Patent Description:
This disclosure is directed to improved systems and methods of constructing a bus on which addressable bead devices are mounted.

There are three common methods for connecting devices in a device chain along a bus. Those methods are a loose or twisted wire bus with plugs along the bus, flexible printed circuit board (PCB) or flex-print buses, and flat ribbon cable.

In a loose wire bus with electrical connections or plugs attaching, e.g., light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to the bus, the wires might be twisted together around each other or wrapped in a sleeve around the outside to protect the LEDs and electrical connections, or both.

The second type is flex-print in which the LEDs are surface mounted (i.e., soldered) onto a flexible printed circuit board that has a repeating connection pattern, which creates the bus pattern to connect the devices into a device chain.

<CIT> according to its abstract described: "continuous flexible bus comprises, for example, a plurality of metal clad flexible conductors. A device, such as a switch for example, is connected to the continuous flexible bus. In order to connect the device to the continuous flexible bus, at least one piercing connector is used, for example. The at least one piercing connector is configured, for example, to pierce one of the plurality of flexible metal clad conductors. Once the one of the plurality of flexible metal clad conductors is pierced, the at least one piercing connector causes, for example, an electrical connection between an electrical conductor in the pierced one of the plurality of flexible metal clad conductors and the switch.

This application discloses improved systems and methods of producing a flexible, interruptible radial bus for mounting addressable bead-like devices that can incorporate, for example, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or other surface mount devices (SMDs). The invention provides a flexible, interruptible radial, i.e. oriented around a central axis, bus, i.e. a bus having the characteristic of providing access for the removal of a section of a conductor, on which electronically addressable devices are mounted, according to claim <NUM> and a method of producing such a flexible, interruptible radial bus on which electronically addressable devices are mounted according to claim <NUM>.

The Specification utilizes the following definitions:.

The design of the flexible, interruptible radial bus is oriented towards the easy addition of cascading protocol devices along its length. Cascading protocol buses have pass-through and interrupted electrical paths running down the length of the bus. The pass-through paths typically carry electrical potential such as voltage and ground to all the devices on the bus, while the interrupted paths carry electrical signals such as clock and data down the length of the bus. The clock and/or data signals on the bus are specific to the particular protocol of the bus, but in a cascading bus, a device can receive the incoming clock and data signals and transmit a modified version of the signal down to the next participant on the bus.

For example, a cascading device protocol that utilizes a data train could transmit signals for three devices arranged as follows:.

In this example protocol, the first device on the bus will be exposed to the entire signal transmitted from the bus driver. The cascading nature of the protocol is exhibited in the fact that the first device on the bus will remove the data at the head of the train as the signal is propagated down the length of the bus. In order for the data train to be modified as it transits the bus, the electrical path for the data signal must be interrupted.

The following is an example of the data train that will be passed on from Device <NUM> and proceed down the bus to the second device in the bus.

And similarly, Device <NUM> will modify the data train by removing its data and sending subsequent data on to device number three.

The flexible, interruptible radial bus and bus-mounted devices of the present disclosure offer significant advantages over prior art bus and SMD devices. For example:.

One feature of flexible, interruptible radial bus is that it enables four ranges of motion for various types of addressable device buses while maintaining the ease of manufacturing benefits of the less flexible printed buses. The bus also allows for a new type of SMD device that is shaped like a bead, e.g., a radial mounted device (RMD) to be easily installed along the length of the bus. This new type of SMD device has the benefit of having a surface that extends around the bus so it has the potential to offer a greater visual field for light based devices.

The current flex print type of bus only allows for the installation of devices on one surface, and the bus only offers flexibility in the up-and-down direction along with some flexibility in a twisting direction. The flexible, interruptible radial bus is designed to still allow for the easy installation of special bead SMD devices or radial mounted devices along its length but also offers flexibility in the up, down, left and right directions or combinations thereof as well as flexibility in a twisting direction.

Another feature of the bus is that it intentionally exposes its pathways for interruption so that devices can be installed anywhere along its length. Current flex-print buses utilize chemical etching processes to create pads, pathways, and interruptions into a layer of copper on the surface of the flex-print in fixed patterns based on the pre-defined spacing of the devices to be installed along the length of the bus. The flexible, interruptible radial bus utilizes a center stabilizer that holds conductors in a fixed orientation and at fixed distances from the central axis of the bus. The stabilizer is proportioned with respect to the bus wires so as to provide access for a tool to remove sections of specific signal pathways at locations along the bus where bead devices will be installed. For example, the stabilizer puts an interrupted path wire in a position where it is spaced from surrounding wires so that a nipping tool or machine can cut or notch the wire without cutting other (e.g., adjacent) wires.

The center stabilizer does not have to run the entire length of the bus. It can run the whole length, be injected or otherwise positioned at regular or intermittent intervals, or be removed from the center at various (e.g., fixed or irregular) intervals in between the installed beads or devices to increase flexibility.

A center conductor can be added to the radial bus between the signaling wires, e.g., inside the center stabilizer. For example, such a conductor can serve as a ground placed between signaling wires to minimize or reduce crosstalk between the signaling wires.

A bead device can be molded in one piece, such as in place at a site on the bus (e.g., over a cut in an interrupted path wire) or threaded onto the bus.

A two- or more-part bead semiconductor device is, in some embodiments, a semiconductor device that is designed to be manufactured as two or more parts that will mate together and fit to the flexible, interruptible radial bus or any other bus or substrate that the bead can fit around and that provides matching pads around the circumference of the bus or substrate. In the case of the flexible, interruptible radial bus, the matching pads are places where the bus pathways have been exposed by, e.g., removing the insulation of the pass-through path and/or interrupted path wires, and so the pads of the bead device can contact and be soldered to the pads or conductors of the installation site or mounting location. Where the bead device is configured for surface mount soldering around the periphery of the installation site or mounting location, the pads or conductors need to maintain fairly stable position during the installation process.

The bead device may provide solder pads at each end of the bead so as to allow for input and output signals on each side of the bead as well as interrupted paths that are surrounded by the bead to which the bead can be soldered on each end.

The two or more parts of a multi-part bead device may become one connected electronic device such that signals are passed and propagate between the parts of the device via castellations or pads that mate (and can be soldered together to ensure electrical and physical connectivity) at the surface where the parts of the device join together.

Beads can be installed at any location along the bus, keeping in mind that putting the beads too close in proximity can reduce the flexibility of the bus. To install a bead onto the bus, in one embodiment, the installation site or mounting location is chosen. The signals that require interruption for the bead to operation properly are nipped or cut using a tool that removes a specific length of the signal path from the conductor. A portion of the outer insulation is removed from the surface of the pass-through path bus wires and/or the interrupted path bus wires where the bead ends will be soldered to the bus. The two halves of the bead (for example) are properly positioned with respect to signal location around the bus over the interruption site. The two halves of the bead can connect mechanically (e.g., having a protrusion and detent that lock or snap together). The two halves of the bead can have a glue or sealant coated to the inner surface (e.g., taking care not to coat solderable areas of the bead). The bead can then be held together while the bead is soldered to the bus on the ends and also soldered together in the center at then signal connection sites at the joint of the two bead halves. Once the bead is soldered, there is enough mechanical force to hold the bead in place while any sealants or glues dry that might be used to further add strength to the joining of the two halves of the bead. Reference is now made in detail to the description of the embodiments as illustrated in the drawings. While embodiments are described in connection with the drawings and related descriptions, there is no intent to limit the scope to the embodiments disclosed herein. For example, the embodiments set forth below are primarily described in the context of wire-mounted LEDs. However, these embodiments described herein are illustrative examples and in no way limit the disclosed technology to any particular size, construction, or application.

The phrases "in one embodiment," "in various embodiments," "in some embodiments," and the like are used repeatedly. Such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. The terms "comprising," "having," and "including" are synonymous, unless the context dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term "or" is generally employed in its sense including "and/or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

The disclosed flexible, interruptible radial bus and bus-mounted bead devices can take a variety of form factors. <FIG> illustrate several different arrangements and designs. The illustrated buses and bead devices are not an exhaustive list; in other embodiments, a bus or a bead device could be formed in different arrangements. However, it is not necessary to exhaustively show such optional implementation details to describe illustrative embodiments.

<FIG> illustrate clocked cascading device chain wiring diagrams.

<FIG> illustrates a diagram of a clocked cascading device chain that utilizes a <NUM>-wire data bus. There are pass-through paths on the bus that the devices <NUM> tap into for power (or voltage) <NUM> and ground <NUM>, and there are interrupted paths on the bus for cascading data signals <NUM> and clock signals <NUM>. The bus thus supports a clocked cascading data device train.

It is also possible to have a device chain that utilizes a different number of electrical paths along the bus, e.g., three. <FIG> illustrates a diagram of a <NUM>-path device chain. There are pass-through paths on the bus that devices tap for power (or voltage) <NUM> and ground <NUM> and there is a single interrupted path on the bus that carries a more precisely timed (or otherwise synchronized) data signal <NUM>. Synchronization by, e.g., timing of the data signal <NUM> eliminates the need for the clock signal <NUM> on the bus.

It is also possible to have cascading buses that propagate data trains to and from the devices along the bus, e.g., bidirectionally. <FIG> illustrates a diagram of a clocked device chain with bidirectional paths for data signal <NUM> and reverse data signal <NUM>.

Cascading bus protocols can be utilized to drive multiple devices performing the same function that are wired in parallel. An example of such a device would be an LED bead device <NUM> that has <NUM> LED devices <NUM>, two on each half of the bead packages. <FIG> illustrates a diagram of two bead LED devices <NUM>. Each bead <NUM> has <NUM> LED devices <NUM> wired in an addressable bus. The power (or voltage) <NUM> and ground <NUM> are wired to each led device <NUM> on the bead <NUM>. The incoming clock signal <NUM> is routed to the clock-in of each LED device <NUM> on the bead and the outgoing clock signal <NUM> is routed back to the bus to be passed on to the next device <NUM> in the chain. The incoming data signal <NUM> is routed to each LED device <NUM> on the bead and the outgoing data signal <NUM> is taken from a single device <NUM> on the bead <NUM> and routed back to the bus to be passed on the next device <NUM> in the chain.

<FIG> illustrates a cutaway perspective view of an example four-wire radial bus <NUM> layout with a central binder or center stabilizer <NUM>. The present disclosure encompasses various center stabilizer <NUM> arrangements and shapes, e.g., square or diamond, circular, hollow, plus-sign shaped, spiral or helical, etc. In various embodiments, the center stabilizer <NUM> is attached (e.g., molded) to the insulation covering the conducting wires of the bus. In some embodiments, the center stabilizer includes a wire for conduction or shape-holding.

<FIG> illustrate perspective views of a four-wire radial bus <NUM> showing conductor wires <NUM> and cuts <NUM> in interrupted path conductors <NUM> in accordance with one embodiment. For clarity, the conductor wires <NUM> in the interrupted path conductors <NUM> are shown extending beyond their insulation <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the continuous electrical path of pass-through conductors <NUM> and the interrupted electrical path of interrupted path conductors <NUM>. <FIG> shows how the center stabilizer <NUM> can position interrupted path conductors <NUM> to allow them to be cut <NUM> without affecting pass-through conductors <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an isometric view of a four-wire radial bus <NUM> in accordance with one embodiment. The center stabilizer <NUM> has a different profile than that shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. A cutaway end shows conductors for, starting at the top and proceeding clockwise, data signals (e.g., blue) <NUM>, power or voltage (e.g., red) <NUM>, clock signals (e.g., green) <NUM>, and ground (e.g., black) <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an isometric view of a four-wire radial bus showing cuts <NUM>, <NUM> in interrupted path conductors for data signal <NUM> and clock signal <NUM> in accordance with one embodiment. In this illustration, the red wire for power or voltage <NUM> in the left foreground and the black wire for ground <NUM> in the right background are pass-through conductors, and the blue wire for data signal <NUM> in the right foreground and the green wire for clock signal <NUM> in the left background are interrupted path wires.

<FIG> illustrates an isometric view of a four-wire radial bus showing cuts <NUM>, <NUM> in interrupted path conductors for data signal <NUM> and clock signal <NUM> and insulation removed in accordance with one embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, insulation has been stripped at insulation cuts <NUM>, <NUM> from each of the conductors for clock signal <NUM>, power or voltage <NUM>, and ground <NUM> shown to either side of the interruptions or cuts <NUM>, <NUM> in the interrupted path wires (e.g., the green wire for clock signals <NUM> shown in the center). Insulation is stripped in corresponding locations along the pass-through path wires for power or voltage <NUM> and ground <NUM>. For clarity in this example, the insulation cuts <NUM>, <NUM> in the insulation are depicted as separate from the interruptions, although this is not required. In some embodiments, insulation cuts <NUM>, <NUM> are smaller, larger, merged with interruptions, or in different numbers (e.g., only one insulation cut <NUM> for a pass-through wire at a given mounting location).

<FIG> illustrate an end view and an isometric view of a three-wire radial bus <NUM> in a triangular arrangement in accordance with one embodiment. <FIG> shows an example radial arrangement of three conductor wires with a center stabilizer <NUM> having a broad connection to each wire. <FIG> shows the three conductors (e.g., blue data signal <NUM> or green clock signal <NUM>, black ground <NUM>, and red voltage <NUM>) with a cutaway end profile.

<FIG> illustrate an end view and an isometric view of a five-wire radial bus <NUM> in a pentagonal arrangement in accordance with one embodiment. <FIG> shows an example radial arrangement of five conductor wires with a center stabilizer <NUM> having a broad connection to each wire. <FIG> shows the five conductors (e.g., green clock signal <NUM>, blue data signal <NUM>, red voltage <NUM>, brown reverse data signal <NUM>, black ground <NUM>) with a cutaway end profile.

<FIG> illustrates an isometric view with a cutaway end showing conductors of a five-wire radial bus <NUM> in a quincunx arrangement with a center conductor <NUM> in accordance with one embodiment. For example, such a center conductor <NUM> can serve as a ground placed between wires for data signal <NUM> and clock signal <NUM> to minimize or reduce crosstalk between the signaling wires.

<FIG> illustrates a side view of an example radial bus <NUM> having an intermittent central binder or center stabilizer <NUM>. The center stabilizer <NUM> is alternately present and absent along the length of the bus <NUM>, leaving spaces <NUM> between the conducting wires. This can increase flexibility of the bus, allow for insertion of devices or objects between the wires, lighten the bus, permit securing the bus with wire ties, etc..

The center stabilizer can be added to or removed from the wires (e.g., injected) or otherwise positioned at intervals. Intervals may variously be regular or irregular, fixed or intermittent.

<FIG> illustrate construction of a radial mounted device such as an LED bead device <NUM> in accordance with one embodiment.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of an LED bead device's <NUM> inner conductive elements <NUM>, <NUM> in accordance with one embodiment. One of the conductive elements <NUM> in this example is configured to transmit voltage or power, and the other <NUM> is configured to connect to ground potential. The conductive elements are arranged to connect to a wire for voltage <NUM> and a wire for ground <NUM>, respectively, and allow SMDs to easily connect to power and ground with minimal or no additional wiring.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of cylindrical filler <NUM> around the inner conductive elements <NUM>, <NUM> of <FIG> in accordance with one embodiment. The filler <NUM> may be any non-conductive or insulating material, e.g., foam, glass, plastic, silicone sealant, etc. It may be of any hardness or character, such as rigid, soft, moldable, pliant, elastic, etc. The body material or filler <NUM> in the illustrated example is configured to be shapeable and sufficiently sturdy to allow mounting of SMDs. The conductive elements <NUM>, <NUM> of <FIG> are exposed at various positions around and through the cylindrical filler <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of shaping of the cylindrical filler <NUM> of <FIG> in accordance with one embodiment. The material of filler <NUM> may be shaped by tooling, heat, pressure, etc., or desired shapes may be molded in to begin with, e.g., by injection molding. In the illustrated example, the shaping includes external flat areas <NUM> for mounting SMDs, an internal aperture <NUM> through the bead device for bus wires to pass through, and an angled valley <NUM> for passing one wire below another. In addition, conductive pads <NUM> are attached to the filler. In this example, the conductive pads <NUM> are to connect data signal <NUM> and clock signal <NUM> wiring.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of dies <NUM> positioned on the shaped cylindrical filler <NUM> flat areas <NUM> of <FIG> in accordance with one embodiment. A die <NUM> is positioned on each of the flat areas <NUM> for mounting SMDs.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of power wiring to the dies <NUM> of <FIG> in accordance with one embodiment. The view of <FIG> is rotated approximately <NUM> degrees from the view of <FIG>. Each die has short leads <NUM>, <NUM> connecting the die <NUM> to the conductive elements <NUM>, <NUM> of <FIG> to provide power (voltage) <NUM> and ground <NUM> connections.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of power and data signal wiring to the dies <NUM> of <FIG> in accordance with one embodiment. The view of <FIG> is rotated approximately <NUM> degrees from the view of <FIG>. In this illustration, a conductive pad <NUM> for a data signal <NUM> is connected by four small lead wires <NUM> to the dies <NUM> around the bead device <NUM>. An outgoing data signal <NUM> from one of the dies <NUM> is connected by a lead wire <NUM> to a conductive pad <NUM> on the other side of the device. Thus, the data signal <NUM> on an interrupted path is capable of being transmitted to each die <NUM> on the bead device <NUM>, and the next (e.g., altered) signal <NUM> can be transmitted to the next device (e.g., the next bead) in the chain.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of power, clock signal, and data signal wiring to the dies <NUM> of <FIG> in accordance with one embodiment. The view of <FIG> is rotated approximately <NUM> degrees from the view of <FIG>, providing an orientation similar to <FIG>. The clock signal lead wiring <NUM>, <NUM> is laid out similarly to the data signal lead wiring <NUM>, <NUM> of <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of an assembled LED bead device <NUM> having a transparent or translucent outer layer <NUM> in accordance with one embodiment.

<FIG> illustrate mounting and connection of an LED bead device on a flexible, interruptible radial bus in accordance with one embodiment.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of a flexible, interruptible radial bus <NUM> passing through the central aperture <NUM> of the LED bead device <NUM> of <FIG> in accordance with one embodiment. In this illustration, the bead <NUM> is threaded onto the bus <NUM> as a decorative bead might be on a string. The four conductive pads of the bead device <NUM> (including the externally visible portions of the inner conductive elements <NUM>, <NUM> of <FIG>, and the added conductive pads <NUM> of <FIG>) are aligned next to their respective conductive wires.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of notches <NUM> interrupting two interruptible conductors of the flexible, interruptible radial bus <NUM> of <FIG> in accordance with one embodiment. In particular, the front wire (e.g., the green wire for clock signal <NUM>) and the oppositely disposed back wire (e.g., the blue wire for data signal <NUM>) are notched, forming interruptions in the interruptible path conductors).

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of sealant or filler <NUM> in the notches <NUM> in the interrupted conductors of the flexible, interruptible radial bus <NUM> of <FIG> in accordance with one embodiment. The sealant or filler <NUM> may be, for example, a weather sealer, a corrosion preventant, or an electrical insulator.

Sealing the notches is optional, depending on the application, the geometry of the interruption, and the devices to be attached. Air may form a sufficiently insulative gap filler.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of the LED bead device <NUM> of <FIG> positioned over the sealed or filled notches <NUM> (not visible) in accordance with one embodiment. In this example, insulation <NUM> has been removed at insulation cuts <NUM>, <NUM> from the conductors <NUM> of the flexible, interruptible radial bus <NUM> of <FIG> on either side of the notches <NUM>, such as described in connection with <FIG> above.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of soldering <NUM> connecting the conductors of the flexible, interruptible radial bus to the LED bead device <NUM> of <FIG> in accordance with one embodiment.

<FIG> illustrate assembly and mounting of a two-part radial mounted device (RMD) on a flexible, interruptible radial bus in accordance with one embodiment.

<FIG> illustrates an isometric view of a two-part radial mounted device (RMD) <NUM> in accordance with one embodiment. The RMD <NUM> is of generally similar construction to the LED bead device <NUM> of <FIG>, but in two hemispheres or halves <NUM>, <NUM>. When one RMD hemisphere or half <NUM> is combined with a matching or complementary hemisphere or half <NUM> around a suitably prepared radial bus, a functional RMD <NUM> is formed. An RMD <NUM> may also be constructed in two parts that are not equal hemispheres (e.g., <NUM>/<NUM> and <NUM>/<NUM> circumferences) or in multiple parts. In this example, the conductive elements <NUM>, <NUM> are approximately the same as those of <FIG>; the filler <NUM>, in addition to being formed in halves, leaves space for the arms <NUM> of the conductive elements <NUM>, <NUM> to pass through; and the conductive pads <NUM> are split such that they match up and can be connected, e.g., by solder. In some embodiments, the dividing line between parts of the RMD <NUM> may be on an alternative axis such as not splitting conductive pads <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an isometric view of the two-part radial mounted device <NUM> of <FIG> with a four-wire flexible, interruptible radial bus <NUM> in accordance with one embodiment. In this example, the RMD <NUM> is shown positioned around a radial bus that has been prepared for mounting at a location where notches have already been cut and insulation has been stripped from the wires. The perspective here shows the blue wire for data signal <NUM> at front left.

<FIG> illustrate isometric views of the opposing hemispheres or halves <NUM>, <NUM> of the two-part radial mounted device <NUM> of <FIG> being brought together around the four-wire flexible, interruptible radial bus <NUM> of <FIG> in accordance with one embodiment. The perspective here shows the green wire for clock signal <NUM> at front left.

<FIG> illustrates an isometric view of the two-part radial mounted device <NUM> of <FIG> assembled around the four-wire flexible, interruptible radial bus <NUM> of <FIG> in accordance with one embodiment.

<FIG> illustrates an isometric view of shaping <NUM> of the cylindrical exterior of the assembled two-part radial mounted device <NUM> of <FIG> and soldering <NUM> of the two-part radial mounted device <NUM> to the four-wire flexible, interruptible radial bus <NUM> in accordance with one embodiment. Shaping <NUM>, e.g., milling or molding, may be performed before assembly of the radial mounted device's hemispheres or halves <NUM>, <NUM>. The perspective here is rotated approximately <NUM> degrees from <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates an isometric view of the assembled two-part radial mounted device <NUM> of <FIG> including SMD dies <NUM> and power lead <NUM>. ground lead <NUM>, data signal lead <NUM>, and clock signal in lead <NUM> and clock signal out lead <NUM> wiring to the dies <NUM> in accordance with one embodiment. This example shows a way of wiring dies <NUM> to data signals <NUM> and clock signals <NUM> around opposite sides of the radial mounted device <NUM> using shaping <NUM> to allow one wire to cross below another.

<FIG> illustrates an isometric view of an assembled radial mounted device <NUM> having a translucent outer layer <NUM> in accordance with one embodiment. In some embodiments, the radial mounted device <NUM> is finished with, e.g., a flexible sealant, a relatively hard protective jacket such as a rubber or plastic, or some other covering around the solder connections between the radial mounted device and the flexible, interruptible radial bus.

<FIG> illustrate construction, assembly, and mounting of a castellated two-part radial mounted device <NUM> on a flexible, interruptible radial bus in accordance with one embodiment.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of two parts (opposing halves) of a castellated two-part radial mounted device <NUM> in accordance with one embodiment. This shows an example general layout of conductive metal pads <NUM> and non-conductive body material or filler <NUM> without identifying the designation of particular connectors for specific purposes. In some embodiments, the radial mounted device can include fewer or more conductive elements.

<FIG> illustrates an exploded breakout perspective view of the castellated two-part radial mounted device <NUM> of <FIG> in accordance with one embodiment. Shown are example internal conductors for power or voltage <NUM>, ground <NUM>, data signals <NUM>, and clock signals <NUM>. A die <NUM> with a slightly different arrangement of electrical connectors is pictured. In this example, the conductive elements are positioned as in a finished radial mounted device <NUM>; the filler <NUM> may be flowed or formed around them, for example. 3D printing and other manufacturing techniques may also be employed.

<FIG> each illustrate a perspective view of the two parts (opposing or complementary halves <NUM>, <NUM>) of the castellated two-part radial mounted device <NUM> of <FIG> including SMD dies <NUM> and short power, data signal, and clock signal lead wiring to the dies in accordance with one embodiment. The internal conductors allow lead wiring to the dies <NUM> to be short. The perspectives here are rotated approximately <NUM> degrees from <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of the two parts (opposing or complementary halves <NUM>, <NUM>) of the castellated two-part radial mounted device <NUM> of <FIG> positioned to be brought together around a four-wire flexible, interruptible radial bus <NUM> in accordance with one embodiment. The bus is prepared for mounting the radial mounted device at the mounting location with notches in interruptible conductors and insulation removed, such as described above in connection with <FIG> or <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of the castellated two-part radial mounted device <NUM> of <FIG> assembled around the four-wire flexible, interruptible radial bus <NUM> of <FIG> in accordance with one embodiment.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of the two parts (opposing or complementary halves) of the assembled castellated two-part radial mounted device <NUM> of <FIG> soldered <NUM> together and to the four-wire flexible, interruptible radial bus <NUM> in accordance with one embodiment. This allows connections to be completed with minimal wiring, enhancing robustness.

<FIG> illustrate perspective views of two parts (opposing or complementary halves) of a different castellated two-part radial mounted device <NUM> having fewer conductive metal pads <NUM> in accordance with one embodiment. The two parts or halves <NUM>, <NUM> in this example are positioned to be brought together around a four-wire flexible, interruptible radial bus <NUM> in accordance with one embodiment. The bus <NUM> is prepared for mounting the radial mounted device at the mounting location with notches in interruptible conductors and insulation removed, such as described above in connection with <FIG> or <FIG>. <FIG> shows a perspective with the blue wire for data signal <NUM> at front left and the red wire for power or voltage <NUM> at front right. <FIG> shows a perspective with the red wire for power or voltage <NUM> at front left and the green wire for clock signal <NUM> at front right. A die <NUM> with a slightly different arrangement of electrical connectors is pictured.

<FIG> illustrates an exploded breakout perspective view of the castellated two-part radial mounted device <NUM> of <FIG> in accordance with one embodiment. Shown for one part or half <NUM> of the radial mounted device <NUM> are example internal conductors for power or voltage <NUM>, ground <NUM>, data signals in <NUM> and out <NUM>, and clock signals in <NUM> and out <NUM>. In this example, the conductive elements are positioned as in a finished radial mounted device <NUM>, with the filler not visible but the dies <NUM> shown in place.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of the two parts or halves <NUM>, <NUM> of the assembled castellated two-part radial mounted device <NUM> of <FIG> soldered <NUM> together and to the four-wire flexible, interruptible radial bus in accordance with one embodiment. In this example, the radial mounted device <NUM> is configured with only four conductors on each side, reducing the amount of manufacturing complexity and soldering required.

<FIG> illustrate perspective views of individual hemispherical parts of a two-part radial mounted device mounted in a SMD fashion to PCBs in accordance with one embodiment. <FIG> shows one part or half of the radial mounted device <NUM> of <FIG>, and <FIG> shows one part or half <NUM> of the radial mounted device <NUM> of <FIG>. In both examples, the hemispherical part or half of a two-part radial mounted device is a SMD mounted to a PCB <NUM>, <NUM>. It may similarly be mounted to a flex-print bus or any other convenient substrate. Thus, a single hemisphere of a device can be mounted in a SMD fashion or combined with a matching hemisphere to create a Radial Mounted Device (RMD).

<FIG> illustrates a perspective cutaway view of one part or half <NUM> of a radial mounted device <NUM> mounted in a SMD fashion to a PCB <NUM> in accordance with one embodiment. The filler for approximately one half of the mounted part of the radial mounted device (roughly a quarter section) is cut away to show example internal conductors for power or voltage <NUM>, ground <NUM>, data signals in <NUM> and out <NUM>, and clock signal in <NUM>, and the leads connecting them to the dies <NUM>, as well as solder connections to the PCB <NUM>. The clock signals out <NUM> conductor (seen in <FIG>) is not visible from this perspective; it is soldered to a lead <NUM> on the PCB <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A flexible, interruptible radial, i.e. oriented around a central axis, bus, i.e. a bus having the characteristic of providing access for the removal of a section of a conductor, on which electronically addressable devices are mounted, comprising:
a bus (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) including at least three conductor wires (<NUM>) arranged in a radial pattern, wherein:
the at least three conductor wires (<NUM>) are connected by a center stabilizer (<NUM>, <NUM>);
at least a first conductoi wire (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the at least three conductor wires (<NUM>) is uninterrupted through the bus (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>); and at least a second conductor wire (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the at least three conductor wires (<NUM>) is interrupted at a mounting location along the bus (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>); ; and
a bead device (<NUM>, <NUM>), i.e. a device that can be mounted around the bus (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), configured to be mounted at the mounting location,
wherein:
the bead device (<NUM>, <NUM>) is electrically connected to the first conductor wire (<NUM>, <NUM>) that is uninterrupted through the bus and the second
conductoi wire (<NUM>, <NUM>) that is interrupted at the mounting location;
the bead device (<NUM>, <NUM>) includes one or more electronically addressable devices; and
the one or more electronically addressable devices are configured to utilize a self-addressing bus protocol, wherein the center stabilizer (<NUM>, <NUM>) positions an interruptible wire a distance outward from a central point or axis sufficient to enable a tool or machine to notch or otherwise interrupt the wire at the mounting location without notching or otherwise interrupting an adjacent wire of the bus (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>).