Abstract: An inductor formed within an integrated circuit and a method for forming the inductor. The inductor comprises an underlying layer of aluminum formed in a first metallization layer and patterned and etched into the desired shape. In one embodiment the aluminum line comprises a spiral shape. According to a damascene process, a conductive runner, preferably of copper, is formed in a dielectric layer overlying the aluminum line and in electrical contact therewith. The aluminum line and the conductive runner cooperate to form the inductor. In another embodiment the aluminum line and the conductive runner are formed in a vertically spaced-apart orientation, with tungsten plugs or conductive vias formed to provide electrical connection therebetween. A method for forming the inductor comprises forming an aluminum conductive line and forming a conductive runner over the conductive line.

Abstract: An inductor formed on a semiconductor substrate, comprising active device regions. The inductor comprises conductive lines formed on a dielectric layer overlying the semiconductor substrate. The conductive lines are patterned and etched into the desired shape, in one embodiment a planar spiral. A region of the substrate below the inductor are removed to lower the inductive Q factor.

Abstract: An NMR logging tool for conducting NMR measurements in a plurality of sensitive volumes ranging up to a meter from the tool. The tool comprises a magnetic assembly using one or more permanent magnets and at least one pole piece for extending a magnet pole and shaping the magnetic field to simulate a magnetic monopole in a sensitive volume within the formation. Different embodiments of a segmented antenna enable directional NMR logging. The tool embodiments and methods of their use are suitable for wireline or LWD logging, and can be used for directional drilling.

Abstract: A hard disk drive comprising a plurality of read/write heads oriented to serially read data from the magnetic media of the disk drive. The head output signals are delayed and combined to provide a time aligned composite signal for determining the value of the data bits read from the disk drive. An improved signal-to-noise ratio is provided according to the teachings of the present invention by combining the signal components from the plurality of heads, as the signal components are added algebraically while the noise components are combined as root mean square values. Thus the overall signal-to-noise ratio is improved, resulting in a greater probability of correctly determining the stored data.

Abstract: A method for inspecting pipe, the method, in at least certain aspects, including detecting an inspection parameter in at least a first part of a pipe, the pipe having a length, a hollow body, an outer surface, and a generally circular pipe wall with an inner diameter and an outer diameter, locating at a first location the first part of the pipe with respect to the length of the pipe and with respect to the outer diameter of the pipe; and such a method for inspecting pipe which, in at least certain aspects, includes detecting at least a first part of a first imperfection of the pipe.

Abstract: A method for inspecting pipe, the method, in at least certain aspects, including detecting an inspection parameter in at least a first part of a pipe, the pipe having a length, a hollow body, an outer surface, and a generally circular pipe wall with an inner diameter and an outer diameter, locating at a first location the first part of the pipe with respect to the length of the pipe and with respect to the outer diameter of the pipe; and such a method for inspecting pipe which, in at least certain aspects, includes detecting at least a first part of a first imperfection of the pipe.

Abstract: A wear resistant fuel pump for a vehicle includes a pump section having a rotatable impeller and a plurality of plates disposed axially adjacent to and cooperating with the impeller to pump fuel therethrough. The wear resistant fuel pump also includes a motor section disposed adjacent the pump section and having a motor to rotate the impeller. The wear resistant fuel pump further includes an outlet section disposed adjacent the motor section to allow pumped fuel to exit therethrough. The impeller is made of a first compound and the plates are made of a second compound having an abrasion wear resistance on a surface thereof that improves abrasion wear characteristics therebetween.

Abstract: An ultraviolet-resistant laminate includes a first substrate, a second substrate, and adhesive including an uncompounded amorphous polyolefin polymer. The adhesive secures the first substrate to the second substrate so as to form a bond. The resulting laminate is resistant to ultraviolet exposure. A method of forming a laminate includes providing a first substrate, providing a second substrate, applying an adhesive including an uncompounded amorphous polyolefin polymer to at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate, and securing the first substrate to the second substrate with the adhesive so as to form a bond. The laminate produced is resistant to ultraviolet exposure. The laminate may be used in outdoor products, such as awnings, umbrellas, table cloths, tarpaulins, transportation packaging, signs, banners, coverings for outdoor furniture, and coverings for vehicles.

Abstract: A wear resistant fuel pump for a vehicle includes a pump section having a rotatable impeller and a plurality of plates disposed axially adjacent to and cooperating with the impeller to pump fuel therethrough. The wear resistant fuel pump also includes a motor section disposed adjacent the pump section and having a motor to rotate the impeller. The wear resistant fuel pump further includes an outlet section disposed adjacent the motor section to allow pumped fuel to exit therethrough. The impeller is made of a first compound and the plates are made of a second compound having an abrasion wear resistance on a surface thereof that improves abrasion wear characteristics therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention provides a capacitor for use in a semiconductor device having a damascene interconnect structure, such as a dual damascene interconnect, formed over a substrate of a semiconductor wafer. In one particularly advantageous embodiment, the capacitor, comprises a first capacitor electrode, such as copper, comprised of a portion of the damascene interconnect structure, an insulator layer formed on the damascene interconnect structure wherein the insulator layer is a passivation layer, such as silicon nitride. The passivation layer may be an outermost or final passivation layer, or it may be an interlevel passivation layer. The capacitor further includes a second capacitor electrode comprised of a conductive layer, such as aluminum, that is formed on at least a portion of the insulator layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a capacitor for use in a semiconductor device having a damascene interconnect structure, such as a dual damascene interconnect, formed over a substrate of a semiconductor wafer. In one particularly advantageous embodiment, the capacitor, comprises a first capacitor electrode, such as copper, comprised of a portion of the damascene interconnect structure, an insulator layer formed on the damascene interconnect structure wherein the insulator layer is a passivation layer, such as silicon nitride. The passivation layer may be an outermost or final passivation layer, or it may be an interlevel passivation layer. The capacitor further includes a second capacitor electrode comprised of a conductive layer, such as aluminum, that is formed on at least a portion of the insulator layer.

Abstract: A wear resistant fuel pump for a vehicle includes a pump section having a flow channel and a rotatable impeller cooperating with said flow channel to pump fuel therethrough. The fuel pump also includes a motor section disposed adjacent the pump section and having a motor to rotate the impeller. The fuel pump further includes an outlet section disposed adjacent the motor section to allow pumped fuel to exit the fuel pump. The pump section includes a plurality of plates disposed axially adjacent to and cooperating with the impeller. At least one of the plates includes a wear insert that improves abrasion wear characteristics therebetween.

Abstract: A floated fuel strainer assembly for a fuel tank in a vehicle includes a strainer adapted to be connected to an inlet of either one of a fuel pump and fuel reservoir disposed in the fuel tank. The floated fuel strainer assembly also includes a float connected to the strainer to elevate the strainer off a bottom of the fuel tank as a fuel level rises in the fuel tank.

Abstract: A litter mat includes a plurality of flexible plastic strips that have a cross-section in the general shape of an inverted J, are parallel to each other and have similar orientations. The strips are secured to a base. The strips are each in an adjoining relationship with an adjacent strip whereby the strips define a surface disposed above the base. The strips extend lengthwise between two opposite edges of the mat. When a cat steps on the surface the strips or portions thereof flex to space the strips defining passageways for litter to fall to the base. The strips, if desired, may be segmented.

Abstract: A passively filled reservoir in a motor vehicle fuel tank. The fuel tank has an electric fuel pump suspended therein and a tubular conduit through which surplus fuel is returned to the fuel tank. The passively filled reservoir includes a fuel containment vessel below the fuel pump, a passive fill port in the containment vessel juxtaposed a bottom panel of the fuel tank, a one-way valve in the passive fill port, a primary strainer around the containment vessel, and a secondary strainer inside of the containment vessel. The tubular conduit and a vapor discharge port of the electric fuel pump discharge into the containment vessel outside of the secondary strainer for recirculation to the fuel pump of surplus fuel and liquid fuel expelled from the fuel pump through the vapor discharge port. The primary strainer strains liquid fuel flowing through the passive fill port into the containment vessel.

Abstract: A disc-type valve is disclosed which provides a design by which the valve disc can be positively and uniformly lifted laterally off the valve seat so as to prevent abrasion of the sealing surface and/or the valve seat which might otherwise be caused by transverse movement of the valve disc in relation to the valve seat. The opening and closing movement of the valve seat is controlled by and operable in direct relation to a pivotable operating member extending through the valve body.

Abstract: The cleaning apparatus includes: (A) a cleaning head having a plurality of angled side by side chisel-like blades, the end sections of which are affixed to a pivotable member having one end portion secured to a frame member, said pivotable member allowing said blades to traverse an arcuate path, said cleaning head having a centrally located pivotable member for affixing cleaning head to a carriage and allowing for uniform loading of blades against surface to be cleaned; (B) a carriage for transporting the cleaning head in a reciprocal path across the periphery of an open door surface to be cleaned, pivotably connected to the cleaning head by the centrally located pivotable member and means for driving said carriage; and (C) a supporting ram affixed to the carriage on the side opposite from the cleaning head, and means for moving the carriage and cleaning head toward and away from the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: The oven door comprises a latching mechanism having a centrally located spring contained within a spring box to exert a force against said door. A pair of hinge links are pivotably connected to the door hinge shaft and to the spring box. A shaft link is keyed to said shaft and pivotably connected to a latch bar of a yoke type U configuration. A primary toggle link is located on either side of said spring box and pivotably connected on one end to said spring box and door hinge links and on the other end to the latch bar legs, means to limit rotation of primary toggle links and spring box around pivot connections is provided, a latching bracket is affixed to a stationary member for engaging latch bar to secure door to door chamber frame, and actuator means are provided for turning said shaft to open and close the door.

Abstract: A pivotal disc shut-off valve is disclosed wherein a disc is pressed against a peripheral seat within a valve body to halt the flow of fluid material in a flow line. The disc is operated by a system of linkage arranged so as to allow the disc to be linearly moved in relation to the seat as a separate and distinct motion from pivotation of the disc. In closing the valve, a provision is made by which the disc is rocked as it contacts the seat to insure full closure. All motions of the disc are positively directed, with no reliance on the force of gravity, thus allowing the valve to be used in all positions.

Abstract: A knee prosthesis comprising upper and lower metal members each having an extension adapted to fit into the narrow cavity of the adjacent femur and tibia the member being interconnected with one member entering the body of the other member in which there are half bearing members, the lower member being capable of rotating about the axis of the body and also, to a predetermined extent about the axis at right angles thereto.