Abstract: Autoranging power supply apparatus may comprise a power output section having a plurality of pairs of output terminals, each of which has a maximum voltage and current rating. A switching network associated with the power output section connects and disconnects the plurality of pairs of output terminals to the external load. A control system connected to the switching network operates the switching network in response to changes in the impedance of the external load to connect and disconnect to the external load selected ones of the plurality of pairs of output terminals of the power output section to compensate for impedance variations in the external load and to prevent from being exceeded the maximum voltage and current ratings for each of the plurality of pairs of output terminals.

Abstract: Apparatus for depositing a film of material on a substrate may comprise sputter deposition apparatus for transferring target atoms from a target to the substrate and a servo control circuit operatively associated with the sputter deposition apparatus. The servo control circuit operates the sputter deposition apparatus in an alternating manner between an "active" state and a "quiescent" state so that a power density on the target during the "active" state is at least about 400 watts per square inch of target area. During the active state, target atoms are transferred from the target to the substrate. During the quiescent state, substantially no target atoms are transferred from the target to the substrate. A polarity reversing circuit operatively associated with the servo control circuit periodically reverses a polarity on the sputter deposition apparatus during the "active" state.

Abstract: A circuit for producing an alternating output current may comprise a first current regulator and a second current regulator. The first current regulator produces a first phase of the alternating output current and regulates the current of the first phase. The second current regulator produces a second phase of the alternating output current and regulates the current of the second phase. A first polarity reversing circuit operatively associated with the first current regulator periodically reverses the polarity of the first phase. A second polarity reversing circuit operatively associated with the second current regulator periodically reverses the polarity of the second phase. A control system operatively associated with the first and second current regulators and the first and second polarity reversing circuits controls the operation of the first and second current regulators and the first and second polarity reversing circuits.

Abstract: A mounting platform assembly for attaching a "heel-less" type of binding to a ski may comprise a toe platform having a top surface and a bottom surface and having a plurality of holes extending therethrough for receiving a plurality of platform screws. The toe platform also includes at least two threaded holes therein for receiving at least two mounting screws of the binding. The toe platform is attached to the ski by the platform screws, whereas the toe piece of the "heel-less" binding is attached to the toe platform by the mounting screws. A heel platform may be mounted to the ski at a position rearward from the toe platform by heel platform screws.

Abstract: A novel isomer of ammonium octamolybdate ("AOM") and method for producing the same. A new AOM isomer ("X-AOM") is described which is characterized by a distinctive Raman spectral profile compared with other AOM isomers including .alpha. and .beta.-AOM. To produce the novel isomer, ammonium dimolybdate ("ADM") is combined with molybdenum trioxide (MoO.sub.3) and water to yield a mixture. When mixing these materials, optimum results are achieved if at least one of the foregoing molybdenum-containing reagents is added in a gradual, non-instantaneous manner so that the selected reagent is not added to the mixture in a single large mass. This gradual delivery procedure, along with a carefully controlled prolonged heating stage (e.g. in excess of 3 hours) contributes to a maximum yield of high purity X-AOM.

Abstract: A magnet assembly may comprise a first magnet plate having a first magnet mounted thereon and a second magnet plate having a second magnet mounted thereon and a third magnet mounted thereon adjacent the second magnet so that a pole axis of the second magnet is substantially perpendicular to a pole axis of the third magnet. The second magnet plate is positioned adjacent the first magnet plate so that a plasma-confining magnetic field is created between the first, second, and third magnets. The first and second magnet plates are also moveable with respect to one another so that they can be moved between a center position configuration and an end position configuration.