Abstract: A human interface device may include at least one analog control pressure surface that may operate in conjunction with at least one optical tube assembly (OTA) to allow precision human control of signal modulation, such as an audio signal being generated by a musical instrument. Each OTA may be incorporated within a body and may include a tube and an emitter-sensor pair wherein when pressure is applied to at least one of the pressure surfaces, the amount of light transferred within a sensor-emitter pair of an OTA is altered to selectively effect the signal modulation. Any type of control range may be expressed that depends on dynamic range and “touch” control. Accordingly, the human interface device may allow more “feeling” or expressiveness through application of pressure rather than positioning.

Abstract: A percussion instrument that suppresses erroneous detection by a rim sensor includes a first plate affixed to a frame, a second plate elastically supported on the first plate by one or more elastic members, and a rim sensor attached to the second plate. Large vibrations of the frame from an impact of a strike on the rim are transmitted to the second plate, and the rim sensor provides an output corresponding to the striking force. Also, vibrations of the frame generated by striking sound or external sound is attenuated by the elastic member, to suppress transmission of such vibrations to the second plate.

Abstract: Traditional power generation systems using thermoelectric power generators are designed to operate most efficiently for a single operating condition. The present invention provides a power generation system in which the characteristics of the thermoelectrics, the flow of the thermal power, and the operational characteristics of the power generator are monitored and controlled such that higher operation efficiencies and/or higher output powers can be maintained with variably thermal power input. Such a system is particularly beneficial in variable thermal power source systems, such as recovering power from the waste heat generated in the exhaust of combustion engines.

Abstract: A thermoelectric assembly and method are provided. The thermoelectric assembly can extend at least partially around a perimeter of a first fluid conduit. The thermoelectric assembly can include a plurality of thermoelectric sub-assemblies aligned with one another along the perimeter of the first fluid conduit. Each thermoelectric sub-assembly can include a plurality of thermoelectric elements in parallel electrical communication with one another, and at least one shunt a plurality of electrically insulating elements to prevent current flow in a plane perpendicular to the first direction between adjacent thermoelectric sub-assemblies.

Abstract: A solar panel may include a first multi-cell thin-film photovoltaic module of a first fabrication type including a transparent support forming a front surface of the panel, a first pair of connection terminals on the transparent support, and first cells of a certain area, being on the transparent support, and being connected in series to the first pair of connection terminals. The solar panel may include a second multi-cell thin-film photovoltaic module of a second fabrication type comprising a support forming a rear surface of the panel, a second pair of connection terminals on the support, and second cells of a certain area, being on the support, and being connected in series to the second pair of connection terminals.

Abstract: A solar cell module comprises a plurality of solar cell elements including a front surface electrode and a wiring member electrically interconnecting the solar cell elements. The front surface electrode includes a bus bar electrode and finger electrodes, the finger electrodes including a plurality of first finger electrodes and connected to the bus bar electrode, and a plurality of second finger electrodes not connected to the bus bar electrode. The front surface electrode further includes a fine wire electrode that is disposed in a region extending from the bus bar electrode in a longitudinal direction of the bus bar electrode and that is electrically connected to the second finger electrodes, the fine wire electrode including first and second fine wire electrodes intersecting to each other. The wiring member is connected to an intersection of the first and second fine wire electrodes and to the bus bar electrode.

Abstract: A lightweight reflector with a load bearing structure based on a tensile spoke-wheel. The spoke structure is especially compatible with dish parabolic mirrors, but has utility as a carrier structure for any round functional surface, including flat or slightly-curved mirrors used in central tower solar systems, parabolic dishes for radio telescopes and antennas, and for non-concentrating thin film solar panels. There are no radial members loaded in compression. All the spokes pull the rim inwards, and the rim is compressed in the circumferential direction. The imbalance in spoke tension results from the application of load provides the rigidity of the rim in respect to the hub, both for in-plane and out-of-plane forces. Ribs stiffen the spokes to resist wind and gravity, but are not structurally supported by either the hub or the rim. Lightweight reflector tiles match the wheel structure and create the reflective surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a resin wiring sheet wherein generation of wrinkles due to heat treatment can be suppressed. The wiring sheet (1) has wiring (3) formed thereon by laminating a metal foil on the surface of a resin base material (2) and patterning the metal foil into a desired wiring shape. The resin base material (2) is a biaxially stretched sheet, which is stretched in the TD direction and the MD direction of the biaxially extending apparatus. In the wiring (3) formed on the wiring sheet (1), with respect to the components in the two directions that orthogonally intersect each other, the total length of the wiring (3) components in one direction is longer than the total length of the wiring (3) components in the other direction, thus the wiring has anisotropy, and said direction of the components accords with the MD direction of the stretched resin base material (2).

Abstract: A high-concentration solar cell includes an epitaxial layer structure, an upper patterned electrode on the top surface, and a back electrode on the back surface. The upper patterned electrode includes a primary pattern and a secondary pattern, where the primary pattern is composed of a series of small metal isosceles trapezoids around the perimeter of the cell. The narrower base of each metal trapezoid points toward an interior of the cell. A lead soldering pad is located within each metal trapezoid for being soldered to an external conductor for carrying the solar cell current. The secondary pattern consists of thin spaced conductors that connect to the angled sides and base of each trapezoid and spread current across the top surface of the cell. The current along the angled sides of each trapezoid is well-distributed to all the spaced conductors connected to the angled sides to avoid current crowding.

Abstract: A interconnected arrangement of photovoltaic cells is readily and efficiently achieved by using a unique interconnecting strap. The strap comprises electrically conductive fingers which contact the top light incident surface of a first cell and extend to an interconnect region of the strap. The interconnect region may include through holes which allow electrical communication between top and bottom surfaces of the interconnect region. In one embodiment, the electrically conductive surface of the fingers is in electrical communication with an electrically conductive surface formed on the opposite side of the strap through the through holes of the interconnect region. The interconnection strap may comprise a laminating film to facilitate manufacture and assembly of the interconnected arrangement.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a solar cell (100) includes the steps of removing a resist film (50) and removing a part of an n-type amorphous semiconductor layer (12n).

Abstract: A fluoropolymer composition having a total luminous transmittance (TT) of less than 15%, when measured according to ASTM D1003 on a sample having a thickness of about 50 ?m, said composition comprising: at least one hydrogen-containing fluoropolymer [polymer (A)]; from 5 to 80% by weight of (A) of at least one inorganic pigment [pigment (I)]; and from 1 to 99% by weight of (I) of at least one per(halo)fluoropolymer chosen among tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) copolymers having a dynamic viscosity at a shear rate of 1 rad×sec?1 of less than 100 Pa×sec at a temperature of 280° C. [polymer (B)]. By adding polymer (B) to the composition based on polymer (A) it is advantageously possible to obtain an even dispersion of the pigment (I) so that a composition possessing outstanding opacity and still being processable under the form of films, so as to provide adequate mechanical properties, can be manufactured therefrom.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device comprising: an inorganic photoelectric conversion film; and an organic photoelectric conversion film, wherein an insulating film between the inorganic photoelectric conversion film and the organic photoelectric conversion film has a thickness of from 1 to 6 ?m, wherein the organic photoelectric conversion film has a multilayer structure comprising four or more layers, or wherein a protective film having a multilayer structure comprising three or more layers is provided on the organic photoelectric conversion film.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and devices relate to photovoltaic cells having a photoactive layer and constituents synthesized and utilized for the photoactive layer. The photovoltaic cells incorporate photoactive materials produced from dyads formed into an initial layer and then thermally cleaved to provide the photoactive layer. Cleavage of the dyads, such as synthesized fullerene anthracen-2-ylmethyl 3-(thiophen-3-yl) acetate dyads, or polymers of the dyads into separate molecules providing donors and acceptors facilitates in obtaining the photovoltaic cells with desired arrangement and interspacing of the donors and the acceptors relative to one another.

Abstract: A method of making a fluorothieno[3,4-b]thiophene derivatives and photovoltaic polymers containing same using 3-bromothiophene-2-carboxylic acid as a starting material. This synthetic route provides an easier synthesis as well as greater yield and a purer product, which produces superior results over the prior art less pure products. The resulting materials can be used in a variety of photovoltaic applications and devices, especially solar cells.

Abstract: A junction box used for making electrical connections to a photovoltaic panel. The junction box has two chambers including a first chamber and a second chamber and a wall common to and separating both chambers. The wall may be adapted to have an electrical connection therethrough. The two lids are adapted to seal respectively the two chambers. The two lids are on opposite sides of the junction box relative to the photovoltaic panel. The two lids may be attachable using different sealing processes to a different level of hermeticity. The first chamber may be adapted to receive a circuit board. The junction box may include supports for mounting a printed circuit board in the first chamber. The second chamber is configured for electrical connection to the photovoltaic panel. A metal heat sink may be bonded inside the first chamber. The first chamber is adapted to receive a circuit board for electrical power conversion, and the metal heat sink is adapted to dissipate heat generated by the circuit board.

Abstract: A flame sensor apparatus and a cable assembly apparatus are provided for use in sensing characteristics of a flame within a combustion chamber. The flame sensor apparatus includes an electrical assembly remote from a sensor assembly. A cable assembly extends between the sensor assembly and the electrical assembly. The cable assembly includes two cable ends and a housing that defines an internal volume. Cable fittings are connected to the cable ends through a first seal. A second seal is located in the annular space between the electrical cable and the cable fitting opening at the first cable end. The cable assembly includes a third seal and at least one deformable sealing component located at the second cable end. The seals are configured to prevent moisture, gas, and contaminants from passing through the cable fitting opening. Additionally, a method of sealing an electrical cable and a flexible conduit is provided.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided an electrical distribution bus system that includes first and second bus bars, a dielectric insulator, and at least one fastener coupling the bus bars and dielectric insulator. Each of the bus bars includes an elbow portion from which a pair of straight portions extends at elbow angles, the straight portions being disposed at right angles to each other. The dielectric insulator has a length and a width, the width being no greater than twice the length, the length extending perpendicularly between the elbow portions. The fastener couples the dielectric insulator between the bus bars, the dielectric insulator electrically insulating the first and second bus bar from one another.

Abstract: The electric wire fixture device is provided with a bottom wall on which the electric wire is placed, and a side wall upstanding from the bottom wall. The side wall is provided with an aperture passed through by a fixing member for fixing the electric wire. The fixing member fixes the electric wire so that the fixing member passes through the aperture after being wound around the electric wire and that the electric wire is then brought close to the side wall. The side wall is provided with a pair of ribs projecting toward the electric wire from the side wall. The pair of the ribs is disposed spaced along a longitudinal direction of the electric wire, and the pair of ribs is disposed to position the aperture therebetween.

Abstract: A motor vehicle lock containing mechanical locking elements and/or latching elements as well as electrical, electromotive, and/or electronic components that interact with the mechanical locking elements and/or latching elements, wherein the electrical, electromotive, and/or electronic components are attached to a part of a housing (10), wherein an electric line attached to the part of the housing (10) is connected to at least one of the electrical, electromotive, and/or electronic components, wherein the electric line comprises a single-strand or multi-strand, flexible cable, wherein a cable path (19a, 19b) of the cable (8) passes through a cable conduit (15) disposed in the part of the housing (10), wherein the cable conduit (15) comprises a permanently, plastically-deformed material, at least at one side of the cable path (19a, 19b), whereby a deformation (V) in the material immobilizes the cable (8) in the cable conduit (15).

Abstract: A power line core in an undersea cable includes a conducting member, an insulating member, a shield layer, a water shielding layer, an anticorrosion layer and the like. The insulating member is provided on an outer periphery portion of the conducting member. The insulating member is made of, for example, crosslinked polyethylene. The shield layer is provided on an outer periphery of the insulating member. The water shielding layer is provided on an outer periphery portion of the shield layer. The water shielding layer includes a multilayer tape in which a metal layer is sandwiched by resin layers. The anticorrosion layer is provided on an outer periphery portion of the water shielding layer. In the cross section of the multilayer tape, the metal layer has a corrugated shape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a semiconductive polyolefin composition comprising: (i) up to 80 wt. % of a polyolefin (I), (ii) carbon black, and (iii) optionally up to 60 wt. % of a polymer (II) having a melting point of not less than 100° C., wherein the polyolefin (I) has a co-monomer content of equal to or less than 4.3 mol %, to the use of that composition for the production of a power cable and to a power cable comprising that composition.

Abstract: A superconductive cable which has a cryostat with two concentric metal pipes where the cryostat has at least a first axial section with a first axial spring constant, and at least a second axial section which has a second axial spring constant which at most is 20%, more preferred at most 10%, of the axial spring constant of the first section.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detachable attachment of an electrical conductor to current transformer housing are disclosed. An illustrative device may [comprise] includes a current transformer housing, a holding element which is passed through the current transformer housing, and an attachment element which passes through the holding element, with the attachment element and/or the holding element resting at least partially on the surface of the electrical conductor when the electrical conductor is attached to the apparatus, the attachment element being rotatable about its longitudinal axis for attaching or releasing the electrical conductor. Moreover, the holding element may be rotatable about its longitudinal axis such that, in a first position, the holding element can be moved along its longitudinal axis for attaching or releasing the electrical conductor and, in a second position, the holding element cannot be moved along its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a printed circuit board includes: forming a copper layer of an interconnection pattern on a base film; laminating a cover lay on the base film so as to expose a part of the copper layer from the cover lay and cover the copper layer by the cover lay; mechanically polishing at least the exposed portion of the copper layer; and performing a plating process on the exposed portion of the copper layer so as to form a plated layer on the copper layer, and the angles ?1 and ?2 between the polishing direction of the exposed portion of the copper layer and the bending lines C1 and C2 satisfy the following formula (1): 30°??1 and ?2?150°??(1).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a multilayer wiring substrate having a principal plane of the substrate and a rear plane thereof, having a structure such that a plurality of resin insulating layers and a plurality of conductor layers are laminated, and a plurality of chip component connecting terminals to which chip components are connectable are disposed on the principal plane of the substrate. This method has a feature including a plating layer forming process in which product plating layers which provide the plurality of chip component connecting terminals and a dummy plating layer on the surrounding of the product plating layers are formed on the surface of an exposed outermost resin insulating layer at the principal plane of the substrate. This method permits a thickness dispersion of the chip component connecting terminals to be suppressed and permits a connection reliability thereof to the chip components to be increased.

Abstract: A printed wiring board, including a printed wiring member which respectively has object conductor that is subjected to electromagnetic wave shielding on at least one surface of an insulating layer; and an electromagnetic wave shielding member which has an electromagnetic wave shielding layer composed of a low-resistance section and a high-resistance section on at least one surface of a base film. The printed wiring member and the electromagnetic wave shielding member are bonded together with interposition of insulating adhesive layers, and with arrangement of the electromagnetic wave shielding layer separately and in opposition so that the object conductor is covered. The electromagnetic wave shielding layer and the object conductor are composed of the same type of conductive material, and the electromagnetic wave shielding layer is not exposed at the circumferential end faces of the printed wiring board.

Abstract: A ceramic substrate includes a substrate body formed of ceramic and having a pair of surfaces each assuming a rectangular shape as viewed in plane, and a metallization layer formed on the surface of the substrate body and adapted to braze a metal frame thereon. A composite material layer is disposed between the surface of the substrate body and the metallization layer and is formed such that a ceramic portion, a metal portion 10m formed of a metal similar to a metal component of the metallization layer or a metal which, together with a metal component of the metallization layer, forms an all proportional solid solution, and a glass portion exist together. The thickness of the composite material layer is thinner than that of the metallization layer. A plating layer is deposited on the surface of the metallization layer.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display module is disclosed and it includes a first printed circuit board, a second printed circuit board interconnected by a flat flexible cable, and a timing controller encapsulated within the flat flexible cable. The present invention further includes a liquid crystal display module incorporated with such module. The liquid crystal display module and device can incorporate with a second printed circuit board with reduced size, while the heat dissipating effect is increased, and the overall size of the flat flexible cable is reduced.

Abstract: An electronic isolation device is formed on a monolithic substrate and includes a plurality of passive isolation components. The isolation components are formed in three metal levels. The first metal level is separated from the monolithic substrate by an inorganic PMD layer. The second metal level is separated from the first metal level by a layer of silicon dioxide. The third metal level is separated from the second metal level by at least 20 microns of polyimide or PBO. The isolation components include bondpads on the third metal level for connections to other devices. A dielectric layer is formed over the third metal level, exposing the bondpads. The isolation device contains no transistors.

Abstract: There is provided a device (1) for surface mounting that has a substrate (10) and a capacitor element loaded on a loading-side surface of the substrate and is integrally molded including the substrate (10) and the capacitor element using a packaging resin. The substrate (10) includes a first terminal electrode (51) electrically connected to a first electrode of the capacitor element and a second terminal electrode (52) electrically connected to a second electrode of the capacitor element, at least part of a mounting-side surface (12) on an opposite side to the loading-side surface of the substrate (10) is exposed on a mounting surface (2) of the device (1), and the first terminal electrode (51) and the second terminal electrode (52) are adjacently disposed around an entire circumference of the mounting surface (2) of the device (1).

Abstract: One embodiment provides a wiring substrate including: a core substrate having an insulative base member, the insulative base member having a first surface and a second surface, a plurality of linear conductors penetrating through the insulative base member from the first surface to the second surface; an inorganic material layer joined to at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the insulative base member; and a penetration line penetrating through the inorganic material layer, wherein one end of the penetration line is electrically connected to a corresponding part of the linear conductors, without intervention of a bump.

Abstract: An electric partition feedthrough for mounting on a partition. The feedthrough includes a housing having a control cam integrally molded on the outside of the housing, a contact, and a sealing element. A movably fastened closure element is provided on the housing. The closure element is designed to move the housing and the control cam such that the sealing element is transferred from a pre-mounting position to a final mounting position.

Abstract: A cable bushing, in particular for a motor vehicle, for routing a cable harness having a plurality of electrical lines through a wall opening in a sealed manner. The cable bushing includes a dimensionally stable housing for insertion into the wall opening. The housing encloses a sealing member that is made of an elastic sealing material. The sealing member includes receiving devices or channels for individually routing the electrical lines in an axial direction. The cable bushing further has a pressure-providing element that exerts a compressive force on the sealing member, such that the sealing member encloses the electrical lines individually in a sealed manner and the sealing member is pressed radially against the housing to achieve a high level of impermeability to longitudinal water penetration. Additionally, pins may be provided to produce additional radial compressive forces.

Abstract: A process analytic device includes a metallic enclosure having electronics disposed therein. The enclosure has an enclosure wall with a reference surface. A plurality of operating rods is provided. Each operating rod is configured to pass through an aperture in the enclosure wall and to cooperate with the enclosure wall to provide a flame quenching pathway. A plurality of electrical switches is provided where each electrical switch is aligned with a respective operating rod, and is mounted a controlled distance from the reference surface. Each operating rod transfers movement to a respective electrical switch through the flame quenching pathway.

Abstract: An appliance control knob assembly includes an encoder with a rotatable shaft. A control knob is connected to the shaft and is mounted on a protuberance that extends into the control knob and provides a bearing mounting surface. The control knob has a hub portion rotationally supported by a bearing mounted within the protuberance, and which engages the rotatable encoder shaft. The encoder is mounted such that prior to attachment of the hub portion with the encoder shaft, the encoder is allowed a degree of movement to come into alignment with the hub portion.

Abstract: An entertainment button device includes: an entertainment button that a player can push; and a button-up-and-down mechanism configured to move the entertainment button up and down from a predetermined normal operation position to a protruding position in which the entertainment button protrudes upward from the normal operation position. The button-up-and-down mechanism includes: a bias member configured to bias the entertainment button in a moving-up direction; a shaft member extending in a moving direction of the entertainment button; a rotating mechanism configured to rotate the shaft member; an engagement part configured to move up and down together with the entertainment button; and a spiral guide part formed on an outer periphery of the shaft member in a spiral manner, wherein the engagement part engages with the spiral guide part.

Abstract: Improvements in an emergency switch for an end cap flashlight that allows conducting power to the light source by applying side or rotational force on the end caps of the flashlight. The cap is designed to give faster and more convenient access to light in an emergency, or when needed. The end cap connects to the inner conductor with a castled shape that allows the conductors to be moved in or out alignment to allow or prevent contact. The gasket or washer provides insulation and spacing of the conductors. Side forces on the end cap overcome the spacing of the washer to make electrical contact. The end cap may also support a glass breaking device. The glass breaker is a hardened tip on the end of the cap.

Abstract: A combination switch device for a clutch pedal of a vehicle in which functions of a clutch switch and an ignition-lock switch are combined and in which electrical contact action is carried out by a slide motion.

Abstract: A link disconnect box enables easy field retrofitting of network protectors. The link disconnect box has an outer casing that defines a cavity with a front face opening and top and bottom bus bar openings. Top and bottom terminals seal the top and bottom bus bar openings. The bottom terminal is configured to connect to an existing terminal of the network protector. A removable face plate seals shut the front face opening. Top and bottom bus bars electrically connect to the top and bottom terminals, extending through the respective top and bottom bus bar openings towards each other, with an air gap between them within the cavity. An electrical link, which can be bolted closed, connects and disconnects the top and bottom bus bars by electrically bridging the air gap.

Abstract: A keyswitch and a keyboard are provided. A top plate of a keycap of the keyswitch, for being pressed and decoration, and a frame including groove bodies, for linking with a supporting mechanism, are separated into two components such that the top plate may be implemented as a plate structure with much thinner thickness while maintaining its strength, and the frame with the groove bodies is attached to the top plate via insert molding or adhering. The frame and the top plate form the keycap, in which the groove bodies at the frame and the top plate form sliding slots or engaging slots in cooperation with the supporting mechanism. The thickness of the keycap can be substantially reduced and meanwhile maintain the necessary stroke of the keyswitch and the strength of the keycap. The keyboard having the keyswitches is made possible for further miniaturized with thinner thickness.

Abstract: A push switch is configured to be mounted on an upper surface of a circuit board the circuit board having a land provided on the upper surface thereof and a side edge. The push switch includes a front section and a rear section. The front section includes a switch contact unit activated by being pushed in a predetermined direction, and is configured to be located outward from the side edge of the circuit board. The rear section includes a terminal connected with the switch contact unit the rear section extending from the front section, and is configured to be disposed on the upper surface of the circuit board. The rear section is connected with the front section, and configures substantially an L-shape in combination with the front section. The terminal is configured to be connected with the land of the circuit board. The predetermined direction is parallel to the upper surface of the circuit board.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a touch panel, a method for manufacturing the same, and a touch display device using the same. The touch panel includes a substrate, a lower conductive layer disposed on the substrate, an insulating layer disposed on the lower conductive layer, at least one first conductive wire disposed on the insulating layer, a light shielding layer disposed on the first conductive wire, and an upper conductive layer disposed on the light shielding layer. The light shielding layer and the at least one first conductive wire are located in an edge region of the touch panel in a planar view. The light shielding layer includes at least one first through hole. The upper conductive layer is electrically connected to the at least one first conductive wire via the at least one first through hole.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and apparatus for sorting a stream of products by scanning this stream of products with a bundle of concentrated light and analyzing the light originating from the scanned products and a background element, wherein this background element is chosen such that the corresponding detected light signal differs from the light signals originating from the products to be sorted in at least one parameter and wherein one or more control signals are generated by shifting the background level of the observed light signals to a signal level chosen such that, in the thus obtained signal, the signal level of the signal of a scanned product to be accepted distinguishes itself from the signal level of the signal of a scanned product to be rejected.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for a circuit breaker is provided. The electrode assembly includes a conductive assembly and a heat transfer assembly. The conductive assembly includes a stem portion and a contact portion. The heat transfer assembly includes a number of elongated bodies, a first heat transfer surface, and a second heat transfer surface. The first heat transfer surface is disposed on the conductive assembly. Each heat transfer assembly body includes a second heat transfer surface. Each heat transfer assembly body is coupled to the conductive assembly with the first heat transfer surface coupled to a number of second heat transfer surfaces.

Abstract: A circuit breaker including a pair of separable contacts and an arc chamber is provided. The separable contacts include a fixed contact having an upper surface. The arc chamber includes magnetic members disposed on either side of the separable contacts. The magnetic members have a lower surface below the fixed contact upper surface.

Abstract: A gas insulated switchgear includes an enclosure, a first fixed conductor, one side of the first fixed conductor being bent at a right angle and another side of the first fixed conductor being fixed on one side of the enclosure, a second fixed conductor configured to be spaced apart from the first fixed conductor and configured to be fixed on another side of the enclosure, a screw configured to form an axis on inner of the enclosure and being spaced apart from the first and second fixed conductors and a movable conductor configured to move along the axis through a rotation of the screw, one side of the movable conductor being in contact with the second fixed conductor.

Abstract: A system and method for precision cutting using multiple laser beams is described. The system and method includes a combination of optical components that split the output of a single laser into multiple beams, with the power, polarization status and spot size of each split beam being individually controllable, while providing a circularly polarized beam at the surface of a work piece to be cut by the laser beam. A system and method for tracking manufacture of individual stents is also provided.

Abstract: A metal sheet composite comprising an outer metal sheet having a flange which is folded over around a flanging edge; an inner metal sheet which forms a joint with the flange; and a welding or soldering seam which is produced on or in the joint and fixedly connects the metal sheets to each other. A method for joining metal sheets and a device for flanging and welding or soldering are also disclosed. The device includes: a tool head; a flanging member, arranged on the tool head, for roll-flanging or slide-flanging; and a welding or soldering tool arranged on the tool head, wherein the flanging member and the welding or soldering tool are arranged such that the flanging member forms a pressing means for a welding or soldering process which can be performed using the welding or soldering tool.

Abstract: A flexible drill with a shaft having a nitinol portion (or nitinol region) provided between a stainless steel driver end and a stainless steel drill tip. The flexible drill with nitinol shaft is provided with a bearing surface to allow centering within a drill guide, low friction bearing and flexibility to drill around a curve. The bearing surface may be formed of a fluoropolymer such as LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene). The flexible drill shaft may be used through a drill guide, such as a curved drill sleeve.