Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for a geographical trivia boardgame for learning about a state. The apparatus consists of a gameboard with a state map affixed thereon. The state map is divided into city regions. The players also are provided a score sheet and trivia cards. The players may place individual game pieces on the map after successfully locating the city name and answering a trivia question located on a trivia card. Points are also awarded and recorded on the score sheet.

Abstract: The invention is a brush for cleaning and polishing teeth while stimulating the gums. The invention consists of a handle with an integral head. The head has a flat surface with a plurality of recessed sockets. Affixed within the recessed sockets are the stimulator rods surrounded by bristles and polishing rods surrounded by bristles.

Abstract: Adhesive bandages having a peripherally-raised non-adhesive thin-layer bordering the adhesive surface of such bandages is disclosed. The non-adhesive thin-layer inhibits formation of dirt rings which would otherwise remain when the adhesive bandage is removed from human skin.

Abstract: A smart structure egress channel is disclosed that provides a central location for multiple embedded sensors to come together and then exit the structure. A plurality of holes allow sensors to enter the channel. A communication connector provides an exit point for sensor transmittal. Maintenance of the various devices within the smart structure egress channel is possible through an access cover and access extension which extends above the channel. The exterior shape of the channel is designed to function within a primary load-carrying structural member such as a composite structure within a modern aircraft.

Abstract: An electrical type strain gauge for measuring both micro and macro deformations. The gauge may be constructed from thin films of homogeneously conductive polymers, including soluble polyaniline-based conducting polymers and ion-implanted organic polymers. The gauges are characterized by unexpected piezoresistivity from materials having high bulk resistivity, thermal stability, good flexibility, photoimageability and without adding carbon or metal particulate material to the polymer.

Abstract: Microcracks in fiber-reinforced/titanium aluminide matrix composite materials are inhibited by employing a matrix comprising a titanium aluminide alloy having (1) from ten to twelve atomic percent niobium and (2) a critical admixture of from two to six atomic percent of a member selected from a group consisting of molybdenum, tungsten and vanadium. The tendency of the fiber/matrix interfacial reaction to increase the stability of the Alpha 2 phase in the matrix adjacent to the interface and the tendency to form a "beta phase depletion zone" are unexpectedly negated. Suppression of the beta depletion zone formation inhibits the formation and growth of interfacial microcracks, and allows the fabrication of crack-free titanium matrix composite materials. The need for an extraneous beta phase stabilization treatment at the fiber/matrix interface is eliminated.

Abstract: A photolithographic composition having improved processability and which eliminates the need for interlayering multiple special purpose coatings in the production of microelectronic devices is surprisingly made possible by selective dissolution of a polymer and an effective light attenuating material in critical solvents. The polymers which are used in the present invention include homopolymers and copolymers of poly(vinylpyridine).

Abstract: A composition and a method for forming an anti-reflective layer for DUV microlithographic processes is disclosed. The compositions of the present invention includes a polymer dissolved in a suitable solvent. The polymers are polysulfone and polyurea polymers which possess inherent light absorbing properties at deep ultraviolet wavelengths. In accordance with the method of the present invention, these compositions are applied to a substrate to form an anti-reflective coating, and thereafter a photoresist material that is compatible with the anti-reflective coating is applied.

Abstract: THFA (tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol) is employed as the active component of edge bead removal compositions negating the need for N-methylpyrrolidone and providing unexpected effectiveness for multilayer microelectronic edge beads having at least one highly polar aromatic polymer layer, particularly when such layer is adjacent to an acid-catalyzed photoresist.

Abstract: This invention consists of three main parts and a shock-absorbing resilient member. The first main part is a self-drilling implant. The self-drilling implant is tubular in design, having a hollow basket that saves some of the bone granulate from the osteotomy. The bone granulate encourages the formation of a blood clot, helps to immobilize the implant and provides an absorbable substance to precipitate recalcification. The second part is a tissue extension that screws into the implant. The tissue extension has a socket which receives the third element, i.e., the keeper. Two alternative keeper designs, each with its own type of shock-absorbing member, are disclosed. Each keeper embodiment has a bi-frustum principle shape and a longitudinal central shaft. Various dental prosthesis may be attached to the keeper.

Abstract: A fish catching device comprising a pointless non-piercing fish hook having a hinged lever that closes over the lure, driven by the biting force of the fish, is disclosed. The device closes and holds the fish by its mouth with a tongs-like action.

Abstract: Color filter arrays containing one or more colors for liquid crystal displays and other optoelectronic devices are made by using a laser to ablate portions of a coating on either a colored or transparent substrate. Color filter materials are placed into the ablated openings and cured. The number of laser ablated openings in the coated substrate varies, depending on the quantity and types of colors desired.

Abstract: Energy of shock force normally absorbed by shock absorber in an automotor vehicle is recovered and converted to electric power.

Abstract: Positive working polyamic acid photoresist compositions are disclosed having improved high resolution upon image development and exhibiting stable photosensitivity and superior dielectric performance. The compositions comprise polyamic acid condensation products of an aromatic dianhydride and an aromatic di-primary amine wherein a percentage of the diamine comprises special dissolution inhibiting monomers. The compositions may be further improved by the presence of particular supplemental additives.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing superplastic forming/diffusion bonding tools and a wide range of other aerospace parts by forming a titanium aluminide interface layer from ion vapor deposition is disclosed.

Abstract: Base-soluble release layer compositions for microlithographic processing, comprising nonamic acid functionalized polyamic acid/imide resins are disclosed. These materials permit concurrent lithographic development of photoresist and release layers. They also afford effective lift-off, by alkaline media, even after high imidization.

Abstract: Soluble conducting polymers from substituted polyanilines and large organic counterions are disclosed and used directly from solution in the manufacture of electronic devices.

Abstract: A continuous process for producing hard pretzels is disclosed in which the pretzel dough is passed through an initial bath of hot caustic solution to cook the dough and to essentially caramelize its surface; the cooked and caramelized dough is then transported through a spray zone where it is sprayed with atomized hot caustic solution; and the sprayed product is salted with flake-type salt prior to hard baking. The process substantially improves flake-type salt retention at the surface of the pretzel and permits the use of lower concentrations of caustic while surprisingly improving the characteristic taste, texture and appearance of hard pretzels.

Abstract: A composition and a method for forming an anti-reflective layer for DUV microlithographic processes is disclosed. The compositions of the present invention includes a polymer dissolved in a suitable solvent. The polymers are polysulfone and polyurea polymers which possess inherent light absorbing properties at deep ultraviolet wavelengths. In accordance with the method of the present invention, these compositions are applied to a substrate to form an anti-reflective coating, and thereafter a photoresist material that is compatible with the anti-reflective coating is applied.

Abstract: A reagent for proteolytic enzyme assays has the general formula ##STR1## where RCO-- is an enzyme reactive acyl, such as an amino acid, peptide or substituted amino acid or peptide. The reagent may be hydrolysed by proteolytic enzymes and developed to form a distinctive color. The reagent may be formed by reacting RCOOH with N-hydroxysuccinimide to form the acyl N-hydroxysuccinimide ester. The ester may then be reacted to form the reagent.