Abstract: A semiconductor processing method capable of producing highly ordered, ultra thin dielectrics, including gate oxide and other semiconductor dielectrics, and interphase phases with low defect density. The process includes a degrease step, an etch, primary oxidation and then a passivation step which utilizes hydrofluoric acid to passivate the cleaned silicon surface with hydrogen. Dielectric layers may then be formed with low interface defect density, low flat band voltages and low fixed charge on semiconductor substrates.

Abstract: A compound semiconductor device is provided that includes a substrate and an active region disposed above the substrate. The active region includes at least two different pseudomorphic layers, the first layer having the form InxGa1−xPyAszSb1−y−z, and the second layer having the form InqGa1−qPrAssSb1−r−s. The first layer includes at least In, Ga, and As, and the second layer includes at least Ga, As, and Sb. It is preferable for the substrate to be GaAs or AlpGa1−pAs (0<p<1), or to have a lattice constant close to or equal to that of GaA For the first layer, it is preferable if x is between 0.05 and 0.7, y is between 0 and 0,35, z is between 0.45 and 1, and 1−y−z is between 0 and 0.25. For the second layer, it is preferable if q is between 0 and 0.25 and 1−r−s is between 0.25 and 1.

Abstract: An anchor for a cable used to support an object. The anchor is adapted to be mounted to any substantially flat surface from which the user desires the object to be mounted, e.g. a wall, ceiling or floor. A rotatably mounted shaft is secured to the cable end. A pivotal bracket supports the shaft. Both the shaft and the bracket can be secured at desired angular dispositions so that the angle at which the cable extends from the anchor can be adjusted. A slotted cover shields from view operative mechanical elements of the mount, but permits the run of cable to extend from the anchor at a desired angle.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser for use with a disposable liquid supply container is described. The dispenser includes a support for holding the container in an elevated position above a sliding closure mechanism for regulating gravity flow of liquid from the dispenser and substantially sealing the liquid from the ambient air. A connector tube has a passage extending from an opening end through the sliding closure mechanism to a discharge end to permit the gravity flow of liquid from the container and out the discharge end. The sliding closure mechanism includes a slidable clamping member adapted to clamp a portion of the passage in a closed position to prevent the flow of liquid from the dispenser and to disengage the portion of the passage in an open position to permit the flow of liquid from the dispenser. A cooling plate is provided to cool the liquid in the connector tube passage.

Abstract: A speech processing system for the generation of speaker specific text output. To automatically generate a transcript of a trial, hearing, or. meeting, the system uses microphones dedicated to specific speakers along with one or more computers with speech recognition software assigned to each microphone. The system tracks the occurrences of speech and assembles a transcript of the participant's spoken words including the speaker's identity and a text version of the spoken words in the order the words were spoken.

Abstract: A hitch apparatus for removably coupling a trailer to a tow vehicle provides fore and aft cushioning, vertical cushioning and roll accommodation. When it is mounted on the tow vehicle, a mounting assembly is situate in the truck bed of the tow vehicle and includes a pair of rails pivotally coupled at a first end with the truck bed. A carriage is mounted on the rails by means of a pair of rail guides, each of which slidably receives a corresponding one of the rails, and is thus slidable in directions fore and aft on the tow vehicle. A shock absorber is pivotally, diagonally coupled between the truck bed, at one end, and the lower surface of the carriage at the other end. A cradle is pivotally mounted for side-to-side rocking within the carriage. A hitch adapted to receive the trailer is mounted to the cradle. A first plate is mounted to the second ends of the rails. An air bag is mounted to the truck bed directly underneath the first plate to provide vertical cushioning.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for removing perchlorate and/or nitrate from contaminated material utilizing a DM-17 bacteria. DM-17 is a gram-negative, motile, polymorphic, facultative anaerobe which is deposited with the American Type Culture Collection under ATCC No. PTA-2685. DM-17 may be used as a substitute for anaerobic bacteria which are presently being used in biological systems for removing perchlorate and/or nitrate from water and other contaminated materials, such as soil. Enhancement of nitrate reduction results from the presence of a level of perchlorate. Enhancement of perchlorate results from the presence of a level of nitrate. Particular carbon contributors further enhance remediation.

Abstract: A game of chance and associated accounting system better fulfill the fiduciary duty owed to game players and to the public by proprietors of the game of chance. The game of chance and accounting system disinterest the proprietor in the outcome of the game and give a player added incentive to participate in the game. The player is able to monitor continuously the exact amount of the prizes to be won while playing the game.

Abstract: An ultra precision stamped process carrier frame for use in the manufacture of microelectronic devices comprises a frame into which a plurality of precision-stamped apertures are made. Each of the coupon carrying apertures in the frame has a serrated side wall comprising a plurality of fingers extending into the aperture. The ends of the fingers are precision punched to define the aperture that registers the semiconductor coupon simultaneously with the punching of the reference fiducials. Since only the ends of the fingers are punched in the final process operation, the coupon-registering apertures can be held to a tighter tolerance relative to the fidicuals and relative to each other than is possible when the entire side wall of the aperture is punched.

Abstract: Heat sinks suitable for use, for example, as semiconductor heat sinks are formed from a unitary precision stamping consisting of at least one rail to which are attached a plurality of heat sink elements. Each of the heat sink elements is attached to the rail by a bridge region of reduced thickness. The heat sinks, supported by the rail member, may be subjected to the anodizing treatment or other surface coating treatment while still attached to the rail. The thickness of the area of reduced thickness is chosen to correspond to the design thickness of the anodized coating. Since the anodized coating penetrates the surface of the part being anodized, by selecting the appropriate thickness for the region of reduced thickness, the anodized coating can be made to fully penetrate the bridge region such that when the heat sink is separated from the rail member, the anodic film completely covers the heat sink, without the presence of bare spots typical of prior art rack-anodized heat sinks.

Abstract: A system for controlling with safety the transfer or control of high pressure fluids from a container for use as to an inflatable escape slide. The pressurized container houses valve mechanisms such as a first and second valve mechanism, with the first valve mechanism controlling by actuation the on off flow of high pressure fluids to the second valve mechanism. The second valve mechanism controls the rate of flow by reducing the pressure for delivery to the inflatable escape slide. A safety valve operates in conjunction with the first valve mechanism and upon breaking of the valve mechanisms from the pressurized container to prevent the contents of the pressurized container from rapid escape or uncontrolled release.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display cell having improved cell gap uniformity is made by depositing a plurality of spacer particles on the cell substrate then subjecting the substrate to an external energy source to selectively dislodge and remove the larger particles, such as by immersing the substrate in and ultrasonic bath. Because the larger particles will inherently have a lesser attraction to the substrate relative to their mass, subjecting the entire substrate to the ultrasonic bath will inherently preferentially remove the larger particles, resulting in a distribution having a smaller standard deviation than the initial mixture of particles deposited on the substrate as well as an asymmetric reduction in the number of gap-dominating large particles.

Abstract: A very low stress attachment method for attaching a microelectronic device to a flexible substrate comprises use of a photo initiated anisotropic conductive adhesive, preferably an infrared photo initiated anisotropic paste, which can be applied to the bonding terminals of a microelectronic device. The flex circuit is then aligned with the corresponding pads on the device. The flex circuit is then biased against the microelectronic device and the infrared photo initiated anisotropic adhesive is exposed to infrared light by means of a dual purpose light guide that presses against the back side of the polyimide flex circuit and simultaneously receives and guides light energy from an Nd: YAG laser to the back side of the polyimide flex circuit. Light energy from the laser passes through the polyimide substrate and between the circuit tracks of the flex circuit to excite the photo initiator of the photo initiated ACA material, thereby causing it to cure.