the medium, under the controlled extension and retraction of the coilable material from the coiled structure.

Abstract: An air jet game comprising an air jet conduiting member having a plurality of air jet outlets and a controller adapted to selectively control at least partially, the flow of air out of the air jet outlets in order to move an object located in an air flow path of the outlet in a desired direction.

Abstract: An air jet game comprising an air jet conduiting member having a plurality of air jet outlets and a controller adapted to selectively control at least partially, the flow of air out of the air jet outlets in order to move an object located in an air flow path of the outlet in a desired direction.

Abstract: Batch fabrication of thin film structures can be facilitated by sandwiching a thin film between a first and a second polymeric or elastomeric layers. The sandwiched layer can be machined to define a thin film structure, typically a micoroelectromechanical element. This element is separated from the sandwiching layers by adhesive attachment to a target substrate.

Abstract: Construction of fluid conduit systems in printed circuit boards or other dielectric laminate substrates is disclosed. The fluid conduits can be angled or curved to provide greater directional control of fluid flow. Conduits are created by lamination of a first laminate layer and a second laminate layer. The first laminate layer is composed of a dielectric base material impregnated with a resin, with a first aperture defined therethrough, while the second laminate layer has a second aperture. The second aperture is positioned with respect to the first aperture to only partially overlap, together defining an angled conduit. Fluid flow through the conduits can be controlled using microdevice valves.

Abstract: A cantilever valve useful for paper handling applications is disclosed. The valve can be batch fabricated in two dimensional valve arrays, with each valve in the array being controlled by passive matrix addressing. Typically, each valve includes a valve housing having an aperture plate defining an aperture therethrough, and an opposing port plate positioned in spaced apart relationship to the aperture plate. A flexible film or strip is attached at its first end between the aperture and port plates and is unattached so that it is free to move between the aperture and port plates at its second end. Valve action is provided by use of a single switching electrode for moving the flexible film between an aperture blocking position and an aperture open position, with the switching electrodes positioned adjacent to the port plate.

Abstract: A valve for redirecting fluid flow has a valve chamber supporting fluid flow, with the valve chamber having an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The valve chamber can be closed or partially open. The flap element is movable to alternatively block the first outlet and the second outlet. In or immediately adjacent to the valve chamber are opposing first and a second catch mechanisms for controllably latching the flap element to block respectively the first outlet and the second outlet. The first and second catch mechanisms have a disabled state and an activated state for holding and allowing release of the flap element. Once the first or second catch mechanism is disabled, the flap element is free to move to another position, provided it can overcome the mechanical fluid flow forces that tend to hold it in position.

Abstract: A variable fluid flow valve is disclosed. The valve can be batch fabricated in two dimensional valve arrays, with all valves in the array being controlled in parallel to achieve high flow rates without increasing response time. Typically, each valve includes a valve housing having an aperture plate defining an elongated aperture therethrough, and an opposing plate positioned in spaced apart relationship to the aperture plate. In one embodiment a flexible film or strip is attached at its first end to the aperture plate and at its second end to the opposing plate. In another embodiment of the invention, the flexible film is attached at only one end and is free to move at the other end. In both types of valves, valve action is provided by using electrodes to variably move the flexible film from an aperture blocking to an aperture non-blocking position. The flexible film may be moved in a continuously variable manner or a discretely variable manner, depending upon the electrode configuration.