Abstract: A scanning tunneling atom-probe microscope and method for identifying atoms at an identified site on a sample surface involves first identifying the atoms of interest on the sample surface in images formed by a conventional scanning tunneling microscope. These atoms are then transferred to the tip of the scanning tunneling microscope. The sample is then removed, and the atoms ejected from the tip into a conventional time-of-flight spectrometer. By measuring the time of flight of the atoms from the tip to a channel-plate ion detector, the atomic number of the atoms may be determined.

Abstract: A door security device for preventing forced entry through an exterior door of a residence, for example, includes a steel bar, a top end of which is attached to a swivel connector that is anchored into a vertical stud within the wall framing structure adjacent the opening side of the door, and a quick release latch anchored into a stud within the wall framing structure adjacent the opposite or hinged side of the door. When in use, the steel bar is latched into position diagonally across the inside of the door. When not in use, the steel bar simply hangs from the swivel connector freely and unobtrusively in a vertical position alongside the door.

Abstract: A traction apparatus and method for remodeling a human subject's spinal posture toward an ideal normal static spinal model includes a rectangular frame within which the subject is supported on a knee rest and a pelvic rest. A traction belt is placed around the subject's pelvis from behind and anchored to a rear vertical column of the frame. A shoulder harness is applied from behind and also anchored in the same manner. A traction belt is placed around the dorsolumbar region from the front, and secured to a front vertical column of the frame. A rigid curved fulcrum is placed behind the cervical spine from the front and secured to the front column, either directly or via a pulley mounted on a horizontal toprail of the frame. A head halter is applied over the forehead and under the chin from behind and is secured to the rear vertical column, either directly or via a pulley mounted on the horizontal toprail of the frame.

Abstract: Angle and angular acceleration sensors are fabricated as a layered sandwich structure having a central sensing plate, left and right insulating spacers positioned outside the sensing plate, left and right driver plates positioned outside the insulating spacers, and left and right molded plastic housing shells positioned outside the driver plates for sealing the sensor structure. In an angle sensor embodiment of the invention, the sensing plate includes a peripheral frame and a central plate area mechanically connected to one side of the peripheral frame by way of a pair of beams that serve as a hinge to allow the central plate area of the sensing plate to rotate toward and away from the driver plates sandwiched on either side thereof.

Abstract: A method for determining a unique signal representing the earth's response between a transmitter and receivers when conducting a seismic survey involves the steps of receiving a seismic signal set that comprises a plurality of different output frequency signals having known amplitude and phase characteristics, selectively combining the different output frequency signals to form the unique signal, and recording values of amplitude, phase, and frequency of the unigue signal. A method of conducting a modulated seismic survey involves the steps of providing seismic sensors capable of receiving a modulated seismic signal comprised of different frequency signals, transmitting modulated seismic energy information into the earth, and recording indications of reflected and refracted seismic waves sensed by the seismic sensors in response to transmission of the modulated seismic energy information into the earth.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling cartons with horizontal stacks of containers includes a chute assembly and a carton indexing table positioned thereunder. The chute assembly holds a single horizontal stack of containers to be placed in a plastic-lined carton previously placed on the carton indexing table. The chute assembly includes front and rear downwardly and inwardly projecting fixed guides and a pair of pivoting side guides. The pivoting side guides are arranged for motion between an inward retracted position and an outward extended position.

Abstract: A child's toilet seat adapter that permits use of a standard adult toilet by children comprises a unitized structure including a flat seat member having a central opening therein and a handgrip adjacent each side edge thereof, together with a footrest extending downwardly and forwardly from a front edge of the seat member, the seat member having a pair of attachment flanges, each of which is formed to extend downwardly and inwardly from a side edge of the seat member, the attachment flanges adapted to slide over and retain opposite side edges of the seat of the standard adult toilet.

Abstract: A wiping mirror assembly for trucks and other motor vehicles employs a wiper carrier coupled to an off-the-shelf multiple start, high lead screw that is driven by a reversing motor via a belt. A magnetic switch positioned adjacent each end of the screw senses the approaching wiper carrier and reverses its direction of travel by reversing the motor. The assembly includes nozzles in a mirror housing for wetting the mirror.

Abstract: An interactive exercise monitor which computes and displays time, distance, pace, and energy expended by a user performing a repetitive workout around a predetermined course employs a stationary transmitter located along the workout course and a receiver carried by the user. The stationary transmitter emits a limited range signal that is detected by the receiver each time the user passes the transmitter during the workout. The receiver includes a central processing unit into which the precise distance of the course may be preprogrammed and that is then capable of computing distance accumulated by the user, elapsed time, and other desired parameters. In addition, the user may enter information such as his or her weight and a desired time, distance, and pace of the workout into the receiver.

Abstract: An integral resistive angle measurement device employs a printed circuit board having electronic components mounted on the front surface thereof and having a pair of sensor plates etched into the back surface thereof and a metallic web mounted between the pair of sensor plates on the back surface of the printed circuit board. Containment of the resistive sensor fluid adjacent the sensor plates is accomplished by soldering a sensor cover to an etched sealing ring on the back of the circuit board. The sensor plates etched into the back of the printed circuit board, in combination with the sensor fluid, act as variable resistors whose resistance changes as a function of their angle of rotation from a reference position. An output signal across these variable resistors is in or out of phase with an applied reference signal. The output signal is demodulated with the same reference signal and then filtered to a DC level that corresponds to the angle of rotation.

Abstract: A multi-region material structure and process for forming capacitors and interconnect lines for use with integrated circuits provides (1) capacitor first or bottom electrodes comprising a transition-metal nitride; (2) a capacitor dielectric comprising a transition-metal oxide; (3) capacitor second or top electrodes comprising a transition-metal nitride, a metal or multiple conductive layers; (4) one or more levels of interconnect lines; (5) electrical insulation between adjacent regions as required by the application; and (6) bonding between two regions when such bonding is required to achieve strong region-to-region adhesion or to achieve a region-to-region interface that has a low density of electrical defects.

Abstract: A signal isolator circuit employing a pulse transformer overcomes the disadvantages of both prior art opto-coupler and pulse transformer signal isolator circuits by employing an active signal retrieval circuit which, in a higher accuracy configuration, repetitively performs the following steps on the electrical side of the pulse transformer where the signal information is required: 1) drives a current pulse into the pulse transformer; 2) samples or detects the voltage across the pulse transformer after it has been stabilized; 3) holds or stores the sampled voltage for a full cycle of operation; and, if necessary, 4) filters the sampled signal. On the other electrical side of the pulse transformer, the retrieval circuitry is configured such that when the pulse transformer is being driven by the current pulse, the voltage will be clamped by the source signal reset.

Abstract: A MOSFET driver integrated circuit or other peripheral circuit interfaced to a controller that operates on the primary side of a DC to DC converter having a high input voltage relative to the supply voltage powering both the controller and the MOSFET driver or other peripheral circuit is controlled by an under-voltage lockout circuit to transition from a standby mode to a normal operating mode of the MOSFET driver or other peripheral circuit only when the supply voltage is sufficient to sustain normal operation and the driver or other peripheral circuit senses activity at an input that indicates that the controller has previously transitioned from a standby mode to a normal operating mode.