Abstract:
A hermetically sealed interface is constructed with a substrate (101) having a first surface (103) with a first orifice (201). The substrate (101) also has an opposing second surface (105) with a second orifice (205). The first and second orifices (201, 205) are connected via a passageway (107). The passageway (107) has an inner surface (209) with a first metal coating (111). The first metal coating (111) and the substrate (101) provide a first predetermined thermal coefficient of expansion for the passageway (107). A plug (221) with an outer surface (223) has a second metal coating (225). The second metal coating (225) and the plug (221) provide a second predetermined thermal coefficient of expansion substantially similar to the first predetermined thermal coefficient of expansion of the passageway (107). The plug (221) is disposed in the passageway (107) of the substrate (101). The first metal coating (111), of the inner surface ( 209) of the passageway (107), and the second metal coating (225), of the outer surface (223) of the plug (221), are bonded together and provide, with the plug, (221) a hermetic barrier between the first and second orifices (201, 205) of the substrate (101). Preferably, this hermetically sealed interface is used in a capacitive pressure sensor.
Abstract:
An inductor structure, that houses a shorted transmission line inductor, includes components mounted within the volume carrying the shorted transmission line. Dielectric substrate layers which carry the shorted transmission line components and the electronic devices when sandwiched together can be coated with a metallic layer that acts as a shield protecting the internal components from external undesired sources. Mounting components within the inductor volume potentially saves space on a circuit board.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus are provided to aide in emergency egress of a structure. More particularly, egress indicators are co-located with hazard sensors. During detection of a hazard condition, locations of sensors detecting the hazard are identified and a pathway directing traffic away from the hazard is determined. Finally, the egress indicators are operated to direct traffic down the determined pathway.
Abstract:
A pseudo rod, fabricated from several plate sections joined together at their edges and having a cross-section resembling a polygon approximates a rod having a circular cross section. Using multiple plates joined at their edges permits growing a crystalline material on the planar faced substrates and if the plates are crystalline material, the crystalline material grown thereon can have improved current carrying capability.
Abstract:
A piezoelectric device package consists of a base and a cover which are sealed together to hermetically seal a piezoelectric device such as a quartz crystal therebetween. A recess in the cover receives the quartz crystal. Feedthrough holes in the base, or the cover, or both, which have electrostatic seals formed over them provide a means for making electrical connections with the quartz wafer while still maintaining the hermetic seal.
Abstract:
Circuit boards (1100, 1500, 1600, 1700) and methods for fabricating circuit boards that include heaters for maintaining temperature sensitive components at an operating temperature are provided. Resistive traces (602, 702,704) are included in the circuit boards proximate temperature sensitive apparatus (1004, 1304, 1602, 1712). Thermally conductive patches (802, 902, 904) are interposed between the resistive traces and the temperature sensitive components. The thermally conductive patches establish zones of relatively uniform temperatures. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention the temperature sensitive apparatus comprises a fluid conduit (1004).
Abstract:
An electrode for an energy storage device uses a protonated polymer that is imbedded with an electroactive metal and coated onto activated carbon. Protonated poly(4-vinylpyridine) is coated onto particles of activated carbon that have high surface area, and the coating is then imbedded with a metal that exhibits electroactive behavior. In one embodiment, ruthenium is plated onto the poly(4-vinylpyridine) to create the electrode. Optionally, a coating of an ionically conductive negatively charged polymer is applied over the ruthenium-imbedded coating. The improved electrode is used to make a capacitor.
Abstract:
A transmission line using superconductors instead of conventional conductors substantially reduces ohmic losses compared to conventional conductors. The superconductors are cooled by refrigerant flowing through a hollow superconducting inner conductor. The refrigerant is transported to the inner conductor using a novel connector.
Abstract:
An electrical joint using spheroidal tipped leads improves the strength of a connection regardless of the material used to bond the connections. Axial leads of a component are formed into spheroids using an appropriate heat source to melt a small portion of the lead tip. Melting a portion of the lead alloys the lead with any non-wettable solder mask rendering a wettable spheroid. Surface tension in the molten metal forms the spheroid. The spheroid increases the area to which solder or other bonding agent adheres to. Solder mask remaining on the lead decreases solder wicking further up the lead. Reduced solder wicking retains the compliance of the lead. Controlled melting of the lead maintains planarity for multileaded components.
Abstract:
A portable electronic device (510) having a self illuminating display (200, 202, 204, 206, 300, 512) that reduces both the thickness of known displays and processing steps in the fabrication thereof is provided. The portable electronic device (510) includes an electrowetting display (200, 202, 204, 206, 300, 512) having a plurality of transparent layers defining a cavity (219). A combination of a first fluid (218, 236) and a second fluid (210, 234, 244, 254) are positioned in the cavity. First circuitry (224) is configured to be coupled to a first voltage source (222) for selectively repositioning the second fluid (210, 234, 244, 254) in relation to the first fluid (218, 236). A plurality of quantum dots (208, 360) is positioned within the second fluid (210, 234, 244, 254), and a light source (209, 309) is disposed contiguous to the plurality of layers. Second circuitry (228) is configured to be coupled to a second voltage source (226) for selectively causing the light source (209, 309) to emit photons to strike the plurality of quantum dots (208, 360). Additional similar stacks of layers (204, 206) may be added to provide a color display.