Abstract: The invention aims to provide a folding sofa bed wherein a sofa can be made compact and which gives a stable bed that is comfortable to sleep on, and moreover where converting between a sofa and a bed is very easy. The folding sofa bed of the invention comprises a mat section divided lengthwise into three parts, namely a front mat, a center mat and a rear mat, a support frame for supporting part of the rear mat and center mat, and a movable storage container which supports the rest of the center mat and most of the front mat. Furthermore, each mat is secured to an upper edge of the support frame or the movable container, so as to be rotatable up and down, and the movable container can be stored within the support frame.

Abstract: A portable infant cushion (10) includes a base (12) having a top surface (14) for engaging the body of an infant placed onto the top surface and for transferring the weight of the infant. The top surface (14) includes a head support portion (20) non-releasably attached to the base (12) and having a head engaging surface elevated relative to the base for supporting the head of the infant. The top surface (14) includes a body support portion (18) connected to the base (12) which is longitudinally spaced from the head support (20) and is for supporting the body of an infant. A side wall (24) extends peripherally around the base (12) and having an elevated surface elevated higher than the head support (20). The cushion (10) includes a blanket (32) for covering the infant adapted to be placed on the top surface (14). The blanket (32) has at least a portion secured to the side wall (24). The blanket (32) is extensible over the top surface (14) without extending over the head support portion (20).

Abstract: A crib apparatus comprises a headboard and a footboard, the headboard and footboard being spaced from and arranged substantially parallel to one another, and first and second side rails. The first and second side rails are spaced from and arranged substantially parallel to one another and substantially orthogonal to the headboard and the footboard. Each of the first and second side rails is operatively attached to the headboard and footboard. The crib apparatus further includes a mattress frame for supporting a mattress, the mattress frame being operatively attached to at least the headboard and footboard and being substantially orthogonal to the headboard, footboard and side rails. At least one of the headboard and the footboard includes an access opening therein through which the mattress can be slidably removed from the crib apparatus.

Abstract: A bed pad wedge system for inhibiting a person from falling out of bed. The system includes a fitted mattress pad fastened to a mattress. Each lateral edge of the fitted pad has pockets located therein that contain foam rubber wedges having the shape of an obtuse triangle. The pockets are installed on an underside of the fitted pad and are facing an outer edge of the mattress. The triangular foam rubber wedges are each encased in a slippery material to aid in installing the wedges in the pockets. A third wedge or triangle may be installed in the middle of a mattress between the outer wedges that are located at each edge of the mattress. The wedge system may be covered by standard sheets and bedding.

Abstract: A crib safety sheet/blanket with a sheet portion having a front surface and a back surface, the back surface of the sheet portion being disposed adjacent to a mattress. A blanket attached to the sheet portion, defining two blanket halves. Mating strips of hook and loop fastening material are attached to the two halves of the blanket, so that an infant may be placed on the blanket with the two halves of the blanket wrapped around the infant and fastened to retain the infant in a supine position. A plurality of straps extend across the bottom of the mattress, are attached to, or threaded through a spacer, and are removably secured to the side of the sheet portion with mating strips of hook and loop fastening material to retain sheet on the mattress.

Abstract: A bedside organizer for holding various items typically used while in bed. When in place over the bed, the organizer extends from one side of the bed, over the top surface, to the opposite side of the bed. The bedside organizer has two side portions and a middle portion extending therebetween. Each side portion has a top edge, a bottom edge, and a number of pouches extending between the top edge and the bottom edge. Each pouch has a top opening through which items may be inserted. An overlay extends from the top edge of the side portion over the top openings of the pouches. In order to retrieve the items in the pouches, the overlay is raised upward, thereby exposing the top openings of the pouches.

Abstract: A care bed comprises a bed main body provided with an opening for elevating a bedpan, a bedpan assembled downward of the bed main body and supported in a freely elevating manner with respect to the bed main body, a bedpan elevating device that is moved between a lifted position in which the bedpan is lifted through the opening of the bed main body to above the bed surface and a descended position in which it is stored under the bed main body, and an excrement collecting device for sucking and collecting excrements from the bedpan.

Abstract: Improved backboard pads for use in transporting immobilized patients on a backboard while still providing reasonable comfort to the patient include a base pad having with a plurality of gel-filled pads secured to the base pad, the gel-filled pads including first and second scapula pads positioned on either side of the longitudinal axis of the base pad, a buttocks pad between the scapula pads and the lower end of the base pad, a heel pad between the buttocks pad and the lower end of the base pad, and a headrest pad between the scapula pads and the upper end of the base pad. An inflatable lumbar pad is secured to the base pad between the scapula pads and the buttocks pad; and an inflatable knee pad is slidably positioned between the buttocks pad and the heel pad. The gel-filled pads are preferable secured in openings through the base pad.

Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring inflation pressure within an inflatable cushion. The monitoring system includes a housing, a pneumatic tube, a locking adaptor and a sensing and signaling system. The pneumatic tube extends through the housing with the locking adaptor attached to the distal end of the pneumatic tube. The locking adaptor is effective for releasably and sealingly attaching the pneumatic tube to a stem valve on an inflatable cushion. The sensing and signaling is retained within the housing and includes at least a pressure sensor in pneumatic communication with the pneumatic tube proximate a proximal end of the pneumatic tube, and a means in communication with the pressure sensor for generating a perceptible signal when the pressure sensed by the pressure sensor falls below a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A bedding is designed so that a cushion body may not be in direct contact with affected part. The bedding includes a cushion body and a cover enclosing. The cushion body formed of an elastic material and defining at least one through hole for removably receiving therein at least one cushion member. The cover defines take out opening which can be opened and closed.

Abstract: An incline-adjustable air mattress for elevating a user's head and legs relative to the user's torso. The incline-adjustable air mattress includes a base section having top, bottom and perimeter walls, and also having air valve members being disposed in the perimeter wall, and further having an air chamber disposed between the top, bottom, and perimeter walls; and also includes intermediate sections being disposed upon and connected to the base section; and further includes upper sections being disposed upon and connected to the intermediate sections.

Abstract: Multiple varieties of patient support surfaces are presented with a common modular assembly primarily including a perimeter chassis and integrated upper support element. Perimeter bolsters provide relatively firmer support for gently prompting a patient towards the center of the bed, without obstructing regular entry and egress. The added stability facilitates safer transfers and better sitting at the edge of the bed. Pressure redistribution air cylinders (turned either longitudinally or laterally) are captured by shaped, slotted inner bolsters and underside arches of an integral foam topper. Each foam topper integrally incorporated may include a sloping heel pressure relief section for redistributing load to relatively more pressure-tolerant lower legs and calves.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device combining a handled tool, such as wire strippers, with one or more testing components useful for testing electrical circuits, such as continuity testers and voltage detectors, with the testing components integrated into a like number of handle grips.

Abstract: A washing machine and a method of changing system data therein that can grasp causes such as trouble of the product itself, problems on installation, problems on the regional characteristics, living pattern change of a user, etc., and change/replace a pre-stored program to/by a wash-related program that can solve the problems. The washing machine includes an outer tank, an inner tank, a load section, a microcomputer for controlling drive of the load section and reading an operation state of the load section, a key input section, a display section, an interface section for sending/receiving wash-related data to/from an external device, and a memory for enabling data read/write and storing the program or data received from the external device.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush brush section and method of use thereof is disclosed, the brush section having a generally disk shaped bristle carrier from which extend one or more bristle bearing fingers of varying length and width, which fingers provide increased contact area between bristles and oral gingival tissue for enhanced massaging thereof.

Abstract: A manipulator assembly for attachment to a bucket of a construction vehicle is disclosed. The manipulator assembly includes a universal attachment apparatus for attaching a utility tool to the bucket. The universal attachment apparatus includes a housing adapted to support the utility tool, at least one mounting bracket connected to the housing, and at least one mounting arm having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the mounting bracket. The mounting arms further include feet positioned adjacent the quick-release connector for allowing the utility tool to pivot relative to the bucket. A quick-release connector is mounted to the second end of the mounting arm for selectively securing the housing to the bucket. A biasing device is disposed on the quick-release connector for continuously urging the quick-release connector into engagement with the bucket.

Abstract: A metal-debris magnetic scavenging tool useable inside a buried, horizontal metallic pipeline through an access opening which has been cut into the upper wall portion of the pipeline overhead where the resulting debris has collected. A raiseable/lowerable and rotatable array of magnets, surface exposed, and operating moveably as a unit, agitate and collect debris principally within an area-footprint which allows for clearance lifting and removal of collected debris through the access opening.

Abstract: A dust collection conversion device for facilitating removal of dust from the area of work piece when a user is working on the work piece. The dust collection conversion device includes a frame assembly being designed for being coupled to a top of the shop vacuum. The frame assembly has a base member and a stanchion member. The base member is designed for coupling to the shop vacuum. The stanchion member is coupled to the base member. An arm member is coupled to the stanchion member of the frame assembly. The arm member is designed for coupling to a hose of the shop vacuum for directing the hose towards a work piece for vacuuming dust when the shop vacuum is turned on.

Abstract: A steam jet apparatus of a vacuum cleaner removably mounted to a handle of a vacuum cleaner body to supply a jet of steam to a cleaning surface, and employs the power supply terminal and switch for the vacuum's attachment accessories. The steam jet apparatus includes a body having a reservoir; a steam generation device in the reservoir; a steam jetting nozzle disposed at one end of the body; and a connection structure disposed at the other end of the body to removably attach the apparatus to the handle. The connection structure has a power terminal to connect to the power supply terminal of the handle and the steam generation device. The reservoir and steam jetting nozzle are interconnected by a steam pathway which can be a pipe or a plurality of opposingly placed barricades in the reservoir.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a first housing defining a cyclonic airflow chamber and a second housing defining a main suction opening that is in communication with an inlet of the cyclonic chamber. A suction source has a suction airstream inlet in communication with an outlet of the cyclonic chamber, and establishes a suction airstream that enters said main suction opening, passes through said cyclonic chamber, and passes to an outlet of said suction source. A substantial portion of particulates entrained in the suction airstream are separated therefrom when said suction airstream moves in a cyclonic fashion through the cyclonic chamber.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a housing adapted for movement on a subjacent surface and a nozzle defined in the housing, the nozzle having an opening. A brushroll tube, having first and second ends and a longitudinal axis, is rotatably mounted to the housing adjacent the nozzle opening. At least one cleaning element protrudes from the brushroll tube. A shaft is located in the brushroll tube and extends along the longitudinal axis thereof. A stator is rigidly mounted on the shaft. A cylinder surrounds the shaft and the stator and is spaced therefrom. The cylinder is rigidly connected to the brushroll tube. A permanent magnet rotor is fixedly mounted to an interior surface of the cylinder. The permanent magnet rotor overlies and is coaxial with the stator and is spaced therefrom. The rotor and stator form a motor for rotating the brushroll tube wherein the rotor is driven by changes in induced magnetic fields in the stator.

Abstract: A sash window counterbalance spring mounting arrangement for fitment into a channel section within a window jamb, includes coiled ribbon springs, a spring support mounting including a single integral component for locating and supporting the springs, a support for the springs to support and locate the springs on the mounting, and formed by pairs of triangular cross section projections extend from the rear surface of the main body of the mounting such that when the springs recoil rapidly outer surfaces of adjacent springs contact each other, and including an end portion of the main body which is curved, wing projections extending from the front surface of the main body, and an inter engagement element on the longitudinal end of the mounting for cooperative enagagement with cooperative inter engagement features on a sash shoe, and a locating arrangement for locating the mounting within the channel section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for identifying and expelling foreign material in a stream of fibres consisting of compressed textile fibres. To provide a method and a device which continuously check the stream of fibres in industrial use also at high speeds, the checking conditions being constant over a long period, the stream of fibres is compressed in portions (62), driven by positive fit, optically detected and inspected for the presence of foreign material. The device has at least one roller-shaped element (14, 15) provided with teeth (21, 22) for engagement in the stream of fibres, between which teeth (21, 22) light-transmitting elements (23, 24) are arranged.

Abstract: A binding device for holding papers and other sheets of material of diverse sizes and shapes which allows the papers to be easily removed and reinserted is provided. The device includes a rigid frame with first and second lips formed on the rigid frame, a first set of teeth and a first gap formed on the second lip, and a flexible arcuate spring member. One end of the spring member is attached to the first lip. A second set of teeth and a second gap are formed at the other end of the spring member. The spring member is placed in a closed position by maneuvering the spring member to guide one of the teeth in the second set through the first gap, and to align the first and second sets of teeth.

Abstract: A continuous method for producing composite elastic yarns at speeds up to 700 m/min by (a) stretching (drafting) an elastomeric yarn (e.g., spandex) by 2.0×(100%) to 10.5×(950%) while heating (max. heating temperature 220° C.) in a single or double stage draft, (b) air-jet entangling with a relatively inelastic yarn component to create a composite elastic yarn, and then (c) in-line heat-treating (max. heating temperature 240° C.) the composite elastic yarn. The initial draft stage(s) may also be carried out at ambient temperature. The resulting composite elastic yarn has improved stitch clarity, particularly suited for hosiery, and its properties can be tailored to provide fabric properties for knit and woven fabrics hitherto not possible with standard spandex yarns.

Abstract: A method of making a barbed suture by varying the blade geometry and/or the movement of the blade when cutting a suture. The method can also be accomplished with a cutting device to create a plurality of barbs on the exterior of surgical suture. The barbs produced using the method with the cutting device can be the same or random configurations.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of a surface acoustic wave device which includes a step of applying a photosensitive film resist on a substrate and forming a photosensitive film resist layer over at least a portion of a surface of the substrate; a step of forming acoustic absorbers only at the two sides orthogonal to the direction of the surface acoustic wave transmission; a step of placing in a package a surface acoustic wave element obtained by cutting and dividing the substrate and electrically connecting a connection electrode of the surface acoustic wave element with an external terminal of the package; and a step of sealing an opening of the package with a lid, wherein the main surface of the acoustic absorbers is formed parallel to the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: In a method of producing a micro-actuator, a first adhesive is applied to a movable plate, and a movable electrode is placed on the first adhesive. A second adhesive is applied to the movable electrode, and a piezoelectric element is placed on the second adhesive. Next, a third adhesive is applied to an actuator base, a base electrode is placed on the third adhesive, and the third adhesive is semi-cured in the same manner as above. A fourth adhesive is applied to the base electrode, the piezoelectric element is placed on the fourth adhesive, and the fourth adhesive is semi-cured in the same manner as above. Finally, the adhered laminate thus obtained is placed into a heating furnace and heated at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time to thereby fully cure the adhesives.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an edge reflection type surface acoustic wave device using a Shear Horizontal type surface acoustic wave includes the steps of making a first half cut defining a first end surface portions having a smooth surface, that is, opposing two end surfaces which function as reflection end surfaces, from the upper surface of a piezoelectric substrate after at least one of a plurality of IDTs has been formed on the upper surface of the piezoelectric substrate, making a second half cut for forming second end surface portions having a rough surface after making the first cut, and making a full cut for cutting the piezoelectric substrate so as to reach the lower surface of the piezoelectric substrate outside of the second end surface portions in the surface acoustic wave propagation direction.

Abstract: A method of making a motorcycle backrest which has a back support cushion with a handhold aperture, and a support arm for mounting the backrest on a motorcycle saddle or frame uses a mold with a cavity and central post. A rigid frame is encapsulated in a rigid resin base and a cushion layer is formed thereon. The base and cushion layer have an aperture extending therethrough. The flexible cover is formed about the cushion layer and about the periphery of the backrest structure and through the aperture, and it is secured to the surface of the rigid base. A protective cover plate is secured over the cover on the rigid base.

Abstract: A disposable syringe device auxiliary unit of the present invention for preventing iatrogenic infection through a needle includes a cap holding section for disposing and holding therein a cap which covers, when a medical treatment is performed, a needle positioned at the extreme end of a syringe barrel constituting a disposable syringe device; and a needle separating section for separating the needle, which is covered with the cap and fitted on an end of the syringe barrel, therefrom.

Abstract: The device comprises a base for positioning a tire and a lever pivoted on a support and able to move and be fixed in position along a plane which is radial with respect to the center of the base. An active end of the lever, located on an L-shaped bend at an end of the lever, can be introduced internally of the opening to interact contactingly with the internal surface of a part of the support ring pre-inserted in the opening. By acting on the lever, the active end presses the ring against the inside of the tire with radial force. The support ring is of a type which when applied on a vehicle wheel enables the vehicle to continue moving for a considerable time even where tire pressure is suddenly lost.

Abstract: A chopper for chopping continuous items like fiber, fiber strand, yarn, string, wire, tape or ribbon, etc. which enters the chopper in unwound form at a high linear speed is disclosed having improvements and permit the chopper to tilt to change the angle of discharge of the chopped items(s). Also disclosed is a fast acting roll retainer and a chopper having the fast acting roll retainer that permits a backup roll and a blade roll to be removed and replaced in a faster and lesser damaging manner. Methods of chopping and changing rolls on an apparatus using the disclosed apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A manufacturing process (100) for forming a product, such as a thermal shield (20), in a web (102) of material. The thermal shield includes a first plate (22) and a second plate (24) joined to one another at a seam (28). The manufacturing process includes engaging an upper member (128) containing second plate with the web, which contains the first plate. Registration structures (112, 130) are provided to the upper member and web for keeping the upper member in proper registration with the web during formation of the seam. After the seam has been at least partially formed, the thermal shield is separated from the web.

Abstract: An apparatus (50) and method for inserting a gasket (32) Into a channel (28) of a mating part (20). The apparatus includes a gasket carrier (66) having a convexly carved surface with a groove (78) therein for receiving a base (34) of the gasket. The groove registers with the channel to feed the gasket into the channel in response to relative rocking movement between the part and the surface. According to the method, a gasket is placed in the groove and the gasket carrier it juxtaposed with the part to align the gasket with the channel. The part and the gasket carrier are moved toward each other for a portion of the gasket to enter the channel. A relative rocking movement is caused between the part and the gasket carrier to transfer the remainder or the gasket to the channel.

Abstract: A method and system for transferring a plurality of integrated circuit dies from a first surface to a second surface is described. The second surface is positioned to be closely adjacent to the first surface that has a plurality of dies attached thereto. A distance is reduced between the first surface and the second surface until the plurality of dies contact the second surface and attach to the second surface due to an adhesiveness of the second surface. The first surface and second surface are moved apart. The plurality of dies remain attached to the second surface.

Abstract: A nanophase composite duct assembly and method of fabricating the same are provided that comprise an ultra-high strength nanophase aluminum alloy duct joined with a ceramic particulate reinforced metal matrix fitting, preferably using solid-state friction welding. The nanophase aluminum alloy duct is fabricated by extruding a billet formed by a process of cryogenic milling the alloy, followed by out-gassing, then hot isostatic pressing. The fitting is fabricated by combining a ceramic particulate with a metal matrix, preferably by powder processing or liquid metal infiltration. Further, the solid-state friction welding may comprise inertial welding, friction stir welding, or a combination thereof. As a result, a lightweight duct assembly is provided for high-pressure liquids such as propellants in rocket engines.

Abstract: A magnet fixing method of a linear servo motor wherein a cage for simultaneously securing positions and angles of a plurality of magnets is injection-molded where the cage is utilized to fix the magnets such that productivity is improved to shorten the working hours and reduce the manufacturing cost. A mutual twisting phenomenon can be prevented by interacting magnetic force among the plurality of magnets to thereby reduce the rate of defects.

Abstract: An electric rotating machine is equipped with a middle core, an outer core disposed outside the middle core which rotates relative to the middle core, and an inner core disposed inside the middle core which rotates relative to the middle core. The middle core comprises plural plates disposed in an axial direction. The plural plates are connected in the axial direction by a connecting member, and joined to a first fixing member. The inner and outer circumferential surfaces are finished in the state where the plates are joined only to the first fixing member, and the opposite side to the first fixing member is joined to a second fixing member after finishing.

Abstract: A method of making a magnetic head which protects the front P2 pole tip during the ion mill patterning of the yoke is described. A front connecting pedestal is electroplated over the front P2 pole tip slightly behind the ABS, and a back gap connecting pedestal is electroplated over the back gap P2 pedestal. Insulator materials are formed over the front P2 pole tip, over the front connecting pedestal, and in between the front and the back gap connecting pedestals. Next, a chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) is performed over the top of the structure to form a substantially planar top surface. A full-film of yoke layer materials is then sputter deposited over this top surface, followed by the formation of a photoresist mask slightly behind the ABS. When the yoke layer materials are subsequently ion milled to form the yoke, the front P2 pole tip is protected by the surrounding insulator.

Abstract: A head gimbal assembly, which is a component of a hard disk drive, has a bending portion that has elasticity and is bent at a predetermined angle under an unloaded condition, and a slider is bonded to a holding portion thereof by mounting the head gimbal assembly on a bonding jig in a state in which the bending portion is stretched. When the head gimbal assembly is separated from the bonding jig after bonding, the bending portion is not restored freely, so that the head gimbal assembly is caught by the bonding jig during the separating process and a locked state is sometimes established.

Abstract: Method for controlling installation of a head stack assembly in a disc drive. The head stack assembly is aligned in a head stack installation tool. A base deck assembly is advanced to the head stack installation tool, the base deck assembly having a post supporting a tolerance ring. A robotic assembly is dispatched to pick and press the head stack assembly onto the tolerance ring and post while mechanical resistance and distance traveled parameters by the head stack assembly are measured. The installation is aborted or completed in relation to the mechanical resistance encountered and the distance traveled, thus allowing use of minimum and maximum force thresholds with respect to insertion distance and assuring correct installation of the head stack assembly.

Abstract: A fabrication method of a magnetic tunnel junction includes the steps of: forming a magnetic tunnel junction constructed having a first magnetic layer, a tunnel barrier formed at an upper surface of the first magnetic layer and a second magnetic layer formed at an upper surface of the tunnel barrier; and thermally treating the junction rapidly for 5 seconds˜10 minutes at a temperature of 200˜600° C. to re-distribute oxygens in the tunnel barrier and make the interface between the tunnel barrier and the magnetic layer to be even. The tunneling magnetoresistance and thermal stability of the magnetic tunnel junction can be improved through the rapid thermal annealing.

Abstract: A magnet for magnetic resonance imaging has an interior working space within the magnet frame sufficient to accommodate a physician and a patient. Because the physician is positioned inside the magnet frame, the physician has unimpeded access to the patient. Elements of the magnet frame desirably encompass a room, and the magnet frame may be concealed from view of a patient within the room. Preferred embodiments facilitate MRI imaged guided surgery and other procedures performed while the patient is being imaged, and minimize claustrophobia experienced by the patient. Also provided is a magnet having field coils disposed about the of pole portions of the magnet. A diagnostic facility for high volume MRI use is also disclosed.

Abstract: A temperature control device with heat conduction properties such as heat homogeneity, responsiveness or the like is fabricated by improving flatness.

Abstract: A device and method for designing and manufacturing an integrated heat spreader so that the integrated heat spreader will have a flat surface on which to mount a heat sink after being assembled into a package and exposed to the heat of a die. This device and method for designing and manufacturing an integrated heat spreader would generate a heat spreader that would be built to compensate for deformations resulting from (1) physical manipulation during assembly, (2) thermal gradients during operation, and (3) differing rates of expansion and contraction of the package materials coupled with multiple package assembly steps at elevated temperatures so that one surface of the integrated heat spreader would have a flat shape.

Abstract: A method of making a microelectronic assembly includes juxtaposing a first element, such as a dielectric sheet having conductive leads thereon with a second element, such as a semiconductor chip, having contact thereon, and wire bonding the conductive leads on the first element to the contacts on the second element so that elongated bonding wires extend between the conductive leads and the contacts. After the wire bonding step, the first and second elements are moved through a pre-selected displacement relative to one another so as to deform the bonding wires. A flowable dielectric material may be introduced between the first and second elements and around the bonding wires during or after the moving step. The flowable material may be cured to form an encapsulant around at least a portion of the bonding wires.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for processing electronic components, such as semi-conductor products, comprising at least two processing stations, at least one supply/discharge position for electronic components, a robot arm with engaging means for engaging the electronic components for displacing electronic components between the supply/discharge position and the processing stations, and a control for actuating the robot arm and the processing stations. The invention also relates to an assembly of at least two such apparatuses and to a method for processing electronic components which can be performed by means of the apparatus according to the invention.

Abstract: Several methods and structures for improving the yield of out-of-plane micro-device structures including springs and coils are described. In one method the springs used to form out-of-plane structures are constrained via a tether to avoid bunching and entanglement. The high yield structure may be used in numerous electronic applications such as filter circuits.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a flexible wiring board according to the present invention comprises growing metal bumps 16 using a mask film patterned by photolithography. Fine openings can be formed with good precision, therefore, fine metal bumps 16 can be formed with good precision because laser beam is not used to form openings in a polyimide film. After metal bumps 16 have been formed, the mask film is removed and a liquid resin material is applied and dried to form a coating, which is then cured into a resin film. The coating can be etched at surface portions during coating stage to expose the tops of metal bumps 16.