Abstract: This invention discloses an improved cutting tool such as a counterbore cutter or piloted reamer that is comprised of a free-spinning pilot connected to the cutting tool. The free-spinning pilot allows the cutting tool to rotate within it while it makes firm contact with a pre-drilled hole in material to be cut improving the location of the cutter relative to the hole.

Abstract: An organic black matrix having high resistivity (.gtoreq.10.sup.11 ohm/square), high optical density (.gtoreq.2.0) at ultra thin film thicknesses (.ltoreq.1.0 microns) for improved STN and TFT pixel display applications is made possible by combining polyimide/dye solutions and mixed metal oxide pigment dispersions at a weight/weight ratio of dye to pigment of 1:15 to 3:15. The need for low resistivity carbon black, as a replacement for sputtered chrome, is negated.

Abstract: High strength fiber reinforced ceramic composites having low dielectric constants stable against high temperatures are made possible by post oxidation of 35-60 volume percent ceramic matrix enveloping 20-60 volume percent ceramic fiber.

Abstract: A dispensable-head toothbrush and dispenser combination comprising (1) a handle, squeezable along its longitudinal axis, having a large end opposite of a narrow tongue-like member, which are both dimensionally reduced when squeezing said handle at its large end; and (2) a plurality of hollow dispensable toothbrush heads, each having an opening for receiving and releasably engaging said tongue means of the handle; and (3) a toothbrush head dispenser having individual compartments in which each one of the plurality of heads rest so as to expose the opening in said heads to having the tongue means of the handle inserted there into.

Abstract: A thermosetting anti-reflective coating and method for making and using the same is disclosed for a broad range of exposure wavelengths, said coating containing an active curing catalyst, ether or ester linkages derived from epoxy functionality greater than 3.0, a dye-grafted hydroxyl-functional oligomer, and an alkylated aminoplast crosslinking agent, all present in a low-to-medium alcohol-containing solvent.

Abstract: Mid-UV dyes enabling ultra thin antireflection coatings for multi-layer i-line photoetching are produced from bichalcones; bis-a-cyanoacrylates/bis-cyanoacrylamides; and 1.4 divinylbenzenes. The dyes are nonsubliminal and differentially insoluble in standard photoresist solvents.

Abstract: The invention is a motorized linkage for operating a door strike. A six volt power source, controlled by a security code, rotates a small electric motor when a proper security code is given. The motor rotates a shaft which engages a coil spring. This moves a locking cam. When a catch on the locking cam separates from the locking lever catch, the latch bolt keeper may be manipulated by a user.

Abstract: The invention is a motorized linkage for engaging a thumb piece in a door mechanism. The device has an exterior lock assembly with a small battery cell and combination lock. Proper entry by a user of a security code allows the battery to operate a small motor within the exterior lock assembly. The small motor manipulates a cam-plunger which moves an actuator pin into a thumb piece. The user applies a force on to the thumb piece. This force is transmitted by the thumb piece to a latch engagement mechanism by the actuator pin. The latch engagement mechanism operates the door latch.

Abstract: An improved protective coating system for metal substrates is described. Nickel-aluminide duplex coatings are improved by adding an effective amount of boron in the nickel coating step and by retaining the boron during the aluminization step. An unexpected result of the retained boron is its non-deleterious effect on oxidation protection. During aluminization, the boron surprisingly migrates to the coating/substrate interface, forming a diffusion barrier in situ. The barrier inhibits both inward diffusion of the nickel-aluminide coating and outward diffusion of substrate impurities. The process enables thinner, less expensive coatings.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for a pirani pressure sensor. The apparatus consists of a current supply and current receiving means affixed to a substrate. Bridging the current supply means and current receiving means is an electrically conductive polymer. The pirani pressure sensor may be made using conventional photolithographic techniques.

Abstract: A condensing heat exchanger for removing acidic vapors and recovering residual waste heat energy normally rejected into the atmosphere from a fossil fueled boiler flue gas stream, wherein the waste heat energy in the boiler flue gas is recovered by multiple evaporative and condensing heat exchangers and by a heat pump refrigeration system to recover heat energy from the flue gas stream and to preheat the boiler combustion air stream and boiler feed water stream.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for a geographical trivia boardgame for learning about a state. The apparatus consists of a gameboard with a state map affixed thereon. The state map is divided into city regions. The players also are provided a score sheet and trivia cards. The players may place individual game pieces on the map after successfully locating the city name and answering a trivia question located on a trivia card. Points are also awarded and recorded on the score sheet.

Abstract: The invention is a brush for cleaning and polishing teeth while stimulating the gums. The invention consists of a handle with an integral head. The head has a flat surface with a plurality of recessed sockets. Affixed within the recessed sockets are the stimulator rods surrounded by bristles and polishing rods surrounded by bristles.

Abstract: Adhesive bandages having a peripherally-raised non-adhesive thin-layer bordering the adhesive surface of such bandages is disclosed. The non-adhesive thin-layer inhibits formation of dirt rings which would otherwise remain when the adhesive bandage is removed from human skin.

Abstract: A smart structure egress channel is disclosed that provides a central location for multiple embedded sensors to come together and then exit the structure. A plurality of holes allow sensors to enter the channel. A communication connector provides an exit point for sensor transmittal. Maintenance of the various devices within the smart structure egress channel is possible through an access cover and access extension which extends above the channel. The exterior shape of the channel is designed to function within a primary load-carrying structural member such as a composite structure within a modern aircraft.

Abstract: An electrical type strain gauge for measuring both micro and macro deformations. The gauge may be constructed from thin films of homogeneously conductive polymers, including soluble polyaniline-based conducting polymers and ion-implanted organic polymers. The gauges are characterized by unexpected piezoresistivity from materials having high bulk resistivity, thermal stability, good flexibility, photoimageability and without adding carbon or metal particulate material to the polymer.

Abstract: Microcracks in fiber-reinforced/titanium aluminide matrix composite materials are inhibited by employing a matrix comprising a titanium aluminide alloy having (1) from ten to twelve atomic percent niobium and (2) a critical admixture of from two to six atomic percent of a member selected from a group consisting of molybdenum, tungsten and vanadium. The tendency of the fiber/matrix interfacial reaction to increase the stability of the Alpha 2 phase in the matrix adjacent to the interface and the tendency to form a "beta phase depletion zone" are unexpectedly negated. Suppression of the beta depletion zone formation inhibits the formation and growth of interfacial microcracks, and allows the fabrication of crack-free titanium matrix composite materials. The need for an extraneous beta phase stabilization treatment at the fiber/matrix interface is eliminated.

Abstract: A method for making vanadium dioxide (V.sub.2 or V.sub.2 O.sub.4) powders from vanadyl sulfate without using SO.sub.2 gas, comprises evaporative decomposition of a vanadyl sulfate hydrate spray, entrained in a nitrogen atmosphere at O.sub.2 partial pressures that would normally predict V.sub.2 O.sub.5 V.sub.2 O.sub.3. The yield of VO.sub.2 (also identified as V.sub.2 O.sub.4) is substantially improved, and occurs at lower temperatures, by the addition of hydrogen gas into the atmosphere. Surprisingly, there is no production of V.sub.2 O.sub.3. Minor amounts of a suitable dopant salt dissolved in the spray provide improved low transition temperature powders.

Abstract: A photolithographic composition having improved processability and which eliminates the need for interlayering multiple special purpose coatings in the production of microelectronic devices is surprisingly made possible by selective dissolution of a polymer and an effective light attenuating material in critical solvents. The polymers which are used in the present invention include homopolymers and copolymers of poly(vinylpyridine).

Abstract: A composition and a method for forming an anti-reflective layer for DUV microlithographic processes is disclosed. The compositions of the present invention includes a polymer dissolved in a suitable solvent. The polymers are polysulfone and polyurea polymers which possess inherent light absorbing properties at deep ultraviolet wavelengths. In accordance with the method of the present invention, these compositions are applied to a substrate to form an anti-reflective coating, and thereafter a photoresist material that is compatible with the anti-reflective coating is applied.