Abstract: An acceleration sensor includes an acceleration mass and a substrate mounted so that a cavity is defined therebetween and so that the acceleration mass moves relative to the substrate when an acceleration of the sensor changes. The sensor also includes a diamond field emitter for generating an electron beam through the cavity between the acceleration mass and the substrate. Accordingly, the distance between the acceleration mass and the substrate affects the current of the electron beam which is measured to determine the acceleration of the sensor. The sensor may alternately include an annular extraction electrode in a cavity between a substrate and a collector together with a diamond field emitter for generating an electron beam which passes through the annular extraction electrode. The annular extraction electrode is moveable relative to the substrate in response to changes in an acceleration acting on the sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for bundling truss plates includes comprises means for forming a plurality of truss plates and means for forming these truss plates into a unitized bundle that is easily shipped, stored, and handled. The apparatus can include means for orienting each of the plurality of truss plates so that the backing members are substantially parallel to a predetermined plane, aligning means for aligning the oriented truss plates so that the peripheries of their backing members are substantially aligned, stacking means for stacking the oriented and aligned truss plates, and interconnecting means for interconnecting the stacked truss plates into a unitized bundle.

Abstract: An n-on-p integrated heterostructure device of Group III-V nitride compound semiconductor materials is formed on a substrate of p-type monocrystalline silicon carbide and includes a buffer layer of p-type aluminum nitride or p-type aluminum gallium nitride on the substrate. The n-on-p integrated heterostructure includes continuously graded layers of aluminum gallium nitride to reduce or eliminate conduction band or valence band offsets. A multiple quantum well may also be used instead of the continuously graded layer. The n-on-p integrated heterostructure device may include lasers, LEDs and other devices. A p-type negative electron affinity (NEA) photoelectron emitter device may also be provided, including a p-type monocrystalline silicon carbide substrate, a layer of p-type aluminum nitride or aluminum gallium nitride, a continuously graded layer of aluminum gallium nitride and a layer of p-type aluminum gallium nitride. A surface enhancement layer may be located on the layer of aluminum gallium nitride.

Abstract: An integrated circuit memory device includes a plurality of memory cell array blocks, each having M columns by N rows and arranged in linear, spaced apart relation in the integrated circuit to produce a row of memory cell array blocks. The row of memory cell array blocks includes first and second outer blocks and at least one inner block therebetween. Each of the outer blocks includes M/2 columns by N rows of dummy cells. Each common area between cell array blocks includes a common input/output circuit block having M/2 columns in each common area, a respective one of which is connected to M/2 columns by N rows of a respective adjacent pair of memory cell array blocks. The integrated circuit also includes input/output lines in each common area and a plurality of input/output circuit blocks, a respective one of which is connected to the input/output lines in a respective adjacent pair of common areas. Preferably, the plurality of memory cell array blocks comprises a plurality of triplets (i.e.

Abstract: Efficient distribution of work from a server to remote/mobile nodes is provided by a hierarchy of Session Work Objects into which events can be assigned. Session Work Objects can also be assigned to other Session Work Objects in the hierarchy. Session Work Objects can then be assigned to sessions, nodes, or users. Small numbers of related events can be grouped together, thereby simplifying the distribution of work.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing epitaxial layers of silicon carbide that are substantially free of micropipe defects. The method comprises growing an epitaxial layer of silicon carbide on a silicon carbide substrate by liquid phase epitaxy from a melt of silicon carbide in silicon and an element that enhances the solubility of silicon carbide in the melt. The atomic percentage of that element predominates over the atomic percentage of silicon in the melt. Micropipe defects propagated by the substrate into the epitaxial layer are closed by continuing to grow the epitaxial layer under the proper conditions until the epitaxial layer has a thickness at which micropipe defects present in the substrate are substantially no longer reproduced in the epitaxial layer, and the number of micropipe defects in the epitaxial layer is substantially reduced.

Abstract: An echo canceling loudspeaker telephone includes a loudspeaker which produces a sound pressure wave in response to an input signal which is applied to an audio input thereof. This sound pressure wave includes a desired linear component which is a linear function of the input signal, and an undesired non-linear component which is a non-linear function of the input signal, and the sound pressure wave is transmitted along an acoustic path. A microphone is positioned in the acoustic path and converts the sound pressure wave into an output signal. An echo filter is responsive to the input signal and generates an estimated echo signal. This echo filter includes a loudspeaker model which generates an estimate of the sound pressure wave including an estimate of the linear component and an estimate of the non-linear component. This echo filter also includes an acoustic path model which generates an estimate of the acoustic path from the loudspeaker to the microphone.

Abstract: Tubes (12), which can have any variety of cross-section and multiple bends, to be cleaned each have one end portion retained within a fixture (16) by an expanded bladder (42) while pressurized cleaning fluid (52) from conduit (50) passes through the tubes (12). Where no tube (12) is positioned within a particular fixture (16), the cleaning fluid (52) is prevented from moving through the fixture by the expanded bladder (42).

Abstract: The heterogeneous polymerization of water-insoluble polymer in CO.sub.2 is disclosed. The method comprises providing a heterogeneous reaction mixture comprising CO.sub.2, a monomer, and a surfactant, then polymerizing the monomer to form a water-insoluble polymer.

Abstract: A sealing and severing apparatus is disclosed for sealing plastic bags formed in succession from stock plastic film material and then severing the sealed bags from one another. The bags are filled with a foamable composition while they are being formed so that when the formed and filled bags are placed in a container, the foamable composition fills the bag with foam to thereby produce a customized foam cushion for any objects in the container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of decontaminating an article containing lead contaminated with radioactive material. The method includes contacting the article containing lead contaminated with radioactive material with a decontamination composition comprising about 0.01 to 5 percent, by weight, of a reductant, about 0.01 to 5 percent, by weight, of a compound selected from the group consisting of citric acid, alkali metal and ammonium salts of citric acid and mixtures thereof; 1 to 15 percent, by weight, of a compound selected from the group consisting of polyaminocarboxylic acid, alkali metal and ammonium salts of polyaminocarboxylic acid and the combination of a polyaminocarboxylic acid and a neutralizing compound and mixtures thereof; 0 to 1 percent, by weight, of a nonionic surfactant; 0 to 1 percent, by weight, of a dispersant; and 0 to 1 percent, by weight, of a corrosion inhibitor, and the balance water or other aqueous liquid.

Abstract: An electron beam pumped semiconductor laser includes a semiconductor laser screen and an electron beam source adjacent the semiconductor laser screen. The semiconductor laser screen comprises a transparent single crystal substrate, an electron beam responsive active gain layer on the substrate, and first and second reflective layers. The epitaxial electron beam responsive active gain layer has a crystal structure in alignment with the crystal structure of the substrate, and the first and second reflective layers define a laser cavity through the epitaxial electron beam responsive active gain layer therebetween. The electron beam source generates an electron beam which impinges on the epitaxial electron beam responsive active gain layer thereby generating a laser output. Accordingly, the single crystal active gain layer can be formed on the substrate by epitaxial deposition techniques increasing the performance and reliability of the electron beam pumped semiconductor laser.

Abstract: Methods of forming semiconductor device active regions include the steps of forming a buffer layer containing a material susceptible to oxidation, such as polycrystalline or amorphous silicon, on a semiconductor substrate. To inhibit any native oxide film on the buffer layer from facilitating the formation of field oxide isolation regions having bird's beaks, the native oxide film is converted to a nitrogen containing film, such as silicon oxynitride, by nitrating the native oxide film. The silicon oxynitride film can be formed by exposing the oxide film to a nitrogen containing plasma, implanting nitrogen ions into the oxide film or annealing the oxide film in a nitrogen containing atmosphere, for example. During the nitrating step, chemically active oxygen in the native oxide film becomes bound to the nitrogen incorporated therein.

Abstract: A slipcover combination for covering a movable item of furniture having an upright and a lounging position is described. The slipcover combination has a main body panel having a substantially rectangular shape with first and second adjacent corners being notched to form a pair of substantially V-cut slits defining a panel portion therebetween for covering the pivotable foot rest of the recliner. First and second skirts are also provided, one for covering the seat main body and the other for individually covering the movable foot rest portion. The skirt for the main body is preferably in the form of a longitudinal piece of material, while the other skirt is desirably formed as a ring which fits the foot rest in the manner of a sleeve. A plurality of stay puts and spiral fasteners may also be provided.

Abstract: Integrated circuit chips with multiplexed input/output pads include means for expanding the functional and diagnostic capability of the circuit by increasing the effective number of input/output pads connected thereto so that more information can be provided to and from the chip. In particular, multiplexing means preferably provides the capability of accessing any one of a plurality of signal lines in the circuit from each input/output pad. This expanded capability is preferably achieved using one or more selection control signals which can be generated internally or externally to a chip containing the integrated circuit.

Abstract: A mechanical impact test is performed using an incremental mechanical loading apparatus having a loading head movable in a first direction and in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a stationary cross piece. A starter specimen is mounted between the loading head and the stationary cross piece, such that the starter specimen extends in the first direction from the loading head and the movement of the loading head in the second direction applies a tensile load to the starter specimen. A test specimen is mounted to the loading head such that a mechanical reaction force generated by the breaking of the starter specimen is imparted from the starter specimen to the test specimen. To perform the test, the loading head of the incremental mechanical loading apparatus is moved in the second direction such that the starter specimen is loaded to failure, with the result that the failure of the starter specimen causes the application of an impact force to the test specimen.

Abstract: In combination with a tractor and a trailer, an apparatus and method are provided for monitoring various operating conditions of at least the trailer by a driver positioned on the tractor. The apparatus preferably has a pneumatic braking system carried by the tractor and the trailer to permit the driver to supply pneumatic braking pressure from the tractor to the trailer. The pneumatic braking system preferably includes at least one pair of air hoses connected to the tractor and the trailer and a coupler connected to the pair of air hoses. The coupler has interconnecting first and second coupler portions arranged to facilitate connecting and disconnecting the pair of air hoses. The apparatus also has a data communications system which preferably includes a respective pair of transceivers connected to the first and second coupler portions for communicating signals representative of monitoring data from the trailer to the tractor so as to in turn be monitored by a driver positioned on the tractor.

Abstract: An advantageous effective cleaning solvent consisting essentially, according to one embodiment, of methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, isopropyl alcohol, toluene and n-butyl acetate, in certain ranges of proportions. Water also is included to aid in reducing the vapor pressure of the solvent. The composite vapor pressure of the solvent, at 20.degree. C., neglecting the vapor pressure contribution of water, is not greater than 35 mm of mercury. The invention solvent is particularly effective as a paint cleaner, e.g. for cleaning paint guns.

Abstract: Methods of programming flash EEPROM integrated circuit memory devices containing an array of NAND cells therein include the steps of applying a preselected logic signal to a select transistor of a NAND memory cell to inhibit the likelihood of inadvertent programming thereof when adjacent cells are being programmed. According to one embodiment, a first logic signal having a first non-zero potential (V.sub.fp) is applied to a bit line BL of a first NAND memory cell in the array. Then, at commencement of a first time interval (TI), a second logic signal having a second potential which is greater than the first potential is applied to the gate (SSL) of the first select transistor ST1 to thereby turn-on the first select transistor "hard" and drive the potential of a source (S) thereof towards the potential of the bit line (i.e., V.sub.fp). Here, the first potential V.sub.fp is preferably selected to be higher than the power supply voltage VCC.