Abstract: Dynamic control of a center of mass position is based on replacement of discrete motion of macro body (counterweighing solid or counterbalancing mechanisms) for continuous molecular flow of counterweighing liquid. Redistributing liquid counterweight between chambers attached to independently moving parts of robot allows its motion to new stable position without disruption in static stability and dynamic balance. Various embodiments include bipods/humanoids, wheeled locomotion robots and hybrid wheeled/multi-pod bio-like robotic systems; some embodiments allow reversible mutual reconfiguration between various structural arrangements. In humanoid embodiments, method allows moving on uneven terrain or ascending staircases while maintaining static stability; method also decreases the probability of fall and secures self-rising if a fall occurred.

Abstract: Dynamic control of a center of mass position is based on replacement of discrete motion of macro body (counterweighing solid or counterbalancing mechanisms) for continuous molecular flow of counterweighing liquid. Redistributing liquid counterweight between chambers attached to independently moving parts of robot allows its motion to new stable position without disruption in static stability and dynamic balance. Various embodiments include bipods/humanoids, wheeled locomotion robots and hybrid wheeled/multi-pod bio-like robotic systems; some embodiments allow reversible mutual reconfiguration between various structural arrangements. In humanoid embodiments, method allows moving on uneven terrain or ascending staircases while maintaining static stability; method also decreases the probability of fall and secures self-rising if a fall occurred.

Abstract: New multi-computers architecture allows protection of personal computer by the combined hardware and software means reinforcing online security to the safety level not achievable using software security means alone. The disclosed system encompasses intermediate lock-computer and unidirectional internal interfaces based on novel principles providing complete security while sending information to world wide web and reliable filtering out of unwanted software while receiving information from Internet. One of the key principles underlying the present invention is physical separation of dataflow from web-connected computer to intermediate lock-computer to the main personal computer and the counter dataflow from main computer to lock-computer to web-connected computer. The interfaces in direct data flow from Internet to personal computer and in the counter dataflow may be based on different physical and system principles including novel two-dimensional image-based interface.

Abstract: New multi-computers architecture allows protection of personal computer by the combined hardware and software means reinforcing online security to the safety level not achievable using software security means alone. The disclosed system encompasses intermediate lock-computer and unidirectional internal interfaces based on novel principles providing complete security while sending information to world wide web and reliable filtering out of unwanted software while receiving information from Internet. One of the key principles underlying the present invention is physical separation of dataflow from web-connected computer to intermediate lock-computer to the main personal computer and the counter dataflow from main computer to lock-computer to web-connected computer. The interfaces in direct data flow from Internet to personal computer and in the counter dataflow may be based on different physical and system principles including novel two-dimensional image-based interface.

Abstract: Dynamic control of a center of mass position is based on replacement of discrete motion of macro body (counterweighing solid or counterbalancing mechanisms) for continuous molecular flow of counterweighing liquid. Redistributing liquid counterweight between chambers attached to independently moving parts of robot allows its motion to new stable position without disruption in static stability and dynamic balance. Various embodiments include bipods/humanoids, wheeled locomotion robots and hybrid wheeled/multi-pod bio-like robotic systems; some embodiments allow reversible mutual reconfiguration between various structural arrangements. In humanoid embodiments, method allows moving on uneven terrain or ascending staircases while maintaining static stability; method also decreases the probability of fall and secures self-rising if a fall occurred.

Abstract: A tall building provides thousands inhabitants with normal life and business conditions including autonomous sources of energy and water; shelters in the occurrence of natural or manmade disasters; and swift direct escape into the shelter from each office or apartment. The building consists of three coaxial towers, an external residence/business tower, a middle safety tower and a central energy tower. Two giant water basins are installed on top and under the building and the primary energy source is solar. There is a water and energy reserve in the form of basins with hydroelectric turbines in the central tower. The radial apartments and offices have external windows admitting daylight with internal armed doors. A spacious community shelter surrounds the internal and middle towers. The building is most effective at a height of about >200 m.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device having a plurality of layers, depositing a first layer comprising a medium-k dielectric barrier layer on one of the plurality of layers, depositing a second layer comprising a low-k dielectric layer on the first layer, and depositing a third layer comprising a medium-k dielectric barrier on the second layer.

Abstract: A new method of surface engineering of materials employs ion sputtering from a limited area, or sputter zone, of the surface of said materials, and the deposition of the sputtered matter upon a separate or other limited area, or deposition zone, of the surface of the same or simultaneously surface engineered second material, while the sputter and deposition zones are moving synchronously and simultaneously relative to the surface subjected to surface engineering. When the surfaces of two materials are simultaneously engineered, the flux of particles ejected from the sputter zone of the first material are directed to and deposited upon the surface of the deposition zone of the second material, and vice versa; hence, two different materials each possessing both sputter and deposition zones are subjected to surface engineering at the same time resulting in an exchange of surface layers. The new method is named Trans-Zone Sputtering.

Abstract: A multistage abrasive-liquid jet cutting head comprising at least a first and a second mixing stage. Within the first mixing stage is a first mixing chamber arranged to accept a first flow of accelerated abrasive particles from a first abrasive feed tube and a pressurized liquid flow from an orifice and produce a pressurized slurry-like flow that is introduced to the second mixing stage. Within the second mixing stage is a second mixing chamber arranged to accept and mix is second flow of accelerated abrasive particles from a second abrasive feed tube with the pressurized slurry-like flow from the first mixing stage. An exit nozzle in fluid communication with the second mixing chamber that focuses the combination of the second flow of accelerated abrasive particles from the second abrasive feed tube with the pressurized slurry-like flow from the first mixing stage into an abrasive jet.

Abstract: A new family of multifunctional smart coatings based on diamond-like atomic-scale composite materials which can provide a real-time control of the surface stress distribution and potentially dangerous stress diagnostic for the most critical parts of flying vehicles. The coating is a silica-stabilized dielectric film, particularly, a diamond-like atomic-scale composite material.

Abstract: A new family of multifunctional smart coatings based on of stabilized diamond-like metal-carbon atomic scale composites and diamond-like atomic-scale composite (DL ASC) materials. Based on a unique combination of the coating fine structure, properties of the coating/substrate interface, and the mechanical and electrical properties of the coating, the disclosed smart coatings would integrate various high resolution sensors and interconnections, and the sensor would diagnose dangerous stress distribution in the coated subject with no distortion in real time, while these diamond-like coatings would simultaneously provide environmental protection of the coated surface and improve its aerodynamic quality.

Abstract: A field emission cathode consisting of atomic-scale composite material comprising three atomic networks is proposed. The first and the second atomic networks penetrate into each other and form carbon-based stabilized dielectric medium and the third atomic network is a conductive network of metallic atoms. The atomic scale composite material may also contain conductive nano-crystals immersed into the carbon-based stabilized dielectric medium. The atomic-scale conductive network and nano-crystals reach the film surface and film edge forming nanometer scale field emission sites. They may be partially exposed by etching the other components of the cathode material thereby forming atomic-scale and/or nano-scale field emission metallic tips. The field emission cathode can be used as an efficient cold cathode in a variety of electronic devices, such as flat panel field emission displays, microwave diodes, triodes and more complex devices.

Abstract: A method for decreasing brittleness of single crystals, semiconductor wafers and fragile elements of structures and devices is invented. The method is based on applying to the crystal surface a hard amorphous stabilized carbon low-stress coating possessing adhesion to the substrate that is equal to or exceeding the tensile strength of the protected crystalline material. The carbon coating is stabilized with at least two alloying elements: the first alloying element is selected from the group consisting of O, H, N, or their combinations; the second alloying element is selected from the group consisting of Si, B, transition metals, or their combinations. According to the invented method, the most effective structure of Si—O-stabilized hard amorphous carbon is graphite-like—diamond-like composite of atomic scale named QUASAM.

Abstract: A field emission cathode consisting of atomic-scale composite material comprising three atomic networks is proposed. The first and the second atomic networks penetrate into each other and form carbon-based stabilized dielectric medium and the third atomic network is a conductive network of metallic atoms. The atomic scale composite material may also contain conductive nano-crystals immersed into the carbon-based stabilized dielectric medium. The atomic-scale conductive network and nano-crystals reach the film surface and film edge forming nanometer scale field emission sites. They may be partially exposed by etching the other components of the cathode material thereby forming atomic-scale and/or nano-scale field emission metallic tips.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel class of hard nano-structured materials comprising sp.sup.2 bonded graphite-like layers bonded together by sp.sup.3 three-dimensional diamond-like frameworks, wherein the whole carbon structure is stabilized with at least two alloying elements: the first alloying element selected from the group consisting of O, H, N, and a combination thereof; and the second alloying element selected from the group consisting of Si, B, Zr, Ti, V, Cr, Be, Hf, Al, Nb, Ta, Mo, W, Mn, Re, Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, Re, Fe, Co, Ni and a combination thereof. Also disclosed, are methods of manufacture of the novel class of materials.