Abstract: Electrical timer modules that interact with one another so as to effect random operation of a plurality of electrical devices, creating the appearance that the devices are not operated automatically. The timer modules include circuitry that allows them to wake up from a sleep state or mode within a random time interval. Upon waking from the sleep state or mode, each modular timer initially senses for the presence of a transmitted signal. Upon receipt of a transmitted signal each module returns to its sleep state or mode. If no transmitted signal is received, the first timer module that wakes up transmits a signal to the other modules and activates an electrical device connected thereto.

Abstract: A closure for receptacles such as bottles which includes an annular sealing member which is internally reinforced by a cylindrical core. The cylindrical core includes a helically or spirally shaped frangible structure along which the cylindrical core can be pulled, stripped, unwound or torn apart. The closures can be pressed into receptacles using conventional methods. To remove the closures, one pulls, strips or tears the cylindrical core apart. The remaining, unreinforced annular sealing member can be easily removed.

Abstract: A closure for receptacles such as bottles which includes an annular sealing member which is internally reinforced by a cylindrical core. The cylindrical core includes a helically or spirally shaped frangible structure along which the cylindrical core can be pulled, stripped, unwound or torn apart. The closures can be pressed into receptacles using conventional methods. To remove the closures, one pulls, strips or tears the cylindrical core apart. The remaining, unreinforced annular sealing member can be easily removed.

Abstract: Electrical timer modules that interact with one another so as to effect random operation of a plurality of electrical devices, creating the appearance that the devices are not operated automatically. The timer modules include circuitry that allows them to wake up from a sleep state or mode within a random time interval. Upon waking from the sleep state or mode, each modular timer initially senses for the presence of a transmitted signal. Upon receipt of a transmitted signal each module returns to its sleep state or mode. If no transmitted signal is received, the first timer module that wakes up transmits a signal to the other modules and activates an electrical device connected thereto.

Abstract: A device for regulating pressure which can be used to relieve discomfort caused by inner ear pressure. The device includes a hollow body having an open end, a movable member within the hollow body which defines a first chamber that extends between the movable member and the open end of the hollow body, and various alternative structural elements which regulate pressure in the first chamber. To relieve discomfort caused by inner ear pressure, the open end of the hollow body is provided with a mouthpiece. A person experiencing discomfort caused by inner ear pressure, blows through or sucks on the mouthpiece, causing a change in pressure in the first chamber. The device regulates pressure in the first chamber in such a way to help relieve the person's inner ear pressure.

Abstract: Safety barriers for directing and separating traffic on roads, highways and construction sites which include through-holes or passageways for animals to pass through. The through-holes or passageways are configured so that distal edges of the through-hole or passageway openings downstream from traffic flow are obtusely angled with respect to adjacent sides of the barriers, and thereby able to deflect vehicles which might strike the barriers at the openings. The through-holes or passageways allow small animals to pass through the barriers and thereby escape being struck by vehicles. The through-holes or passageways can include sloped bottoms to prevent animals from nesting therein.

Abstract: Arrays of microfabricated hotplates have been used as substrate arrays for materials processing on a microscopic scale. Properties of individual elements (pixels) of the array, such as temperature and voltage bias, are controlled by addressing a given pixel with appropriate signals. Materials are deposited onto pixels with individually controlled deposition conditions (pixel temperature, bias). Pixels are also addressed to control properties during post-deposition processing steps such as heating in vacuum or various gases to alter stoichiometry of a single material, or to alloy multiple composition materials. The addressable heating characteristics may also be used for a maskless lithography on pixel elements. The result is an array of separately, but simultaneously, processed films. Properties of film elements may be measured using electrical contact pads.

Abstract: Planar forms of chemically-sensitive materials have been combined, under temperature control, with the pixels of a specially-designed micro-hotplate array to produce a miniature device capable of analyzing chemical mixtures. The device uses integrated multiple elements having different adsorption properties and temperatures to collectively achieve chemical selectivity in sensing. The method of making and using selectively in sensing. The device of the present invention is manufactured by standard CMOS foundry techniques which allow the production of a range of devices that have improved sensing performance.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for employing hard monochromatic x-rays to generate high resolution, dimensionally altered undistorted images of either the internal structure or surface feature details of a specimen at the submicron level in up to three-dimensions. A monochromatic hard x-ray beam is applied to the specimen and thereafter is directed to arrive at a small angle of incidence at a preferably flat, optically polished surface of a nearly perfect crystal, to be diffracted at the surface thereof to carry a first one-dimensional alteration of the image of the observed structure of the specimen. This x-ray beam is then directed, at a small angle of incidence, to the surface of a second nearly perfect crystal, the receiving surface being oriented orthogonal to the surface of the first nearly perfect crystal, to generate a further diffracted beam containing an undistorted two-dimensionally altered inverted image of the specimen with micrometer spatial resolution.

Abstract: A method of measuring fluid properties of a polymer melt, undergoing shear and/or extensional flow which utilizes fluorescent anisotropy. The method utilizes a polymeric chromophore which includes a bifunctional anthracene that is covalently bonded to polybutadiene. The invention also involves an optical probe which is designed to be inserted into existing temperature and/or pressure probe ports in processing equipment. The probe includes a rotatable polarizer and emission collection fibers.

Abstract: A method of producing nitrogenated metal alloys which involves melting a al alloy under a nitrogen atmosphere and subsequently gas atomizing the molten alloy with nitrogen gas has been found to produce alloys powders having a high nitrogen content and a minimum amount of hollow particles. The resulting alloy powders which demonstrate superior mechanical properties and heat and chemical resistance are easily fabricated into articles utilizing powder metallurgical processes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for characterizing bonding properties in compositions which utilizes thermal energy to cause controlled debonding of interface and/or interply bonds. Debonding events resulting from the controlled debonding are detected and utilized to characterize the interface and/or interply properties of the composition.