Abstract: A method is disclosed for carrying out microwave assisted chemical reactions. The method includes the steps of placing reactants in a microwave-transparent vessel, placing the vessel and its contents into a microwave cavity, applying microwave radiation within the cavity and to the vessel and its contents while concurrently externally cooling the vessel conductively.

Abstract: A light emitting diode is disclosed. The diode includes a silicon carbide substrate having a first conductivity type, a first gallium nitride layer above the SiC substrate having the same conductivity type as the substrate, a superlattice on the GaN layer formed of a plurality of repeating sets of alternating layers selected from among GaN, InGaN, and AlInGaN, a second GaN layer on the superlattice having the same conductivity type as the first GaN layer, a multiple quantum well on the second GaN layer, a third GaN layer on the multiple quantum well, a contact structure on the third GaN layer having the opposite conductivity type from the substrate and the first GaN layer, an ohmic contact to the SiC substrate, and an ohmic contact to the contact structure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for characterizing a polymer sample and in preferred embodiments, libraries of polymer samples, in a comprehensive, directly-coupled multi-dimensional liquid chromatography system are disclosed. The first and second dimensions are preferably high-performance liquid chromatography dimensions, such as for example, a first dimension adapted for determining composition (e.g. adapted for mobile-phase gradient elution chromatography, including reverse phase chromatography, adsorption chromatography and the like), and a second dimension adapted for determining molecular weight or particle size (e.g., adapted for size exclusion chromatography, including gel permeation chromatography).

Abstract: The invention is a polymer resin that includes between about 20 and 200 ppm of an inert particulate additive, preferably selected from the group consisting of surface-modified talc and surface-modified calcium carbonate. The polymer resin is capable of being formed into low-haze, high-clarity bottles and films possessing reduced coefficient of friction.

Abstract: The present invention is a semiconductor structure for light emitting devices that can emit in the red to ultraviolet portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The semiconductor structure includes a first cladding layer of a Group III nitride, a second cladding layer of a Group III nitride, and an active layer of a Group III nitride that is positioned between the first and second cladding layers, and whose bandgap is smaller than the respective bandgaps of the first and second cladding layers. The semiconductor structure is characterized by the absence of gallium in one or more of these structural layers.

Abstract: An instrument is disclosed for microwave-assisted chemical processes that avoids tuning discrepancies that otherwise result based upon the materials being heated. The instrument includes a source of microwave radiation, a waveguide in communication with the source, with at least a portion of the waveguide forming a cylindrical arc, a cylindrical cavity immediately surrounded by the cylindrical arc portions of the waveguide, and at least three slotted openings in the circumference of the circular waveguide that provide microwave communication between the waveguide and the cavity.

Abstract: The invention is a polyester resin that includes between about 20 and 200 ppm of an inert particulate additive, preferably selected from the group consisting of surface-modified talc and surface-modified calcium carbonate. The invention is also a method of making the polyester resin, which is capable of being formed into low-haze, high-clarity bottles possessing reduced coefficient of friction.

Abstract: A vehicle monitoring systems capable of being retrofitted to a commercial transport carrier having a video camera, a fastening bracket for securing the video camera to a first point of attachment on the transport carrier, a ball mount and screw mechanism, a camera support bracket, a monitor support bracket for securing the monitor to a second point of attachment in the cab of the transport carrier, and a coaxial cable for relaying images from the video camera to the monitor, wherein the video camera is adjustably mounted to the first point of attachment and the monitor is adjustable mounted to the second point of attachment. Upon retrofit, the monitoring system provides a rear-view image of areas adjacent the commercial transport carrier (i.e., blind spots), thereby enhancing the driver's situational awareness, preventing highway accidents, and promoting highway safety.

Abstract: The present invention relates to black alcohol soluble dye formulations of high color intensity, low viscosity, and high tinctorial strength. The formulations are particularly useful for writing instruments such as felt tip and roller ball pens.

Abstract: A light emitting diode is disclosed. The diode includes a silicon carbide substrate having a first conductivity type, a first gallium nitride layer above the SiC substrate having the same conductivity type as the substrate, a superlattice on the GaN layer formed of a plurality of repeating sets of alternating layers selected from among GaN, InGaN, and AlInGaN, a second GaN layer on the superlattice having the same conductivity type as the first GaN layer, a multiple quantum well on the second GaN layer, a third GaN layer on the multiple quantum well, a contact structure on the third GaN layer having the opposite conductivity type from the substrate and the first GaN layer, an ohmic contact to the SiC substrate, and an ohmic contact to the contact structure.

Abstract: An adjustable abduction apparatus, including a cushion for being received against the torso, a sling pouch attached to the cushion for maintaining a limb and shoulder of the wearer in an abducted position, and a support connected to the pouch for immobilizing the limb and shoulder in the abducted position and distributing the weight of the abducted limb evenly across the torso of the wearer. A waist strap is carried by the cushion and releasaby secures the apparatus against the torso. A back strap interconnects the waist strap and the sling pouch and extends therebetween generally parallel to the spinal column of the wearer for supporting the sling pouch and maintaining the limb and shoulder in the abducted position.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an integrated circuit on a silicon carbide substrate is disclosed that eliminates wire bonding that can otherwise cause undesired inductance. The method includes fabricating a semiconductor device on a first surface of a silicon carbide substrate and with at least one metal contact for the device on the first surface of the substrate. The opposite, second surface of the substrate is then ground and polished until it is substantially transparent. The method then includes masking the polished second surface of the silicon carbide substrate to define a predetermined location for a via that is opposite the device metal contact on the first surface; etching the desired via through the desired masked location until the etch reaches the metal contact on the first surface; and metallizing the via to provide an electrical contact from the second surface of the substrate to the metal contact and to the device on the first surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A therapeutic composition for use as a nasal spray the aids in decongesting of the nasal passages by osmotic effect, thinning of mucus and stimulation of ciliary function. Preferred embodiments of the composition contain a sugar solution, a sodium bicarbonate solution, saline, glycerin, water, and a preservative.

Abstract: A retrievable fluid separation module (2) for a seabed processing system to which flow lines are connected includes one portion (60) of a multi-ported valve isolation connector (5) and a separator chamber (6) for separating a plurality of fluids from a received fluid mixture. The separator chamber has an inlet flow line (12) for the received fluid mixture and an outlet flow line (15, 16) for each separated fluid. The flow lines are connected to the one portion of the connector (5) which selectively isolates the module from or connects it to the flow lines by means of a second complementary portion (61) of the multi-ported valve isolation connector with which the first portion is adapted to engage. There may be a modulating valve (25) in at least one outlet flow line (16) for controlling flow therethrough and a control actuator (63) for controlling the or each modulating valve.

Abstract: A flexible endodontic syringe for use in performing root canal therapy on a tooth and that is particularly useful for irrigating a root canal possessing a non-linear central axis is presented. The instrument comprises an elongate shank or needle having an enclosed axial channel or lumen. The shank or needle possesses a flexibility sufficient to substantially traverse the entire length of a root canal. A method for irrigating a root canal is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for increasing the safety of automobiles traveling at high speeds capable of increasing the downward force on a yawed vehicle comprises in one embodiment an air inlet opening, an air exit opening, and an air path, wherein the air exit opening directs flowing exiting air in such a manner as to avoid interfering with the air spoiling operations of the surface of the vehicle. In an alternative embodiment, the invention comprises an air inlet opening, an air exit opening, an air path, and a platform fixed at one end to a rear underside portion of the vehicle that pivots open under the force of flowing air to disrupt air flowing under a yawed vehicle to thereby exert a downward force on the yawed vehicle. A method of directing air into a yawed vehicle traveling at high speed to exert a downward force on the yawed vehicle.

Abstract: A support apparatus for suspending reading material above an individual lying in a substantially horizontal position comprises in one embodiment a transparent platform, a pair of spaced apart support members that are secured to the platform, and at least one flexible suspension device. Upon assembly, the support apparatus permits the individual lying beneath the transparent platform to view reading material that is supported by the platform.

Abstract: A semi-insulating bulk single crystal of silicon carbide is disclosed that has a resistivity of at least 5000 &OHgr;-cm at room temperature and a concentration of deep level trapping elements that is below the amounts that will affect the resistivity of the crystal, preferably below detectable levels. A method of forming the crystal is also disclosed, along with some resulting devices that take advantage of the microwave frequency capabilities of devices formed using substrates according to the invention.

Abstract: An optoelectronic device with a Group III Nitride active layer is disclosed that comprises a silicon carbide substrate; an optoelectronic diode with a Group III nitride active layer; a buffer structure selected from the group consisting of gallium nitride and indium gallium nitride between the silicon carbide substrate and the optoelectronic diode; and a stress-absorbing structure comprising a plurality of predetermined stress-relieving areas within the crystal structure of the buffer structure, so that stress-induced cracking that occurs in the buffer structure occurs at predetermined areas rather than elsewhere in the buffer structure.