Abstract: The present invention relates to nanostructures such as carbon nanotubes, nanorods, and nanospheres and, more specifically, to a system and method for forming such nanostructures through the use of metal boride catalysts.

Abstract: A system and method for the formation of novel small particles, thin films, and coatings of solid state metal boride material. The metal boride materials may be formed using aerosol methods and/or spray pyrolysis to form a generally uniform, thin film coating of boride compound spheres. Boride solutions or compounds are sprayed via a gas nebulizer in a reactor containing a substrate and heated to approximately 900° Celsius. The boride compounds form uniform, spherical particles of approximately one micrometer in diameter. The boride compounds are extremely strong, non-reactive, dense, and, when prepared as films or coating, adhere very well to substrates, such as metals.

Abstract: The invention relates to structural subunits called “synthons” which are suitable for use in the design and manufacture of molecular nanostructures, machines, and devices. The synthon comprises polyhedra units and other species which exhibit rigid structural frameworks, the availability of stereo- and regiochemically directed substitution patterns, synthetic availability and accessability with substitutional control, diversity of available structural arrangements with said polyhedra units and related species, and connecting means which function to join adjacent synthons.

Abstract: A class of molecules suitable for linear and nonlinear optical applications which include charged aromatic groups which function as electronic donors and acceptors connected through polyhedral and &pgr;-organic and inorganic groups. The polyhedral and &pgr;-organic and inorganic groups function as structural and electronic bridges for the charged donors and acceptors.

Abstract: Vapor deposition of metal films is carried out using as precursors metal compounds or complexes based on open pentadienyls and derivatives. The technique can be used favorably for transition metal depositions, and can be carried out photolytically or thermolytically. In certain cases, oxygen can be substituted for a terminal carbon atom.

Abstract: Metal or metal boride films are deposited by CVD using a metal borane cluster compound as a precursor. For a nickel film, NiCl.sub.2 is vaporized in a reactor tube in the presence of B.sub.10 H.sub.14 or another polyborane. For an aluminum film, Al(BH.sub.4).sub.3 is formed by reacting AlCl.sub.3 with NaBH.sub.4, and using the Al(BH.sub.4).sub.3 as a precursor borane cluster compound. The substrate is heated to a selected temperature so that the deposited film has a controlled stoichiometry of metal and boron.

Abstract: A met6hod for impregnating porous abrasive media with a reactive solution for use in distressing fabric and the product produced thereby. The method includes the steps of placing the porous abrasive media and the reactive solution in a chamber; evacuating teh pressure in said chamber to obtain a pre-selected pressure level; restoring the pressure in said chamber; and repeating the steps of evacuating and restoring the pressure a sufficient number of times to impregnate the porous abrasive media with the reactive solution. The impregnate media is then removed from the chamber.

Abstract: An edge detector for detecting the edge of fabric in a textile folding or guiding device for an industrial sewing machine. The detector includes a light source mounted adjacent to one surface of the fabric as the fabric enters the folder. The light source is positioned for directing light onto the surface of the fabric. A photodetector is located adjacent to the light source for receiving light reflected from the surface of the fabric. The photodetector provides an output signal in response to the light reflected from the surface of the fabric which is indicative of the position of the fabric in the folder.

Abstract: Depopsition of a boron nitride film is carried out by introducing decaborane and dry nitrogen or ammonia into a plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition chamber. The nitrogen or ammonia partial pressure should provide an excess over the decarborane pressures for example 200 milliTorr of N.sub.2 or NH.sub.3 and 50 MilliTorr of B.sub.10 H.sub.14. Other film layers can also be produced starting from decaborane.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for automatically and sequentially transferring and inverting preformed pocket-like fabric blanks from a first sewing station where a first seam is applied to an outturned marginal edge to a second sewing station where a second parallel seam is applied to the inturned marginal edge. A first pickup mechanism identifies, lifts, and transfers multiple ply fabric work pieces from the surface of a work table onto a spreading jaw mechanism by clamping on the upper ply or plies of the work piece with a pair of gripping fingers. The first mechanism is inserted between the plies and operable to grip the upper ply of the work piece, even where the confronting, unseamed, marginal edges of the work piece are not aligned. A second spreading jaw mechanism includes a pair of vertically spreadable jaws onto which the fabric blank is placed. A third inverting mechanism slides between the spread jaws to invert the work piece onto a split mandrel.