Abstract: A flexible antenna array comprises a plurality of layers of thin metal and a flexible insulating medium arranged as a sandwich of layers. Each layer of the sandwich is patterned as needed to define: (i) antenna segments patterned in one of the metal layers, (ii) an array of metallic top elements formed in a layer spaced from the the antenna segments, the array of metallic top elements being patterned in another metal layer, (iii) a metallic ground plane formed in a layer spaced from the array of metallic top elements, the metallic ground plane having been formed from still another metal layer, and (iv) inductive elements coupling each of the top elements in the array of metallic top elements with said ground plan. An array of remotely controlled switches are provided for coupling selected ones of said antenna segments together.

Abstract: A flexible antenna array comprises a plurality of layers of thin metal and a flexible insulating medium arranged as a sandwich of layers. Each layer of the sandwich is patterned as needed to define: (i) antenna segments patterned in one of the metal layers, (ii) an array of metallic top elements formed in a layer spaced from the the antenna segments, the array of metallic top elements being patterned in another metal layer, (iii) a metallic ground plane formed in a layer spaced from the array of metallic top elements, the metallic ground plane having been formed from still another metal layer, and (iv) inductive elements coupling each of the top elements in the array of metallic top elements with said ground plan. An array of remotely controlled switches are provided for coupling selected ones of said antenna segments together.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for creating lookup trees of mapping specifications for multiprotocol messaging environments. Source data, which is preferably updated infrequently, is compiled into a hierarchical tree, which is stored in a file. The file contains internal data structures that can be used simultaneously by multiple processes at different virtual addresses. A lookup code finds the longest match, if any, for a given key, in a very efficient manner. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention efficiently maps names between X.400 and SMTP per the RFC1327 specification.

Abstract: A system and method of storage management for an electronic mail system are disclosed. The system of storage management for an electronic mail system comprises a distribution management system (112) for receiving information into memory as a distribution and for delivering said distribution from memory to a remote connection; and a container management system (114) for storing and retrieving the distribution from a storage medium. The distribution comprises a plurality of body parts. A method of storage management for an electronic mail system comprises the following steps: (1) receiving information from a first remote connection; (2) writing the information into memory as a distribution, the distribution having at least one object and at least one attribute; (3) storing the distribution to a storage medium as a plurality of files; (4) retrieving at least one of the files from the storage medium; and (5) delivering the distribution to at least a second remote connection.

Abstract: A system and method for distribution and storage of electronic mail information is disclosed. The system comprises: a server; a status rendezvous procedure (102) residing on the server; and a distribution storage facility comprising a distribution management system (112) residing on the server; and a container management system (114) residing on the server. The method for distribution and storage of electronic mail information comprises the following steps: (1) receiving inbound information from a first remote connection, the inbound information comprising a distribution; (2) processing the distribution, the processing resulting in the distribution being stored in memory; (3) writing the distribution to a storage medium; (4) paging the distribution from the storage medium into memory; (5) passing a part of the distribution in memory to at least a second remote connection; and (6) determining an intended recipient in response to the presence of a reported recipient.

Abstract: A system and method for processing electronic mail status rendezvous. A system for processing electronic mail status rendezvous includes an object for receiving a status message having incomplete reported recipient information; an object for initiating a candidate list of a plurality of candidates, the candidates being selected according to an identification in the status message; an object for preparing a search list of object identifiers; an object for eliminating non-matching candidates; and an object for selecting a matching candidate. A method for processing electronic mail status rendezvous includes the steps of receiving a status message having incomplete reported recipient information; preparing a candidate list of a plurality of candidates; the candidates selected according to an identification in the status message, preparing a search list of object identifiers; eliminating non-matching candidates; and selecting a matching candidate.

Abstract: Phase mask laser machining procedures for fabricating high density fine pattern feature electrical interconnection structures. Conductor patterns are fabricated using a phase mask laser patterned dielectric layer as a conductor wet etch masking layer, or by subtractively removing metal using holographic phase mask laser micromachining. In accordance with the present invention, a substrate is provided, a first layer of dielectric material is formed on the substrate, a metal layer is formed on the first layer of dielectric material, and a second layer of dielectric material is then formed on the metal layer. A phase mask is disposed above the second layer of dielectric material that has a predefined phase pattern therein defining a metal conductor pattern that corresponds to an interconnect structure. The second layer of dielectric material is then processed using the phase mask to form the interconnect structure.

Abstract: Phase mask laser machining procedures for fabricating high density fine pattern feature electrical interconnection structures. Conductor patterns are fabricated using a phase mask laser patterned dielectric layer as a conductor wet etch masking layer, or by subtractively removing metal using holographic phase mask laser micromachining. In accordance with the present invention, a substrate is provided, a first layer of dielectric material is formed on the substrate, a metal layer is formed on the first layer of dielectric material, and a second layer of dielectric material is then formed on the metal layer. A phase mask is disposed above the second layer of dielectric material that has a predefined phase pattern therein defining a metal conductor pattern that corresponds to an interconnect structure. The second layer of dielectric material is then processed using the phase mask to form the interconnect structure.

Abstract: A three dimensional stack of printed circuit assemblies (10,12) provides electrical interconnection or bussing between layers of the stack by means of a composite contactor (34, 35, 36, 77, 79, 81, 83) formed of a shape-memory core (90) having a number of highly electrically conductive resilient wires (92, 94) wrapped around it. The shape-memory core (90) has a low temperature configuration that is substantially straight and enables the contactor assembly or core (90) and wires (92, 94) to be inserted into vias (30, 31, 76, 78, 80, 82) extending through this stack of layers with little or no insertion force. When heated above its phase change temperature, the shape-memory core (90) assumes a sinuous configuration which tightly presses the encircling conductive wires (92, 94) against the electrically conductive interior surfaces of the vias (30, 31) to provide mechanical and electrical contact from layer to layer.