Abstract: The present invention provides a high voltage semiconductor device capable of withstanding excessive breakdown and clamping voltages. The device includes a high resistivity substrate, and an epitaxially grown, low resistivity layer having a stress-relieving dopant. During production, the low conductivity region has one surface that is etched before a high conductivity region is diffused into it or epitaxially deposited on it.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing temperature-sensitive polymers utilizing a heat transfer fluid comprising a hydrocarbon fluid selected from aliphatic hydrocarbons, alicyclic hydrocarbons, aliphatic- or alicyclic-substituted aromatic hydrocarbons, or mixtures thereof, the hydrocarbon fluid having a boiling point from 220° C. to 250° C. and a melting point less than 40° C., and temperature-sensitive polymer articles produced therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of temperature-sensitive polymers having generally a melting point in the range of from 230° C. to 248° C. with the aid of a binary heat transfer fluid containing defined ranges of diphenyl and naphthalene. The invention also concerns articles made in accordance with the inventive process.

Abstract: An adjustable dust ruffle system includes three separate panels and a plurality of removable screw pins. A portion of each panel is inserted in between the box spring and the mattress. It is not necessary to remove the mattress from the box springs to install this dust ruffle system. Removable screw pins secure the panels in place and allow adjustment so the hem of the dust ruffle is adjacent the floor.

Abstract: This invention is directed to improvements in valve control housings, specifically those used in the consumer, commercial, and industrial markets to house gas control valves. The present invention includes a plastic body, the body being molded to accept valve components, an integral sealant being over-molded to the plastic body, and a case, the plastic body being sealingly surrounded by an outer case.

Abstract: The present invention provides several embodiments of a device for automatically feeding soluble fluid treating agents in both tablet and granular form into a fluid body such as a swimming pool, spa or toilet bowl tank. Each embodiment includes a holding member for holding the soluble fluid treating agents which is selectively moveable along at least a portion of the length of a shaft member so as to adjustably position the soluble fluid treating agents relative to the fluid body. The shaft member is removably attachable to a base member that holds the device in operative position. The holding member can be selectively positioned such that any portion of the soluble fluid treating agents can be immersed within the fluid body. When a plurality of tablets are utilized, the holding member includes an elongate portion and each tablet preferably includes an opening extending therethrough adaptable for receiving the elongate portion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel semiconductor device, which can be efficiently fabricated for use in Zener diode applications. Precision Zener diodes and the method for manufacturing the same are provided. The Zener diodes of the present invention are made from a semiconductor substrate layer having a range or resistivity, on which is grown an epitaxial layer. The epitaxial layer has a resistivity greater than that of the substrate. The diode also has an interior region of doped semiconductor material of the same conductivity type as the substrate. The interior region extends through the epitaxial layer and into the substrate layer. The diode also has a junction layer of a conductivity type different from the substrate. The junction layer is formed in the epitaxial surface, and the junction layer forms an interior P/N junction with the interior region and a peripheral P/N junction with a peripheral portion of the device.

Abstract: A filter cartridge (20) for removing particulates from a particulate laden fluid stream moving one direction through the filter cartridge. The filter cartridge (20) is periodically subject to cleaning fluid moving in an opposite direction to the fluid stream. The filter cartridge (20) comprises filtration media (24) formed into a tubular configuration and having a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart pleats (26). A retention device (82) to limit radial movement of the filtration media (24) when subjected to the periodical cleaning fluid and to maintain the pleats (26) in the filtration media circumferentially spaced apart. A method of making a filter cartridge (20) for removing particulates from a fluid stream moving one direction through the filter cartridge and that is periodically subject to cleaning fluid moving in an opposite direction to the fluid stream.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for effecting the formation of a packaged food product with the food being contained within a receptacle having a cover adhered to the receptacle. Prior to securing the cover to the receptacle, the surface that is to be sealed to the cover is cleaned by wiping with towel material. The towel material is advanced from a supply to a cleaning position to wipe a cover engaging surface to remove at least a portion of contaminants or foreign material present on the container, thereby improving adhesion of the cover to the receptacle. Towel material can be advanced from time to time from the supply to a take-up mechanism to present clean or fresh towel material at predetermined intervals. A method for cleaning container-sealing surfaces is also provided.

Abstract: In some prior art Blowout Preventer (BOP) operating systems, high velocity fluid flows and low differential pressures induced vibration in the system. This vibration may result in collapsed and failure of hydraulic hoses in the system. A quick dump valve has been added at or near the open port on the BOP assembly to reduce vibration and other problems. The dump valve has a vent position and an open position. Several alternative embodiments add a ball check valve assembly to the shuttle in the quick dump valve.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for dynamically updating a propagation model of communication signals in an area being subjected to earthworking operations which alter the topology of the terrain in which the method comprises the steps of dynamically updating a terrain map of the area as a function of the earthworking operations and dynamically updating the propagation model in response to updating the terrain map.

Abstract: An improved laser scanning apparatus (46) for determining frame or unibody alignment or misalignment of a vehicle (40) is provided, which includes a laser assembly (54), a pair of rotatable mirror assemblies (56,58) and laser detectors (114,116) located within an enclosed housing (50,52). The laser assembly (54) has an upper pair of lasers (122,126) located in known, spaced relationship above a lower pair of lasers (124,128); detector assemblies (114, 116) are also provided including substantially parabolic reflective surfaces (118a, 120a) with detectors (114a, 116a) disposed substantially at the focal point of the surfaces (118a, 120a). The apparatus (46) is used in conjunction with a plurality of individually coded reflective targets (44) which are suspended from known reference points on the vehicle (40).

Abstract: An integrated sampling device with liquid eliminator is provided. The device includes a body with integrated valving. A liquid eliminator device is provided within the body and interposed in a flow path such that gas will pass through and liquid will not. The gas will then be conducted to a sampling device while the liquid will pass through an exhaust port back to the source of fluid. An inlet valve is also provided to control the flow of fluid from the source to the liquid eliminator element. An outlet valve may be provided to control liquid back to the source.

Abstract: A probe is provided that combines in one housing a pressure regulator and filter/dryer element. The probe may be connected to a conduit for the transfer of a fluid sample, such as natural gas, from the conduit to provide separation of the fluid such that a gaseous component may be then subsequently transferred to an instrument or the like. If liquid is separated it may be returned to the conduit via a return line.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating a floor surface includes a wheeled vehicle having a floor surface treating unit, a drive motor operable to propel the wheeled vehicle and a control system for controlling operation of the apparatus. A handle is mounted on the wheeled vehicle and has a traverse switch unit for selectively operating the apparatus between a traverse mode in which the vehicle is propelled by the drive motor to move relative to the floor surface and an idle mode in which the drive motor is ineffective to propel the vehicle. The traverse switch unit is mounted on the handle such that the traverse switch unit is accessible for movement by the operator toward the first position of the traverse switch unit corresponding to the traverse mode of the apparatus without the operator having to generally release the handle.