Abstract: A system for disposing of refuse-derived fuel ("RDF") and converting the refuse-derived fuel into a fuel gas is described. The system includes a positive pressure combustion chamber and a feed system for feeding the RDF into the combustion chamber at high speed. No compaction of the low density RDF is required. The feed system includes a feed conveyor, first and second air locks with a first conduit between the feed conveyor and the first air lock, and a second conduit between the first and second air locks. Both conduits are generally vertically oriented, but sloped at an angle that prevents bridging of the RDF.

Abstract: A process for etching aluminum from a substrate, where portions of the aluminum are protected by a resist material, is described. The substrate is placed into a chamber and a process gas comprising HCl, Cl-containing etchant and N.sub.2 is introduced in the chamber. A plasma is generated in the chamber to generate from the process gas an etch gas that etches aluminum from the substrate at fast rates, with good selectivity, reduced profile microloading, and substantially only anisotropic etching.

Abstract: Temperature-activated adhesive compositions formulated with crystallizable polymers are provided. The compositions, which display a rapid transition from the tacky to the nontacky state, and/or from the nontacky to the tacky state, are useful in medical applications, where adhesion of a substrate to the skin is desired, as well as in a variety of nonmedical applications. Temperature-activated adhesive assemblies such as tapes, labels, and the like for use in a number of contexts are provided which assemblies have a moisture vapor transmission rate which is compatible with human skin, e.g., above 500 g/m.sup.2 /day at 37.degree. C. and a 100% to 10% relative humidity difference.

Abstract: A container for body fluid specimens includes temperature sensing means and means to read the temperature of a fluid specimen in the container. On the outside face of the container there is a first strip to cover the temperature reading means and over the strip is a label. Removal of the strip defaces or at least partly destroys the label which can indicate tampering with the container.

Abstract: An improved method of fabricating integrated circuit structures on semiconductor wafers using a plasma-assisted process is disclosed wherein the plasma is generated by a VHF/UHF power source at a frequency ranging from about 50 to about 800 MHz. Low pressure plasma-assisted etching or deposition processes, i.e., processes may be carried out within a pressure range not exceeding about 500 milliTorr; with a ratio of anode to cathode area of from about 2:1 to about 20:1, and an electrode spacing of from about 5 cm. to about 30 cm. High pressure plasma-assisted etching or deposition processes, i.e., processes may be carried out with a pressure ranging from over 500 milliTorr up to 50 Torr or higher; with an anode to cathode electrode spacing of less than about 5 cm.

Abstract: In a deposition apparatus, a barrier is used to separate a process gas section from the section of the chamber below the substrate on which a metal layer is deposited. The substrate is supported on a support. During an unloading stage, purge gas is introduced into the chamber below the substrate. To prevent the substrate from being moved on the support by the purge gas, the barrier is perforated so that the process gas can flow through the barrier and into a vacuum manifold system.

Abstract: Food may be packaged and preserved for extended periods using intelligent polymers formed into food containers which have specific and variable gas permeabilities. The polymers used in forming the food packages are intelligent in that they have permeabilities which may be radically and reversibly changed by relatively small changes in temperature. By using different types and formulations of polymers and various temperatures, it is possible to create an environment within the food package which adjusts to the respiration of the food so as to best preserve the color, quality and/or shelf life of the food. The polymers are side-chain crystallizable polymers designed and formulated so as to provide a material which is substantially impermeable to a gas such as oxygen, carbon dioxide or water vapor at a temperature below a given phase transition point and permeable to the same gas at a temperature above that point.

Abstract: A laminar stream spout attachment for faucets comprises a plurality of spaced-apart parallel perforated plates and associated screens. The perforated plates reduce flow velocity and distribute the flow uniformly across the attachment. The screens operate to trim the stream and reduce the associated flow noise, thus providing a high-quality stream which is clear, straight, free of mist and spray, quiet, soft and essentially splash-free with a minimal number of parts.

Abstract: A bracket device for mounting electrical devices in the interior space of hollow partitions having a front wall and a back wall with an anterior space therebetween typically comprising: (1) a base capable of being fixedly attached to the floor; (ii) a riser extending upwardly from the base, the riser having front and rear faces; and (iii) supporting means for supporting a cover ring and a junction box which extends into the interior space. The supporting means can include an annular plate having front and rear faces attached to an upper portion of the riser, the annular plate further having attaching means such as mounting holes for attaching the cover ring to its front face and the junction box to its rear face. Preferably, the device also includes (iv) a stabilizing arm extending rearwardly from the device to the rear wall of the partition. The arm can be detachable from the device.

Abstract: A contact sensor comprises a first sheet of flexible material and second sheet. The first sheet is capable of being energized to establish an electrical potential thereon. The second sheet can be energized to establish an electrical potential in juxtaposition with the first sheet. The two sheets are formed of materials that tend to stick together. To keep the sheets apart, a plurality of substantially uniform discrete insulating islands are used. By the use of a non-square insulating island spacing pattern with the island spacing satisfying rigorous criteria, the two sheets can be prevented from sticking together without unduly increasing the amount of force required to activate the device. The sensor is particularly useful as a transparent touchscreen.

Abstract: A method for preventing restenosis after angioplasty comprises internally radiating the treated portion of the lumen to prevent restenosis of the enlarged lumen portion. A device useful for radiating the treated portion comprises an elongated flexible catheter with radioactive means located in a distal section of the carrier. Stiffening elements are located along the length of the catheter to enable the catheter to be pushed through the tortuous segments of coronary or peripheral vasculature without crimping.

Abstract: Medical devices which are currently proposed to use elements made from shape memory alloys may be improved by the use of stress-induced martensite alloy elements instead. The use of stress-induced martensite decreases the temperature sensitivity of the devices, thereby making them easier to install and/or remove.

Abstract: Polyimides having a high thermal and oxidative stability are prepared by reacting a mixture of monomers comprising (a) a dialkyl, trialkyl, or tetraalkylester of an aromatic tetracarboxylic acid, (b) an aromatic diamine, and (c) an end cap compound. The ratio of (a), (b), and (c) is chosen so that upon heating the mixtures, low molecular weight prepolymers are formed, the prepolymers having only one end cap radical and being suitable for chain extension and crosslinking to form high molecular weight, thermally stable polyimides. Upon heating, the prepolymers form polyimide resins, which can have T.sub.g in excess of 600.degree. F. and superior physical properties.

Abstract: Polyimides having a high thermal and oxidative stability are prepared by reacting a mixture of monomers comprising (a) a dialkyl, trialkyl, or tetraalkylester of an aromatic tetracarboxylic acid, (b) an aromatic diamine, and (c) an end cap compound. The ratio of (a), (b), and (c) is chosen so that upon heating the mixtures, low molecular weight prepolymers are formed, the prepolymers having only one end cap radical and being suitable for chain extension and crosslinking to form high molecular weight, thermally stable polyimides. Upon heating, the prepolymers form polyimide resins, which can have T.sub.g in excess of 600.degree. F. and superior physical properties.

Abstract: Polyimides having a high thermal and oxidative stability are prepared by reacting a mixture of monomers comprising (a) a dialkyl, trialkyl, or teThis invention was made with Government support under F33615-88-C-5409 awarded by the Department of the Air force. The Government has certain rights in this invention.