Abstract: A fuel savings informational system is provided for implementation on an alternative fuel vehicle the operation of which may be characterized by a first plurality of fixed parameters and a second plurality of variable parameters. The system compares the fuel consumption of the alternative fuel vehicle to that of a virtual comparison vehicle characterized by a third plurality of fixed parameters, and comprises a plurality of sensors for monitoring the second plurality and a processor coupled thereto. The processor is configured to recall the first and third pluralities, capture data corresponding to the second plurality, and determine the fuel consumption of the alternative fuel vehicle from the second plurality. The processor is further configured to estimate the fuel consumption of the comparison vehicle from the first, second, and third pluralities, and compare the fuel consumption of the alternative fuel vehicle to the estimated fuel consumption of the comparison vehicle.

Abstract: A bracket and nut assembly includes a first bracket, a second bracket and a captured nut. The first bracket includes a body with first end having with an aperture extending therethrough. The second bracket includes a first end with an elongated aperture and a second end moveably attached to the body portion of the first bracket. A captured nut is retained within the elongated aperture. The nut includes a first piece coupled to a second piece and is axially translatable and rotatable within the elongated aperture.

Abstract: A bracket and nut assembly including a bracket having a first end and second end. The first end includes a first substantially planar portion spaced apart from and positioned substantially parallel to a second substantially planar portion. A third portion interconnects the first and second portions. A first aperture extends through the first portion and a second aperture extends through the second portion. The first and second apertures are axially aligned with one another. A nut includes a substantially cylindrical hollow body having flats, a first end and a second end. A flange radially extends from the first end. The flange is captured between the first portion and the second portion of the bracket such that the nut is operable to translate and rotate relative to the bracket.

Abstract: The invention is an optical fiber distributed temperature sensing system comprising an opto-electronic unit and a sensing optical fiber, which system measures temperature so as to provide a temperature profile along at least part of the length of the optical fiber. The system includes reference coils, which are temperature reference points, at a location that is remote from the opto-electronic unit and closer to the region whose temperature is being measured.

Abstract: A roadway or fence comprises a series of panels linked together by means of flexible joints. A series of the panels is prevented from separating into discrete panels by means of a compression rod. Lengths of the panels thus connected are secured to further such lengths using a coupling device.

Abstract: A thermal electrochemical cell having a LiAl anode with a salt additive in the range of 10% to 40%, a transition metal fluoride cathode and an alkali metal fluoride salt mixture electrolyte. Preferably, the cathode is CuF2 and the electrolyte is selected from the group consisting of LiF—KF, LiF—KF—NaF, LiF—RbF, LiF—KF—RbF, LiF—NaF—RbF, and LiF—KF—RbF.

Abstract: A TV cable system having one set-top per user. The set-top's VCR recording functions are automatically adjusted in a manner to accommodate the occurrence of a program-delay event or a program-cancel event by the TV cable system. The expected begin/stop time-slot during which a program is projected to occur is broadcast by the system's head end to each set-top, and this IPG data is stored in each set-top. Within each set-top, the currently stored IPG-data is periodically compared to IPG-data that was recorded in the set-top's VCR-record-timers at an earlier time. When the recorded IPG-data does not compare to the current IPG-data, the IPG-data that is recorded in the VCR-record-timer is automatically updated to the current IPG-data. When this automatic updating of one VCR-record-timer produces a time-slot conflict with a different VCR-record-timer, the conflict is resolved, either automatically or by a user-alert-message that enables user intervention to resolve the conflict.

Abstract: In a process and apparatus for delivering a processing substance from a storage vessel to a processing station, the storage vessel enclosing a processing substance storage space and being coupled to conduits which communicate with the storage space, the storage vessel and the conduits enclosing a volume which includes the storage space, a method and system for determining the quantity of processing substance in the storage space by: closing the volume enclosed by the storage vessel and the conduits; performing first and second pressure measurements for measuring the gas pressure in the volume when the volume contains respectively first and second quantities of gas; determining the difference between the first and second quantities of gas; and calculating the quantity of processing substance in the storage space on the basis of the volume, the difference between the first and second quantities of gas and the gas pressures measured during the first and second pressure measurements.

Abstract: A calibration system in which calibration target illuminates the IR sensor with at least two distinct inputs spaced apart in time approximately equal to the time it takes the IR sensor to scan an image of the target across the IR sensor field of response.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for supporting a wafer in a processing chamber, where the wafer is supported and heated from below via a heater pedestal having a diameter larger than that of the wafer. A process fluid flowing downward toward the top of the wafer is inhibited from depositing near the wafer edge by a shadow ring. The shadow ring, which is placed over but does not contact the wafer, physically masks an annular strip of the wafer near its edge. The shadow ring inhibits deposition of process fluides on the wafer in two distinct ways. First, the shadow ring physically obstructs process gas, flowing downward from above the wafer, from depositing on the masked portion of the wafer. Second, the shadow ring is used to direct a flow of a purge gas to inhibit process gas from seeping under the shadow ring and depositing near the wafer edge. A purge gas manifold is defined by a cylindrical annulus located concentrically below the shadow ring and circumscribing the heater pedestal.

Abstract: Apparatus for CVD processing wherein a wafer mounted on a vertically movable susceptor beneath a showerhead. The susceptor extends beyond the outer perimeter of the wafer such that, when the susceptor is raised into contact with a shield ring which normally rests on a ring support in the chamber, the shield ring engages outer portion of the susceptor beyond the perimeter of the wafer, lifting the shield ring off its support. The shield ring shields the edge of the top surface of the susceptor during the deposition, whereby unwanted deposition on the susceptor is prevented while, at the same time, allowing for deposition over the entire upper surface of the wafer. To center the shield ring and the susceptor with respect to each other, the shield ring may include a plurality of centering protrusions, at least some of which engage the susceptor as it moves upwards to lift the shield ring off its supports in the chamber.

Abstract: A structural building unit comprises a hollow load-bearing body, preferably of rectangular parallelepiped shape, at least one of the faces being transmissive to electromagnetic radiation, preferably light, and the interior of the body being adapted for receiving a radiation-emitting or a radiation sensitive device. Such building units are preferably shaped and sized similar to conventional house bricks and may be incorporated in walls to provide illumination or security devices.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus comprising a processing chamber in which a substrate support is located. The substrate support, which is in the form of a heater pedestal, has a surface dimensioned to receive the substrate, and is circumscribed by a removable purge ring which defines an annulus between itself and the pedestal. At the outer edge of the pedestal is a purge gas manifold, in the form of a cavity between the purge ring and the pedestal. The lower end of the manifold is sealed by means of a mechanical seal that is formed at process temperature as the pedestal expands from heating and comes into contact with the purge ring's lower edge. The upper end of the manifold opens into the annulus defined by the purge ring and the pedestal. The manifold is arranged so that during processing, purge gas is injected into the manifold and projected toward the edge of a substrate received on the surface of the pedestal.

Abstract: A solid state electrochemical cell comprising:(a) an electrolyte comprising a polymeric matrix, an inorganic salt and a solvent;(b) an anode comprising a thin film of lithium metal or an alloy thereof; and(c) a cathode comprising a polymeric matrix, a conductive carbon and a metal salt, M.sub.2 ZO.sub.4, wherein M is Ag or Cu and Z is W, Mo or Cr.

Abstract: An ignition timing control method for a vehicle which provides an engine torque output waveform for canceling vibrational disturbances caused by sudden throttle plate movement resulting in engine accelerations and decelerations. The ignition timing is variably advanced and retarded in accordance with a phase-shifted derivative of engine speed to produce an appropriate engine torque output waveform for optimally canceling the vehicle vibrational disturbances. The phase shift is accomplished by applying a time delay to the engine speed derivative. A negative bias is added to the ignition timing for retarding ignition timing by a predetermined amount to permit a full sinusoidal canceling waveform. A blend multiplier is utilized to gradually remove the effects of the canceling waveform and bias, thereby gradually returning the ignition timing to its original setting.

Abstract: In units comprising solid polymer electrolytes, the ionic conductivity of such electrolytes is increased by mechanically exciting the units. Such units can be solid state batteries or electrochromic devices or the like. Mechanical excitation may be provided by, for example, a piezoelectric transducer.

Abstract: A collimator solid state laser light source is spun at a very high speed to generate a reference plane for use in the construction industry. The drive housing and the laser light source are extremely compact, light and portable, and can be mounted to a surveyor's transit and telescope. Within the housing is a drive shaft which has the laser light source attached at precisely 90 degrees to the spin axis of the drive shaft. A logic circuit is also attached to the drive shaft so that the logic circuit board, the drive shaft, and the laser light source are all rotated as a unit. An electric motor and a motor control board card are positioned within the housing for rotating the drive shaft. The operator first calibrates the transit so that it is horizontal and positioned in plumb above the reference point.

Abstract: A method for determining barometric pressure uses a manifold pressure sensor for measuring the manifold absolute pressure. A pressure drop between the atomosphere and the intake manifold is determined by utilizing stored lookup tables based on measured values of throttle angle and engine speed. Barometric pressure is then determined by summing the manifold absolute pressure and the pressure drop.

Abstract: A throttle follower controller for establishing a release throttle position upon the release of the throttle by the vehicle operator which is maintained at a specified value for a predetermined time if the vehicle transmission is experiencing an upshift or if an upshift will occur upon the release of the throttle to provide for a smooth upshift. Upon completion of the upshift or if no upshift will occur upon release of the throttle, a controlled transition of the throttle angle to a predetermined lower coastdown value is established to prevent drive-on while preventing a sudden harsh drive line jerk upon release of the vehicle throttle.