Abstract: Compositions for micro-etching metal surfaces are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for micro-etching metal surfaces. The compositions and methods disclosed are particularly useful in the manufacture of printed circuit boards.

Abstract: Disclosed are photoimageable compositions having improved stripping properties including a photoresist strip enhancer. Also disclosed are methods of enhancing the strippability of photoimageable compositions and methods for manufacturing printed wiring boards using such photoimageable compositions.

Abstract: Metal surfaces, particularly copper surfaces, which are oxidatively micro-etched to increase surface area through the use of molybdenum. The micro-etch solutions contain a proton source, e.g., a mineral acid, an oxidizer agent, e.g., hydrogen peroxide, an azole compound, and a molybdenum source. These micro-etched surfaces can further be rendered acid-resistant by exposure to a thiazole compound and/or a thiocarbamide compound. The thiazole compound and/or thiocarbamide compound may be provided either in the oxidative micro-etching solution or provided in a post-micro-etching solution.

Abstract: Metal surfaces, particularly copper surfaces, which are oxidatively micro-etched to increase surface area through the use of molybdenum. The micro-etch solutions contain a proton source, e.g., a mineral acid, an oxidizer agent, e.g., hydrogen peroxide, an azole compound, and a molybdenum source.

Abstract: A composition and method for stripping tin and solder and the underlying tin-copper alloy from the copper substrate of a printed circuit board is presented. The liquid includes an aqueous solution of nitric acid in an amount sufficient to dissolve solder and tin, a source of ferric ions in an amount sufficient to dissolve the tin-copper alloy, and a source of halide ions in an amount sufficient to significantly improve the resistance between printed circuits.

Abstract: Metal surfaces, particularly copper surfaces, which are oxidatively micro-etched to increase surface area, are provided acid-resistance by exposure to a thiazole compound and/or a thiocarbamide compound. The thiazole compound and/or thiocarbamide compound may be provided either in the oxidative micro-etching solution or provided in a post-micro-etching solution.

Abstract: A track comprises a base and two sidewalls. At least one toy vehicle comprises an underside and two sides. Magnets attached to the track and to the vehicle repel the underside of the vehicle from the base of the track, and repel the sides of the vehicle from the sidewalls of the track; thus, the vehicle floats above the base and between the sidewalls of the track. The vehicle moves along the track due to gravitational force applied to the vehicle, and alternatively due to motive force applied to the vehicle by a pair of rotating drums.

Abstract: A sensor is provided for transillumination of a blood-profused portion of a human fingertip. The sensor includes an opaque, semi-cylindrical substantially rigid cradle member having a photosensor mounted to a concave surface thereof such that ambient light cannot penetrate the cradle member and induce erroneous readings. A flexible planar web-like support structure is attached at one end thereof to the cradle member and includes a light source mounted within the web thereof. A repositionable adhesive coating on the concave surface of the cradle member holds the fleshy portion of a human fingertip in conformance therewith, and when the flexible planar web-like support structure is wrapped around a fingertip within the cradle member, the light source overlies the photosensor for transillumination of the fingertip.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for fabricating a flat panel display having a display area greater than 645 square centimeters. The flat panel display is comprised of an upper glass plate and a lower glass plate and has data generation material interposed between the upper glass plate and the lower glass plate. The flat panel display is formed by aligning the suitably etched upper glass plate with respect to the suitably etched lower glass plate in the X, Y, and Z planes. During formation, the upper glass plate has spacing devices disposed on the lower side thereof and the lower glass plate has bonding material deposited on the upper side thereof. The apparatus includes a lower plate XY stage device for supporting the lower glass plate, the lower plate XY stage device being adjustable in the X and Y planes. An upper plate positioning stage device is included for supporting the upper glass plate.

Abstract: A filter composite is made of a porous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and a fabric. The PTFE and fabric are bonded by an adhesive. The adhesive is prevented from penetrating the fabric by employing a coating of an oil and water-repellent material to the surface of the fabric adjacent the adhesive.

Abstract: A prosthesis for a person with an amputation above the elbow is provided in which elbow motion is provided by an electrical motor contained within the prothesis. Operation of the motor is controlled by electric impulses from selected opposing muscle pairs on the amputee. The prosthesis is constructed with both internal and external modules which are readily replaceable. An electrically operated lock mechanism is provided for locking the elbow motion of the prosthesis. The locking mechanism is controlled by logic circuitry which in turn operates in response to electric impulses from the pair of muscles on the amputee. Novel means are also included which provide passive wrist movement and humeral rotation of the prosthesis. A removable battery module comprising rechargeable storage cells provides power for the motor and the electrically operated lock mechanism.

Abstract: An improved iontophoresis device for topical administration of ionic drugs or chemicals through epidermal tissue for anesthetizing or sterilizing local tissue or for applying various medicaments without mechanical penetration. An ionic form of drug is conducted through the epidermal tissue by means of direct current generated from a battery powered current source. Pulse-width modulated DC current is regulated by feedback circuitry which varies the pulse duration and adjusts and stabilizes the average current at a desired level. A high voltage capability together with feedback control enables maintenance of a constant current through the highly resistive epidermal tissue. To prevent excessive voltage buildup and the accompanying dangers of shock and burns, a comparator circuit monitors current flow and voltage across the electrodes and automatically triggers an SCR shutdown circuit when impedance readings are outside predetermined limits.