Abstract: An adaptive method is provided for applying chirp to an optical signal traversing through an optical network. The adaptive method comprises: applying chirp to an optical data signal at a transmitter in the optical network; transmitting the optical data signal through the optical network, the optical data signal having error detection data embedded therein; determining an error rate for the optical data signal at an egress point of the optical network, where the error rate is based on the error detection data embedded in the optical data signal; transmitting the error rate for the optical data signal to the transmitter; and adjusting the chirp being applied to the optical data signal at the transmitter based on the error rate for the optical data signal.

Abstract: A high k dielectric film and methods for forming the same are disclosed. The high k material includes two peaks of impurity concentration, particularly nitrogen, such as at a lower interface and upper interface, making the layer particularly suitable for transistor gate dielectric applications. The methods of formation include low temperature processes, particularly CVD using a remote plasma generator and atomic layer deposition using selective incorporation of nitrogen in the cyclic process. Advantageously, nitrogen levels are tailored during the deposition process and temperatures are low enough to avoid interdiffusion and allow maintenance of the desired impurity profile.

Abstract: An integrated circuit has a multi-layer stack such as a gate stack or a digit line stack disposed on a layer comprising silicon. A conductive film is formed on the transition metal boride layer. A process for fabricating such devices can include forming the conductive film using a vapor deposition process with a reaction gas comprising fluorine. In the case of a gate stack, the transition metal boride layer can help reduce or eliminate the diffusion of fluorine atoms from the conductive film into a gate dielectric layer. Similarly, in the case of digit line stacks as well as gate stacks, the transition metal boride layer can reduce the diffusion of silicon from the polysilicon layer into the conductive film to help maintain a low resistance for the conductive film.

Abstract: A unique electrochemical process fills oxygen vacancies in dielectrics while reducing oxidation of nearby electrodes and conductors. Preferably, an electromagnetic field or bias is applied to a dielectric. The bias causes oxygen vacancies in the dielectric to migrate to the surface of the dielectric. As the oxygen vacancies migrate toward the surface, oxygen ions fill the oxygen vacancies. In one embodiment, a unique plasma treatment provides the oxygen ions that react with the oxygen vacancies. In another embodiment, a unique electrolysis treatment provides the oxygen ions that react with the oxygen vacancies.

Abstract: In methods for fabricating MOS transistors with notched gate electrodes, a notched gate electrode may be readily fabricated using a damascene process for filling a stair-shaped opening formed in a multi-layered insulation layer. In this manner, the width and a height of the notch region of the gate electrode may be readily adjusted and controlled.

Abstract: An improvement useful with a portable or backyard-type barbecue grill that is used outdoors in backyards, camping, picnicking, or boating where hot water, steam, or power is not readily or conveniently available. Waste heat provides on-demand hot water and/or power. The improvement includes providing a water tank or a heat exchanger in heat transfer proximity of the grill's heat source, an opening in the tank or heat exchanger to receive water, a discharge tube to deliver hot water, and optionally a valve to control or dispense hot water. A method of producing hot water or generating power from waste heat comprises providing a tank and/or heat exchanger, filling the tank and/or heat exchanger with water or other fluid, subjecting the tank and/or heat exchanger to a source of heat in the barbecue grill, and extracting hot water or converting pressurized steam (or other fluid) to mechanical or electrical power.

Abstract: A passive solar collector has a reflector or a plurality of reflectors in a tube that is in a partial vacuum and is entirely or partly transparent. An absorber collects light reflected by the reflector or plurality of reflectors and delivers energy from the collected light to a central tube where it heats a substance such as water or other fluid. The absorber is disposed at an angle to the axis of the passive solar collector. The passive solar collector is protected against overheating by one or more devices such as a getter that releases a gas to reduce the vacuum or an opaque shield that is placed so as to cover the reflector in response to an indication of overheating. Reflecting surfaces of the solar collector may be symmetrical or asymmetrical, and they may be smooth or they may have dents, protrusions, or both. The surfaces of the solar collector may be smooth, ridged with smooth curves, or ridged with sharp curves.

Abstract: There is provided a burner assembly for burning fuel in which the housing contains a nozzle orifice and a cleaning needle moveable into and out of the orifice. The needle is provided with permanent magnetic characteristics and is between a pair of movable magnets, which can be rotated to change poles so as to move the needle into and out of the orifice.

Abstract: A flue ducting for atmospheric boilers is disclosed and comprises two coaxial generally tubular ducts 10, 11, and a generally undulating linear spacer 12 between said ducts. Linear features are provided on the mutually facing surfaces of the ducts, the features being shaped to engage the undulating spacer 12. One end of the annular space between the ducts 10, 11 is closed.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooking food items over an open fire which allows a cook to turn the food and adjust the position of the food over the fire while maintaining a safe distance from the fire. The apparatus is constructed and arranged to allow hands-free operation or, if desired, allow a cook to continually control the position of the food over the fire using one hand. This is accomplished using a telescopic handle and two supports.

Abstract: A combustion type detoxifying apparatus which carries out detoxifying treatment of a raw gas containing toxic components injected through a burner (2) into a combustion chamber (1) by allowing the toxic components to burn or undergo pyrolysis. The combustion chamber (1) having a double-wall structure consisting of an outer barrel (11) and an inner barrel (12) which is made of a porous material. The combustion chamber (1) is provided with a gas introducing nozzle (4) for introducing a pressure gas to the space defined between the outer barrel (11) and the inner barrel (12).

Abstract: Candle holder for a plurality of candles arranged separately from each other. Each candle comprises a cup-shaped container with a wick and wax. The candles (10, 11, 12) are arranged substantially vertically one underneath the other at such a distance that the respectively lower candle thermally influences the candle arranged above it such that its wax is melted. Said candle holder consists of a slide-in system, that can be set up to the desired distance.

Abstract: An off fire cooling system having an octagonal body shape and split fire system which doubles the coal heating surface area and doubles the coal heat output. The cooking system also has an air introduction system which circulates air throughout the interior of the grill to maintain an optimum cooking temperature. The octagonal maintains the cooking temperature at or above 400 degrees Fahrenheit in the center of the grilling system. The system eliminates grease fires and smoke associated with grease fire flare ups. The charcoal and food products are suspended for optimum cooking while preventing grease from falling onto the burning charcoal coals.

Abstract: A biogas flare system for burning biogas generated primarily by a landfill includes at least one burner for igniting a mixture of biogas and air. A main supply line supplies a mixture of biogas and air to the burner. A biogas supply line feeds biogas into the main supply line. An air supply line feeds air into the main supply line. A mixer structure mixes the biogas and air prior to the mixture being supplied to the burner.

Abstract: In a structure of a burning portion of an alcohol-fueled ignitor provided with a wick for drawing up fuel alcohol in a fuel reservoir by capillarity from one end portion thereof to the other end portion and burning the fuel alcohol at the other end portion, the wick is formed of glass fibers and said the other end portion of the wick at which the fuel alcohol is burnt is exposed in a surface area of 30 mm2 to 170 mm2.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that optimize the combustion process in various reactors, furnaces, and internal combustion engines. Video cameras are used to evaluate the combustion flame grade. Depending on the desired form, standard or special video devices, or beam scanning devices, are used to image the combustion flame and by-products. The video device generates and outputs image signals during various phases of, and at various locations in, the combustion process. Other forms of sensors monitor and generate data signals defining selected parameters of the combustion process, such as air flow, fuel flow, turbulence, exhaust and inlet valve openings, etc. In a preferred form, a neural networks initially processes the image data and characterizes the combustion flame. A fuzzy logic controller and associated fuzzy logic rule base analyzes the image data from the neural network, along with other sensor information.

Abstract: A combustor extension for a heat gun where the heat gun has a jet pump for mixing pressurized fuel with air to form an air/fuel mixture and a combustor attachment for combusting the air/fuel mixture. The jet pump has a first electrical connector for providing an electrical charge to an ignition device at the combustor attachment for igniting the air/fuel mixture. The combustor extension includes a hollow conduit having proximal and distal ends for extending between and coupling the combustor attachment to the jet pump. A second electrical connector at the proximal end of the conduit electrically couples to the first electrical connector of the jet pump. A third electrical connector at the distal end of the conduit electrically couples to the ignition device of the combustor attachment. The second and third electrical connectors are electrically connected together.

Abstract: A gas-fired forced draft air heating furnace is provided with a specially designed self-cooling draft inducer fan that overlies an inshot-type burner section of the furnace and is operatively supported on a heat exchanger plenum portion of the furnace housing. The fan motor is supported on an outboard housing side of the fan, and an umbrella cooling fan is coaxially secured to an outboard end of the fan drive shaft. During operation of the draft inducer fan, the umbrella fan is rotationally driven to direct a flow of ambient cooling air toward the outboard side of the draft inducer fan housing in a manner causing the air flow to sequentially contact and cool the outer shaft end bearing area, the motor windings and the inner shaft end bearing area at the outer side of the draft inducer fan housing.

Abstract: A combustion apparatus has a fuel supply section; an air blowing section for supplying combustion air; a mixing section for mixing the fuel with the combustion air; a plurality of first catalyst bodies which are arranged substantially in parallel with each other to divide the downstream location in the flow direction of mixture into a plurality of flow paths; and a first heat receiving section configured by a plurality of heat receiving fins arranged in flow paths divided by said first catalyst bodies and a cooling path penetrating the heat receiving fins, the opposed heat receiving fin and first catalyst body being characterized in that the area of the heat receiving fin on the upstream side of said cooling path is smaller than the area of the first catalyst body on the upstream side of the cooling path.

Abstract: A common, side-wall, Category III or Category IV-vented gaseous fuel-fired furnace and gaseous fuel-fired water heater system having a gaseous fuel-fired furnace having a furnace combustion products exhaust, a gaseous fuel-fired water heater having a water heater combustion products exhaust, and a Category III or Category IV vent in communication with the furnace combustion products exhaust and the water heater combustion products exhaust for venting of the combustion products from the furnace and water heater.