Abstract: A device for measuring changes in the relative height or depth of microscopic surface features of a sample that allows crater depth measurements to be made while depth profile analyses are proceeding is provided. The depth monitor comprises a dual beam optical interferometer, that is preferably adapted for use with analytical instruments, such as SIMS, XPS, ESCA, and AES instruments. The monitor provides substantially accurate depth measurements and a continuous readout for monitoring the sputter rate of an ion beam etch in real time, for correcting for any variations in the sputter rate as craters are formed in the sample. The invention also allows integration of real time depth measurements into data collecting software to eliminate the assumption that the material comprising the sample has the same sputter rate as a reference material. The in situ depth measurements provided by the invention are more accurate than prior art crater depth analysis and reduce processing times.

Abstract: An impact tool useful for performing a number of different surgical and industrial functions is provided. The invented tool can perform such surgical functions as freeing cement, implanting pins, and setting guides and industrial functions such as installing various fasteners. The tool comprises a body having a quick disconnect assembly coupled to a second end for quickly attaching and detaching different desired surgical and industrial implements to the tool. The quick disconnect assembly communicates with an impact inducing assembly is retained in a channel in the body. The impact inducing assembly causes an implement retained in the quick disconnect assembly to deliver an impact with a calibrated force to a desired object. The orientation of the components of the impact inducing assembly can be inverted so that the tool is actuated to apply an instantaneous extraction force to the desired fastener or surgical aid.

Abstract: A processing apparatus and method for removing rind from a spheroidal food article, such as a melon is provided. The apparatus includes infeed and outfeed componentry for conveying melons to be processed into and out of the apparatus, providing an apparatus well suited for use in an automated environment. The infeed componentry includes a positioning device for positioning a melon to be processed between revolving mandrels, for achieving a desired orientation of the melon relative to the mandrels. The mandrels retain the melon on its axis and revolve the melon on its equator. Knife members are positioned on either side of the melon and aligned with the equator thereof when the melon is in an initial position. The knife members have detachable blades to accommodate rinds of different thicknesses, so that the blades extend through the rind, without extending into the flesh. Rollers are secured to the knife members to control the cutting depth of the blades and to enhance the ease with which the rind is cut.

Abstract: A nonvolatile memory cell for a random access memory device is provided. The invented memory cells are similar in configuration to the memory cells of known DRAM devices, so that DRAM devices embodying the invented cells may replace existing DRAM devices. The invented nonvolatile cell also affords a memory device that has low cost of manufacture, high data storage capacity, and low power consumption. Each memory cell includes a floating layer of polysilicon that is interposed between a reference voltage source and a node polysilicon. The floating polysilicon provides nonvolatile storage of data previously stored on the node polysilicon. An electron charge stored on the node polysilicon is transferred to the floating polysilicon, using known electron tunneling methods, before power to the device is removed, so that the data is not lost.

Abstract: A portable static voltage dissipation device configured to be transported on a users person is provided. The device of the present invention includes a hollow, preferably impact resistant, translucent housing. The housing is impact resistant to prevent damage from coming to electronic devices retained therein. Electrically conductive end caps are coupled to first and second ends of the housing. The end caps provide a grasping location for the user. A resistor to prevent excessive current from flowing from the user to inhibit the user from receiving an electrical shock, is coupled to an end cap and an electrostatic voltage discharge indicating device is connected to the resistor and the remaining end cap. The indicating device provides a visual indication that a charge of electrostatic voltage accumulated in the body of the user has been discharged by the device.

Abstract: An impact tool for use in surgical procedures is provided. The invented tool is useful for performing such surgical functions as freeing cement, implanting pins, setting guides, and inserting surgical staples. The tool comprises a body that has an impact force calibrating member coupled to a first end and a chuck in a second end. The chuck includes a rod that extends into a channel in the body. An impact inducing assembly is retained in the channel. The assembly causes a surgical implement retained in the chuck to deliver an impact with a calibrated force to a desired object. The impact inducing assembly comprises a piston, a spring interposed between the piston and calibrating member, and an actuation mechanism to engage the rod. An antirotation assembly may optionally be provided to prevent the implement from rotating relative to the body, as the rod is propelled along the channel. An object is impacted by applying pressure to the implement with the tool.