Abstract: An illuminated display assembly includes a flexible, translucent and rectangular display plate having an outer edge including two opposing side edges and two opposing end edges, and an image depicted on the display plate within the outer edge of the plate. The display plate also has a width dimension measured from the opposing side edges. The display plate is mounted to a support frame having a rectangular panel and a support member extending along a periphery of the panel. The support member includes two opposing side supports and two opposing end supports. A retainer is disposed along each of the side supports and the support frame has a dimension measured from the retainer on the side support that is less than the width of the display plate. Thus, when the retainer receives respective side edges of the display plate, the display plate deforms in a convex shape with respect to the support frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for minimizing the surface contamination of semiconductor wafers (11) during the semiconductor device manufacturing process. Semiconductor wafers (11) are stored in a storage cassette (12) with their face sides (17) facing downward and their back sides (16) facing upward. Particulate contamination present on the back sides of the wafers is thereby secured to the wafers by the force of gravity, and the faces of the wafers are shielded from falling debris. An automated wafer handling device (19) is provided with a rotary joint (22) to accomplish the wafer flipping motion before inserting a wafer into a cassette and after removing the wafer from the cassette.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for fluid emission control of a conductive fluid utilizes a passive electrolytic reaction to ionize the conductive fluid. The apparatus includes a fluid emission system having a reaction chamber that includes an anode and cathode to initiate an electrolytic reaction within the conductive fluid and reaction chamber. An ion-generating member is disposed within the reaction chamber and enhances the electrical bias in the conductive fluid. An oxidation-controlling member disposed within the reaction chamber retards oxidation of the anode and cathode. The metallic component parts and amount of such component parts used in the reaction chamber are chosen to achieve a target voltage, which that amount of voltage created, by the electrolytic reaction necessary to charge a fluid droplet of any density to achieve a maximum acceleration of fluid droplets as the fluid droplets enter and leave a spray cone.

Abstract: A barrier layer for a semiconductor device metallization component provides a silicon nitride film formed in a component recess and a refractory metal film formed over the silicon nitride film. The device component includes a dielectric material and a recess formed in the dielectric. The surface of the dielectric material within the recess is exposed to nitrogen under controlled parameters. A section of the dielectric material adjacent an interior of the recess is converted to silicon nitride. The refractory metal is then conformed deposited along the recess sidewalls. A seed layer is then deposited over the refractory metal film, and a conductive metal is then deposited within the recess. The device is then polished to remove excess metal outside the recess and planarize the device.

Abstract: A landfill (10) having a leachate collection apparatus including a layer of geonet material (40) disposed above a liner (38) as its primary leachate flow path. Leachate flows along the geonet material to a collection trench (16) located along an edge (14) of a generally planar landfill area (12). The superior hydraulic conductivity of the geonet material (34) disposed above a liner (32) is provided below the primary drainage layer for additional ground water protection. A collection box 918) having both a leachate collection compartment (54) and a leakage collection compartment (56) is disposed in alignment with openings (80, 82) formed in the respective liner layers. The sealing surfaces (64,68) between the collection box and liners are all located on upper surfaces of the collection box.

Abstract: The present invention is for a portable hoist assembly that includes a base member, an upright support member and a boom. A winch and line are attached to the hoist assembly with an engagement member for lifting objects. The base member attaches to a receiving member. The receiving member may be a trailer hitch on a vehicle. The boom and base member pivot with respect to the support member to a collapsed storage position. The boom and base member extend substantially parallel to the support member, and an end of the boom attaches to the base member. The engagement member is inserted within the base member for storage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the electroplating deposition of a metal onto a semiconductor wafer surface (29), including vibrationally scrubbing the wafer surface (29) during an electroplating process. At least one transducer (32) is mounted to a wall (33) of an electroplating tool chamber (22). The transducer (32) intermittently delivers sonic energy pulses lasting for one to two seconds to the electroplating solution during the electroplating process.

Abstract: The mounting assembly includes a shaft having a mounting member mounted on a top end of the shaft. The mounting member is preferably mounted so it pivots with respect to the shaft. The shaft is insertable in a hollow cylinder on a motor vehicle. In the case of a motorcycle, a portion of the shaft is inserted in a steering stem of a steering head. A plurality of o-rings, attached to the portion of the shaft inserted in the cylinder, secure the mounting assembly in place. A Velcro™ piece, fixed to a top surface of the mounting member, clasps to a corresponding Velcro™ piece of an electronic device placed on the mounting assembly.

Abstract: A compact disc has an image embossed thereon and has a rectangular planar body. The compact disc stores information relating to the image and is used as a trading card. The compact disc is smaller than standard compact discs; therefore the compact disc has two ridges on the bottom surface for alignment of the compact disc with an inner circular rim of a disc tray. A docking collar is mounted to the bottom surface of the compact disc between a spindle hole and the ridges.

Abstract: An assembly and method for attaching insulation material includes a frame member having a generally vertically-extending flange. A clip has a pair of resilient grabbing members that define an aperture for receiving the flange. A plate member extends generally perpendicular relative to the grabbing members. The plate member includes an opening. A pin having a sharp end extends through the opening in the plate member. A set of washers is connected to the pin to retain insulation material pierced by the pin and to retain the pin in the opening in the plate member.

Abstract: The mounting assembly includes a shaft having a planar member mounted on a top end of the shaft. The planar member is preferably mounted so it pivots with respect to the shaft. The shaft is insertable in a hollow cylinder on a motor vehicle. In the case of a motorcycle, a portion of the shaft is inserted in a steering stem of a steeing head. A plurality of o-rings, attached to a portion of the shaft inserted in the cylinder, secure the mounting assembly in place. A Velcro™ piece, fixed to a top surface of the planar member, clasps to a corresponding Velcro™ piece of an electronic device placed on the mounting assembly.

Abstract: A fuel filter drain system continuously pumps filtered and water from a locomotive diesel engine fuel filter. A ball valve disposed along the drain line between the fuel filter and the fuel tank is modified to include a ball valve that is approximately 0.031 inches in diameter or sufficiently small to purge the fuel and water, and also maintain fuel pressure within acceptable limits.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a plurality of containers, within which frogs are cultivated, supported in vertically spaced tires on an upright rack. A plurality of feed trays are provided wherein a feed tray is provided for each container. Artificial feed, in the form of a plurality of pellets, or discrete feed particles, are supplied in the feed tray. An air suction system is utilized for engagement of the discrete particles. Air is drawn through a feed engagement member so a suction force is created at the tip of the feed engagement member to engage pellets. The feed engagement member is actuated toward the feed tray to engage the pellets. Then the feed engagement member is actuated to the interior of the container where the frogs take the pellets off of the feed engagement member. The air flow direction can, in the air suction system, also be reversed so air is blown out through the feed engagement member in order to clean the same and any conduits or lines leading to the feed engagement member.

Abstract: An automatic oil filter replacement assembly for a locomotive including a plurality of oil filters mounted within a cartridge. The filters are mounted within the chamber. An indexing plate, mounted to the cartridge, has a single portal for alignment within a selected chamber and filter. The operating system of the locomotive is adapted so an operator may remotely rotate the indexing plate a given distance after certain set parameters have been reached, so a clean filter, or filters, replace exhausted filters.

Abstract: An assembly and method utilizing a clip and pin configuration for attaching insulation material in a building includes a clip (25) having a pair of grabbing members (45, 50) with an aperture (55) defined therebetween receiving a flange (20) of a frame member (15). A pin (80) is inserted into an opening (75) in one of the grabbing members (50), and is used to pierce the insulation material (110). A set of washers (100, 105) is connected to the pin (80) to retain the pin (80) in the opening (80) and to retain the insulation material (110) in the pin (80).

Abstract: This invention is for a method and/or solution for treatment of Golden Pine Syndrome. The mixture ideally is a diluted acidic solution that contains 3% to 6% iron (iron sulfate) by weight, 1% to 4% by weight of zinc (zinc sulfate), 0.1 to 4.0% manganese (in the form of manganese sulfate or oxide) and 10% or less of sulfuric acid. The remaining solution by weight is water. This solution is derived from waste pickle liquor disposed from a ferrous galvanizing process.

Abstract: A factory made building such as a mobile home (10) utilizing a connector (32, 60) attached to each of a plurality of outrigger beams (18) for stabilizing the mobile home (10) against strong winds. The mobile home (10) includes a structural support beam such as an I-beam (16) and a plurality of outrigger beams (18). An outrigger connector (32, 60) with an L-shaped portion (34) including a slot (46) and a protruding portion (56) extending outward from the L-shaped portion (34) at a substantially perpendicular angle is attached to each outrigger beam (18) at the protruding portion (56). A hurricane strap (48) is attached to the slot (46) and to a ground anchor (88) to secure the mobile home (10).

Abstract: A balloon lighting device having both polar and equatorial supports for the light source inside the balloon. Equatorial caps provide connections for light source support and for tethering of the balloon. The light source may include an array of LED's and may be connected to a dimmer to provide a variety of light intensities and wavelengths. A shroud supported from a top cap may be used to further define the illumination effect. The dimmer may function as an anchor for flexible positioning of the light or it may be hung from the balloon to conserve lay-down space. A plurality of balloon lighting devices may be controlled from a single console having DMX control capability.