Abstract: A piezo-electric sound pickup device for a stringed instrument having a wood or other shapeable material for a casing that is slightly larger than the standard gap between the wing and leg of the instrument bridge. The sound pickup device can be sanded to the proper dimension to properly fit this wing to leg gap. The installation of the pickup after proper sizing does not change the tone of the instrument and does not require further shim installation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the gas amounts adsorbed on a powder which directly measures pressure changes in a gas supply chamber with the use of differential pressure sensors between the gas supply chamber and a reference chamber which gas amount is maintained constant. Calculations of the gas amounts adsorbed are based on the pressure changes in a sample cell and the pressure changes in the gas supply chamber or a gas reference chamber. The method and apparatus of this invention measures the adsorption or desorption isotherm or gas uptake at constant pressure curve of a powder with, as compared with presently available measurement techniques, increased accuracy and resolution. The experimental data can be analyzed to obtain information on the surface area, pore size distribution, pore volume, pore structure and diffusion coefficient of the powder.

Abstract: A universally adjustable frameless backpack is provided for use by the more active sportsperson. The pack has a pivoted shoulder harness that allows the pack to remain relatively stationary while the person's body and shoulders swing back and forth as in jogging, running, or cross-country skiing. The hip pad also has a novel attachment to the pack that allows hip motion without excessive swinging of the pack causing unbalance of the runner or jogger.

Abstract: A laterally stable and self-turning wheel and rail assembly. The curved rolling surfaces of the wheels bear against curved contact surfaces of the rails such that centrifugal force causes lateral translation of the wheels on the rails, thereby increasing the effective rolling radius of an outside rail while decreasing or maintaining the same effective rolling radius of an inner wheel. The altered rolling radius causes the wheels to move along a curved path without slipping or sliding. Flanges are provided adjacent track turnouts so that guide members activated by a vehicle operator may contact the flanges to either maintain the vehicle in the same set of tracks, or switch the vehicle through the turnout onto a new section of track.

Abstract: A process for preventing overprocessing of an (IC) wafer or the like in an area of laser overlap. The invention in general comprises a process in which the surface of an (IC) wafer is coated with a composition which forms a light reflective surface upon the application of laser energy. Laser energy is thus reflected away from the wafer in areas of multiple laser exposure. In a preferred embodiment of the invention an (IC) wafer is coated with a nitrogen deficient titanium nitride film, which reacts with oxygen in the laser process chamber, to form a highly reflective titanium oxide film.

Abstract: A process for producing expanded corn snack products. The products are preferably made in a fluted ring shape, and have an expanded, airy texture. The process for producing the products includes successive cutting steps wherein the corn is comminuted to a relatively narrow particle size distribution with most of the corn retained on a #40 or #60 mesh screen. The corn is comminuted by impelling whole cooked corn kernels against a blade and through a screen having a ratio of open area:screen material of from about 1:1 to about 3:1.

Abstract: A process for the removal of agricultural chemicals from seed grain kernels. The process includes removal of chemicals adsorbed to the surface of the seed by abrasion and removal of chemicals absorbed into the seed by extraction with organic solvents. Removal of such chemicals to a level of less than 1.0 ppm is possible.

Abstract: A process for promoting photoresist adhesion on a semiconductor wafer having a previously applied photoresist layer. The process is adapted for semiconductor manufacture in which a first photoresist layer has been applied to the wafer and in which a second photoresist layer must be adhered to the first photoresist layer and to the substrate of the wafer. The process includes a steps of: baking the first photoresist layer, applying a liquid mixture including solvents to soften the first photoresist layer and an adhesion promotor for the substrate, spin drying the wafer, and applying a second photoresist layer. In an illustrative embodiment of the invention, the liquid mixture includes acetone, n-butyl acetate (NBA), and hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) combined in a ratio of 1:1:1.

Abstract: A snow removal apparatus that can be used to remove snow from a pitched roof while the operator is on the ground or also when the operator is on the roof. The apparatus includes two vertical snow-cutting blades, a horizontal cutting blade, and a roller assembly having a sheet of plastic on the roller. When in use, the operator unrolls the plastic and pushes the blades through the snow cutting loose a square section which then slides down the plastic to the ground as the apparatus moves up the roof line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mechanical planarization and endpoint detection of a semiconductor wafer or the like. The apparatus includes a polishing head for rotating the wafer under a controlled pressure against a rotating polishing platen. The polishing head is mounted such that the wafer can be moved across the polishing platen to overhang a peripheral edge of the polishing platen and expose the surface of the wafer. Endpoint detection apparatus in the form of a laser interferometer measuring device is directed at an unpatterned die on the exposed surface of the wafer to detect oxide thickness at that point. The laser light beam is enclosed in a column of liquid to clean the wafer surface at the point of detection and to provide a uniform reference medium for the laser light beam.

Abstract: An indirect evaporative cooler having an improved heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes a plurality of heat tubes arranged in a closely spaced vertically stagger matrix and with each tube having an internal fin mounted therein. The heat transfer tubes and internal fins are distortion fitted to one another to provide a heat conductive bond between the internal fins and the exterior of the heat transfer tubes. Additionally, the heat transfer tubes are arranged in a novel matrix with improved heat transfer characteristics.

Abstract: A process for dehydrating food products particularly suited to the dehydration of potatoes for use in the preparation of hashbrown potatoes. In accordance with the process of the invention, a food product, e.g. a potato is prepared into separate pieces for drying. The separate pieces are then coated with a dry mixture which includes a separation particulate which maintains separation between adjacent pieces such that the pieces may be more efficiently and effectively hot air dried. The dry mixture also includes ingredients which react with moisture on the food product surface to form an adhesive surface for adhering the dry mixture to the food product. For the preparation of hashbrown potatoes, the dry mixture may include spices, browning ingredients, and patty-binding ingredients. For the preparation of casserole potato dishes, the dry mixture may include spices, dehydrated vegetables and cheeses, and a thickening agent.

Abstract: A flexible protective cover constructed of elastic stretchable material to continously cover a bicycle seat, crossbar, handle bars and the front fork of a bicycle when mounted on a car top carrier. The cover can be provided to fit the bicycle either with or without the front bicycle wheel attached to the bicycle.

Abstract: A double dynamic random access memory (DRAM) cell comprising two vertically stacked access transistors and storage capacitors. A first access transistor is formed on a silicon substrate. A seed contact to the first access transistor is then utilized for growing an intermediate silicon substrate by Confined Lateral Selective Epitaxial Overgrowth (CLSEG). A second access transistor is formed upon the intermediate silicon substrate. A storage capacitor for the first access transistor may be formed as a trench capacitor in the silicon substrate. A storage capacitor for the second access transistor may be stacked on the second access transistor. A common buried bit line connects the two access transistors.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering and recirculating oil used in a vacuum pump is disclosed. The filtration device comprises first and second valves permitting, respectively, addition and deletion of oil from the system. A plurality of filter elements are provided to remove particulate contamination from the oil. In a preferred embodiment, the vacuum pump is situated in an enclosure which retains therein the latent heat produced by the vacuum pump. Alternatively, an oil heater may be provided. The oil is preferably maintained at a temperature of greater than about 40.degree. C., so that the particulates entrained therein remain in a sludge.

Abstract: A trim, form and cut machine for trimming plastic flash from an IC chip and cutting the connections between chip leads. The machine utilizes interchangeable modules and interchangeable punches and is designed with a self-cleaning feature. Air jets and passageways are provided to remove the material trimmed from the IC chips and leads.

Abstract: An oil filtration and exhaust apparatus for filtering particulates and gases from the recirculating oil of a vacuum pump which is adapted to remove gases from a process enclosure. The oil filtration and exhaust apparatus removes particulates and gases from the recirculating oil by means of particulate filters and a gas scrubbing filter. Additionally, the exhaust gases are demisted prior to exhaust to an exhaust header. The apparatus is particularly suited to semiconductor manufacturing processes.

Abstract: An inspection station punch block apparatus for removing a portion of an integrated circuit die lead from a lead frame. The missing lead is used to mark a defective die and is lataer monitored by a scanning means which causes rejection of the die from the lead frame. A method of carrying out this operation is also disclosed.