Abstract:
An electronic interval timer in which a cylindrical shell having five rows of LEDs mounted at spaced intervals from top to bottom, formed every 72.degree. about the circumference simulates an hourglass timer. Timer and control circuits are connected to select a desired time interval and to illuminate the LEDs and turn off successive rings in proportion to the time remaining in the selected interval at any given time after actuation. An audible buzzer is also provided as are interrupt and reset capabilities.
Abstract:
An electrically conductive hinge provides for the transmission of electrical power and signals between a pivotally connected display unit and system unit of a portable computer and eliminates cable connections between the display unit and the system unit. Either the system unit, the display unit, or both units have a set of wipers which contact the conductive lines in the electrical track. The conductive lines are long enough to allow the display unit to be pivoted to and from its open and shut positions while the wipers remain in contact therewith. In one arrangement, the electrical track is manufactured on the hinge pin. In another arrangement, the electrical track is manufactured on a disk positioned at or near one end of the hinge pin.
Abstract:
An arcuate profiled heatsink is disclosed, over which is flexed and attached a substrate on which are mounted heat producing, temperature sensitive electronic devices. Flexing the substrate to conform with the arcuate surface of the heatsink minimizes air pockets between the two, which would ordinarily result due to warpage resulting from the fabrication of the substrate. The interface between heatsink and substrate, therefore, has lower thermal resistance, thus, increasing thermal conductivity between heatsink and substrate, and increasing the amount of heat dissipated by the heatsink. Because no hard joining of the two parts is required, they may be separated for repair, and stress resulting from thermal expansion mismatch will not be transferred to the substrate.
Abstract:
A method of providing an electrical circuit wherein a carrier, which is a film of insulating plastic material with a circuit pattern thereon is supported in a mould and a moulding material is applied by the application of heat and pressure to provide a substrate so that the circuit is embedded in or within a three-dimensional surface of the moulded substrate.
Abstract:
An article comprised of a body having a conductor pattern on at least one non-planar and non-flexible surface thereof. The article is prepared by using a three-dimensional mask having an interior surface which is a mirror image replica of the surface of the body on which the conductors are to be formed. The surface of the body is provided with material which is capable of initiating conductor formation. The interior surface of the mask then is placed over the body and in substantial registry therewith. The mask and the body then are exposed to radiation or moving material to delineate the conductor pattern. Subsequently, the mask is removed and conductors are formed.
Abstract:
A process for providing circuit lines on a substrate having a non-planar surface is provided. The process includes applying a layer of photoresist material to the substrate, selectively screen printing on non-planar areas of the substrate a screen-printable coating, photoprocessing the layer of photoresist material, and providing electrical conductive pattern on the substrate.
Abstract:
A method of forming metallic patterns on a dielectric surface such as a radome surface that has a compound curve which includes the steps of coating the radome with a metal and then with a photoresist. An electrical pattern is formed on the photographic emulsion of a thin membrane that is used as a photo mask. A water soluble adhesive, which is non degradable to the exposure and development of the photoresist and the etching of the conductive surface is applied to the metallic surface and the photo mask is pressed into position on the adhesive to conform to the curvature of the radome. The photo mask is removed and the electrical pattern is provided on the surface by conventional developing and etching techniques to provide a clear, well defined pattern even in arrays wherein the pattern segments are of small dimension.
Abstract:
An antenna and method of manufacture are described in which a spiral microwave antenna is formed over a domed substrate of epoxy glass resin. A copper foil member is formed over a die by spinning or burnishing to a domed configuration matching that of the substrate. The copper member is then given a coating of primer and clamped over the substrate which has been coated with an epoxy cement, and the assembly subjected to heat and pressure sufficient to bond the foil to the substrate. The assembled antenna blank is then coated with photo-resist material and illuminated from a source of collimated light through a photo negative which is carefully centered to expose the desired spiral pattern on the photo-resist material. The photo-resist is then developed and rinsed, and the blank is baked to harden the exposed photo-resist. The blank is then etched to remove the unwanted copper, leaving the desired antenna pattern. The copper pattern is then preferably plated with tin and the assembly trimmed and drilled as desired.
Abstract:
Three Dimensional Circuit Modules For Thick-Film Circuits And The Like And Methods For Making Same are provided in which such circuits are printed in selected portions on both the internal and external walls of a hollow cylindrical substrate to remove the crossovers normally present in an equivalent planar circuit configuration. The circuit sections are disposed on the substrate such that common connections therebetween are effected by conductive clips straddling the end faces of the substrate in notches or declivities formed therein to receive the clips. Like declivities are utilized to both physically and electrically interconnect a plurality of substrates and/or external circuit components and the like. These substrates also comprise a housing for self-contained functional circuit modules of the foregoing type.