Abstract: An apparatus having a conductive body defined by a plurality of nanotubes forming a planar structure. The apparatus further includes a plurality of junctions, formed by adjacent nanotubes, and a plurality of conductive deposits positioned at the junctions to electrically join the adjacent nanotubes at the junctions and reduce electrical resistance between the nanotubes, thereby increasing overall conductivity of the body.

Abstract: The Basketball free throw practice guide includes a flag that extends vertically from an assembly that attaches onto a basketball rim. The assembly includes a flag base, support, and main base that inter-connect via a bolt or screw. The main base has a groove that is sealed off via the flag base to enclose the cross-section of the basketball rim therein. The assembly is weighted and self-ballasts when installed upon said basketball rim such that the flag will return to a vertical position upon impact by an object such as a basketball. The flag acts as a guide to teach proper basketball trajectory into the basketball rim.

Abstract: The invention provides motorist a lock-unlock wheel that rotates independently around its center hub, which remains mounted to the axle of a subject vehicle. The rim allows vehicles to be towed without vehicle axle rotation, while eliminating odometer reading due to towing. The invention comprises an inner hub spindle that is able to be unlocked from the wheel, allowing for independent rotation of the inner spindle. And, when unlocked via a bolting system, the invention's wheel section rotates while also eliminating effects of a vehicle drive and brake system while the vehicle is in tow.

Abstract: The invention provides motorist a lock-unlock wheel that rotates independently around its center hub, which remains mounted to the axle of a subject vehicle. The rim allows vehicles to be towed without vehicle axle rotation, while eliminating odometer reading due to towing. The invention comprises an inner hub spindle that is able to be unlocked from the outer wheel's rim, allowing for independent rotation of the inner spindle. And, when unlocked via a bolting system, the invention's outer rim section rotates while also eliminating effects of a vehicle drive and brake system while the vehicle is in tow.

Abstract: A drogue attachment consisting of two symmetrical shaped arms is affixed to one end of a shaft, that end of the shaft being attached to a fishing line. The other end of the shaft is tied to a leader, which is in turn tied to a baited or lure-equipped fish hook device. When the fish hook device is pulled through the water by a fish, water opens the shaped arms; when pulled in the other direction by the angler, the arms fold in against the shaft.

Abstract: A method and computer program product for providing paperless customs documentation associated with an international parcel shipment. In various embodiments, the method comprises storing shipping data associated with a parcel shipment, the shipping data designating a destination country and including invoice data, verifying that the destination country accepts electronic customs documentation, and creating an electronic invoice from the shipping data. In various embodiments, the electronic invoice may be easily accessed, such as being transmitted over a network or stored in an RFID transponder associated with the parcel shipment. As a result, the present invention reduces the costs and shipping times associated with preparing, processing, and receiving international shipments by determining whether a country accepts paperless customs documentation and, if so, providing a variety of functions that streamline the international shipping process.

Abstract: An integrated circuit that distributes its clock signals optically is provided. The integrated circuit may preferably include a plurality of digital CMOS circuits that communicate optically. The optical devices are preferably formed from compound semiconductor structures.

Abstract: High quality epitaxial layers of monocrystalline materials can be grown overlying monocrystalline substrates such as large silicon wafers by forming a compliant substrate for growing the monocrystalline layers. One way to achieve the formation of a compliant substrate includes first growing an accommodating buffer layer on a silicon wafer. The accommodating buffer layer is a layer of monocrystalline oxide spaced apart from the silicon wafer by an amorphous interface layer of silicon oxide. The amorphous interface layer dissipates strain and permits the growth of a high quality monocrystalline oxide accommodating buffer layer. The accommodating buffer layer is lattice matched to both the underlying silicon wafer and the overlying monocrystalline material layer. Any lattice mismatch between the accommodating buffer layer and the underlying silicon substrate is taken care of by the amorphous interface layer.

Abstract: High quality epitaxial layers of monocrystalline materials can be grown overlying monocrystalline substrates such as large silicon wafers by forming a compliant substrate for growing the monocrystalline layers. One way to achieve the formation of a compliant substrate includes first growing an accommodating buffer layer on a silicon wafer. The accommodating buffer layer is a layer of monocrystalline oxide spaced apart from the silicon wafer by an amorphous interface layer of silicon oxide. The amorphous interface layer dissipates strain and permits the growth of a high quality monocrystalline oxide accommodating buffer layer. The accommodating buffer layer is lattice matched to both the underlying silicon wafer and the overlying monocrystalline material layer. Any lattice mismatch between the accommodating buffer layer and the underlying silicon substrate is taken care of by the amorphous interface layer.

Abstract: High quality epitaxial layers of monocrystalline materials can be grown overlying monocrystalline substrates such as large silicon wafers by forming a compliant substrate for growing the monocrystalline layers. One way to achieve the formation of a compliant substrate includes first growing an accommodating buffer layer on a silicon wafer. The accommodating buffer layer is a layer of monocrystalline oxide spaced apart from the silicon wafer by an amorphous interface layer of silicon oxide. The amorphous interface layer dissipates strain and permits the growth of a high quality monocrystalline oxide accommodating buffer layer. The accommodating buffer layer is lattice matched to both the underlying silicon wafer and the overlying monocrystalline material layer. Any lattice mismatch between the accommodating buffer layer and the underlying silicon substrate is taken care of by the amorphous interface layer.

Abstract: A stacked semiconductor device structure includes an underlying MOS device formed on a silicon substrate and an overlying GaAs device. An accommodating buffer layer is formed between the MOS device and the GaAs device. The accommodating buffer layer is a layer of monocrystalline oxide spaced apart from the silicon substrate by an amorphous interface layer of silicon oxide, and is lattice matched to both the underlying silicon substrate and the overlying GaAs layer. Any lattice mismatch between the accommodating buffer layer and the underlying silicon substrate is taken care of by the amorphous interface layer. Metal interconnects are provided for connecting the MOS device and the GaAs device.

Abstract: High quality epitaxial layers of monocrystalline materials can be grown overlying monocrystalline substrates by forming a compliant substrate for growing the monocrystalline layers. One way to achieve compliancy includes first growing on a silicon wafer an accommodating buffer layer that is a layer of monocrystalline oxide spaced apart from the silicon wafer by an amorphous interface layer of silicon oxide. The amorphous interface layer dissipates strain and permits the growth of a high quality monocrystalline oxide accommodating buffer layer. In this way, high speed devices can be fabricated along with integral silicon-based circuitry to provide an efficient, low-cost semiconductor structure. Moreover, I/O pins and their associated problems can be eliminated.

Abstract: A recessed damaged stud re-threading tool including a cylindrical housing having an open lower end, a closed upper end, and a cylindrical side wall therebetween. The open lower end exposes an internal chamber. The cylindrical side wall has a channel extending therethrough downwardly of the closed upper end. A cylindrical thread die is positionable within the internal chamber of the cylindrical housing. The thread die has an open lower end for receiving a stud therein. A first handle is positionable within the channel extending through the cylindrical side wall of the cylindrical housing. The first handle is linear. The first handle has opposed ends exposed in a diametrically opposed relationship with respect to the cylindrical housing.

Abstract: A disposable non-reusable baby bottle provides a container having a rigid flange at the container's open end, a nipple having a radially enlarged flange, and a snap ring which locks the nipple to the open end of the container. The nipple is invertible between a storage position wherein the nipple extends into the container and a ready-to-use position wherein the nipple is accessible to a nursing infant. The snap ring includes a snap ring sealing ridge which protrudes into the radially enlarged flange of the nipple to increase resistance to removal of the nipple following use. In an alternate embodiment, the container rigid flange includes a second sealing ridge which protrudes into the radially enlarged flange of the nipple to further increase resistance of the nipple to removal. A safety seal prevents contamination of the nipple by covering the nipple when the nipple is in the storage position.

Abstract: A pulse detecting system 1 has a high speed A/D converter 10 and a slew controlled pulse detector 110. The A/D converter 10 has large hysteresis for holding the converted digital value of an input signal V.sub.PULSE until the A/D converter 10 is reset. The slew controlled pulse detector 110 limits the slew rate of large amplitude pulse to correct arrival errors and provide an output signal V.sub.AT that more accurately represents the arrival time of the input pulse signal, V.sub.PULSE.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus has a bag or sleeve connected to a profiled resilient band (10, 20). The band is operative to sealing engage an aperture (13, 16) in a further body (16, 27). The profiled band (10, 20) has a one piece construction.

Abstract: In a bale press feeder, waste material is drawn into a condenser to form a fluffy blanket. The thickness of the blanket is decreased by passing the blanket through rolling devices with successively reduced clearance, and then by drawing the blanket through a chamber of successively reduced height by a conveyor belt. The thereby compressed blanket is fed to a bale press. A packer, operated in response to the feeding of the compressed blanket to the bale press, cyclically packs the blanket in the press.

Abstract: A tape idler for textile machinery includes a pulley, and a rolling bearing pressfit into the pulley. A pair of plastic rods are close fitted into the inner race of the bearing, from opposite sides thereof, and the assembly is held together by a bolt extending through the rods. A pair of resilient sleeves are close fit on the ends of the rods, and adapted to be pressed into the mounting slots of a conventional idler pulley assembly.

Abstract: Method and means are provided for effecting the controlled vaporization of a liquid fuel to simplify the ability to control a specific air-fuel ratio for an internal combustion engine. The invention contemplates two basic operations: first, a vaporized fuel is provided in which the fuel content is precisely known. This is accomplished by vaporizing liquid fuel with a diluent gas and separating out any fuel droplets so that the vaporized fuel is provided at the dew point. Second, orifice-venturi combination meters are incorporated in the inlet air and fuel flow paths providing respective air and fuel pressure signals which, when balanced against each other, establish a desired air-fuel ratio over a desired operating range of the internal combustion engine.