Abstract: A vessel for transporting a material that is solid or semi-solid at ambient temperature, includes a body having an interior surface comprising textured metal, and a superoleophobic coating on the interior surface for inhibiting the material from adhering to the interior surface, the superoleophobic coating including a nanotextured coating disposed on the textured metal and functionalized with a fluorinated compound. The superoleophobic coating facilitates flow of the material along the interior surface.

Abstract: A thin-film metal conductor system using a zirconium adhesion layer is disclosed. The system is formed by first plating a layer of zirconium over a substrate material and any electrical components, such as resistors, which are fixed on the substrate. A conductive layer is then deposited over those portions of the zirconium layer which are to provide conductive pathways. The resulting unit is thermally treated in an oxidizing environment, such as air, to oxidize the exposed portions of the zirconium layer and thereby form regions of zirconium oxide. The zirconium oxide is nonconductive and protects underlying components from moisture and physical abrasion.

Abstract: This invention is a traction splint including a tension applying mechanism with an outer knob to apply tension to a tension stirrup through belting wound about a shaft while such tension is released by turning of an inner knob in the opposite direction. Both of these knobs are uni-directional relative to rotative movement but in opposite directions. A folding support leg and relatively simple and yet extremely efficient bindings and appendage supports are also included features.

Abstract: Thin-film microcircuit structures passivated with silicon nitride are provided in which included electrical components containing nickel, chromium or other nitride-forming metals are encapsulated in an oxide material, preferably silicon oxide. The metal-containing components are thus prevented from reacting with the silicon nitride passivation coating during through-passivation laser trimming of the components.

Abstract: Microcircuit structures including thin-film electrical components are provided with a multilayer passivation coating that permits laser trimming of the components through the coating without damaging it. Such a passivation coating suitably includes an underlayer of silicon oxide or other oxygen-containing material and an outer layer of silicon nitride.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a hybrid circuit including a siliceous substrate and thick metal conductors. A thin film barrier layer is provided intermediate the substrate and a vacuum-deposited metal layer, which metal layer is subsequently electroplated to provide the desired metal thickness. The barrier layer, which may suitably be a refractory metal oxide such as the oxides of zirconium, tantalum, titanium, or tungsten, prevents loss of adhesion between the vacuum deposited metal and substrate that occurs during electroplating.