Abstract: A semiconductor device having a metalized via hole used when mounting and connecting semiconductor chips, such as microwave chips, digital chips, analog chips and the like, on a top portion of a metalized carrier substrate is described herein. Each chip includes electrical circuitry on a top portion thereof with the circuitry connected to one end of a transmission line. Another end of the transmission line is connected to a metalized via hole. The via hole passes from the top portion of the chip to a bottom portion of the chip. The chip when mounted on the substrate is positioned over the top portion of the substrate and lowered thereon either by hand or with a mechanical chip carrying device. The bottom portion of the metalized via hole is indexed over a top of one end of a transmission line on the top portion of the substrate with the indexing tolerance between the two interfacing surfaces in a range of 0.5 to 10 mils.

Abstract: Electrostatic cooling apparatus with a needle emitter insulated along the shank thereof except for a sharp needle tip. The insulated needle emitter is supported along the axis of a funnel tube so as to augment the velocity of the ionic wind generated by the needle emitter. The needle emitter is axially adjusted within the funnel tube to tune the resonant cavity formed by the needle emitter and funnel tube to just below the space charge oscillation frequency.

Abstract: A solar energy transfer spoiler assembly, comprises of a base for supporting the remaining elements of the assembly, an azimuth and elevation drive mechanism, a moving structure frame, a plurality of energy collecting elements, a first spoiler and a second spoiler. The first end of the base is fixedly secured to the ground, and the second end is attached to the azimuth and elevation drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is comprised of an azimuth drive motor and gearing, and the elevation drive motor and gearing. The moving structure is rotatably attached to the azimuth and elevation gears for free gimboling movement by the drive mechanism. The moving structure is a rectangular shaped frame having disposed thereon a plurality of energy collecting elements. Attached to the leading edge of the moving structure frame is the first spoiler or pair of spoilers if the frame is of the split unit design.

Abstract: A two member heat exchanger. The first member having an outer surface, a conical inner surface surrounding a hollow region, a fluid chamber between the outer surface and the conical inner surface, and first and second fluid ports diametrically positioned on the outer surface to permit the flow of fluid in and out of the fluid chamber. The second member, insertable into the hollow region of the first member, has an outer conical surface matching the inner conical surface of the first member and a cylindrical bore for receiving external heat dissipating devices.

Abstract: An input/output (I/O) system and method for coupling a host computer to a plurality of peripheral devices in which data destined for peripheral devices is transferred to an output data buffer whose locations are paired with output channel addresses stored in an output device table. A microcomputer performs any processing required on data stored in the output data buffer by reading the address and a function code in the output device table then distributes processed data to an output device block whose locations are addresses of output channels. An input data buffer and input device table similarly arranged, collects and processes input data continuously, which input data buffer can be transferred to the host computer, on command, in a high speed burst.

Abstract: A multiple microcomputer system in which each microcomputer can execute independent programs, transfer data at high speed to or from the memory of any microcomputer in the system, and signal between microcomputers that data has been transferred and the action to be taken on the transferred data.

Abstract: A null-adjusting tool for aligning a tilt sensor of the electrolytic liquid type to the vertical is provided. A sensor mounting plate with a tilt-sensing element attached thereto is rotated about a pivot pin by the rotation of a coarse and fine adjustment screw. The coarse adjustment screw acts directly on the sensor mounting plate. The fine adjustment screw provides a high degree of position resolution control through a combination of screw thread and lever type mechanical advantage. A digital readout containing a liquid crystal display and self-contained power source is mounted on the null-adjusting tool to provide a visual indication of the angular deviation of the tilt sensor from the vertical during the alignment process.

Abstract: A harmonic locking ring having a predetermined number of spaced holes centered on a major and minor circumference. Said holes fit over pins in concentric parts thereby locking parts together in desired positions within very close tolerances.

Abstract: A controlled capillary ball bearing cage composed of a plurality of layers woven mesh containing warp and woof strands. Selected removal of warp strands forms uniformly spaced cylindrical lubricant reservoirs around the circumference of ball bearing pockets machined into the cage.

Abstract: A multi-position return to center potentiometer having a multiple detent configuration wherein the center detent position is a dimple and other detent positions provide a resistance to rotation that is greater during rotation away from center than rotation toward the center allowing the use of a small return to center spring.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the height of a liquid above a reference level in which short pulses of subnanosecond duration are coupled to a dual-mode transmission line immersed in a liquid to propagate thereon in a plurality of modes. A surface wave propagating on the outer conductor is reflected from the surface of the liquid, and coaxial-mode propagating within the transmission line is reflected from the reference level. These reflected pulses propagate back along the transmission line, coupled to a receiver for detection, the detected pulses processed to determine the liquid height above a reference level.

Abstract: A method of fabricating semiconductor devices on semi-insulating GaAs substrates is provided. Pre-etched holes in the substrate are covered with a dielectric which is etched to expose the substrate only at the bottom of the holes. Epitaxial growth of active GaAs in the holes may then proceed with a single crystallographic orientation. The dielectric covering the sidewalls of the holes prevents unwanted random growth and poor surface morphology of the active area.