Abstract: A system for applying fluid to a ground surface, the system includes (a) a plurality of nozzle valves, (b) a control switch and open and close manifold valves for operating each nozzle valve so that each nozzle valve closes essentially concurrently, and (c) a pair of switching manifolds have for operating each nozzle valve so that each nozzle valve is, selectively, opened or closed independently of each other nozzle valve, provided the opened and close valves have not closed the nozzle valves.

Abstract: A low fat substitute fat food stuff mixture and method for making the same is disclosed, the mixture substantially simulating the appearance, taste, texture, and mouth feel of traditional fat-filled foods. The mixture can be easily substituted in one to one proportions for butter, margarine, shortening, oil, lard and other fats called for in many foods.

Abstract: An inert magazine for replacing a loaded magazine in a gun having a magazine chamber, the inert magazine includes a ballast, sized and shaped to be received into the magazine well of the gun, and means for removably retaining the ballast in the magazine well of the gun. The inert magazine is approximately the same weight as the weight of a loaded magazine for the gun. In a preferred embodiment, the ballast comprises a plastic shell filled with ballasting.

Abstract: A pivoted seat and footrest chair having a seat and footrest at the top and bottom of a pair of vertical supports such that rotation of the seat forward rotates the footrest back as the person rises out of the chair, allowing easy exiting. The center of gravity of the seat and footrest assembly are vertically aligned with or forward of a pivot point when the seat is in the forward position, such that the seat remains in or rotates toward the forward position when unoccupied. Additionally, the seat extends in front of the armrests while the footrest remains under the seat when the seat is in the forward position, such that the seat is easy to access.

Abstract: Temperature nonuniformity across a semiconductor wafer during both the transient and steady state of a typical rapid thermal processing (RTP) cycle has been a deterrent in using RTP in many ULSI unit processes. The present invention consists of a three-dimensional mathematical model to study the temperature variation across a wafer in an RTP oven for given heating element power settings, during both the transient and steady state of a typical thermal cycle and control a heating element by a computer program. The validity of various models have been checked by performing a series of oxidation experiments.

Abstract: A low-fat saute and method for making the same is disclosed, the mixture substantially simulating the appearance, taste, texture, and mouth feel of traditional fat-filled sautes.

Abstract: This invention discloses to an interlocking insulated panel building system that has expanded polystyrene panels sandwiched between inner and outer oriented strand board (OSB) skins. Structural strength is enhanced and thermal shorts are reduced by use of channels formed from typically 22 gauge (0.03") galvanized steel. The panels are interfitted by a tongue-and-groove system. The components of the system are wall panels, headers, sills, beams, and roof panels.

Abstract: An extended hold potato product comprising cut potatoes having a starch-based coating, the coating including corn starch, corn flour, and low solubility dextrin. In a preferred embodiment, the starch-based coating further includes rice flour, sodium chloride, and sodium acid pyrophosphate. After finish preparation, the potato product retains a generally crisp outer surface texture for an extended period of time. A process for preparing a potato product having an extended hold time comprises (a) washing, cutting, and blanching raw potatoes, (b) partially drying surfaces of the potatoes, (c) applying an aqueous starch-based slurry to the potatoes, the aqueous slurry including corn flour, corn starch, low solubility dextrin, and water, and then (d) parfrying and freezing the coated potatoes.

Abstract: A boltless, reusable flange system for joining metal piping includes a circular, wedge-shaped tongue on an upper flange for mating with a groove containing a fusible alloy in a lower flange. The lower flange includes a heating element for melting the fusible alloy, and a thermocouple device to sense the alloy temperature. Heat can be controlled and supplied from a remote source and monitored by a remote temperature indicator. The upper flange is positioned above the lower flange, tongue and groove aligned, and the lower flange is heated until the fusible alloy melts to allow the upper tongue to settle down within the lower groove. Upon removal of the heat, the alloy hardens to further bring the two flanges together in a solid and sealed couple, compressing an optional gasket.

Abstract: A removable oxide spacer is used to reduce the size of a contact opening in a DRAM cell between polysilicon word lines below a lithographic minimum. The removable spacer is deposited before the buried contact patterning and etching. Since word lines diverge at a cell location, the removable spacer retains a lesser thickness over the divergent area contact opening and a greater thickness elsewhere between word lines due to the more narrow gap therebetween and the spacer being deposited such that if fills the gap. The removable spacer reduces the buried contact size since the actual self-aligned contact area is defined by the spacer sidewall. Etching of the spacer creates a buried contact opening smaller than lithographic minimum because silicon oxide surrounding the buried contact area is protected by the removable spacer. The removable spacer is removed after resist strip leaving a sublithographic buried contact opening.

Abstract: A semiconductor die includes a metal layer deposited thereon for enhancing adhesion between the die and a mold compound package. The metal layer is substantially oxide free. The die is coated with a layer or layers of copper (Cu) and/or palladium (Pd) by electroplating or electroless coating techniques. The metal layer provides a uniform wetting surface for better adhesion of the die with the mold compound during encapsulation. The increased adhesion reduces delamination potential of the die from the package.

Abstract: A method for testing the ingredients of fabricated snack products includes the steps of; producing snack product test pieces using a test ingredient; evaluating certain characteristics of the test pieces; and then using this information to predict the characteristics of a fabricated snack product containing the test ingredient. Initially, a dough containing the test ingredient is mixed under controlled conditions. A quantity of the dough is extruded using an extrusion apparatus adapted to extrude the dough at a uniform rate regardless of the dough's consistency. The extruded dough is then cut into dough pieces having a uniform length, wall thickness and density. Next, the dough pieces are cooked at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time to form the snack product test pieces. Characteristics of the test pieces are determined and analyzed as a predictor of similar characteristics in a fabricated snack product containing the test ingredient.

Abstract: A circuit and method provide isolated modulation of SRAM bitline voltage levels for improved voltage bump retention testing of the SRAM cells. A first FET is connected to Vcc, bitline load gates of the SRAM cell, and test mode operation control logic. A second FET is connected to the bitline load gates, the test mode logic, and an external pin of the SRAM device. During test mode operation, the first FET disables Vcc to the bitlines, and the second FET enables the internal bitline voltage levels to be modulated by a voltage supply received through the external pin of the device. Modulation of the bitline voltage levels is isolated from normal operating voltage levels of peripheral circuitry such as the wordlines. An alternate embodiment provides a CMOS transmission gate in place of the second FET.

Abstract: Temperature nonuniformity across a semiconductor wafer during both the transient and steady state of a typical rapid thermal processing (RTP) cycle has been a deterrent in using RTP in many VLSI unit processes. The present invention consists of a three-dimensional mathematical model to study the temperature variation across a wafer in an RTP oven for given lamp power settings, during both the transient and steady state of a typical thermal cycle and control a heating lamp back by a computer program. The simulation package has been written in FORTRAN, and the validity of various models have been checked by performing a series of oxidation experiments.

Abstract: A lead finger of a lead frame in a lead package system for a semiconductor die includes a tread on a surface of the lead finger for increasing adhesion between the finger and an adhesive tape, the tape communicating between the tread and the die. The tread substantially minimizes lead finger bounce upon wire bonding the lead finger with the die. The tread is patterned to provide optimum surface area for adhesion with the adhesive tape. The tread includes a groove and/or cavity stamped or etched on the surface of the lead finger.

Abstract: A programmable machine system and method for performing electronic data interchange among two or more trading partners. The machine is programmed so that it can accept any format of EDI data so long as the incoming data stream is composed of data segments and elements conforming to some EDI Standard format. The system can further convert and store incoming EDI data to an internal format for maintenance and application within other management information subsystems. Further, the system can re-compile the EDI data into the originator's format and retransmit the data. Importantly, the system does not require any previously agreed upon exchange format or data template in order to receive, store, maintain, and retransmit EDI structured-data.

Abstract: This invention discloses a two-wheeled device that can roll over and straddle three sizes of tanks, extend the adjustable feet to a lift position, raise the back end of the tank, connect a chain and hook to the front end of the tank, lift both front and back tank legs off the ground, and roll the tank over the ground or floor. The handle length is adjustable to accommodate three different tank lengths and the chain and hook can also adjust horizontally to accommodate these three lengths. The feet are also retractable to permit rolling the device past the two front legs on the tank.

Abstract: A portable barrier strip having retractable tire-puncture means for puncturing a vehicle tire. The tire-puncture means, such as spikes, have an armed position for puncturing a tire and a retracted position for not puncturing a tire. The strip comprises a plurality of barrier blocks having the tire-puncture means removably disposed in a shaft that is rotatably disposed in each barrier block. The shaft removably and pivotally interconnects the plurality of barrier blocks. Actuation cables cause the shaft to rotate the tire-puncture means to the armed position for puncturing a vehicle tire and to the retracted position for not puncturing the tire. Each tire-puncture means is received in a hollow-bed portion of its respective barrier block when in the retracted position. The barrier strip rests stable in its deployed position and substantially motionless as a tire rolls thereon and over.