Abstract: An inbred maize line, designated PH7AB, the plants and seeds of inbred maize line PH7AB, methods for producing a maize plant, either inbred or hybrid, produced by crossing the inbred maize line PH7AB with another maize plant, and hybrid maize seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line PH7AB with another maize line or plant and to methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic maize plants produced by that method. This invention also relates to inbred maize lines derived from inbred maize line PH7AB, to methods for producing other inbred maize lines derived from inbred maize line PH7AB and to the inbred maize lines derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: A teaching device for bowed string instruments includes a base connected to a finger support by a stem. The base is used to attach the teaching device to a bow for a bowed string instrument. The base has an outer end and an inner end and a central opening therebetween that receives the bow. The central opening has a longitudinal axis that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bow when the base is attached to the bow. The finger support has hollow body with a closed lower end and an open upper end and a central cavity between the two ends. The central cavity has a longitudinal axis that is positioned at an angle of less than 90° to the longitudinal axis of the base. The player's little finger is positioned within the central cavity of the finger support, which forces the little finger into an angled position with respect to the bow and teaches a player how to maintain a proper grip on the bow.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument having two soundboards. A bridge is located between the two soundboards. The two soundboards tend to equalize any upward or downward pull by the bridge caused by the tension of the strings, thus lessening the tendency of the soundboard to bend, crack, or otherwise break or distort. It is not necessary for either soundboard to have a traditional sound hole. Instead, the two soundboards may be structured such that they form an internal J-baffle, giving the instrument an improved tone quality. The bridge may be easily removed and replaced with a replacement bridge that allows the use of strings having a different action. The instrument may include an arm cutout to allow the musician to maintain the same arm/string relationship as with traditional instruments.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved plectrum for use with a stringed musical instrument, having a substantially planar central gripping portion and three or more substantially planar picking wing portions peripherally extending one each in a respective different longitudinal direction from the central gripping portion, such that only one of the wing portions may be used at any one time, such that the wing portion, and wherein each of the wing portions is of a different relative thickness, so as to produce a different relative tone when each is respectively used.

Abstract: The creation of sounds by musical instruments or sound reproduction systems is not perfect, but acoustic dissonances inherent in the production of sound generators can be corrected. The present method uses open volumes, such as a glass, possibly provided with a cutoff, a fragmentation creating at least one opening. This object placed close to or on a sound generator frees additional sound waves to harmonise with the sound generator by means of mechanical coupling or an air sound link due to the volume of the resonator and its fragmentation. A device made of a material with a Shore hardness of more than 60 makes it possible via its foot fixed to a piano to transmit mechanical sound vibrations. Method and device constitute an effective improvement in the reproduction and creation of sounds.

Abstract: A portable modular apparatus that simply and unobtrusively mounts on the top of a piano or keyboard, and detects key movement. The rectangular back side of the modular apparatus serves to effectively mount the apparatus. The self-mounting portable apparatus has associated with each key an optical coupler. The self-mounting portable apparatus has associated with each black key a thin, reflective, flexible insert that positions itself between its respective key and optical coupler when the portable apparatus is mounted. The reflective insert then moves in relation to the movement of its respective key.

Abstract: A keyboard instrument such as an electronic piano comprises a keyboard structure that is basically identical to the keyboard structure of an upright piano except hammer assemblies and a struck portion attached to an action bracket. Each of the hammer assemblies is constituted by a hammer shank and a pseudo hammer, one of which is used to strike the struck portion having a multilayer structure including an elastic member (e.g., a plate spring) sandwiched between buffer materials. The elastic member has a prescribed number of striking areas in correspondence with keys arranged on a keybed, wherein the striking areas are gradually increased in weights and bends (or deflections) in a pitch descending order from higher pitches to lower pitches. Thus, it is possible to simulate weight factors and bends (or deflections) of strings actually struck by hammer felts in an upright piano.

Abstract: In an electronic musical instrument, a key operation detecting section detects a key operation on a keyboard, and the hand key operation contains a key pushing operation and a key releasing operation. A control unit detects a chord of a chord part in response to the key pushing operation and the key releasing operation. Then, the control unit generates chord control data for a re-trigger operation based on the detected chord of the chord part, when the key operation is the key pushing operation. A sound generating section generates a new accompaniment sound based on the chord control data and automatic accompaniment data stored in a memory section in the re-trigger operation.

Abstract: A musical instrument and a method of operating it. An instrument and method which retunes and adjusts volumes in response to the chord being sustained and the way that chord is voiced. The instrument is capable of producing tones, the intervals between which are equal tempered intervals of a twelve note octave, and tones, the intervals between at least some of which are determined by identifying at least selected ones of the notes the instrument is being commanded to produce. The method includes identifying the at least selected ones of the notes the instrument is being commanded to produce, providing a map for mapping the identified notes to a chord type, identifying a note in that chord type, and substituting a frequency closer to a harmonic of the identified note for the frequency of at least one harmonic of at least one other note the instrument is being commanded to produce.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument with integrated sound triggers allowing for the simultaneous production, when played, of acoustic and electric signals and beats within a single time movement. The player operates the instrument of the present invention by pressing one or more strings 90 down unto fret board 60. Pickup 110 converts the vibrating strings 90 of the fretted note to a signal, which is sent via wiring 150 to port 170. Coinciding with the location of the players pressing, one or more trigger pads (fret trigger pad 50, finger trigger pad 70, percussion trigger pad 80) sends a signal via wiring 150 to port 170. During the time movement, the player can combine the above action with further action by the player's other hand. Anywhere between the fretted note and bridge 120, strings 90 may be struck, strummed, slapped, popped, picked, or played with a bow. The player will find that each method will create different overall sounds.

Abstract: The invention provides a thermoelectric conversion material which is low toxic and can be used at a high temperature of 500° C. or higher without variation in performance, and a thermoelectric conversion device containing the material. The thermoelectric conversion material is formed of an oxide represented by (Ca3-xMx)Co4O9 (M: Sr or Ba, 1.2>x>0.5).

Abstract: A protective sheet for a solar battery module comprises a weather-resistant sheet (1) of, for example, a fluorocarbon resin, and a deposited inorganic oxide thin film (2) formed on one of the surfaces of the weather-resistant sheet (1). A surface-treated layer (3) is formed in the weather-resistant sheet (1) to enhance adhesion between the weather-resistant sheet (1) and the deposited inorganic oxide thin film (2).

Abstract: An assembly for connecting a pre-wired electrical device into a modular wiring system. The electrical device is mounted in a junction box having a knockout hole. Device wiring connects the electrical device through the knockout hole to a connector plug. Cable wiring connects a modular wiring system power tap connector to a connector socket. The cable wiring runs through a flexible conduit sheath. A knockout connector is connected to the flexible conduit sheath. The connector plug connects to the connector socket. The major width of the connector plug/socket combination is less than the diameter of the knockout hole such that the connector plug/socket combination may be pushed into the junction box through the knockout hole. The knockout connector can then be attached to the junction box at the knockout hole. The power tap connector housing, flexible conduit sheath, knockout connector and junction box are all made of nonflammable materials.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided which includes a substrate of insulating resin having at least a pair of interior terminal portions on an upper surface thereof, an electronic element mounted on the terminal portions, having at least a pair of electrode terminals thereof, and a member of insulating resin, bonded on the upper surface of said substrate. The frame includes a cavity to store the electronic element. A cover member of insulating material hermetically seals over the cavity. Electrodes are formed at or in vicinity of positions of the terminals of said electronic element to electrically conduct the interior terminal portions for connection outside the device. Alternatively, roughened surfaces can be formed on metal electrode portions, which are formed on the upper surface of substrate for electrically conducting said interior terminal portions to exterior terminal portions.

Abstract: A multifunctional crystal unit in which in the same container constituted by a container body having a recess therein and a cover, a plurality of crystal blanks are hermetically encapsulated. In the container, the crystal blanks are respectively held in different spaces, which are isolated from one another by a shielding member. Hereby, respective crystal blanks are electrically shielded from one another. As the plurality of crystal blanks, a crystal blank of AT cut for generating a communication frequency signal, and a tuning fork type crystal blank for generating a clock signal are preferably used.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surge suppressor for a high voltage or a medium voltage. The pack of said surge suppressor consists of arrester elements (1, 2, 3) and terminal armatures (4, 5) and is axially held together by means of bracing elements (6, 7, 8) in the form of epoxy resin rods. Said bracing elements (6, 7, 8) are held in the terminal armatures in a self-locking manner by means of conical bracing cylinders (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14). Said bracing cylinders are arrested on the bracing elements (6, 7, 8) when a tensile force is applied in the conical bores of the terminal armatures.

Abstract: An electrical junction box assembly for easing the installation of a flush-mounted junction box and an electrical device to an overhead support structure. Installation of the junction box is simplified by the inclusion of fasteners temporarily held in storage locations integral with the assembly. The junction box assembly includes an electrical junction box having a top wall, a side wall, and apertures within the top wall. A portion of the side wall is bent at a right angle into the interior of the junction box thereby forming a ledge above the bottom rim. The ledge includes a bore therein defining a first screw holder. Opposing slots in the side walls include two right angle support members each having a first leg secured to the outer surface of the side wall and a second leg extending through the slots. The second leg includes at least one threaded bore therein defining a second screw holder.

Abstract: A bushing arrangement and method for passing an electrical cable with conductive shielding through an opening in a wall while providing protection against electromagnetic overtension and electrical interference and the like, including the placement of an electrically conductive bushing in the wall opening that is electrically connected to earth ground potential, and electrically connecting an electrically conductive tape between the electrically conducting shielding and the electrically conductive bushing so as to connect the conductive shielding to earth ground potential. The electrically conductive tape is made electrically conductive by the use of carbon black particles.

Abstract: A terminal for use with telecommunication cables has a splice closure and a terminal closure joined to the splice closure. The splice closure encloses opened areas of the cable, while the terminal closure encloses a connection device for establishing connection between telecommunication lines in the splice closure and a drop line. In various embodiments, a frame is mounted within the splice closure for retaining non-spliced lines of the telecommunication cable away from spliced lines; a storage member is located within the terminal closure for retaining excess lengths of the drop line; a drop line strain relief bracket is mounted within the terminal closure; and a memory device is incorporated into the terminal for storing information about the terminal.

Abstract: A sliding device to identify and trace interconnect cable includes a directional indicator to indicate a user-identified cable orientation, a predefined labeling area for receiving a user-applied identifier, and an interior passageway for receiving a cable. A cable is traced by sliding the device along the cable. The device may have an interlock mechanism, in which a clip portion on one device interlocks with a flange portion on an adjacent device, to attach sliding devices together in parallel to organize clearly and identify multiple cables. The device may be assembled from multiple component parts that fit and connect together around a cable.

Abstract: An electrical connector comprises a housing configured to house an interconnect mechanism, which defines an on-axis plane that is coplanar with the long axis of the interconnect mechanism. The housing includes at least two receptacles for accepting coupling mechanisms for interconnecting the connector to an electronic component. The centerline axis of at least one of the receptacles is parallel to the on-axis plane and offset from the on-axis plane. In one embodiment, the housing further comprises a first lip having a long axis that is parallel with the on-axis plane, such that when the connector is interconnected to an electronic component, the first lip applies an off-axis force to the component. The off-axis force is applied to the component along a first off-axis that is different than the on-axis. Consequently, resistance to deflection of the connector is provided, as is a more reliable contact engagement between the connector and the interconnected electronic component.

Abstract: A substrate of the present invention includes pads which are provided on the surface of said substrate; and surface layers which are kept to the ground potential and cover the surface of said substrate except said pads and their peripheral. Another substrate of the present invention includes a part of circuit which is provided on the surface of said substrate; and a surface layers which are kept to the ground potential and cover the surface of said substrate except said part of circuit and its peripheral.

Abstract: A flat panel display module includes a transparent substrate, a light emitting section, a sealing cap, a flexible printed circuit board and a semiconductor device. The transparent substrate with a wiring line terminal section is formed on one of surfaces of the transparent substrate in at least one of opposing ends of the transparent substrate. The light emitting section is provided in a display region in a center section on the surface on which the wiring line terminal section of the transparent substrate is formed. The sealing cap is provided for a sealing region to cover the light emitting section such that ends of the sealing cap does not reach the ends of the transparent substrate or the wiring line terminal section of the transparent substrate. The flexible printed circuit board is connected to the wiring line terminal section and extending along the sealing cap of the transparent substrate. The semiconductor device is mounted on the flexible printed circuit board for the light emitting section.

Abstract: In a flexible wiring board of the present invention, a first shield film is connected to a ground wiring at the bottom of an opening in a cover film. The first shield film is connected to a second shield film via a through-hole penetrating from the surface to the rear surface of a base film. Thus, the second shield film is connected to the ground wiring via the first shield film, whereby the wiring board can be wholly shielded.

Abstract: The apparatus and method is provided that employs a “radiopaque” object to count and account for surgical sponges in an operating room. A radiopaque object is embedded in surgical sponges so that a scanning device can detect and count a large number of the sponges within a container. The container is designed to minimize contact with the sponges by humans. In addition, a surgical team can insure that no surgical sponge is left in a patient without performing the messy and time-consuming job of individually counting sponges as they are entered and disposed of from the surgical site.

Abstract: An electronic balance provided with a self-diagnosis function comprises a connection port for connecting the electronic balance to an external communication terminal. When a self-diagnosis function is performed, the previously stored address in the electronic balance is used to connect the electronic balance over a line to a specific Web site through the external communication terminal connected to the connection port so as to transfer a diagnosis data to the Web site. At the Web site, the diagnosis data is evaluated and the evaluation result containing measures to be taken in response to the diagnosis data is returned. The electronic balance displays contents of the returned data on a display section.

Abstract: A balance including a weighing pan (2; 32), a weigh sensor (8; 38) with a housing (1; 31) enclosing the weigh sensor, and an antenna (7; 37) configured to communicate with a transponder (4) that is, e.g., associated with or attached to an object being weighed (3). The antenna (7; 37) is arranged in a horizontal plane in or below the weighing pan (2; 32) and the weighing pan is preferably made of an electrically poorly conductive material. As a result, the antenna is almost invisibly integrated in the balance and does not interfere with the placement of the objects being weighed on the balance.

Abstract: Disclosed are a compact input device that offers a wide space for input operation and portable equipment using the device. The input operation section of the input device is not only for data entry by users, but also for transmitting sound vibration. The coupling section of the device is coupled to the input operation section to form a closed cavity between the two sections. The sound vibration transmitting section, which is formed adjacent to the closed cavity, conveys sound vibration, via the closed cavity, from the input operation section to the sound vibration transmitting section (or vice versa). The portable equipment includes the aforementioned input device and a sound vibration element. In the equipment, the sound vibration element is coupled to the sound vibration transmitting section of the input device. Sound vibration is transmitted, via the closed cavity and sound vibration transmitting section of the input device, from input operation section to the vibration element (or vice versa).

Abstract: A remote control system for vertically racking circuit breakers into and out of electrical switchgear cells includes a lever mechanism for coupling the drive shaft of a portable drive motor to the driven shaft of a circuit-breaker racking mechanism and a latching solenoid for locking the coupled shafts together. A power-transfer panel is provided in the cell and is connected for transferring control of the drive motor, the latching solenoid and the circuit breaker to a remote control and status indicating device that is located externally of the cell cabinet. An inclinometer is mounted on the circuit breaker for producing an alarm signal and interrupting operation of the circuit-breaker elevating mechanism upon detecting an excessive amount of tilting in the normally level attitude of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A device for interlocking at least two single- or multipole circuit breakers, of which:—a first circuit breaker, suitable to be fixed to a mounting plate of the first and second circuit breakers; —a second circuit breaker, suitable to be fixed by virtue of fixing means to the first bracket and to be supported thereby;—an interlocking element, provided with a contoured body that is operatively coupled to the second bracket so that it can move with respect to it, the interlocking element being suitable to be rigidly connected to the second bracket, by virtue of locking means, in a chosen position in which it interacts operatively with at least the first opening/closure lever in a condition that corresponds to the opening of the first circuit breaker, preventing its movement and preventing the circuit breakers from being closed simultaneously.

Abstract: A meso-scale MEMS device having a movable member (51) is formed using standard printed wiring board and high density interconnect technologies and practices. In one embodiment, sacrificial material disposed about the movable member (51) is removed through openings (101, 102) as formed through a cover (91) to form a cavity (121) that retains and limits the freedom of movement of the movable member (51). The movable member can support a reflective surface (224) to thereby provide a mechanism that will support a projection display and/or image scanner (such as a bar code scanner).

Abstract: An efficient way to fabricate the channels and cavities in a LIMMS device is to form them as matching upper and lower portions each created as a patterned layer of thick film dielectric material deposited on a respective upper or lower substrate. The two portions are adhered together by a patterned layer of adhesive, and hermetically sealed around an outer perimeter. The heater resistors are mounted atop the lower layer, thus suspending them away from that substrate and exposing more of their surface area. Vias can be used to route the conductors for the heaters and the switched signal contacts through the lower substrate to cooperate with surface mount techniques using solder balls on an array of contact pads. These vias can be made hermetic by their placement within the patterned layers of dielectric material and by covering their exposed ends with pads of hermetic metal.

Abstract: A panel-type peripheral device including first and second conductive panel members, each panel member being provided with an insulating substrate and a conductive film applied on the insulating substrate, is produced. First, a panel assembly, including the first and second conductive panel members fixed to each other with the respective conductive films thereof oppositely facing to each other through a gap defined therebetween, is securely held between first and second support members of a panel support unit. The panel assembly held by the panel support unit is placed, together with a receptacle accommodating a liquid material, in a common environment. Next, the pressure of the common environment is reduced while a passage formed in the panel assembly to communicate with the gap is exposed to the environment, so as to evacuate the gap in the panel assembly. Then, the passage of the panel assembly is immersed in the liquid material.

Abstract: A multi-function switch structure includes a multi-function switch provided on a base plate to pivot in a prescribed direction and a rubber film provided on the base plate to cover at least a portion of the outer surface of the multi-function switch. The rubber film is adhered to the multi-function switch. The rubber film is provided with a portion easing tension of the rubber film caused by pivoting movement of the multi-function switch.

Abstract: A light guide member (35) is made of a transparent material, and includes a main body portion (35a), disposed at a back side of a central portion of an operating member (2), and extension portions (35d, 35e) which extend from the main body portion, and are disposed respectively at back sides of push operating portions (8, 9). This light guide member is separate from the operating member (2), and light emitted from LEDs (66) passes sequentially through the main body portion (35a) of the light guide member (35) and the extension portions (35d, 35e) to illuminate light-transmitting indicating portions (12, 13) of the operating member.

Abstract: A key-switch device includes a key-top having retainers formed on the back surface of the key-top, first and second levers disposed under the key-top, each lever including a base-end part and a pair of arms opposing each other and extending from both ends of the base-end part, the first and second levers being connected together rotatably about the substantial center of the pair of arms as an intersecting point, a lever-holding plate capable of retaining each lower end of the first and second levers, and an actuator member attached to and spanned between both the base-end parts of the first and second levers. Further, the actuator member has a concave slide-retainer-receiving part with the open top, and the base-end part of the second lever is slidably retained in the slide-retainer-receiving part.

Abstract: A limiting circuit breaker comprises two separable contacts 68, 70 and a mechanism 12 with energy storage 36 operated by an opening catch 30. The mechanism 12 drives a movable cage 58 between a closed position and an open position to perform opening of the contacts. One of the contacts is movable with respect to the cage 58 in the closed position and can thus take a separated position. A Thomson effect electromechanical actuator 100 is provided to drive the movable contact 68 to the separated position. A latch 80 enables the movable contact to be held in the separated position. In the event of a fault requiring a very high-speed response, separation of the contacts is obtained by means of the Thomson effect actuator and is then confirmed by opening of the mechanism. In other cases, only the mechanism operates to perform opening.

Abstract: A low-voltage power switch, includes a drive device, fixed by way of a supporting framework and an associated switch shaft, fixed by way of two axially external bearing sub-assemblies, to the switch pole sub-assembly. In order to ensure that the fitting corresponds to a position based on separate examination of the drive device, the bearing arrangement has an additional, axially central bearing sub-assembly. The bearing sub-assembly includes two half-shells which are axially fixed by way of guide surfaces, whereby one is radially supported on the switch pole sub-assembly and the other is radially supported on the supporting framework of the drive device.

Abstract: A method for sharpening a nanotube including the steps of: connecting the base end portion of a nanotube to an electrode with the tip end portion of the nanotube protruded from the electrode; connecting the tip end portion of the nanotube to another electrode; applying a voltage between the electrodes so as to cause an electric current to flow in the middle portion of the nanotube which is located between the two electrodes; evaporating constituent atoms of the nanotube layer by layer from a evaporation starting region, which is located in the middle region of the nanotube (and can be a crystal defect region, or a curved portion), by the heat generated by the electric current, thus reducing the diameter of the evaporation starting region; and cutting the evaporation starting region that has the reduced diameter, thus forming a sharpened end on the nanotube.

Abstract: There are provided a plasma arc torch and associated methods for selectively switching between a working mode and a standby mode. An electric arc is established between an electrode and a workpiece, and the torch is operated selectively in the working and standby modes. In the working mode, the arc extends between the electrode and the workpiece, the arc has a working arc current, and a plasma gas flows through a nozzle at a working flow rate. In the subsequent standby mode, the arc extends between the electrode and the nozzle and has a current less than the working arc current. The gas flow rate in the standby mode can be reduced to less than the working flow rate, and the plasma gas can be switched from an oxidizing gas to a non-oxidizing gas.

Abstract: A system and method for synthesizing nanopowder which provides for precursor material ablation from two opposing electrodes that are substantially axially aligned and spaced apart within a gaseous atmosphere, where a plasma is created by a high power pulsed electrical discharge between the electrodes, such pulse being of short duration to inertially confine the plasma, thereby creating a high temperature and high density plasma having high quench and/or reaction rates with the gaseous atmosphere for improved nanopowder synthesis.

Abstract: A golf club with an enhanced degree of freedom with respect to design, and a method for manufacturing the same. A head 1 is formed with a face 3 on the front face, a cavity 9 on a rear face and a shaft attachment portion 8 on one side, to which is connected a shaft 2. If a maximum height of a bottom surface 9A of the cavity 9 in the top-to-sole direction is denoted by H1, and a maximum width thereof in the toe-to-heel direction is denoted by W1, the cavity 9 is formed to satisfy an inequality: H1/W1≳0.6. Further, if a maximum height of the face 3 is denoted by H1, then the cavity 9 is formed to satisfy an inequality: 0.7≲H1/H2≲0.85. Thus, the face 3 can be easily resiliently bent at the time of striking balls, thereby developing a greater repulsive force, elongating travelling distances of balls.

Abstract: A controller for laser piercing and cutting metal sheet and plate comprising a computer readable file displayable on a human machine interface display screen of a laser equipped CNC machine tool, communicating with a part program for processing a workpiece, adapted with a plurality of setup data and parameters for piercing and cutting a type and thickness of material, adapted substantially as a table, the table comprising a plurality of parameters, each parameter controlling a unique function of operation and comprising a plurality of steps comprised of a first setup step and a plurality of variable time increment steps, each variable time increment step controlling a portion of the pierce cycle and the table associated with a plurality of parameters controlling cutting the workpiece.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for cleaning solid surfaces like Si substrate, disk or magnetic head slider where contaminants, including organic contaminants, especially particles in the micron or sub-micron scale are effectively remove from the solid surfaces. The invention achieves this by generating a strong laser-induced liquid jet and shock wave near the solid surfaces immersed in liquid. The liquid is a solution of water and other solvents to help reduce adhesion force and enhance cleaning efficiency.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming simulated wear patterns and designs in denim pants using laser rays. The apparatus includes an indexable carousel having a plurality of circumferentially spaced pant-supporting mandrels that are sequentially indexable to a plurality of stations located about the carousel, including a loading station, a laser station, and an unloading station. The mandrels each comprise articulated linkage that is selectively actuatable between a retractable condition that permits positioning of a pair of pants onto the mandrel at the loading station and an expanded condition that tautly supports the pants in predetermined position at the laser station such that a laser generated pattern can be formed at predetermined locations on the pants.

Abstract: An intraluminal catheter which provides access to distal locations within a patient's body lumen and which is provided with a flexible distal section having an inner lining, an outer jacket or coating and a helical coil between the lining and jacket. The distal section of the catheter is quite flexible yet it has sufficient transverse or radial rigidity to prevent significant distortion of the transverse cross-sectional shape of the catheter.

Abstract: A precision, laser-based method and system for high-speed, sequential processing of material of targets within a field are disclosed that control the irradiation distribution pattern of imaged spots. For each spot, a laser beam is incident on a first anamorphic optical device and a second anamorphic optical device so that the beam is controllably modified into an elliptical irradiance pattern. The modified beam is propagated through a scanning optical system with an objective lens to image a controlled elliptical spot on the target. In one embodiment, the relative orientations of the devices along an optical axis are controlled to modify the beam irradiance pattern to obtain an elliptical shape while the absolute orientation of the devices controls the orientation of the elliptical spot.

Abstract: A laser machining head for machining a workpiece by a laser beam. The head has a head housing through which the laser beam passes along a central axis. A carrier member for a lens optics system for focusing the laser beam is mounted on the head housing and is displaceable relative to the latter in the direction of the central axis. A first setting device includes a cable connected to the carrier member and a cable drum connected to the head housing for winding up the cable in order to move the carrier member towards the head housing. A second setting device causes the carrier member to be displaced in the direction away from the head housing, with the second setting device being separate from the first setting device.

Abstract: A system for processing a work piece comprises a laser jet mechanism having a laser and a fluid source. The laser is constructed and arranged to transmit laser energy to the work piece and the fluid source is constructed and arranged to direct a fluid stream to the work piece. The laser energy is transmitted to the work piece through the fluid stream. The fluid stream comprises at least one processing solution selected from the group consisting of: at least one etchant, at least one abrasive, at least one polish, at least one cleaner, at least one detergent and any combination thereof. The fluid stream optionally comprises water.

Abstract: A method and system for electrically interconnecting a semiconductor device and a component is presented. The semiconductor device includes a dielectric portion on at least one face thereof. Similarly, the component includes a dielectric portion on at least one face thereof. The device and component are constructed and arranged to be stacked and bonded together. A first laser selectively ablates the respective dielectric portions of the device and component. The ablating creates a starting pad on the device or component and a destination pad on the device or component. A second laser deposits a conductor along a path between the starting pad and destination pad. As such, smaller, more condensed electronic packages may be fabricated.