Abstract: A system and method for soldering flat flexible cable to an electronic substrate using lead-free solder is disclosed. The method comprises bending conductive end portions of the flat flexible cable and inserting the bent conductive end portions of the flat flexible cable through slots that extend through the thickness of the electronic substrate. In so doing, a segment of the conductive end portion will protrude through the thickness of the substrate. The method further comprises of heating the flat flexible cable to a temperature of approximately 100° C. and then applying the lead-free solder to the area where the end portion protrudes through the thickness of the substrate for a time period of approximately 5 to 9 seconds.

Abstract: A stent 1 comprising a sheet 2 of biocompatible material arranged as a tube and having a pattern of folds allowing the stent to be collapsed for deployment. The pattern of folds comprises a unit cell repeated over the sheet 2. A variety of different unit cells 3 are described. The pattern of folds may progress helically around the tube which assists in implantation by synchronising deployment. The stent 1 prevents restenosis because it is formed of a continuous sheet 2, and allows slippage to be minimised.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for the contactless testing and configuring of electronic assemblies during the manufacturing process. The system includes an onboard optical transceiver, a system controller, and a controller optical transceiver. The onboard optical transceiver is located on the electronic assembly. The onboard optical transceiver is connected to an integrated circuit which is capable of performing functional tests or storing programs on the assembly. The controller optical transceiver is connected to the system controller and located adjacent to the electronic assembly. The onboard transceiver and the controller optical transceiver are used to establish a contactless communication link between the system controller and the electronic assembly. The contactless nature of the communication link allows the assembly to be transported past the controller optical transceiver by a simple conveyor while the system controller is communicating with the electronic assembly.

Abstract: A signal transmission system comprising a signal conduction matrix formed into a shape that allows transmission of a signal through the matrix using at least one surface signal router, at least one signal source operatively connected to a surface of the matrix and that generates a signal that propagates through matrix, and at least one signal receiver operatively connected to a surface of the matrix and that receives the signal from the signal source. The signal may be coded, modulated, frequency-converted, or amplified. The surface signal router can be a reflective coating, an indentation, a pressure fit structure, or at least one inclined cut on the surface of the matrix. A frequency-selective filter can be used to allow selective detection by a target signal receiver. The invention is also directed to various method of transmitting a signal using a signal conduction matrix.

Abstract: A method for interconnecting flat cable is disclosed. The flat cable has a plurality of conductors attached to an insulating layer. The method includes removing an insulation layer from a first and second flat cable portions to expose the plurality of conductors, applying a thermal plate to the exposed plurality of conductors of the first flat cable portion, applying solder to first flat cable portion, placing the plurality of conductors of second flat cable portion over the plurality of conductors of first flat cable portion having applied solder, applying a transparent plate over the first and second flat cable portions, scanning a laser beam through the transparent plate to reflow the solder between the first and second flat cable portions.

Abstract: An optical fiber lighted instrument panel includes an instrument panel having at least one portion to be illuminated disposed in a vehicle. The optical fiber lighted instrument panel contains at least one optical fiber with at least one predetermined aperture formed in the cable by selective application to specific areas to the core of the optical fiber cable, thus allowing light to emit from the optical fiber cable and illuminate the desired areas of the instrument panel. The optical fiber lighted instrument panel further includes the addition of high-refractive index paint to achieve uniform and assorted colors of light emitting from the optical fiber. The invention further includes the addition of a wheel with various colored filters attached in-line between the light source and the inlet of the optical fiber to allow the user to select what color they desire to be illuminated from the cable.

Abstract: A method for interconnecting flat cable is disclosed. The flat cable has a plurality of conductors attached to an insulating layer. The method includes removing an insulation layer from a first and second flat cable portions to expose the plurality of conductors, applying a thermal plate to the exposed plurality of conductors of the first flat cable portion, applying solder to first flat cable portion, placing the plurality of conductors of second flat cable portion over the plurality of conductors of first flat cable portion having applied solder, applying a transparent plate over the first and second flat cable portions, scanning a laser beam through the transparent plate to reflow the solder between the first and second flat cable portions.

Abstract: A system and for interconnecting a flat flexible cable to an electronic circuit is disclosed. The system includes solder, a plurality of electronic components, and a solder resistant member. The solder is applied to a first and second plurality of solder pads of the electronic circuit. The plurality of electronic components are placed on the first plurality of solder pads of the electronic circuit having the applied solder. The solder resistant member is placed over the second plurality of solder pads of the electronic circuit having the applied solder. The electronic circuit, applied solder, plurality of electronic components and resistant solder member are heated until the solder reflows. The solder resistant member is removed after the solder has solidified. The flat flexible cable is attached to the second plurality of solder pads of the electronic circuit to form an electrical interconnection between the electronic circuit and the flat flexible cable.

Abstract: A non-mechanical fluid level sensor based on light communication channel (LCC) technology. In a preferred embodiment, one end of the LCC is connected to a signal source while another end is connected to a sensor. The LCC is dipped in a fluid container and a signal propagates and undergoes internal reflection through the LCC towards one of its ends which is connected to the sensor. The fluid level is detected preferably by measuring the intensity of the signal reflected with the LCC that reaches a sensor. Different fluid levels preferably correspond to linearly varying detected signal intensities. A main LCC bus may communicate remotely with the sensor without wiring or other electrical connectors.

Abstract: A deployable structure includes a structural mechanism consisting of a plurality of rigid links 1 connected together by rotational joints 2 to form an array of Bennett linkages 20. The Bennett linkages 20 are interconnected so that the structural mechanism, including all the Bennett linkages 20, has a single degree of mobility. The structural mechanism has a profile with a curvature that varies during movement to deploy the structure from a state in which its profile is flat to a state in which its profile is curved. This allows is very convenient as the structure may be assembled, stored and/or transported in the flat state, prior to deployment into the curved state. As such the structure has many application including the frame for a tent.

Abstract: An optical fiber lighted instrument panel includes an instrument panel having at least one portion to be illuminated disposed in a vehicle. The optical fiber lighted instrument panel contains at least one optical fiber with at least one predetermined aperture formed in the cable by selective application to specific areas to the core of the optical fiber cable, thus allowing light to emit from the optical fiber cable and illuminate the desired areas of the instrument panel. The optical fiber lighted instrument panel further includes the addition of high-refractive index paint to achieve uniform and assorted colors of light emitting from the optical fiber. The invention further includes the addition of a wheel with various colored filters attached in-line between the light source and the inlet of the optical fiber to allow the user to select what color they desire to be illuminated from the cable.

Abstract: A method to solder flex circuits by diode laser. First and second flex circuits composed of polymer flex substrate are provided. Each flex circuit has a top and a bottom side and at least one contact trace embedded in its surface. An area of solder is provided on the contact trace of at least one of the flex circuits and the flex circuits are positioned so that the contact traces of each flex circuit are substantially aligned. A laser beam is positioned to heat the contact trace to melt the solder and fuse the contacts.

Abstract: A new system and method for repairing flexible circuits is disclosed. The flexible circuits conduct electrical signals to and from electronic devices. The system generally includes a flexible circuit substrate, at least one electrical conductor, and a repair patch. The flexible circuit substrate has a cut zone and a repair zone. The at least one electrical conductor is supported by the flexible circuit substrate. The electrical conductors are configured to carry electrical signals. The repair patch is used to electrically interconnect at least two repair zones.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for the contactless testing and configuring of electronic assemblies during the manufacturing process. The system includes an onboard optical transceiver, a system controller, and a controller optical transceiver. The onboard optical transceiver is located on the electronic assembly. The onboard optical transceiver is connected to an integrated circuit which is capable of performing functional tests or storing programs on the assembly. The controller optical transceiver is connected to the system controller and located adjacent to the electronic assembly. The onboard transceiver and the controller optical transceiver are used to establish a contactless communication link between the system controller and the electronic assembly. The contactless nature of the communication link allows the assembly to be transported past the controller optical transceiver by a simple conveyor while the system controller is communicating with the electronic assembly.

Abstract: An integrated control system comprising an integrated circuit that controls at least one component or subsystem of an engine and a first light source that generates a first light signal when triggered through the integrated circuit. The first light signal propagates from the first light source through an LCC that may also serve as a substrate, wherein the signal that actuates the component of the engine can be the first light signal or a signal generated after the first light signal is produced. The component or subsystem of the engine may be an ignition system or a fuel injection system. The present invention is also directed to a method of controlling a component or subsystem of an engine.

Abstract: A deployable structure includes a structural mechanism consisting of a plurality of rigid links 1 connected together by rotational joints 2 to form an array of Bennett linkages 20. The Bennett linkages 20 are interconnected so that the structural mechanism, including all the Bennett linkages 20, has a single degree of mobility. The structural mechanism has a profile with a curvature that varies during movement to deploy the structure from a state in which its profile is flat to a state in which its profile is curved. This allows is very convenient as the structure may be assembled, stored and/or transported in the flat state, prior to deployment into the curved state. As such the structure has many application including the frame for a tent.

Abstract: An upgrade site is formed into a flatwire for upgrade or repair of the flatwire. Generally, the upgrade site comprises a substrate, a plurality of conductive elements, a solder element, a heating element, and an adhesive layer. The plurality of conductive elements are positioned on and extend along the substrate. The solder element is positioned on an exposed surface of each conductive element. The heating element is positioned adjacent the substrate and the plurality of conductive elements for heating the solder elements. The adhesive layer is positioned on the substrate for sealing the upgrade site after upgrade or repair of the flatwire.

Abstract: A stent 1 comprising a sheet 2 of biocompatible material arranged as a tube and having a pattern of folds allowing the stent to be collapsed for deployment. The pattern of folds comprises a unit cell repeated over the sheet 2. A variety of different unit cells 3 are described. The pattern of folds may progress helically around the tube which assists in implantation by synchronising deployment. The stent 1 prevents restenosis because it is formed of a continuous sheet 2, and allows slippage to be minimised.

Abstract: A method 10, 110 for making multi-layer circuit boards having metallized apertures 38, 40, 130, 132 which may be selectively and electrically grounded and having at least one formed air-bridge 92, 178.

Abstract: A method for forming connections within a multi-layer electronic circuit board 10. The method includes forming an aperture within the circuit board and selectively coating the interior surface of the aperture with a polar solder mask material that is effective to bond with solder that is selectively inserted into the aperture, thereby retaining the solder within the aperture and improving the electrical connection provided by the solder.