Abstract: The present invention is a persulfate microetchant composition especially useful for removing impurities from copper surfaces during fabrication of microelectronic packages. The microetchant formulation is characterized by its ability to selectively clean copper in the presence of nickel, nickel-phosphorous and noble metal alloys therefrom. Furthermore, no deleterious galvanic etching occurs in this microetchant-substrate system so that substantially no undercutting of the copper occurs. The combination of high selectivity and no undercutting allows for a simplification of the microelectronic fabrication process and significant improvements in the design features of the microelectronic package, in particular higher density circuits. The persulfate microetchant composition is stabilized with acid and phosphate salts to provide a process that is stable, fast acting, environmentally acceptable, has high capacity, and can be performed at room temperature.

Abstract: A cash card system featuring an electronic element providing a mechanism for making a cash purchase or payment. The electronic element contains a PIN and electronic cash, and is useless by itself. Only the correct PIN will validate a purchase. The account number encoded on the electronic element is tied to the PIN, such that the loss or theft of the electronic element will prevent unauthorized usage. The user purchases a dollar amount for the electronic element, which is electronically loaded therein. Thereafter, the user transfers the electronic cash to a retailer or a financial institution by providing the PIN.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for aligning an array of light transmitting elements to an array of photosensitive detectors. The array is adjusted along three axes. Any element (a coupled transmitting and detecting unit of the array) can be selected as the center of rotation. Small angular correction is made about the selected element by differentially moving the array in two axes, using adjustment tools. Alignment is accomplished by performing translational movement in the horizontal X and Y axes until a signal is detected. A rotational correction about the selected element is performed by moving one of a pair of adjustment devices until maximum light intensity is achieved for the end elements. Next, the array is scanned for the weakest performing element in the array. The alignment procedure is repeated until the performance of all of the elements in the array fall within a pre-established specification range.

Abstract: There is provided an RFID transceiver, typically in the form of a prox-wafer. The transceiver is suitable for lamination or encapsulation into newly manufactured identification (ID) badges and similar articles. These ID badges are suitable for identifying and/or authenticating a person or object when used in conjunction with an RFID identification system. The proximity badges formed using the RFID transceivers are superior to conventional magnetic stripe, bar code, or “smart chip” badges because no direct contact with a badge reader is required and the element containing the identification code is not easily corrupted.

Abstract: A membrane-electrode assembly for electrochemical cells such as proton exchange membrane fuel cells and direct methanol fuel cells operating at ambient conditions are activated first by exposing them at a temperature higher than ambient temperature and with the gaseous reactants back-pressurized. The performance of the membrane-electrode assemblies, especially those whose electrodes are of low catalyst loadings made using supported catalysts, improves dramatically after the activation.

Abstract: A reliable, rotating, illuminated advertising display unit that utilizes independent display modules housing lights and advertising material. These are easily removed from the base unit for shipping, assembly, and replacement. Optionally, AMLCD, plasma, or similar flat-panel displays may be used in the display modules. The display modules surround a hollow central compartment that may be used for storing, collecting, or displaying products such as food or beverages, or as a trash container. Power is transmitted from the base via a slip ring to the lighting contained in the display modules so as to display advertising or similar matter. The rotational capability is provided via a motor, a gearing arrangement, a central tapered roller bearing, and rollers. The unit's power is provided by AC power when available, or by utilizing a fuel cell, e.g., a proton exchange membrane (PEM), methanol solid oxide, photovoltaic cells, battery, or some combination thereof.

Abstract: A new acoustic sensing device or directional microphone having greater sensitivity and reduced noise. The directional microphone or acoustic sensor has a rigid, one micron thick, polysilicon membrane having dimensions of about 1 mm×2 mm. The membrane is supported upon its center by rigid supports having torsional and transverse stiffness. The differential microphone is useful in hearing aids, telecommunications equipment, information technology and military applications.

Abstract: A pressure vessel or pressurizable canister has a hollow, thin-walled, cylindrical metal shell or tube. Two end caps are hermetically sealed to the respective distal ends of the metal shell by the process of magnetic pulse welding that requires no external heat. The two end caps are made of a metallic alloy such as aluminum. The end caps are each cylindrically shaped and have at least one circumferential recess to accommodate the metal of the shell tube as it deforms about the end caps and forms an intermolecular bond. The canister can hold a pressure of at least 1,800 psi.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a simplified process for fabricating high density printed wiring boards using a semi-additive process. Steps required to achieve this objective include adhering an electroless plated copper commoning layer to a surface roughened dielectric substrate. Subsequently, the commoning layer is photolithographically personalized by covering the commoning layer with a resist and then uncovering predetermined areas of the aforementioned commoning layer. Consequently, the semi-additive method involves electroplating copper onto the uncovered areas of the commoning layer, thereby generating copper features and circuitry. Finally, the semi-additive process requires the stripping of the remaining photoresist, and the unplated electroless copper layer is etched in order to electronically isolate the copper features and circuitry lines.

Abstract: A putting device and system for analyzing how a golfer addresses and strokes a golf ball. The putting device includes a plurality of lasers that are mounted on the putter. The laser project beams of light at the ball, at a target, and at a proximate side screen to show the accuracy and trueness of a putting swing.

Abstract: A wood pole fall protection device for line technicians and pole climbers that allows travel up and down a wooden pole without incurring a fall or injury. The wood pole fall protection device is also designed to provide the line technician with the ability to rotate or twist in the straps as well as negotiate and maneuver around obstacles and obstructions encountered upon the pole.

Abstract: A novel family of olefin polymerization catalysts comprising three-membered titanacarbocycles is described and illustrated. The titanacarbocycles can be readily synthesized by utilizing di-n-butyltitanium dichloride or di-t-butyltitanium dichloride at −78° C. in alkane, cycloalkane, or aromatic hydrocarbon media. These catalysts exhibit sufficient stability after their preparation that they undergo a remarkable, unprecedented reaction whereby the titanium dichloride moiety is efficiently transferred to a substrate like diphenylacetylene, ethylene, or similar compounds in order to generate the three-membered titanacarbocycles.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing asphalt in the field is described. The apparatus includes a motor for rotatively driving a chamber containing the asphalt to be tested. The chamber is rotated while cooler, ambient air is circulated through the asphalt particulate. After cooling the particles of the asphalt, the asphalt particles are separated by tumbling action.

Abstract: A method is described for improving the performance of fuel cells such as H2/air PEM fuel cells and direct methanol fuel cells. It has been discovered that H2 evolution can significantly improve the performance of air cathodes and direct methanol fuel cell anodes. The improvement of air cathodes applies to both H2/air PEM fuel cells and direct methanol fuel cells.

Abstract: “Pop-Up Surprise is a novelty gift idea designed to blend naturally with any bouquet of flowers and seemingly magically delivers a pre-printed message to its recipient. The pop-up mechanism resembles a flower stem, is green in color and is height adjustable. The silk bud or other outer housings are stand alone pieces designed to house a banner on which the message will be written. The outer housing (Silk bud in this example) easily snaps on the top of the outer stem. A spring and a plastic pop-up rod are parts of the internal mechanism designed to pop the banner up through the outer housing. A timed release tablet dissolves in water over a period of 24 hours releasing the pop-up rod which pushes the banner up through the outer housing, revealing the banner with a pre-printed message.

Abstract: A fuel cell having a novel configuration including a segmented gas diffusion medium (GDM) or a non-segmented GDM and a separator plate, in which the reactant flow field and liquid coolant field are integrated into one side of a single plate element. The separator plate, in one embodiment, allows for the hydration of the polymer electrolyte membrane of the fuel cell.

Abstract: A medicating device for a hospital or nursing home that provides the correct medication for each individual occupant of a portion of the institution, at the right time of the day. The medicating device includes a control computer that sends instructions to a dispensing device. The dispensing device is then caused to discharge a particular tablet stored therein. The device contains a series of parallel, annular, arcuately shaped plates that are stacked closely together. Resting on each plate are multiple curved tablet trays that are arcuately disposed thereupon. Each tray contains a number of tablets or capsules disposed within individual cells of the arcuate plate. The plates are rotated under the control of the computer by a motor drive. A retrieval mechanism then rises or descends to address one of the plates.