Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for simultaneously tracking multiple finger and palm contacts as hands approach, touch, and slide across a proximity-sensing, compliant, and flexible multi-touch surface. The surface consists of compressible cushion, dielectric, electrode, and circuitry layers. A simple proximity transduction circuit is placed under each electrode to maximize signal-to-noise ratio and to reduce wiring complexity. Such distributed transduction circuitry is economical for large surfaces when implemented with thin-film transistor techniques. Scanning and signal offset removal on an electrode array produces low-noise proximity images. Segmentation processing of each proximity image constructs a group of electrodes corresponding to each distinguishable contact and extracts shape, position and surface proximity features for each group.

Abstract: A method for making a metal-insulator-semiconductor field effect transistor (MISFET) having an oxidized aluminum nitride gate insulator formed on a silicon or gallium nitride or other substrate. The method of making the MISFET comprises the steps of depositing an aluminum nitride layer on the entire upper surface of the silicon or gallium nitride or other substrate. Subsequently, the aluminum nitride layer is oxidized to convert it into an oxidized aluminum nitride layer which acts as a gate insulator of the MISFET. Portions of the oxidized aluminum nitride layer are etched to form a plurality of openings that expose regions to become the source and drain regions of the substrate. The source and drain regions are formed in the plurality of openings by conventional techniques including diffusion and ion-implantation. Finally, a metal layer is formed in the plurality of openings of the oxidized aluminum nitride layer, wherein the metal layer contacts the source and drain regions of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for detecting, sizing or otherwise analyzing aerosol particles wherein a beam of radiation (e.g., electromagnetic radiation) interacts with one or more particles in a beam of particles that are traveling in a colinear fashion with the beam of radiation. When the beam of radiation interacts with a particle in the beam of particles, it causes that particle to emit either mass or energy. That mass or energy is then detected by one or more detectors or sensors which provide data that permit the particle to be detected, sized or otherwise analyzed (e.g., the chemical composition of the particle can be determined). The present invention also includes instruments that use the above-described method.

Abstract: A process to produce ketenes by reacting a carboxylic acid in a reactor in the presence of a silica monolith catalyst. The silica monolith catalyst can be prepared by silanizing the monolith.

Abstract: A microemulsion comprising: a functionalized hydrocarbon, an anionic surfactant, a diol having from 2 to 10 carbon atoms and water.

Abstract: The synthesis of liquid molding resins derived from plant oils that are capable of curing to high modulus thermosetting polymers and composites is described in this invention. The resins described resemble the unsaturated polyester, vinyl ester and epoxy resins presently used as the polymer matrix material in high performance glass, carbon, aramid and natural fiber reinforced composite materials. The resins disclosed herein are suitable for polymer and composite manufacture by Resin Transfer Molding (RTM), Reaction Injection Molding (RIM), Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM), Seeman's Composite Resin Infusion Manufacturing Process (SCRIMP), Atmospheric Pressure Molding (APM), open mold casting, spray-up, Sheet Molding Compound (SMC) Bulk Molding Compound (BMC), filament winding, pultrusion, prepregs, lamination and compression molding.

Abstract: In the disclosed treatment of foods or foodstuffs (particularly liquid and semi-liquid or semi-solid foods and solid foods such as meats and stews), the food or foodstuff is subjected to very high hydrostatic pressures in the presence of a saccharide ester (e.g. sucrose mono-, di-, and/or tri-C.sub.8 -C.sub.24 -fatty acid esters) at temperatures above 35.degree. C. but preferably below 60.degree. C. for a relatively short period of time (less than 60 minutes). This treatment is effective in essentially eliminating sporeforming organisms, whether in the form of spores or in the vegetative state.

Abstract: The investigation, development and application of a laser-based ultrasonic inspection system to the problems of evaluating polymer/graphite composite materials has been realized. The use of lasers to generate and detect ultrasonic waveforms in materials provides a means to detect material properties remotely. The study consisted of three main aspects: 1) A confocal Fabry-Perot (CFP) based system has been devolved which uses light reflected from the CFP interferometer to derive the ultrasonic signal. This allows higher frequency components of the detected waveforms to be discerned when compared to a CFP-based system using light transmitted through the CFP interferometer. 2) Thermoelastic and ablative laser generation of acoustic pulses in polymer/graphite composite materials has been investigated. Thermoelastic generation of ultrasound occurs when thermal energy deposited by a pulsed laser creates a localized expansion in the material.

Abstract: A clear single phase composition contains 40-95% by weight of a cyclic or short chain linear methyl siloxane and water, and 5-60% by weight of a cationic surfactant and a nonionic surfactant. The cyclic or short chain linear methyl siloxane in the single phase composition has an average structure or droplet diameter of less than about 50 nanometer. The single phase composition spontaneously provides optically clear one phase silicone microemulsions when combined with only hand agitation. The clear single phase compositions are useful in personal care and textile applications.

Abstract: Carbogenic molecular sieve devices comprising a porous support (e.g., a metal support) having a carbogenic molecular sieve membrane attached to one or more surfaces of the support so that small pores in the membrane are in communication with larger pores in the support and methods of making the devices.

Abstract: Holographic test structures on a semiconductor wafer are used to provide real-time analysis of upstream fabrication processing parameters. The test structures comprise reflective segments within multiple cells on the test structure. The size and placement of the reflective segments within the cells are determined by diffraction theory in such a way that a desired image is projected from the test structure. The intensity, sharpness, and shape of the image is used as a direct measure of the upstream fabrication process parameters.

Abstract: The invention herein provides an improved machine for mobile harvesting vegetables comprising a frame adapted to be connected to a tractor, and a collection bin mounted to the frame for collecting vegetables as they are harvested. The improvement comprises an automated control system for moving the vegetables relative to the frame in accordance with the position and amount of vegetables collected and for controlling the speed of such movement. Movement of the vegetables may be accomplished in a variety of ways, including moving a movably mounted collection bin or by moving an internal conveyor located in a collection bin.

Abstract: A metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) photodetector, specifically a new, improved low noise device is disclosed. The disclosed device is a MSM photodiode in which the cathode and anode are made of different materials with optimal Schottky barrier heights. One of these materials is chosen to provide a high ratio of Schottky barrier height to hole transport and the other to provide a high ratio of Schottky barrier height to electron transport. The disclosed MSM photodetector is designed to allow each Schottky barrier to be individually optimized to the point that a wide bandgap Schottky barrier enhancement layer and its associated heterointerface may become unnecessary. Elimination of the charge buildup at the heterointerface enhances carrier extraction resulting in photodetectors with elevated quantum efficiency and enhanced bandwidths.

Abstract: An improved metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) photodiode, specifically a new high responsivity AND high bandwidth photodetector, resulting in a high gain-bandwidth product is disclosed. The disclosed device is an MSM photodiode in which the anode and cathode are made of different materials of differing opacity and possibly including different electrode dimensions as well. Using an opaque anode and a transparent cathode reduces surface reflections off the opaque electrodes allowing more light to be absorbed within the active semiconductor region. However, it concurrently keeps the transit distance for the slower moving holes to a minimum. Thus, the long tail in the impulse response due to hole collection is minimized, resulting in increased bandwidth.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for microencapsulating a core material comprising the steps of a) mixing a core material with an encapsulating polymer, b) supplying a supercritical fluid capable of swelling the polymer to the mixture under a temperature and a pressure sufficient to maintain the fluid in a supercritical state, c) allowing the supercritical fluid to penetrate and liquefy the polymer while maintaining temperature and pressure sufficient to maintain the fluid in a supercritical state, and d) rapidly releasing the pressure to solidify the polymer around the core material to form a microcapsule. This method requires neither that the polymer nor core materials to be soluble in the supercritical fluid and can be used to rapidly and efficiently microencapsulate a variety of materials for a variety of applications.

Abstract: A double tunnel junction is disclosed that can be used as a magnetic sensor or as random access memories. The preferred embodiment comprises three magnetic metal materials separated by two insulating layers. A current is passed through the first tunnel junction thereby developing a voltage in the second junction. The resistance of this device can be changed over a 100% when an external magnetic field of just a few gauss is applied.

Abstract: The method of the present invention combines an ensemble of truncated partial cone beam projections to synthesize a complete virtual projection. The individual partial projections are obtained with CT scanners, where for each partial projection the investigated object is positioned at precise locations specified by formulas described in the present application (e.g., formulas (3), (4), (6) and (18) for linear cone beam synthetic scanner arrays or formulas (9)-(13), (20), (21) and (25)-(27) for circular cone beam synthetic scanner arrays). Prior to the actual reconstruction, the partial cone beam projections are combined to form a complete virtual projection, equivalent to a projection one would obtain by using a sufficiently large detector.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the production of supported monophasic group I-III-VI semiconductor films. In the subject methods, a substrate is coated with group I and III elements and then contacted with a reactive group VI element containing atmosphere under conditions sufficient to produce a substrate coated with a composite of at least two different group I-III-IV alloys. The resultant composite coated substrate is then annealed in an inert atmosphere under conditions sufficient to convert the composite coating to a monophasic group I-III-VI semiconductor film. The resultant supported semiconductor films find use in photovoltaic applications, particularly as absorber layers in solar cells.

Abstract: Seeds of the vanilla orchid Vanilla planifolia attached to an explant of the seed pod are germinated and incubated in a culture medium containing growth regulators.

Abstract: This invention is a new process to promote adhesion between thermoplastic polymers and thermosetting resin adhesives. This is accomplished by selecting a third "interlayer" polymer which is compatible with both the thermoplastic and thermoset polymers. This compatible interlayer is incorporated with the thermoplastic polymer during fabrication to provide the finished part surface with a layer of the compatible film. Upon adhesive bonding, diffusion of the thermosetting adhesive molecules into the compatible film occurs before complete cure, or hardening of the thermosetting adhesive. After completion of cure an Interpenetrating Network (IPN) is formed. Molecular entanglement in this network provides superior adhesive strength enhancement.