Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for repelling insects. The composition is formulated as an aqueous solution to be sprayed on a surface from which insects are to be repelled. In preferred embodiments, the composition is a non-toxic and biodegradable insect repellent comprising an aqueous carrier, at least about 0.05 percent by volume of hot pepper extract, at least about 0.05 percent by volume of garlic extract, and at least about 0.05 percent by volume of Neem seed oil.

Abstract: A biocontrol agent containing Phoma glomerata for suppressing development of fungal diseases on plants and methods of using this biocontrol agent in the suppression of fungal disease on plants are provided. The Phoma glomerata is preferably Phoma glomerata ATCC MYA-2373 that suppresses powdery mildew on plants.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing granules onto a moving asphalt coated sheet includes first and second granule feed chambers containing granules that are fed to a discharge slot by first and second pockets. The pockets are formed in a slidable divider positioned between the feed chambers and the discharge slot. The divider is slid between a first position and a second position by a fluid powered actuator via an actuator rod. In the first position, the first pocket is in communication with the first granule feed chamber to receive granules from the feed chamber and the second pocket is in communication with the discharge slot for discharging the granules contained in the second pocket. In the second position the first pocket is in communication with the discharge slot for discharging the granules contained in the first pocket and the second pocket is in communication with the second feed chamber to receive granules from the feed chamber.

Abstract: A Christmas light system is provided including a plurality of pieces having a front surface, a rear surface, and a periphery. A plurality of coupling mechanisms are coupled to the periphery of each of the pieces for interconnecting the same. A single clear flexible plastic tube is situated on an associated one of the pieces. A string of wires are situated within the tube having a plurality of bulbs spacedly coupled therealong between a first end and a second end thereof. The first end of the string of at least one piece has a plug mounted thereon for releasably coupling with a power receptacle for receiving power therefrom and delivering the same to the bulbs. The string of each of the pieces has a second end with an interconnect plug coupled thereto for releasably coupling with that of another one of the pieces for providing electrical communication therebetween.

Abstract: A seed counter for counting seeds flowing through a duct includes a light transmitter on one side of the duct and light receiver on the opposed side of the duct together with an electronic circuit effecting analysis of the signals received by the receiver to generate a seed count value which represents accurately as possible the number of seeds passing through the duct. The transmitter and receiver each comprise a channel-shaped body with diodes at a base of the channel with the channel filled with a translucent potting material facing into the duct. The circuit receives the signals which include for each passage of a seed or a clump of seeds a temporary reduction in light intensity which is converted to a reduction in voltage. Prior to start up the steady state voltage is measured and the current to the transmitter varied to provide a predetermined level of signal at the receiver.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and/or controlling operation of a machine is particularly designed for agricultural machines such as seeders or planters. The system includes a central monitor unit and a plurality of sensors all connected in series on a communication bus. Each sensor is manufactured with a unique ID code. The central monitor unit on installation of the system polls each sensor as it is installed in a particular order of installation determined by the central monitor so that central monitor knows the location, function of each sensor in conjunction with its ID code. The central monitor then controls polling of the sensors by commands addressed to the individual sensors. Each sensor has a processor, transducer and a memory for storing data arising from the transducer. The memory can comprise a rollover memory of a simple nature which counts pulses or clock pulses and transmits the stored data when polled by the central monitor.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing granules onto a moving asphalt coated sheet includes first and second granule feed chambers containing granules that are fed to a discharge slot by first and second pockets. The pockets are formed in a slidable divider positioned between the feed chambers and the discharge slot. The divider is slid between a first position and a second position by a fluid powered actuator via an actuator rod. In the first position, the first pocket is in communication with the first granule feed chamber to receive granules from the feed chamber and the second pocket is in communication with the discharge slot for discharging the granules contained in the second pocket. In the second position the first pocket is in communication with the discharge slot for discharging the granules contained in the first pocket and the second pocket is in communication with the second feed chamber to receive granules from the feed chamber.

Abstract: An improved process is disclosed for purifying impure aromatic polycarboxylic acids produced by the catalytic oxidation of polyalkylaromatic hydrocarbons which comprises contacting said impure acid with hydrogen and at least one hydrogenation catalyst, the improvement comprising said catalyst having a water insoluble and non-brittle coating of at least one polymeric material.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the preparation of formed Group IVB metal oxide compositions suitable for use as catalyst supports which comprises: A) preparing a paste comprising (i) one or more calcined Group IVB metal oxides, (ii) at least one solvent and (iii) at least one acid; B) forming a shaped particle from said paste; and C) drying and calcining said shaped particle. Also disclosed are formed compositions prepared by the foregoing process and catalysts where the formed compositions incorporate therein or have supported thereon catalytically active materials.

Abstract: An interconnect structure and method for an integrated circuit chip for resisting electromigration is described incorporating patterned interconnect layers of Al or Al-Cu and interlayer contact regions or studs of Al.sub.2 Cu between patterned interconnect layers. The invention overcomes the problem of electromigration at high current density in the interconnect structure by providing a continuous path for Cu and/or Al atoms to move in the interconnect structure.

Abstract: An electrically blowable fuse structure usable with organic insulators in microelectronic parts is provided. The fuse structure is made of a first heat resistant member, a fusing element and a second heat resistant member. The heat resistant members are in substantial contact with the fuse and thermally insulate the fuse from the organic insulator. The ends of each fuse are electrically connected to a pair conductors.A process for fabricating an electrically blowable fuse structure usable with an organic insulator is provided. A substrate with an organic insulator coating and containing electrically conductive features with exposed contacts is provided. A heat shield layer and a fuse layer are deposited sequentially and patterned by subtractive etching. Plurality of conductors are formed over so as to electrically connect each fuse element to a pair of conductors. A second heat resistant member is formed over the fuse area and the substrate is subsequently quoted with an organic insulator.

Abstract: An electrically blowable fuse structure usable with organic insulators in microelectronic parts is provided. The fuse structure is made of a first heat resistant member, a fusing element and a second heat resistant member. The heat resistant members are in substantial contact with the fuse and thermally insulate the fuse from the organic insulator. The ends of each fuse are electrically connected to a pair conductors.

Abstract: Disclosed are catalyst compositions comprising (i) one or more palladium group metals and/or compounds thereof; (ii) gold and/or compounds thereof; and (iii) optionally, an effective amount of one or more promoters selected from the group consisting of copper, nickel, cobalt, iron, manganese, lead, silver and compounds thereof. Preferably these catalyst compositions contain one or more promoters wherein the gram ratio of metal in the promoter to palladium group metal is up to about 0.4, wherein the catalysts are deposited on a support material and said support material is treated with one or more alkali metal bases and one or more alkali metal silicates prior to said deposition.Also described are processes for preparing ethylenically unsaturated esters comprising reacting in the vapor phase at least one olefinic compound with at least one carboxylic organic acid and molecular oxygen in the presence of an effective amount of the foregoing catalyst compositions.

Abstract: A metal connection for an integrated circuit device is effectively "cast" in place at any level of an integrated circuit. The "mold" for the connection is formed by depositing and patterning a sacrificial material, such as aluminum oxide or other metal oxides, and covering the sacrificial material with a protective material such as silicon dioxide or other insulators. After forming bore holes to the deposit of sacrificial material through the protective layer, the sacrificial material is removed by isotropic etching to form a cavity beneath and at least partially overlaid by the protective layer. Alternatively, a defect may be produced below the protective layer and filled with metal either with or without enlargement by further removal of material. This cavity is then filled with metal by deposition of the metal by, for instance, evaporation, sputtering and chemical vapor deposition or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A one-step process is disclosed for the coproduction of dimethyl ether and methanol from synthesis gas containing H.sub.2, CO, and CO.sub.2. The synthesis gas is contacted with a mixture of methanol synthesis and methanol dehydration catalysts suspended in an inert liquid in a three phase reactor system. Maximum dimethyl ether productivity and product energy recovery are realized by controlling the fraction of methanol synthesis catalyst in the range of about 75 to about 90 wt % of the total catalyst mixture. A methanol-rich fuel product containing dimethyl ether can be obtained when this range is about 95 to about 99.9 wt %.

Abstract: A low copper concentration multilayered, device interconnect metallurgy, comprises an aluminum-copper (<2 weight percent copper) conductor having formed on one of its surfaces a layer of an intermetallic compound formed from a Group IVA metal and aluminum from the aluminum-copper conductor. The intermetallic compound is formed so as to contain only the single phase line compound of the intermetallic compound.

Abstract: An improved structure for electron beam lithography grids and a method of fabricating such grids yields calibration grids having grid lines coplanar with the surface of the grid body and laterally supported by grooves formed in the grid body and which can also be cleaned after contamination by outgassing resist during use by virtue of the provision of such lateral support for the grid lines. The grid exhibits improved accuracy due to the technique of fabrication of the grooves. The invention thus allows the electron beam lithography process to be conducted with less expense and at greater speed. The improved accuracy of the calibration grid also permits integrated circuits and masks used in the fabrication of such devices to be designed more flexibly and fabricated at reduced cost and improved integration densities and manufacturing yields.

Abstract: A sputtered low copper concentration multilayered, device interconnect metallurgy structure is disclosed herein. The interconnect metallization structure comprises a sputtered aluminum-copper (<2) weight percent copper conductor. In the preferred embodiment, the AlCu conductor has formed on one or both of its surfaces a layer of an intermetallic compound formed from a Group IVA metal and aluminum. The Group IVA metal is deposited by sputtering. Optionally, onto said top intermetallic layer is further deposited a non-reflective, non-corrosive, etch-stop, capping layer.

Abstract: An improved structure for electron beam lithography grids and a method of fabricating such grids yields calibration grids having grid lines coplanar with the surface of a the grid body and laterally supported by grooves formed in the grid body and which can also be cleaned after contamination by outgassing resist during use by virtue of the provision of such lateral support for the grid lines. The grid exhibits improved accuracy due to the technique of fabrication of the grooves. The invention thus allows the electron beam lithography process to be conducted with less expense and at a greater speed. The improved accuracy of the calibration grid also permits integrated circuits and masks used in the fabrication of such devices to be designed more flexibly and fabricated at reduced cost and improved integration densities and manufacturing yields.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved hydrogenation process wherein aromatic amines are hydrogenated to their ring hydrogenated counterparts using an improved rhodium catalyst and to the catalyst. The aromatic amines are represented by the formulas: ##STR1## wherein R is hydrogen or C.sub.1-6 aliphatic, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are hydrogen or C.sub.1-6 aliphatic, A is C.sub.1-4 alkylene, NH, or ##STR2## n is 0-2, x is 1-3 and y is 1 to 2 except the sum of the y groups in Formula I excluding A may be 1.The rhodium catalyst is supported on titania bonded to silica or zirconia or bonded with silica, zirconia or titania from a sol or zirconia bonded with silica or alumina. The resulting catalyst has greater activity and attrition resistance. Zirconia bonded with silica or alumina also results in a catalyst with increased attrition resistance.