Abstract: A bendable light emitting diode (LED) array in accordance with the present invention includes heat spreaders, dielectric material disposed above each heat spreader, and a bendable electrical interconnection layer disposed above these heat spreaders and electrically insulated from these heat spreaders by the dielectric material. At least one via passes through the dielectric material above each heat spreader, and at least one LED die is disposed above each via. The bendable electrical interconnection layer may be a lead frame comprising metal pathways that electrically interconnect some or all LED dice in series, in parallel, in anti-parallel, or in some combination of these configurations. Each via contains a thermally conductive material in thermal contact with the corresponding heat spreader below it and in thermal contact with the corresponding LED die above it. The LED dice may be thermally and electrically coupled to submounts disposed above corresponding heat spreaders in some embodiments.

Abstract: A light emitting diode array in accordance with the present invention includes a metal substrate, a dielectric layer disposed above the metal substrate, and a plurality of electrically conductive traces disposed on the dielectric layer. A plurality of vias pass through the dielectric layer. The light emitting diode array also includes a plurality of light emitting diodes, each of which is disposed above a corresponding one of said vias and each of which includes a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact electrically coupled to separate ones of the electrically conductive traces. Each of the vias contains a thermally conductive material in thermal contact with the metal substrate and in thermal contact with the corresponding light emitting diode.

Abstract: A light emitting diode has both end faces metallized and is mounted on a substrate with the light emitting junction perpendicular to the substrate. The electrically conductive ends are electrically bonded to conductive areas on the substrate by solder or conductive adhesive. LED dice can be placed on the substrate by temporarily attaching the dice to a tape which has been wrapped around a knife edge. The dice tilt as the tape wraps around the edge and are picked off one at a time by a vacuum collet while temporarily supported by a movable finger, and then transferred by the vacuum collet to a substrate. A similar method may be used for placing semiconductor dice on a substrate without the tilting of dice around the edge. In another embodiment, an array of LEDs can be assembled in windows through a metallized plastic tape which is bonded to a foundation with additional metallized leads.

Abstract: A light emitting diode has both end faces metallized and is mounted on a substrate with the light emitting junction perpendicular to the substrate. The electrically conductive ends are electrically bonded to conductive areas on the substrate by solder or conductive adhesive LED dice can be placed on the substrate by temporarily attaching the dice to a tape which has been wrapped around a knife edge. The dice tilt as the tape wraps around the edge and are picked off one at a time by a vacuum collet while temporarily supported by a movable finger, and then transferred by the vacuum collet to a substrate. A similar method may be used for placing semiconductor dice on a substrate without the tilting of dice around the edge. In another embodiment, an array of LEDs can be assembled in windows through a metallized plastic tape which is bonded to a foundation with additional metallized leads.

Abstract: Food consumption monitor comprising a simple mechanical calculator integrated into a diet guidebook. The calculator includes a manually operable rotary dial with a scale pointer on it, a base for the dial, a means for rotatably mounting the dial to the base, a finger stop attached to the base near the dial, and a set of numerals which are printed in consecutive order on the base near the dial and which are equidistant from the dial's rotary axis. The dial has a set of finger holes or dimples which are equidistant from the dial's rotary axis. The dial's scale pointer is a visually distinctive feature on the dial, such as an annular rim around one of the holes, which rotates with the dial in close proximity to the set of numerals. The base includes a molded plastic casing which partially encloses the dial. This casing includes an axle, a stationary hub, and a support arm for rigidly coupling the hub to a wall of the casing, wherein these three components are the means for rotatably mounting the dial.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for forming a ball bond between a fine wire such as aluminum wire and a surface with the ball bond being approximately radially symmetric about a principal axis of a portion of the wire. The apparatus may include a plurality of electrodes radially spaced about the wire to define gaps between each electrode and the tip of the wire and a plurality of resistance elements. A voltage source may be connected to form a circuit consisting of plural electrically parallel legs, each of which includes the series combination of a resistance element, an electrode and an arc path between the electrode and the tip of the wire. A molten ball is formed at the end of the wire when arcs are essentially simultaneously produced between the electrodes and the tip of the wire. In a preferred embodiment, the resistances of the resistance elements are approximately equal.

Abstract: Apparatus for maintaining the same total buoyancy of a scuba diver at all depths including means for re-setting total buoyancy and for maintaining the new buoyancy automatically. This apparatus includes a flexible air vest and an air valve system, with the air valve system being adjustable, by means of a knob, to compensation for different wetsuits, and having a failsafe feature.