Abstract: A solid state optoelectronic switching and display device and a method for its manufacture are disclosed. The device, formed in silicon, essentially is a surface-emitting visible light-emitting diode that allows rapid and efficient switching and information transfer, via optical means, between IC's, PC boards and displays in a computer. The method essentially includes electrochemically etching a silicon wafer to form a porous silicon region therein, depositing a transparent semiconductor layer on the porous silicon region, and forming a back contact on the wafer.

Abstract: An electric battery comprises a semiconductor junction incorporating an inorganic crystalline compound of Group III and Group V elements of the Periodic Table characterized by a predetermined annealing temperature for defects therein; a nuclear source of relatively high energy radiation and concomitant heat, which radiation causes generation of such defects in the semiconductor junction; and a thermal impedance enclosure for the nuclear source and the semiconductor-junction for retaining therewithin a sufficient quantity of heat to maintain a functional relationship between the generation of defects and the predetermined annealing temperature during operation.

Abstract: A rubber tire recycling process comprises the steps of granulating rubber tires to form coarse rubber crumbs, mixing the coarse rubber crumbs with coarse siliceous grains to form a closely packed mixture of coarse particles that are roughly commensurate in size, thoroughly wetting the surfaces of the coarse particles with a polymerizable liquid binder to provide a viscous slurry, casting the slurry into a sheet-like configuration, and curing the sheet-like configuration under sufficient heat and for a sufficient time to provide an environmentally compatible sheet-like product, e.g. a paver or tile for driveways, or a shingle for roof tops, that is characterized by excellent weather, wear and chemical resistance. The surface characteristics of the coarse particles of vulcanized rubber and crystalline grains are critical to the present invention.

Abstract: A modular ion beam assisted continuous coating apparatus and method for a wide range of materials and the products so made are disclosed. The materials include metals, such as all kinds of steels and the like in sheet, wire, tubing and rod forms, and plastics, such as all kinds of polymers again in sheet, wire, tubing and rod forms. The coatings on the materials are intended to improve their wear, corrosion and/or oxidation resistance as well as to enhance their aesthetic appearance. The coatings essentially include metals such as aluminum, chromium, cadmium, tin, zinc, iron, platinum, nickel, silver, gold, etc., and ceramics such as ZrO.sub.2, SiO.sub.2, Y.sub.2 O.sub.3, TiN and Si.sub.3 N.sub.4. The modular continuous coating apparatus essentially is divided into four stages a vacuum entry stage, a material pre-cleaning stage, an ion beam assisted coating stage, and a vacuum exit stage.

Abstract: A device made by a process of making strain-free, heavily carbon-doped p-type epitaxial layers for use in high performance devices and at least one such device so made. The process essentially includes the epitaxial deposition of a strain-free, carbon-doped p-type layer in a GaAs HBT device to form the base layer thereof in a manner that includes the balancing of the strain of the crystal lattice structure caused by the carbon doping by co-doping the base layer with an isovalent and isoelectric dopant. The co-doping also improves device performance. It also effects alloy hardening, which inhibits further defect formation, improves mobility and carrier lifetime of the base layer and, by narrowing the energy gap, it improves ohmic contact formation.

Abstract: A process to improve the surface properties of products made, at least in part, from silicone rubber is disclosed. The products find uses in industrial and medical device applications, such as drug-pump seals and valves, membranes, mammary prostheses, artificial heart diaphragms, pacemaker lead insulation and the like. The process is designed to change the silicone rubber's surface to one that is characterized by low friction, being antithrombotic, inkable, more wear resistant and deformable, and also being hydro-compatible. The process includes subjecting the product's silicone rubber surface to ion bombardment with gaseous ions that diffuse out with doses and at energy levels at least about 3E14 ions/cm.sup.2 at 80 keV.

Abstract: A process of producing a duct by extruding a tubular casing composed of a polymeric foam, inserted a helically coiled reinforcing element composed of an electrically conductive metal into the tubular casing, and passing an electrical current through the reinforcing element in order to heat the reinforcing element above the softening point of the tubular casing and to embed the reinforcing element into the inner surface of the tubular casing.

Abstract: A cost-effective process for polishing refractory materials, including natural and synthetic diamond, sapphire, ruby and Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 balls, is disclosed, wherein the surfaces thereof are successively softened to a predetermined depth by ion implantation, followed by mechanical polishing. This cycle of ion-implantation softening, followed by mechanical polishing, is repeated until such time that surface profilometry indicates that a desired surface smoothness has been achieved.

Abstract: An improved surgical implant, including dental implants, formed of Ti and its alloys and a process of its manufacture are disclosed. The improved surgical implant is designed to withstand fretting wear and abrasion occasioned by vibrating micromotion of the implant against the surrounding bone structure. Such micromotion has caused undesirable blackening in the surrounding tissue and has required premature replacement of the implant.

Abstract: A seat for a disabled driver or passenger at the door of an automotive vehicle, the door moving between closed and open positions at a doorway through which the seat is accessible. The seat comprises a seat cushion including a stationary cushion component remote from the doorway and a transport cushion component adjacent to the doorway, the transport cushion component being constrained for movement in a path between a retracted position and an extended position. The transport cushion component, when in extended position, is located downwardly and outwardly of its retracted position. The transport cushion component is controlled by an operational system that includes a manual actuator for maintaining movement between the retracted position and the extended position when under constant manual control. The actuator is accessible to constant manual control at a handle bar that moves with the transport cushion.

Abstract: An novel lampshade and process of its manufacture are disclosed. The lampshade is characterized by an understated elegant look. The lampshade looks as if stretched on the outside, and features a contoured lining. Essentially, the lampshade comprises a cover that serves as a rigid shell that defines upper and lower perimeters. The lining is secured at the perimeters to the shell and is separated therefrom by a form.

Abstract: A load-bearing plastic orthopaedic joint implant, formed aat least partially of UHMWPE or HDPE material, and a process of subjecting at least the load-bearing surface thereof to ion implantation so as to improve its surface characteristics are disclosed. Such improved surface characteristics result, inter alia, from the formation in the treated surfaces, of increased carbon to carbon bonds, diamond-like carbon chain scissions and wherein the implanted ions do not form precipitate chemical compounds with the plastic material.

Abstract: A universal mounting bracket for U-locks of the kind featuring a U-shaped shackle and a cross bar for securing motorcycles, scooters, mopeds and the like is disclosed. The universal mounting bracket is adjustable to mount U-locks of sizes varying from about 2" to about 6" as measured between the legs, as well as the legs ranging in lengths from about 5" to about 12", and with the thickness of the respective legs varying from about 1/2" to about 3/4". Essentially, the universal mounting bracket includes a base plate, a vise removably attached thereto at one end, a cam member mounted thereto with limited rotational displacement at the other end, and means for securing the bracket to a motorcycle, scooter, moped or the like.

Abstract: An improved surgical implant, formed of cobalt-chromium and its alloys in contact with a bearing surface formed by UHMWPE, and a process of its manufacture are disclosed. The improved surgical implant is designed to reduce the wear of the UHMPE component of the surgical implant, enhancing its useful life. The process essentially includes the ion implantation of the cobalt-chromium component, with a resultant increase in its microhardness and a decrease in its coefficient of friction, particularly when articulating against the UHMWPE component.

Abstract: A process of improving the sensing function of biocompatible electrodes and the product so made are disclosed. The process is designed to alter the surfaces of the electrodes at their tips to provide increased surface area and therefore decreased contact resistance at the electrode-tissue interface for increased sensitivity and essentially includes rendering the tips atomically clean by exposing them to bombardment by ions of an inert gas, depositing an adhesion layer on the cleaned tips, forming a hillocked layer on the adhesion layer by increasing the temperature of the tips, and applying a biocompatible coating on the hillocked layer. The resultant biocompatible electrode is characterized by improved sensitivity, minimum voltage requirement for organ stimulation and a longer battery life for the device in which it is employed.

Abstract: A process of making strain-free, heavily carbon-doped p-type epitaxial layers for use in high performance devices and at least one such device so made. The process essentially includes the epitaxial deposition of a strain-free, carbon-doped p-type layer in a GaAs HBT device to form the base layer thereof in a manner that includes the balancing of the strain of the crystal lattice structure caused by the carbon doping by co-doping the base layer with an isovalent and isoelectric dopant. The co-doping also improves device performance. It also effects alloy hardening, which inhibits further defect formation, improves mobility and carrier lifetime of the base layer and, by narrowing the energy gap, it improves ohmic contact formation.

Abstract: A stream of gaseous source compounds and their ranges of relative ratios useful in the deposition of thin film ferroelectric materials by CVD are disclosed. The stream of gaseous source compounds are used in combination with a CVD reactor flushed with an inert gas and maintained at a predetermined internal pressure and, a substrate disposed within the CVD reactor and maintained at a predetermined temperature. The steam of gaseous source compounds include a Zr source compound, a Ti source compound, a Pb source compound, an oxidizing agent compound, and an inert gas, as well as their ranges of relative ratios to deposit lead-zirconate-titanate, related ferroelectrics, specifically including lead-lanthanum-zirconium-titanate.

Abstract: Improved methods for the treatment of spherical surfaces designed to improve their physical and chemical properties are disclosed. The methods include the provision of a fixture by which a plurality of spherical workpieces are presented to a treatment source in a way that their entire respective spherical surfaces are uniformly treated and to a uniform predetermined depth. The fixture is mounted for motion about two axes normal to each other. The methods include randomization of the motion about one of the two axes of motion by interrupting one of the two motions for a predetermined period of time. The treatment sources include: pulsed electron beam and light sources, plasma sources, reaction chambers for CVD or MOCVD, sputtering, sputter enhanced ion implantation sources and physical vapor deposition in conjunction with an ion beam source.

Abstract: The construction system of the present invention comprises a plurality of connectors and a plurality of struts, each of the connectors including three discrete flat elements interconnected in three mutually perpendicular planes, each of the three flat elements being composed of a semi-rigid material, each of the three flat elements having a plurality of outwardly directed prongs, and each of the struts being tubes into which the prongs project. The three flat elements are connected by engaging notches and slots. The prongs and the struts are connected by engaging catches and apertures. At least two of the elements have central openings presenting internal profiles and outer peripheries presenting external profiles.

Abstract: An improved bicycle lock, featuring a U-shaped shackle, a cross bar and means for securing one to the other, is disclosed. The means for securing the shackle to the cross bar also functions as a fulcrum, permitting a tilting movement between the two parts, required in assembling and dissassembling them. The means further includes a locking mechanism removably mounted in the cross bar in between the shackle's legs, and features a dead bolt. The cross bar extends beyond the shackle's legs less than twice the diameter of one of those legs, resulting in a compact and sturdy design. A plastic cover encloses at least the cross bar and is preferably formed of two parts slidably fitted over the cross bar, with means for securing the two parts to one another. Preferably, an environmental protection means is provided for the locking mechanism.