Abstract: A laser transmitter includes an optical system arranged to generate laser beam and configured to project the laser beam radially so as to define a plane through which the laser beam is projected. A positioning device is coupled to the laser transmitter for adjusting an angular orientation of the optical system with respect to a first axis and with respect to a second axis. The angular orientation of the laser transmitter is adjusted so that the plane through which the laser beam is projected has a first slope with respect to the first axis and a second slope with respect to the second axis. A rotary encoder is arranged to determine a rotary position of the laser beam as it rotates to define the plane. A target is positioned in an alignment direction corresponding to the direction to which the laser transmitter is to be aligned. The laser transmitter may be aligned with respect to the first axis, the second axis or some other reference.

Abstract: A simple and economical device is placed in a drill string to provide a pulsating flow of the pressurized drilling fluid to the jets of the drill bit to enhance chip removal and provide a vibrating action in the drill bit itself thereby to provide a more efficient and effective drilling operation. Operation of the device is such that a pronounced negative pulse precedes the positive pulse. Between pulses there is a short time delay and this feature will further enhance drilling rates. Device automatically bypasses all fluid if it is disabled.

Abstract: A security document is prepared by designating specialized tiling elements to be printed in selected image element cells across the face of the document. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method of preparing a security document is provided comprising the steps of: (i) designating a security image area on a face of a document; (ii) dividing the security image area into a plurality of image element cells, such that the image element cells define an array of image element cells across the security image area; and (iii) designating respective printed tiling elements to be printed in selected ones of the image element cells to define a printed security image and a printed complementary security image within the security image area. Individual ones of the respective printed tiling elements comprise printed units positioned within the respective image element cells.

Abstract: Relatively cool chemical vapor deposition precursor particles are desorbed from a target by increasing the temperature of a selected target area at a heating rate of at least about 10.sup.6 K/sec such that heat energy causes the desorption of at least one CVD precursor particle intact from the target, such that intermediate bonds between the precursor particles and adjacent particles are heated at a higher rate than the precursor's internal bonds, or such that a substantial portion of heat energy is not transferred to the internal modes of the CVD precursor particle.

Abstract: A scanning probe microscope for measuring the characteristics of a surface of a sample is provided and includes a probe for scanning the surface of a sample to be measured and a sample stage which is adapted to position a sample in the microscope. In a preferred embodiment, the microscope is a conducting atomic force microscope. The microscope also includes a source of voltage in communication with the probe and the sample and a detector for measuring the electrical current to or from the probe and the sample. The probe and the sample are positioned within an enclosure which isolates the probe and the sample from the ambient environment, and the enclosure includes a gas inlet and a gas outlet for controlling the environment in the enclosure to maintain the atmosphere in the enclosure at approximately atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A refrigerated agitator assembly is provided including a rotatable agitator shaft, first and second split hub assemblies, and a plurality of agitator tubes. The rotatable agitator shaft defines a fluid supply passage, a fluid supply port, and a fluid return port. The first split hub assembly is secured proximate a first end of the agitator shaft so as to be rotatable with the agitator shaft. The first split hub assembly defines a supply hub duct coupled to the fluid supply port and a return hub duct coupled to the fluid return port. The second split hub assembly is secured proximate a second end of the agitator shaft so as to be rotatable with the agitator shaft and defines a transfer hub duct. A first agitator tube is secured to the first and second split hub assemblies and extends from the supply hub duct of the first split hub assembly to the transfer hub duct of the second split hub assembly.

Abstract: A process for forming a metal suicide interconnect includes applying a layer of polysilicon over a semiconductor layer. A layer of amorphous silicon is formed over the layer of polysilicon followed by a layer of metal, such as titanium, over the layer of amorphous silicon. The layer of titanium is reacted with the layer of amorphous silicon to form a small grain C49 layer of titanium silicide. The layer of polysilicon and the layer of titanium silicide are etched to form a desired interconnect structure. The small grain C49 layer of titanium silicide is then converted to the C54 phase.

Abstract: A system and method for checking and calibrating, if necessary, the orientation of a rotating laser beam as projected by a laser transmitter is provided. The laser transmitter is initially adjusted so that the rotating laser beam defines a plane which will be substantially horizontal if the transmitter is properly calibrated. A retroreflective target is positioned a predetermined distance from the transmitter. A known point on the transmitter is aligned in the direction of the retroreflective target. The laser beam is reflected from the retroreflective target back to the laser transmitter. A photodetecting system within the laser transmitter generates a signal representative of the position of the laser beam on the target. The laser transmitter is then rotated about a reference axis until the position of the laser beam on the target is determined with respect to each of the remaining coordinate axes.

Abstract: A ventilator includes a ventilator housing defining an exhaust air flow section and a fresh air flow section, a rotary wheel, a heat and moisture exchange media supported by the rotary wheel and intersecting the exhaust air flow section and the fresh air flow section, a rotary wheel mounting assembly including a first set of guide rollers in contact with a first rim edge portion of the rotary wheel and a second set of guide rollers in contact with a second rim edge portion of the rotary wheel, and a drive roller in contact with one of the rim edge portions. A hub and bearing assembly is provided such that the rotary wheel may tilt with respect to the mounting assembly. A rotary wheel access plate defines an exhaust air outlet and a fresh air inlet and is equipped with an access plate opening assembly. A moisture transfer wick extends across a partition assembly between the exhaust air flow section and the fresh air flow section.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for monitoring shocks and vibrations on sensitive devices is provided. The sensor assembly comprises a detector beam supported between a pair of support members. A detector weight is secured to the detector beam between the support members. The detector beam is fracturable in response to the application of a predetermined level of force. An electrical circuit may be coupled to the detector beam for monitoring electrical continuity and structural integrity of the detector beam. The detector beam provides passive monitoring as the detector beam will fracture irrespectively of the power state of the electrical circuit. One or more detector beams may be used to monitor forces along a variety of different axes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the deliberate cancellation of MICR-readable documents by applying a penetrating ink through the MICR line of the document wherein the ink contains magnetic particles which disrupt the reading of the MICR line by the MICR reader. The magnetic particles in the ink do not penetrate along with the other ink components, but remain on or near the surface of the document. These extraneous magnetic particles interfere with MICR readers by preventing accurate reading of the encoded MICR characters and cause the MICR reader to reject such a document from normal processing automatically.

Abstract: A motor control system is provided comprising an electrically charged battery, an electrical motor, a battery voltage sensor, a motor speed sensor, an armature voltage sensor, an armature current sensor, and a microprocessor. The magnitude of the armature current applied to the motor is a function of a predetermined armature current setpoint signal and the magnitude of the field current applied to the motor is a function of a predetermined field current setpoint signal, a field current correction signal, and a field current de-boost signal. The microprocessor programmed to generate an armature current setpoint signal, a field current setpoint signal, and an armature voltage reference signal.

Abstract: A firearm holder for removably mounting a firearm on a vertical support is disclosed. The firearm includes a stock and a sling swivel stud mounted on the stock. The stock also has a first end, a second end on which the sling swivel stud is mounted, and a butt. The firearm holder comprises: a plate which is removably mountable on a vertical support, the plate having a first end and a second end; a stock support mounted on the second end of the plate, the stock support provided to engage the first end of the stock; an arm extending at an angle from the first end of the plate; and an engagement piece extending from the arm, the engagement piece being provided to engage the sling swivel stud of the firearm to maintain the firearm in a position perpendicular to the plate and to the vertical support when the butt of the stock is positioned against the plate and the stock support engages the first end of the stock.

Abstract: An articulated underwater cable riser system includes at least one articulated anchor section having a plurality of modular anchor segments and an articulated mid-span buoy having a plurality of modular buoy segments. The anchor segments and buoy segments encircle the cable and are secured adjacent one another in appropriate positions along the cable by cable clamps. The buoy segments and anchor segments are interfaced to the cable clamps by fairings which present smooth outlines for the anchor sections and mid-span buoy between the segments and the clamps to facilitate handling the anchor sections and mid-span buoy using conventional cable laying equipment. The anchor segments and buoy segments can be one-piece or, preferably, assembled by securing segment halves to one another. Bend limiters are coupled to at least some of the anchor segments to prevent an articulated anchor section from exceeding the minimum bend radius for the cable.

Abstract: A method of forming a conformal aluminum film which is substantially smooth and void free on a refractory metal nitride barrier layer is provided and involves an initial pretreatment of the refractory metal nitride layer by exposing it to a directional gas plasma. An aluminum metal film is then formed over the refractory metal nitride layer. The process may be used to deposit and fill a via, contact, or trench opening with substantially void-free aluminum to provide an electrically conductive path between layers in a semiconductor device.

Abstract: A biomedical electrode for an electrocardiograph or similar device is provided. The biomedical electrode includes a disposable electrode having an electrically conductive gel layer and a smooth layer film. The disposable electrode interfaces with a reusable leadwire connector having the relatively expensive metallic conductive material. The reusable leadwire adapter includes a vinyl top layer which attaches to the smooth layer film of the disposable electrode through surface attraction. The reusable leadwire adapter may include a suction cup which attaches to the disposable electrode through a partial vacuum. The reusable leadwire also includes a stud member which snaps into a standard leadwire connector.

Abstract: An arrangement is disclosed for controlling fan motors in fan-powered terminal units which permit the air flow of the terminal units to be factory preset and reset using a voltmeter. The fan motor is responsive to the pulse width of pulses of a pulse width modulated signal to provide an air flow which is proportional to the pulse width. By adjusting the pulse width, the air flow may be set as desired. A pulse width modulated signal having pulses with a set amplitude and frequency is generated. The dc voltage of the pulse width modulated signal is measured using a voltmeter. As the pulses have a set amplitude and frequency, the pulse width of the pulses may be adjusted by controlling the dc voltage of the pulse width modulated signal. The fan motor is programmed to deliver the set air flow over a range of static pressures.

Abstract: A water processable photopolymer composition for use in the manufacture of flexographic photopolymer printing plates is disclosed. The composition includes a flexible polymer having an affinity for water combined with a combination of hydrophilic and hydrophobic ethylenically unsaturated crosslinking agents or a single crosslinking agent containing both groups, a photoinitiator and swell enhancing components.

Abstract: Smearing of indicia (30,36) or deterioration of a label may be eliminated in a label form that provides protection for the imaging (30,36) in a construction that includes a sheet of transparent face stock (12), a layer of transparent pressure sensitive adhesive (14) on one side of the face stock sheet (12) and a sheet of transparent release liner (10) releasably adhered to the one side of the face stock sheet (12) by the adhesive (14). A die cut (18) is located in the release liner sheet (10) and defines a first removable frame section (20) and a second label defining section (22). The first section (20) surrounds the second section (22) so that when removed, a pattern of the adhesive (14) will be exposed. Reverse image printing (30) is disposed on the release liner second section (22).