Abstract: A high-power semiconductor diode laser or array of semiconductor diode lasers (14) optically end-pumps a compact, tunable, solid-state laser (28) with a pumping beam (74) well-matched to the absorption bandwidth and mode volume (78) of the solid-state laser (28). Tilted birefringent plates (210) positioned within the solid-state resonator cavity (16) are employed to control the spectral bandwidth and wavelength output of the waveguide pumping beam (204). Infrared output (100) generated by such a solid-state laser (28) is coupled into a nonlinear waveguide (200) and converted to visible output (206) through the process of second-harmonic generation.

Abstract: A color line scan video camera (50) for inspecting articles (18) includes a prismatic beam splitter arrangement (52) that receives a wide spectrum of visible light from a variable magnification objective lens arrangement (54) to provide improved multi-color inspection capability. The prismatic beam splitter separates the light received from the scanned articles into three preselected spectral bands of light, each of which is imaged upon a different charge-coupled device line scan sensor that generates a corresponding color component video signal. The light transmission characteristics of the lens are "color-corrected" to transmit uniformly the light received from the scanned articles.

Abstract: A windshield display system for automobile includes a wavelength selective holographic combiner (12) laminated within the plies (36, 50) of an automobile windshield. A lamination process is provided to prevent degradation of the holographic combiner (12), which might otherwise occur with conventional windshield lamination processes. The holographic combiner (12) is processed in a manner that permits it to withstand the temperature and pressure extremes of the windshield lamination process. Also provided is a display system (60) for producing an image of vehicle information and the motorist's field of view as the motorist observes the real world scene.

Abstract: Fresnel lens elements in a lens grouping and mounted in a fixed relationship to a detector, to define a 360.degree. field of view for use in a sensor for passive detection of infrared radiation. Lens elements of the lens grouping can be selected by masking other lens elements, to leave a lens array defining a particular pattern of detection for a desired application. By masking certain of the lenses of the lens grouping, wide angle three-dimensional or fan-like planar curtain patterns of detection are obtained for use of the sensor in either a wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted installation, and vertical curtains of coverage can be obtained using ceiling-mounted installation. Lens elements of different sizes and focal lengths are arranged to gather ample radiation for detection of distant intruders in certain directions.

Abstract: A prealigner (10) employs an X-Y stage (20) and a rotary stage (26) to position and orient a specimen (12) without centering it on the prealigner. In a preferred embodiment, the rotary stage is mounted on the X-Y stage and receives a semiconductor (12) in a substantially arbitrary position and orientation. The prealigner employs the rotary stage and translation in only an X-axis direction to scan the peripheral edge (76) of the wafer across an optical scanning assembly (36) to form a polar coordinate map of the wafer. A microprocessor (162) determines the location and orientation of the wafer from the map and cooperates with a motor drive controller (122) to generate control signals for positioning and orienting the wafer in the preselected alignment without changing the location at which the wafer is held.

Abstract: The present invention is a CMOS epitaxial silicon wafer (50) on which CMOS integrated circuits (16) can be manufactured, including such circuits that include bipolar components (referred to as "BiCMOS" circuits). The CMOS wafer includes a lightly doped monocrystalline silicon substrate (56) having a major surface (54) that supports a lightly doped monocrystalline epitaxial silicon layer (52). The substrate includes a heavily doped diffused layer (58) extending a short distance (64) into the substrate from the major surface toward a lightly doped bulk portion (66) of the substrate. CMOS integrated circuits manufactured on the epitaxial layer of the CMOS wafer of this invention have a low susceptibility to latch-up. The low susceptibility is provided by the relatively low resistivity of the diffused layer. Since the diffused layer is relatively thin and the bulk portion is lightly doped, the oxygen content of the bulk can be readily measured and controlled.

Abstract: A system and method for sorting items (16) computes the geometric center ("centroid") (156) of any item containing a defect (26) or multiple defects, and directs an ejection air blast at the centroid of the defective item rather than at the location of the defect. Video data from a scanning camera (24) are transmitted to an "item processor" (32A') and a "defect processor" (32). The item processor builds in memory (108) an image of every acceptable or defective item while the defect processor builds a "defect list" (170) of defect coordinate locations detected only on defective items. The defect processor transmits the defect list to the item processor where the defect list is compared with the stored image of the item. For each item containing at least one defect, the item processor computes a defective item centroid that is added to a defective items list (174) for use by a defect removal process that actuates air blasts directed toward the centers of defective items.

Abstract: Connectors are provided which afford a substantial material match between two dissimilar metals, such as between an electronics package and the connector as well as between connector components to form an electronics assembly. In this manner, the thermal expansion properties of the electronics assembly components to be interfaced are also substantially matched, thereby allowing maintenance of a hermetic feedthru formed therebetween for a sustained period of operation. Additionally, the substantially matched component materials permit the use of simple and cost effective interfacing procedures in assembly construction.

Abstract: A method for water leakage prevention in a portion connecting a first pipeline to a second pipeline having one end thereof in communication with a portion of the first pipeline is provided. This method includes the steps of passing elastically deformable drawing means from the other end of the second pipeline to one end of the first pipeline; engaging an impermeable cut-off member, having an expandable hose portion and a flange portion provided integrally with one end of the hose portion, with the drawing means at one end of the first pipeline at the hose portion; drawing the cut-off member into the first and second pipelines by drawing back the hose portion of the drawing means toward the other end of the second pipeline; and disposing the cut-off member in the first and second pipelines, so that the flange portion is positioned within the first pipeline and the hose portion extends within the second pipeline.

Abstract: Tortilla chips having improved flavor, sweetness and textural characteristics, as well as enhanced nutritional values, are provided using a combination of whole kernel dried corn and germinated grain such as corn to produce a masa dough. Germinated grain contributes a "sweet" flavor as a consequence of the high concentration of natural sugars in the sprouted material. The sprouted corn also contributes substantial fiber and nutritional values to tortilla chips. Specialized methods and systems for producing and processing masa dough having a germinated fraction are required as a consequence of the unique consistency and higher fiber content of the masa dough mixture.

Abstract: A stabilizing system stabilizes articles carried on conveyors for automated bulk processing equipment. In a preferred embodiment, a flow of gas (e.g., air) is projected along a conveyor belt in a direction generally parallel to that in which articles are carried by the belt. The air flow has a velocity (i.e., speed and direction) substantially the same as that of the belt to reduce aerodynamic resistance that would otherwise bear against the articles. As a result, the articles may be transported on the conveyor belt at high speeds with substantially increased stability or throughput.

Abstract: A method of analyzing computer source code provides a determination of the extent to which the source code complies with guidelines relating to, for example, style, maintainability, and portability. The method includes defining a Boolean expression (12) that is assigned a TRIGGER logic state in accordance with the presence in the source code of a condition relating to a particular guideline. A guideline support computer program is also defined (14) and is executed whenever the Boolean expression is assigned the TRIGGER logic state. The guideline support program can perform a variety of operations including notification of noncompliance with the predefined guideline.

Abstract: An ESD protection circuit (38) for a MOS device uses at least one electrically floating-base N+P-N+ transistor (43) connected between a metal bonding pad (40) and ground. The electrically floating base region (44) of each transistor is formed by a thin oxide region deposited over a substrate (50) of the MOS device. Because its N+ regions (42, 45) are made symmetrical about the floating base, each transistor conducts ESD pulses of both polarities equally. The beta of each transistor is made sufficiently large to withstand short-duration ESD current spikes. Current density is minimized by diffusing a deep N- well (54, 56) into each N+ region of each transistor to provide a larger effective conducting area. Low capacitance and higher breakdown voltage are achieved by eliminating the gate structure of prior art FET-based protection circuits.

Abstract: A power transmission device for a press machine comprises a connection link connected to a crankshaft of the press machine and reciprocated in accordance with the rotation of the crankshaft, a first slider provided in a frame of the press machine so as to be reciprocated in a first direction, and pivotally connected to the connection link, a first link mechanism provided with a pair of first links pivotally connected to each other, wherein one of the first links is pivotally connected to either the connection link or the first slider so as to be folded and extended while following up the reciprocating movement of the connection link, a second slider provided in the frame displaceably in the first direction and pivotally connected to the other first link, and a mechanism for adjusting the position of the second slider in the first direction, whereby the bottom dead center position and the stroke length of a slide can be adjusted by a common mechanism.

Abstract: A power transmission device of a press machine comprises a rotary shaft rotated around a first axis by the rotation of a flywheel and an arm mounted on the rotary shaft and pivotally connected to a first link. A second link is pivotally connected to the first link so as to be rotated around a second axis, eccentric from the first axis, by the rotation of the arm. A lever is pivotally connected to the second link so as to be rotated around the first axis by the rotation of the second link and is also connected to a crankshaft so as to rotate the crankshaft. A rotor and guide constrain the rotary motion of the second link relative to the second axis to movement along a hypothetical circle centered on the second axis.

Abstract: Methods for reducing the number of adherent particulates in processing solutions to avoid deposition of such particulates onto a substrate treated with those processing solutions. For example, hydrogen fluoride-containing acids used to etch silicon dioxide layers during silicon wafer processing produce fluorosilicate particulates that tend to adhere to and contaminate the silicon substrate. Directing the processing solution carrying the fluorosilicate particulates to a filter employing silicon beads to remove the contaminant fluorosilicate particulates before they can recirculate and adhere to the silicon substrate.

Abstract: Methods and systems for recovering groundwater, gases and vapors from subsurface locations in a single, integrated operation by applying a vacuum to groundwater recovery wells are disclosed. Selective recovery of specific contaminants from zones of interest containing high levels of those contaminants is achieved by manipulating the local water table level. Groundwater recovery systems may also utilize eductor systems having venturi nozzles that create a vacuum networked. A plurality of such recovery wells operated using eductor systems may be operated by a single pump at or above grade level. In this fashion, a network of recovery wells may be operated using a single pump and control system. The recovery methods and systems of the present invention are preferably utilized in association with known contaminant removal systems to provide complete removal of contaminants and improved remediation efficiencies.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for decreasing the relative humidity of a gaseous or vaporous process stream, while increasing the temperature thereof. A preferred embodiment of the process of the present invention is implemented using a bleed valve, a positive displacement blower located downstream therefrom, and a control mechanism for opening and closing the bleed valve. When opened, the bleed valve preferably permits ambient air to admix with the gaseous process feed stream to form the blower feed stream. Increased blower gas throughput results in a lower magnitude gas temperature increase across the blower. The control mechanism used in the practice of the present invention involves monitoring the temperature of the blower effluent (or the gaseous feed to a downstream unit operation), and controlling operation of the bleed valve in accordance with that temperature reading.