Abstract: An aerosol dispenser that is pressurized by both compressed gas and liquefied gas is able to retain desired spray characteristics, such as foaming, while reducing volatile organic compound content or hydrofluorocarbon content. A minimal amount of liquefied gas allows the product to retain its desired spray characteristics, and the compressed gas causes higher internal pressures while reducing the amount of liquefied gas needed as a propellant. The aerosol container may be filled by first placing a desired aerosol product in the container, followed by introducing liquefied gas followed by compressed gas, or by introducing compressed gas followed by liquefied gas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining information in one or more virtual volume aggregates comprising a plurality of virtual volumes. The method maintains a plurality of virtual volumes in a first information storage medium, and forms one or more virtual volume aggregates, where each of the of virtual volumes is assigned to one of the virtual volume aggregates. The method further provides a plurality of second information storage media. The method then identifies the least recently used virtual volume, and writes the virtual volume aggregate comprising that least recently used virtual volume to one or more second information storage media. Thereafter, the method determines if space is required on said first information storage medium.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining information in one or more virtual volume aggregates comprising a plurality of virtual volumes. The method maintains a plurality of virtual volumes in a first information storage medium, and forms one or more virtual volume aggregates, where each of the of virtual volumes is assigned to one of the virtual volume aggregates. The method further provides a plurality of second information storage media. The method then identifies the least recently used virtual volume, and writes the virtual volume aggregate comprising that least recently used virtual volume to one or more second information storage media. Thereafter, the method determines if space is required on said first information storage medium.

Abstract: A cash dispensing mechanism of an automated teller machine (ATM) includes a safe inside which are housed first and second units. The first unit includes currency cassettes and an associated pick mechanism. Bills are transported from the pick mechanism to a bill validator included in the first unit. If a bill is rejected then a divert gate directs the bill into a purge bin also included in the first unit. The second unit is mounted on the first unit with one of two possible orientations depending on whether the cash dispensing mechanism has a front loading or a rear loading configuration. Bills accepted by the validator are transported upwardly out of the first unit and into the second unit via a single transfer station, regardless of whether the cash dispensing mechanism has a front or rear loading configuration. The second unit transports bills received from the first unit to a bill dispensing port of the safe.

Abstract: A cash dispensing mechanism of an automated teller machine (ATM) includes a safe inside which are housed first and second units. The first unit includes currency cassettes and an associated pick mechanism. Bills are transported from the pick mechanism to a bill validator included in the first unit. If a bill is rejected then a divert gate directs the into a purge bin also included in the first unit. The second unit is mounted on the first unit in one of two possible positions depending on whether the cash dispensing mechanism has a front loading or a rear loading configuration. Bills accepted by the validator are transported upwardly out of the first unit and into the second unit via a single transfer station, regardless of whether the cash dispensing mechanism has a front or rear loading configuration. The second unit transports bills individually to a bill dispensing port of the safe from where the bills are deposited in a tray for collection by a user.

Abstract: When selected documents traveling along a first feed path (46) are to be fed to a second feed path (48), a solenoid is energized causing pivotal movement of a pair of flipper arms (56a, 56b) so as to direct the documents onto the second feed path (48). When the solenoid is de-energized, documents on the first feed path (46) may proceed to the continuation portion thereof i.e., path (46a), or documents from the second feed path (48) may be fed to the continuation portion (46a) of the first feed path (46). The flipper arms (56a, 56b) are coupled by gearing mechanisms so that they are moveable relative to each other, pivotal movement of one flipper arm (56a, 56b) causing pivotal movement of the other arm (56a, 56b). Such relative movement between the flipper arms (56a, 56b) allows for a compact and reliable structure and activation of the mechanism is required only when documents are to be fed from the first feed path (46) to the second feed path (48).

Abstract: A cash dispensing mechanism of an automated teller machine (ATM) includes a safe inside which are housed first and second units. The first unit includes currency cassettes and an associated pick mechanism. Bills are transported from the pick mechanism to a bill validator included in the first unit. If a bill is rejected then a divert gate directs it into a purge bin also included in the first unit. The second unit is mounted on the first unit with a selected orientation relative to said first unit dependent on whether the cash dispensing mechanism has a front loading or a rear loading configuration. Bills accepted by the validator are transported upwardly out of the first unit and into the second unit via a single transfer station, regardless of whether the cash dispensing mechanism has a front or rear loading configuration. The second unit stacks bills received from the first unit into a bunch and transports the bunch to a bill dispensing port of the safe.

Abstract: A sheet handling apparatus for accumulating a plurality of sheets into a stack (18) and for feeding the stack (18) to an exit location includes first feeding belts (30) for feeding sheets along a feed path to a stacking area (43) at which there is provided a support plate (44) positioned lower than the feed path. A plurality of rubber strips (50) are arranged to urge each of the sheets leaving the feed path towards the support plate (44) whereby the stack (18) is formed supported by the support plate (44) with the rubber strips (50) engaging the top sheet of the stack (18). Part of the stack (18) projects beyond an edge of the support plate (44), and further feeding belts (114, 68) are adapted to grip this part of the stack ( 18 ) and thereafter feed the stack (18) to the exit location. The apparatus (10) may be used in an ATM for stacking printed sheets making up a bank account statement into a stack and for feeding the stack to a user of the ATM.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a SIMOX wafer so that oxygen precipitates and heavy metal, carbon, and other contaminants are substantially reduced. The method includes forming a protective layer on the SIMOX surface, heating the wafer and protective layer so that the precipitates and contaminants disolve and diffuse into the protective layer, and slowly cooling the wafer to permit continued diffusion during cooling.

Abstract: An improvement in the formation of thick, i.e. 1,200 nanometers and greater, layers of silicon dioxide on a substrate is provided. The silicon dioxide layer is provided by the alternate deposition and oxidation of thin layers of silicon. In comparison to conventional oxidation, the time required for formation of a thick layer of silicon dioxide in accordance with the disclosed process is substantially reduced.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus for growing a ribbon of crystalline material which apparatus comprises a furnace adapted to contain a melt from which the ribbon is to be grown and crystal pulling means spaced from the furnace and including crystal seed holding means and sliding means moving said crystal seed holding means toward and away from the furnace. Extending between the furnace and the crystal seed pulling means are inner and outer bellows means spaced apart from each other to define a space therebetween. This space may be purged with an inert gas when pulling crystal.

Abstract: A crystal seed holder assembly for retaining a crystal seed used to grow a ribbon of crystal by the EFG technique is disclosed. The holder assembly is arranged so that the seed is not subjected to fastener stress, can expand without thermal stress and can slide a limited distance relative to the holder assembly.

Abstract: The thermal profile at the top of an EFG die is improved by including heat radiation deflectors within the crucible to change the level of radiation heating experienced by at least some portions of the die.

Abstract: A crucible for containing a melt and die for EFG growth of sapphire is supported by a pyrolytic graphite crucible support plate having the C axis of the pyrolytic graphite perpendicular to the bottom of the crucible which is supported by the plate. This thermally insulates the crucible from the pedestal which supports the support plate.

Abstract: A fish-bait tank is provided which includes fluid intake and discharge heads integrated with the outer surface of the tank side wall, with the intake head having intake port means and the discharge head having discharge port means. Intake aperture means traverse the tank side wall within the perimeter of the intake head for extending fluid communication from the intake head to the interior of the tank. Discharge aperture means traverse the tank side wall within the perimeter of the discharge head for extending fluid communication from the interior of the tank to the discharge head. Level control means cooperate with the discharge aperture means for selectively controlling fluid level in the housing.