Abstract: A reinforcing material is uniformly dispersed in a yttrium aluminum garnet matrix material for use as a machine tool material specially suited for machining Ti or a Ti alloy. The matrix material and the reinforcing material are present in proportions selected such that the machine tool material is substantially resistant to transfer of impurities to a Ti or Ti alloy by way of either chemical reaction with or diffusion into the Ti or Ti alloy material to be machined. The matrix material preferably comprises Y3Al5O12. The reinforcing material may comprise SiCw, TiC, TiN, TiB2, or combinations thereof and is preferably present in an amount sufficient to enable electrical discharge machining of the machine tool material. In addition, the machine tool material defines a thermodynamically stable phase at relatively high machining temperatures.

Abstract: An encapsulated display device. The device includes a substrate, an environmentally sensitive display device adjacent to the substrate, and at least one first barrier stack adjacent to the environmentally sensitive display device. The barrier stack encapsulates the environmentally sensitive display device. It includes at least one first barrier layer and at least one first polymer layer. The encapsulated display device optionally includes at least one second barrier stack located between the substrate and the environmentally sensitive display device. The second barrier stack includes at least one second barrier layer and at least one second polymer layer. A method for making an encapsulated display device is also disclosed.

Abstract: An antistatic composition is provided for use with a label construction which includes an organic cationic polyelectrolyte, a binder, and a surfactant. The composition is preferably used in a label construction comprising a polymer film substrate having a pressure sensitive adhesive on its second surface, a release liner overlying the pressure sensitive adhesive, with the antistatic composition being provided on the second surface of release liner. The antistatic composition reduces the surface resistivity of the second surface of said release liner. The antistatic composition may also be used in combination with a toner adhesion-enhancing coating which is provided on the first surface of the substrate to improve print quality. The labels may be stacked or provided in roll form such that the antistatic composition reduces the coefficient of friction between adjacent labels and prevents the build-up of static charges on the labels.

Abstract: The silylated polyurethane polymer includes a polyurethane prepolymer having between greater than about 50 to about 95% of NCO groups terminated with silane capping agents. The polymer has an improved mechanical properties. The polymer can also have between about 5% to less than about 50% of the NCO groups terminated with low molecular weight terminators.

Abstract: A semiconductor die is provided with an internally programmable router to assign signal paths to select connection points. A switching matrix incorporating at least one antifuse is utilized to selectively route signal paths on the semiconductor die. The chips can then be used individually, for example to reconfigure chip pin assignments to operate in a plurality of different socket layouts, or where features or controls of a chip are selectively enabled or disabled. A further alternative involves programming a first chip, then stacking piggyback, or one on top of the other, the first chip onto a second chip. The contact pins are electrically coupled together, thus avoiding the need for external frames and pin rerouting schemes to form stacked chips. In the stacked chip configuration, control pins are rerouted to align with unused pins on the chip stacked against.

Abstract: A vapor recovery line monitor, a fuel dispenser, and fuel dispensing system are provided. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a vapor recovery line monitor is provided comprising a fuel dispensing and vapor recovery hose, a pressure sensing passage, and a pressure transducer. The fuel dispensing and vapor recovery hose defines a fuel dispensing passage and a vapor recovery passage. The pressure sensing passage defines a pressure sensing orifice. The pressure sensing orifice is positioned within the vapor recovery passage. The pressure transducer is coupled to the pressure sensing passage and is configured to provide an indication of pressure at the pressure sensing orifice. Pressure data may be processed and compared to predetermined thresholds to trigger a vapor return line blockage signal. A controller may also be configured to shut down all or part of the system when a blockage signal is generated.

Abstract: A process for forming a local interconnect includes applying a layer of metal over a semiconductor layer. A layer of metal silicide is formed over the layer of metal. The layer of metal silicide is patterned to define the boundaries of the local interconnect. The metal silicide is reacted with the layer of metal to form a composite structure. The composite structure includes the metal silicide, another metal silicide formed as silicon from the metal silicide reacts with the underlying layer of metal and an intermetallic compound of the metal from the layer of metal and metal from the layer of metal silicide.

Abstract: A security document is prepared by designating specialized tiling elements to be printed in selected image element cells across the face of the document. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method of preparing a security document is provided comprising the steps of: (i) designating a security image area on a face of a document; (ii) dividing the security image area into a plurality of image element cells, such that the image element cells define an array of image element cells across the security image area; and (iii) designating respective printed tiling elements to be printed in selected ones of the image element cells to define a printed security image and a printed complementary security image within the security image area. Individual ones of the respective printed tiling elements comprise printed units positioned within the respective image element cells.

Abstract: An endless belt for use in digital imaging systems is provided having uniform edge to edge flatness, and precise circumferential and edge to edge thickness. The layers comprising the belt may be tailored as desired for use in either latent image formation, image transfer or sheet transport operations. In one embodiment, the belt includes an elastomeric base layer, an intermediate polymer ply over the base layer, and an outer elastomeric layer. Alternatively, the belt includes an elastomeric base layer and an outer polymer layer. The belt may further include reinforcing layers which may comprise a woven or non-woven fabric layer and/or an elastomerimpregnated spun cord layer. The belt is preferably manufactured by building the layers on a workpiece and then curing the layers.

Abstract: A process is provided for forming a resistance welding electrode. The process includes the step of providing a billet formed from a high conductivity metal. The billet includes a first portion having a first inner cavity formed therein. The process further includes the steps of inserting an insert into the first inner cavity of the billet, and deforming the insert so as to mechanically lock the insert in place in the billet. The deformed billet comprises the resistance welding electrode.

Abstract: A sample preparation method and apparatus is provided which is capable of automatic operation over a broad range with improved accuracy and precision, and which is capable of sampling with improved accuracy and flushing without operator intervention. A pair of syringes are used to measure large and small volumes of components, respectively, and can be operated automatically using a processor to prepare samples. Further, the method and apparatus incorporate a solvent selector valve which permits various solvents to be selected as required to prepare a particular sample. Automatic flushing of the apparatus is also provided after the preparation of each sample.

Abstract: A sustained-release pharmaceutical preparation utilizing a pH controlled diffusion membrane composed of a pH sensitive film-forming polymer. The film forming polymer may be an enteric polymer containing phthalic acid with one carboxyl group attached to the enteric polymer via an ester bond, and the second carboxyl group remaining a free acid so that the modified film forming polymer is hydrophobic at low pH and hydrophilic at higher pH. Hydrophobic stearyl side chains are attached to the enteric polymer which causes the pH controlled diffusion membrane to remain insoluble at high pH. Alternatively, the pH sensitive film forming polymer may be a polymer containing hydrophobic and free acid groups so that the modified film forming polymer is hydrophobic at low pH and hydrophilic but insoluble at high pH.