Abstract: Producing CoxFe100-x, where x is an integer from 20 to 95, nanoparticles by: (a) providing a first aqueous hydroxide solution; (b) preparing a second aqueous solution containing iron ions and cobalt ions; and (c) depositing measured volumes of the second aqueous solution into the first aqueous solution whereby coprecipitation yields CoFe alloy nanoparticles, wherein step (c) occurs in an essentially oxygen-free environment. The nanoparticles are annealed at ambient temperatures to yield soft nanoparticles with targeted particle size, saturation magnetization and coercivity. The chemical composition, crystal structure and homogeneity are controlled at the atomic level. The CoFe magnetic nanoparticles have Ms of 200-235 emu/g, (Hc) coercivity of 18 to 36 Oe and size range of 5-40 nm.

Abstract: A high performance, lead free, Ag paste thermal interface material (TIM) for die attachment and substrate bonding in electronic packaging includes: (i) multiscale silver particles, (ii) metal-coated carbon nanotubes (CNTs), (iii) a polymer, and (iv) a liquid carrier. The multiscale silver particles and metal-coated carbon nanotubes, which function as hybrid filler components, are uniformly dispersed within the TIM composition. The sintered TIM exhibits high density, high mechanical strength, and high thermal conductivity. The components of the liquid carrier including the solvent, binder, surfactants, and thinner are completely evaporated or burned off during sintering. Sintering of the TIM can be conducted at a relatively low temperature, without or with very low (<0.1 MPa) pressure, in open air and without vacuum or inert gas protection. The TIM can be utilized in substrate bonding not only on conventional metal-plated surfaces but also bare Cu substrate surfaces.

Abstract: Spherical ceramic-glass nanocomposite dielectrics made from ceramics and glasses that are separately pre-milled by mechanical ball milling using selected ball-to-powder weight ratios and combined to form a mixture that is ball milled. A stable liquid suspension of the milled mixture including an added dispersant such as polyacrylic acid to improve uniformity is spray dried through a nozzle and recovered product is annealed. The novel dielectrics have a microstructure where ceramic primary particles are uniformly distributed and fully embedded in a glass matrix. The dielectrics have a mean particle size of about 1-20 um and a sphericity of about 0.8 or higher which are suitable for fabricating multilayer ceramic capacitors for high temperature applications. The novel dielectrics afford decreased sintering temperature, enhanced breakdown strength, lower dielectric lose tangent, and lower costs.

Abstract: Producing CoxFe100-x, where x is an integer from 20 to 95, nanoparticles by: (a) providing a first aqueous hydroxide solution; (b) preparing a second aqueous solution containing iron ions and cobalt ions; and (c) depositing measured volumes of the second aqueous solution into the first aqueous solution whereby coprecipitation yields CoFe alloy nanoparticles, wherein step (c) occurs in an essentially oxygen-free environment. The nanoparticles are annealed at ambient temperatures to yield soft nanoparticles with targeted particle size, saturation magnetization and coercivity. The chemical composition, crystal structure and homogeneity are controlled at the atomic level. The CoFe magnetic nanoparticles have Ms of 200-235 emu/g, (Hc) coercivity of 18 to 36 Oe and size range of 5-40 nm.

Abstract: A method for producing a reducing nipple and a reducing nipple that may be used in place of the conventional pipe nipple/threaded reducer assembly typically used today to connect a branch or run pipe extending horizontally parallel to and positioned above a ceiling or in an open ceiling to a sprinkler head, where the nipple has an outlet end portion with an outlet and a wrenching portion, the method of producing a reducing nipple involving engaging a pipe section with a crimping die under the application of a crimping force.

Abstract: Objects of the present invention include creating cathode materials that have high energy density and are cost-effective, environmentally benign, and are able to be charged and discharged at high rates for a large number of cycles over a period of years. One embodiment is a battery material comprised of a doped nanocomposite. The doped nanocomposite may be comprised of Li—Co—PO4; C; and at least one X, where said X is a metal for substituting or doping into LiCoPO4. In certain embodiments, the doped nanocomposite may be LiCoMnPO4/C. Another embodiment of the present invention is a method of creating a battery material comprising the steps of high energy ball milling particles to create complex particles, and sintering said complex particles to create a nanocomposite. The high energy ball milling may dope and composite the particles to create the complex particles.

Abstract: A superior braze material, along with a method of producing the braze material and a method of sealing, joining or bonding materials through brazing is disclosed. The braze material is based on a metal oxide-noble metal mixture, typically Ag—CuO, with the addition of a small amount of metal oxide and/or metal such as TiO2, Al2O3, YSZ, Al, and Pd that will further improve wettability and joint strength. Braze filer materials, typically either in the form of paste or thin foil, may be prepared by a high-energy cryogenic ball milling process. This process allows the braze material to form at a finer size, thereby allowing more evenly dispersed braze particles in the resultant braze layer between on the surface of the ceramic substrate and metallic parts.

Abstract: A superior braze material, along with a method of producing the braze material and a method of sealing, joining or bonding materials through brazing is disclosed. The braze material is based on a metal oxide-noble metal mixture, typically Ag—CuO, with the addition of a small amount of metal oxide and/or metal such as TiO2, Al2O3, YSZ, Al, and Pd that will further improve wettability and joint strength. Braze filer materials, typically either in the form of paste or thin foil, may be prepared by a high-energy cryogenic ball milling process. This process allows the braze material to form at a finer size, thereby allowing more evenly dispersed braze particles in the resultant braze layer between on the surface of the ceramic substrate and metallic parts.

Abstract: Objects of the present invention include creating cathode materials that have high energy density and are cost-effective, environmentally benign, and are able to be charged and discharged at high rates for a large number of cycles over a period of years. One embodiment is a battery material comprised of a doped nanocomposite. The doped nanocomposite may be comprised of Li—Co—PO4; C; and at least one X, where said X is a metal for substituting or doping into LiCoPO4. In certain embodiments, the doped nanocomposite may be LiCoMnPO4/C. Another embodiment of the present invention is a method of creating a battery material comprising the steps of high energy ball milling particles to create complex particles, and sintering said complex particles to create a nanocomposite. The high energy ball milling may dope and composite the particles to create the complex particles.

Abstract: Versions of the present invention have many advantages, including operation under high temperatures, or high frequencies while providing the required current for switching a SiC VJFET, providing electrical isolation and minimizing dv/dt noise. One embodiment is a silicon carbide gate driver comprising a first group of silicon on insulator devices and passive components and a second group of silicon carbide devices. The first group may have equivalent temperatures of operation and equivalent frequencies of operation as the second group.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention create a cost-effective process that improves ZT value while enabling the TE materials to be scaled-up for mass production. Several embodiments of the invention include a thermoelectric material comprised of nanopowder and a nanomaterial. The nanomaterial may be in the form of a nanowire, nanofiber, nanotube, nanocrystal or similar form or combination of forms. Other embodiments include a method of creating a thermoelectric material through mixing and consolidating the nanomaterial and nanopowder into a solid. Additional embodiments may involve a thermoelectric module with P and N type semiconductors of the nanomaterial and nanopowder.

Abstract: A personal financial assistant computer system and method includes customer terminals at financial institution branch offices or other locations. Each customer terminal stores financial information for the particular financial services (such as insurance, annuities, bonds, mortgages or loans) sold at that terminal. A display is also provided at each terminal for displaying selected information. At least one representative terminal is provided at a central location and includes a display and keyboard. A telephone link is also provided between the customer terminals and the representative terminals for voice communication. According to the invention, a representative at the representative terminal controls the customer terminal in response to commands initiated from the input device, thereby displaying financial service information at the customer terminal under control of the representative terminal.

Abstract: A terminal which is remotely controlled over a digital data line includes a computer and a videotelephone for sending and receiving audio, video and digital data over the digital data line. The terminal also includes a remotely controlled power strip which has power outlets and relays for remotely controlling AC power to and from the power outlets. The computer is connected to at least one of the power outlets. The terminal also includes a plurality of switches, each of which corresponds to a telephone number. The terminal also includes a supervisory interface controller which is responsive to selection of one of the switches to identify a telephone number corresponding to the selected switch and to direct the videotelephone to place a telephone call to the identified telephone number, via the digital data line.

Abstract: A method of using an imidazoline compound, which is a vasodilator and an alpha-adrenergic blocking agent, for the treatment of symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), including cystic fibrosis, chronic bronchitis and emphysema, or COPD where it is associated with asthma, comprises administering the imidazoline to a patient by inhalation. Preferably, the imidazoline compound employed is tolazoline. The presentation of an imidazoline compound in a device for the administration of an aerosol is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of using an imidazoline compound, which is a vasodilator and an alpha-adrenergic blocking agent, for the treatment of symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), including cystic fibrosis, chronic bronchitis and emphysema, or COPD where it is associated with asthma, comprises administering the imidazoline to a patient by inhalation. Preferably, the imidazoline compound employed is tolazoline. The presentation of an imidazoline compound in a device for the administration of an aerosol is disclosed.