Abstract: A reaction assembly of a vapor-phase deposition system includes a reaction chamber leading to a gullet outlet, and a sheath leading to a sheath outlet. The gullet outlet and the sheath outlet at the distal end of the reaction assembly, the distal end including a compound nozzle. The reaction assembly generates a compound gas stream for projection from the compound nozzle towards a target substrate. The compound gas stream includes a reagent gas stream and a sheath gas stream, wherein the sheath gas stream at least partially envelopes the reagent gas stream. Methods for generating and delivering a compound gas stream, and for performing vapor-phase deposition, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The method of the present invention is adapted to manipulate the chemical properties of water in order to improve the effectiveness of a desired process. The method involves heating the water in the vessel to subcritical temperatures between 100° to 374° C. while maintaining sufficient pressure to the water to maintain the water in the liquid state. Various physiochemical properties of the water can be manipulated including polarity, solute solubility, surface tension, viscosity, and the disassociation constant. The method of the present invention has various uses including extracting organics from solids and semisolids such as soil, selectively extracting desired organics from liquids, selectively separating organics using sorbent phases, enhancing reactions by controlling the disassociation constant of water, cleaning waste water, removing organics from water using activated carbon or other suitable sorbents, and degrading various compounds.

Abstract: An epitaxial film of a III-V compound may be formed on a nonnative substrate by sequentially forming a plurality of epitaxial layers on the substrate at a growth temperature. By cooling the substrate and each sequentially grown epitaxial layer to a sub-growth temperature prior to resumption of epitaxial growth, stress within the sample (due to thermal mismatch between the substrate and the epitaxial layer) is periodically relieved. Sequential epitaxial growth is combined with system etching to provide an epitaxial layer which not only has a lower propensity to shatter, but also exhibits improved surface morphology. Sequential hydride vapor-phase epitaxy using HCl as both source gas and etchant, allows integration of sequential deposition and system etching into a single process.

Abstract: A method for forming a relatively thick epitaxial film of a III-V compound on a non-native substrate involves sequentially forming a plurality of epitaxial layers on the substrate at a growth temperature. By cooling the substrate and each sequentially grown epitaxial layer to a sub-growth temperature prior to resumption of epitaxial growth, stress within the sample (due to thermal mismatch between the substrate and the epitaxial layer) is periodically relieved. Sequential epitaxial growth is combined with system etching to provide an epitaxial layer which not only has a lower propensity to shatter, but also exhibits improved surface morphology. Sequential hydride vapor-phase epitaxy using HCl as both source gas and etchant, allows integration of sequential deposition and system etching into a single process.

Abstract: A non-contacting position sensor having radial bipolar tapered magnets. The sensor has a semicircular first plate and a second plate. Four semicircular magnets are affixed to the first plate and second plate. Each magnet has a thick end and a thin end. Two magnets generate a linearly varying magnetic field having a first polarity, while the other two magnets generate a linearly varying magnetic field having a second polarity. An air gap is formed in the space between the four magnets. A magnetic flux sensor is positioned within the air gap. The object whose position is to be monitored is rigidly attached to the magnet assembly, causing the magnetic flux sensor to move relative to the magnets within the air gap as the component moves. A varying magnetic field is detected by the magnetic flux sensor, resulting in an electrical signal from the magnetic flux sensor that varies according to its position relative to the four magnets.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a non-contacting position sensor using bipolar tapered magnets is provided. A non-contacting position sensor in accordance with the preferred embodiment uses a pole piece having a first plate and a second plate. Four magnets are affixed to the first plate and second plate. Each magnet has a thick end and a thin end. Two magnets generate a linearly varying magnetic field having a first polarity, while the other two magnets generate a linearly varying magnetic filed having a second polarity. An air gap is formed in the space between the four magnets. A magnetic flux sensor is positioned within the air gap. The component whose position is to be monitored is rigidly attached to either the pole piece or the magnetic flux sensor, causing the magnetic flux sensor to move relative to the magnets within the air gap as the component moves.

Abstract: A scrubber assembly for removal of water soluble and/or alkaline gases from an exhaust stream uses a scrubber mixture contained within at least one scrubber vessel. Preferably the scrubber mixture include a liquid phase including an aqueous acid solution, and solid phase including a solid organic acid. Preferably, the scrubber mixture includes a solid carboxylic acid having low toxicity and low corrosiveness to system components. In one embodiment, a plurality of scrubber vessels, each containing the scrubber mixture are connected in series. The scrubber assembly may further include an indicator tank containing an indicator mixture. The pH of the scrubber mixture and/or indicator mixture may be monitored, thereby making operation of the system not only simpler and more reliable, but also more efficient. A method for removal of water soluble and/or alkaline gases from an exhaust stream is also disclosed.

Abstract: A reaction assembly of a vapor-phase deposition system includes a reaction chamber leading to a gullet outlet, and a sheath leading to a sheath outlet. The gullet outlet and the sheath outlet at the distal end of the reaction assembly, the distal end including a compound nozzle. The reaction assembly generates a compound gas stream for projection from the compound nozzle towards a target substrate. The compound gas stream includes a reagent gas stream and a sheath gas stream, wherein the sheath gas stream at least partially envelopes the reagent gas stream. Methods for generating and delivering a compound gas stream, and for performing vapor-phase deposition, are also disclosed.

Abstract: An n-doped, high quality gallium nitride substrate suitable for further device or epitaxial processing, and method for making the same. The nitride substrate is produced by epitaxial deposition of first metal nitride layer on a non-native substrate followed by a second deposition of metal nitride. During the second deposition of metal nitride, a liquid metal layer is formed at the interface of the non-native substrate and the metal nitride layer form. The formed metal nitride layer may be detached from the non-native substrate to provide an metal nitride substrate with a high quality inverse surface. A epitaxial metal nitride layer may be deposited on the inverse surface of metal nitride substrate. The metal nitride substrate and the epitaxial metal nitride layer thereon may be deposited using the same hydride vapor-phase epitaxy system.

Abstract: A vapor-phase deposition system includes one or more channel units for promoting the downstream passage of reagent gases. A reactor of a vapor-phase deposition system may include one or more channels to promote passage of reagent gases beneath a susceptor stage. A susceptor, for arrangement within a reactor during epitaxial growth on a substrate, may include a truncated stage and a truncation side. The substrate may be aligned with a lower edge of the truncated stage, thereby avoiding chemical deposition on surfaces upstream of the substrate. One or more channels of the susceptor promote the downstream passage of reagent gases within the reactor. Methods for vapor-phase deposition and for promoting downstream passage of reagent gases within a reactor are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for removing particulate matter from an exhaust stream, in which the exhaust stream is passed through a particle trap assembly. The trap assembly includes a particle trap having a trap inlet, a filter region located downstream from the trap inlet, and an upstream portion located upstream from the filter region. The cross-sectional area of the upstream portion is preferably at least as great as the cross-sectional area of the filter region. The particle trap may be operably coupled directly to a source of an exhaust stream via a connector unit. The trap assembly may include a heating unit for heating at least a portion of the trap assembly, and a bellows-like connector unit.

Abstract: A ring topology based architecture for a local area network. The transmission medium is unshielded twisted-pair wire. A set of two such twisted-pairs are used to connect the nodes of the network together, with the transmit twisted-pair wires from one node being connected to the receive twisted-pair wires of the next node. When a node of the network is powered up, a relay is opened which disconnects the incoming receive lines from the outgoing transmit lines. This brings the node on line. The relay is controlled via software command and a timer which is used to take a preceding node off-line for a predetermined period in the event jabber from that node is detected. A 16 byte FIFO bypass built into the medium access control hardware of the system is used to reduce the ring latency which normally results from the need to store entire data packets at each node, prior to the packet being forwarded.

Abstract: The method of the present invention is adapted to manipulate the chemical properties of water in order to improve the effectiveness of a desired chemical process. The method involves heating the water in the vessel to subcritical temperatures between 100.degree. to 374.degree. C. while maintaining sufficient pressure to the water to maintain the water in the liquid state. Various physiochemical properties of the water can be manipulated including polarity, solute solubility, surface tension, viscosity, and the disassociation constant. The method of the present invention has various uses including extracting organics from solids and semisolids such as soil, selectively extracting desired organics from nonaqueous liquids, selectively separating organics using sorbent phases, enhancing reactions by controlling the disassociation constant of water, cleaning waste water, and removing organics from water using activated carbon or other suitable sorbents.

Abstract: An electric meter cover of an integrally molded construction which reduces cost of manufacture and increases performance by reducing number of seals required. The cover of the invention includes provision for an optic probe, a viewing window and a reset arrangement allowing the meter to be reset without removing the cover and in a one movement operation, which simplifies the reset operation.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting automobiles, including racks each capable of carrying two automobiles, one above the other, particularly in intermodal cargo containers, and a method for use of the apparatus. Each rack includes wheels on which the rack is supported for movement when it is in a collapsed configuration, for insertion of the rack into a cargo container. A pair of wheeled cradles carries an automobile by supporting its wheels. One pair of such cradles is supported by an upper pair of longitudinal beams which are each supported by a pivot connection to a collapsible upright at one end and by an upright strut spaced apart from that end. Another pair of cradles is fastened in a selected location to a pair of horizontal lower longitudinal support members of the rack, to hold the second automobile in a desired position beneath the first. In its collapsed configuration the rack is very low, enabling several empty racks to be carried in a single cargo container.

Abstract: A software testing system tests software. The software testing system includes a set-up and control system, and one or more test systems connected to the set-up and control system. The set-up and control system includes a user interface for interacting with a user of the software testing system. The set-up and control system stores test data and test configurations. Each test system sets up test cases from the test data and the test configurations stored in the set-up and control system. Each test case inherits attributes from at least one test object within the test system. The inherited attributes facilitates the interaction of the test system with the test cases.

Abstract: A jack shaft garage door operator for opening and closing a movable garage door has a drive containing an electric motor. A rotatable jack shaft is connected to the drive unit to be driven thereby. A pull-up cable drum is connected to and driven by the jack shaft. A pull-up cable extends from the drum about which it is wound and connects to a bottom part of the garage door to raise the door. A pivoting arm is mounted near the jack shaft and provides tension to the cable. A shaft lock hub mounted on the jack shaft is engaged and locked by the arm if the tension in the cable drops. A stop is mounted on the garage door for engagement by the movable arm in the event that the door is opened without the cable being drawn in the cable drum.

Abstract: Monoclonal IgM antibodies which promote central nervous system remyelination when given to a mammal afflicted with a demyelinating disease are disclosed. These antibodies show multi-organ autoreactivity, and recognize both surface and cytoplasmic determinants on glial cells.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting automobiles, including racks each capable of carrying two automobiles, one above the other, particularly in intermodal cargo containers, and a method for use of the apparatus. Each rack includes wheels on which the rack is supported for movement when it is in a collapsed configuration, for insertion of the rack into a cargo container. A pair of wheeled cradles carries an automobile by supporting its wheels. One pair of such cradles is supported by an upper pair of longitudinal beams which are each supported by a pivot connection to a collapsible upright at one end and by an upright strut spaced apart from that end. Another pair of cradles is fastened in a selected location to a pair of horizontal lower longitudinal support members of the rack, to hold the second automobile in a desired position beneath the first. In its collapsed configuration the rack is very low, enabling several empty racks to be carried in a single cargo container.