Abstract: A scanning heat flow probe for making quantitative measurements of heat flow through a device under test is provided. In one embodiment the scanning heat flow probe includes an electric current conductor in a cantilever beam connected to a probe tip and coupled to two voltmeter leads. The probe also includes two thermocouple junctions in the cantilever beam electrically isolated from the electric current conductor and the two voltmeter leads. Heat flow is derived quantitatively using only voltage and current measurements. In other forms, the invention relates to the calibration of scanning heat flow probes through a method involving interconnected probes, and relates to the minimization of heat flow measurement uncertainty by probe structure design practices.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming an alignment layer for use in a liquid crystal cell layer for use in a liquid crystal cell using an ion beam source that includes the steps of: (1) providing a substrate having a surface; (2) providing an ion beam source that emanates an ion beam; (3) providing a mask layer disposed between the substrate surface and the ion beam source. The mask layer has at least two openings disposed between the ion beam source and the substrate surface. The shape and position of the openings reduce the irregularity of the beam exposure in a border region on the surface of the substrate resulting from the ion beam source. The present invention may be used in conjunction with substrate treatment using multiple sweeps with a single ion beam source, or with a substrate treatment using a single sweep with multiple ion beam sources. Also disclosed is an apparatus for practicing the disclosed method.

Abstract: A method and system for forming a thermoelement for a thermoelectric cooler is provided. In one embodiment a substrate having a plurality of pointed tips covered by a metallic layer is formed. Portions of the metallic layer are covered by an insulator and other portions of the metallic layer are exposed. Next, a patterned layer of thermoelectric material is formed by depositions extending from the exposed portions of the metallic layer in the presence of a deposition mask. Finally, a metallic layer is formed to selectively contact the patterned layer of thermoelectric material.

Abstract: A scanning heat flow probe for making quantitative measurements of heat flow through a device under test is provided. In one embodiment the scanning heat flow probe includes an electric current conductor in a cantilever beam connected to a probe tip and coupled to two voltmeter leads. The probe also includes two thermocouple junctions in the cantilever beam electrically isolated from the electric current conductor and the two voltmeter leads. Heat flow is derived quantitatively using only voltage and current measurements. In other forms, the invention relates to the calibration of scanning heat flow probes through a method involving interconnected probes, and relates to the minimization of heat flow measurement uncertainty by probe structure design practices.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for forming an alignment layer for use in a liquid crystal display cell. The present invention includes a method of determining ion beam source operation parameters to provide a twist angle that is less than a predetermined maximum twist angle. The present invention also discloses a method for forming an improved liquid crystal display cell and an improved liquid crystal display.

Abstract: An aero-engine is provided with an integrated switched reluctance generator permanently connected to the low speed spool of the engine such that “windmilling” of the engine enables the generator to be turned if the engine suffers a flame out. The generator is driven by a step up gearbox so as to provide reasonable electrical output, say 25 kW, during flameout whilst keeping the generator weight down.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming an alignment layer for use in a liquid crystal cell layer for use in a liquid crystal cell using an ion beam source that includes the steps of: (1) providing a substrate having a surface; (2) providing an ion beam source that emanates an ion beam; (3) providing a mask layer disposed between the substrate surface and the ion beam source. The mask layer has at least two openings disposed between the ion beam source and the substrate surface. The shape and position of the openings reduce the irregularity of the beam exposure in a border region on the surface of the substrate resulting from the ion beam source. The present invention may be used in conjunction with substrate treatment using multiple sweeps with a single ion beam source, or with a substrate treatment using a single sweep with multiple ion beam sources. Also disclosed is an apparatus for practicing the disclosed method.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming an alignment layer for use in a liquid crystal cell layer for use in a liquid crystal cell using an ion beam source that includes the steps of: (1) providing a substrate having a surface; (2) providing an ion beam source that emanates an ion beam; (3) providing a mask layer disposed between the substrate surface and the ion beam source. The mask layer has at least two openings disposed between the ion beam source and the substrate surface. The shape and position of the openings reduce the irregularity of the beam exposure in a border region on the surface of the substrate resulting from the ion beam source. The present invention may be used in conjunction with substrate treatment using multiple sweeps with a single ion beam source, or with a substrate treatment using a single sweep with multiple ion beam sources. Also disclosed is an apparatus for practicing the disclosed method.

Abstract: Three component color sub-pixel element areas of red,green and blue, are serially formed in an overall pixel area, on a transparent substrate, and after each individual color sub pixel element formation, a layer of protective transparent material is applied over the individual sub pixel element and the pixel area before formation of the next sub pixel element. The protective layers render the sub pixel elements unaffected by the processing of subsequent sub pixel members where such conditions as high temperature curing, hardening agents or hardening processes are involved, whereby advantages are achieved in manufacturability, reliability, yield, cost, and throughput.

Abstract: Bombardment of the surface of a substrate with a film layer is used to create alignment layers for liquid crystal displays. By using bombardment of the surface at an angle, both direct creation of the alignment layer or indirect deposition of the alignment layer material onto a glass plate can be achieved.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for forming a liquid-crystal cell of a liquid-crystal display. Initially, a dry processed alignment film is deposited onto a first transparent substrate using a dry processing technique, such as plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). The dry processed alignment film is then irradiated with a beam of atoms to arrange the atomic structure of the alignment film in at least one desired direction in order to orient the liquid-crystal molecules. Another dry processed alignment film is deposited on a second substrate using a dry processing technique and, likewise, irradiated with a beam of atoms. The first transparent substrate and the second substrate are then sandwiched together with their respective alignment films spaced adjacent to each other. The space between the films is then filled with a liquid-crystal material.

Abstract: A constant frequency a.c. generating system includes an alternator driven at a variable speed. A rectifier provides a d.c. supply for a rotary inverter. To maintain the voltage and frequency of the inverter output constant, the frequency is monitored and used to control the alternator field current and the voltage is monitored and used to control the inverter field current in a regulator circuit.