Abstract: A drinking apparatus comprising a receptacle (2) and a sensor module (4); wherein the sensor module can also be decoupled from the receptacle to allow the receptacle to be cleaned separately from the sensor module; the sensor module comprising an alert system which is able, when the sensor module is coupled to the receptacle, to detect a reorientation of the drinking apparatus into a second, cleaning, orientation in which the mouth of the receptacle is angled downwards; the alert system being configured to generate a warning signal on detection of a reorientation of the drinking apparatus into the second, cleaning, orientation to warn a user against cleaning the drinking apparatus while the sensor module remains coupled to the receptacle.

Abstract: A ball grid array package includes a substrate with a top and bottom surface. A circuit component is located on the bottom surface. The circuit component has a pair of ends. A pair of conductors are located on the bottom surface. The conductors are connected to the ends of the circuit component. A conductive epoxy covers a portion of the conductors and a portion of the bottom surface. The conductive epoxy is in electrical contact with the conductors. A ball is connected to the conductive epoxy. The conductive epoxy provides an electrical connection between the conductor and the ball. The ball is preferably copper and is subsequently coated to prevent corrosion. Other embodiments of the invention are shown in which the balls are omitted and in which the conductive epoxy is used to fill vias in a substrate.

Abstract: A strain sensor that is suited for use as an occupant weight sensor in a vehicle seat is disclosed. The strain sensor includes a substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface. Several bumps are located on the top surface. The bumps extend above the top surface. The bumps are arranged in a pattern. A dielectric material is located on the top surface. At least one strain sensitive resistor is located on the dielectric material. Several conductive traces are formed on the dielectric material and are electrically connected with the strain sensitive resistor.

Abstract: A ball grid array package that can be readily tested before or after mounting to a printed circuit board. The ball grid array includes a substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface. Several conductive pads are located on the top surface. Several passive circuit elements are located on the top surface between the conductive pads. An insulative coating is placed on top of the passive circuit elements and the substrate. The insulative coating has openings over the conductive pads. The openings are adapted to be accessible by an electrical probe. Conductive vias extend through the substrate between the top and bottom surfaces. The vias electrically connect with the conductive pad on the top surface. Several conductive balls are located on the bottom surface. Each conductive ball is electrically connected to one of the vias.

Abstract: A ball grid array package includes a substrate with a top and bottom surface. A circuit component is located on the bottom surface. The circuit component has a pair of ends. A pair of conductors are located on the bottom surface. The conductors are connected to the ends of the circuit component. A conductive epoxy covers a portion of the conductors and a portion of the bottom surface. The conductive epoxy is in electrical contact with the conductors. A ball is connected to the conductive epoxy. The conductive epoxy provides an electrical connection between the conductor and the ball. The ball is preferably copper and is subsequently coated to prevent corrosion. Other embodiments of the invention are shown in which the balls are omitted and in which the conductive epoxy is used to fill vias in a substrate.

Abstract: A strain sensor ideally suited for use as occupant weight sensors in an automobile is disclosed. The sensor uses stainless steel as a substrate. A portion of this conductive substrate is coated with a dielectric material such as porcelain. Strain sensitive resistors are screened on the dielectric to sense the strain placed on the substrate. This provides a robust and reliable sensor.

Abstract: A copper conductor formulation which exhibits outstanding properties when fired upon an aluminum nitride substrate is disclosed. The conductor formulation primarily includes copper and further includes oxygen-bearing copper, lead monoxide containing glass and a screening agent. A conductor formed in accord with the invention exhibits outstanding properties including initial and aged adhesion, conductivity and solderability.

Abstract: Conductive material is applied to a resistor to provide controlled shunting of current from localized regions of the resistor that would otherwise destructively fail during surge. Various embodiments are disclosed having varying resistance, dimension and placement. The continuity of the original resistor material is not altered, nor is the current diverted in such as way as to create a new localized regions that might destructively fail. The resistors so designed have application in lightning surge environments, power supply and power input circuitry and other applications where potential short duration surges might otherwise cause destructive failure of standard resistors.