Abstract: An apparatus for automatically and simultaneously loading a single long wafer boat or a plurality of wafer boats onto a cantilever paddle includes a stationary first track aligned with a first opening of a diffusion furnace and a first carriage moveable on the first track. The first carriage supports a cantilever paddle. A first vertical translation mechanism includes a first stationary part and a first vertically moveable support. A second vertical translation mechanism includes a second stationary part and a second vertically moveable support. A first horizontal translation mechanism includes a first base supported by the first vertically moveable support and a first horizontally moveable arm supported by the first base. A second horizontal translation mechanism includes a second base supported by the second vertically moveable support and a second horizontally moveable arm supported by the second base.

Abstract: A distribution valve includes a fluid inlet port and a plurality of fluid outlet ports, wherein the distribution valve includes a housing including a fluid inlet (3). The housing includes an upper section (15B) and a lower section (15B). A gear reduction assembly (2) located in the housing includes a gear reduction mechanism (2A) and impeller (2B) located near the inlet port and connected to a rotary input shaft of the gear reduction mechanism (2A). A cam device (6) engages a rotary output shaft of the gear reduction mechanism so as to rotate the cam device in response to rotation of the impeller. The cam device (6) includes a raised section (6A) having their own a raised camming surface (6B) which rotates in response to rotation of an impeller of the impeller (2B). A plurality of valve assemblies disposed in the lower section (15A) are arranged to open or close fluid paths through the plurality of fluid outlet ports (4), respectively, in response to rotation of the camming surface (6B).

Abstract: A circumferential seal for sealing between a rotating shaft and a stationary housing circumscribing the shaft. The seal comprises a stator mounted to said housing and having a radially inward facing carbon portion and a rotor with a ceramic sealing member having a radially outward facing surface in rubbing contact with said carbon portion. The rotor also includes a metal clamping means for mounting the ceramic sealing member to the shaft. The clamping means includes an axial flexible clamping member, and a radial flexible clamping member that together clamp onto a mounting flange of the ceramic sealing member when exposed to the compressive force of a lockup assembly.

Abstract: A hair dryer holder for supporting a hair dryer from a bathroom vanity drawer includes a generally planar horizontal support member having an aperture formed in a first end thereof for releasably receiving the nozzle of the hair dryer. Forwardmost and rearmost drawer engagers extend downwardly from the horizontal support member spaced apart from each other generally proximate the opposing second end of the horizontal support member. The rearmost and forwardmost drawer engagers extend along opposite sides of a drawer front. The upper surface of said horizontal support member extends under the vanity countertop as the drawer is closed.

Abstract: Alignment arrangement between a valve module and a base containing outlet chambers assures that the valves in the valve module are correctly positioned relative to the chambers. A plurality of posts between a valve actuating assembly in the module and a shut-off plate also in the module assures proper seating of the shut-off plate in the base of the valve.

Abstract: A multiple outlet valve includes a valve actuating mechanism driven by a turbine. Fluid entering the valve passes through a flow control member which determines the velocity of the fluid entering the turbine and thereby controls the frequency with which the valve operates. The valve further includes a gasket associated with a valve shut-off plate for preventing leakage of fluid between outlet chambers in the base.

Abstract: A method and apparatus, for applying electrostatically charged particles of an edible coating material to a surface of a food product to be coated, incorporates a fluidizing hopper for containing the material. The hopper includes an agitating system including an agitator blade and lifting blades to stir and lift the material while air is forced through a microporous fluidizing plate into the material. The fluidized material is withdrawn from the hopper through a venturi pump and supplied to an application gun. The application gun includes a corona discharge through which the fluidized material is forced to create charged particles of the fluidized material. The fluidized particles are directed to a food product item to be coated. The quantity of coating material is predetermined and is precisely controlled by shutting off the air pressure supply to the venturi pump to avoid excessive overspray of the particles.

Abstract: A removable retainer has a plurality of lugs projecting outwardly from its surface for cooperating with a like number of lugs projecting inwardly from the inner surface of a body. The lower surface of the retainer lugs and the tipper surface of the body lugs have non-planar surfaces which cam off of each other when the retainer is inserted into the body. The shock force from a weighted nozzle stem is transmitted through the lug system to the body and a surrounding pipe.

Abstract: An ocular fundus imager automatically aligns fundus illuminating rays to enter the pupil and to prevent corneal reflections from obscuring the fundus image produced. Focusing the produced fundus image is automatically performed and is based upon the fundus image itself. A head restraint for the patient undergoing examination is in the form of a pair of spectacles which is not only easy to use accurately but significantly reduces the gross alignment between the optical system and the patient's pupil.

Abstract: A segmented ring mounting (5) for retaining cylindrical components (2, 3) one within the other in a fluid-operated percussion drill tool, such as a downhole rock drill. The ring mounting also has application to other interengaging cylindrical components which are subject to heavy wear or pressure loading, such as compressors, pumps, borehole tools, casings and drillpipe mountings. The retaining ring (5) seats a smaller diameter cylindrical component (3) within a larger diameter cylindrical component (2), wherein one of the components is formed with a groove (12) or shoulder for seating the retaining ring in use, the ring being capable of radial compression and expansion so as to expand radially into the seating groove or shoulder for retaining the components one within the other in use.

Abstract: A solution or gel composition containing activated chlorine dioxide and phosphates, such as disodium hydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, trisodium phosphate, and sodium monofluorophosphate, is disclosed for treating herpes virus. The preferred concentration ranges are between about 0.005% to about 2.0% chlorine dioxide, and between about 0.02% to about 3.0% of a phosphate compound. The phosphate compound retards escape of chlorine dioxide in the pH range of 6.0 to 7.4, at which pH chlorine dioxide becomes activated and releases sufficient chlorine dioxide to reduce motility and become lethal to the involved micro-organisms.

Abstract: A chip scale package design for a flip chip integrated circuit includes a redistribution metal layer upon the upper surface of a semiconductor wafer for simultaneously forming solder bump pads as well as the metal redistribution traces that electrically couple such solder bump pads with the conductive bond pads of the underlying integrated circuit. A patterned passivation layer is applied over the redistribution metal layer. Relatively large, ductile solder balls are placed on the solder bump pads for mounting the chip scale package to a circuit board or other substrate without the need for an underfill material. The back side of the semiconductor wafer can be protected by a coating for mechanical strength during handling. A method of forming such a chip scale package at the wafer processing level is also disclosed.

Abstract: A socket for removably receiving a dental saliva ejector tube includes a central body having a first end forming a port for being coupled to a vacuum hose. The central body includes a passage extending therethrough from the first end toward a second opposing end. An elastic sleeve is secured over the second end of the central body for receiving the end of the ejector tube. A pair of spreader members are secured to the elastic sleeve. A pair of levers are pivotally secured about the central body and are actuated by the user to pull the spreader members apart, thereby distending the elastic sleeve to more easily receive the dental saliva ejector tube. To prevent the ejector tube from becoming dislodged during use, a rib may extend about the lower end of the ejector tube.

Abstract: A method and solution or gel topical preparation containing chlorine dioxide and a phosphate compound, such as disodium hydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, trisodium phosphate, and sodium monofluorophosphate, is disclosed for treating itching of the vagina. The preferred concentration ranges are between about 0.005% to about 2.0% chlorine dioxide, and between about 0.02% to about 3.0% phosphate compound. The phosphate compound retards escape of chlorine dioxide in the pH range of about 6.0 to 7.4, at which pH chlorine dioxide becomes activated and releases sufficient chlorine dioxide to reduce motility and become lethal to the involved micro-organisms.

Abstract: A computerized method for quantifying confidence in a replacement schedule for components that must be routinely replaced within a fleet of aircraft or like equipment includes programming a computer to accept predetermined input data, including anticipated life expectancy T, indicated reliability R1, the population P of the component in the fleet, and the number of failed units F replaced over a time increment t. The method computes the minimum-mean-time-between-removals &thgr;1, and the upper limit on unreliability Pu based upon such input data. The computer compares two or more of such factors to a series of Gamma Confidence Level look-up tables, and either determines a Gamma Confidence Level for the user, or prompts the user to modify the input data so that a Gamma Confidence Level can be determined. If the resulting Gamma Confidence Level is too low, the anticipated life expectancy T is reduced, and the method is repeated.

Abstract: A solution or gel composition containing activated chlorine dioxide and a phosphate compound, such as disodium hydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, trisodium phosphate, and sodium monofluorophosphate, is disclosed for treating a Chlamydia infection. The preferred concentration ranges are between about 0.005% to about 2.0% chlorine dioxide, and between about 0.02% to about 3.0% phosphate compound. The phosphate compound retards escape of chlorine dioxide in the pH range of 6.0 to 7.4, at which pH the chlorine dioxide becomes activated and releases sufficient chlorine dioxide to reduce motility and become lethal to the involved micro-organisms.

Abstract: A method and solution or gel composition containing activated chlorine dioxide and phosphates, such as disodium hydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, trisodium phosphate, and sodium monofluorophosphate, is disclosed for lubricating the vagina and for treating HIV. The preferred concentration ranges are between about 0.005% to about 2.0% chlorine dioxide, and between about 0.02% to about 3.0% phosphate. The phosphate compound retards escape of chlorine dioxide in the pH range of about 6.0 to 7.4, at which pH the chlorine dioxide becomes activated and releases sufficient chlorine dioxide to reduce motility and become lethal to the involved micro-organisms.

Abstract: A leak detector includes an off-center mounted metering pin cooperating with a single cross-hole in a poppet valve to accommodate adjustment of the flow rate past the metering pin by rotating the poppet valve about its longitudinal axis. A flow director, cooperating with the poppet valve, directs all flow into the leak detector directly into the line during initial flow into the leak detector. A piston, responsive to line pressure, is sized smaller in diameter than the poppet valve to cause the line pressure to increase rapidly and significantly during the leak sense mode and which size permits reduction in size and weight of the leak detector.