Abstract: A method of coating contact holes in MEMS and micro-machining applications comprises:

Abstract: The invention includes a ferrule having a layer of material on an inner surface of a hole therein which is selected to be preferentially softenable relative to the bulk material of the ferrule. The ferrule according to the present invention can be fused to optical fibers, capillaries and the like while reducing deformation of the fused component and the ferrule. A fiber Bragg grating device and a flow cell device are also provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for performing photolithography on a substrate which has a first region on a lower level and a second region on an upper level, wherein a first pattern area exists within said first region, a second pattern area exists within said second region, and at least said first and second regions are coated with a photoresist, the method comprising:

Abstract: The invention includes a ferrule having a layer of material on an inner surface of a hole therein which is selected to be preferentially softenable relative to the bulk material of the ferrule. The ferrule according to the present invention can be fused to optical fibers, capillaries and the like while reducing deformation of the fused component and the ferrule.

Abstract: A printing apparatus places multiple images on a sheet, either by re-feeding the sheet through a duplex path back to a marking device, or by feeding the sheet to successive marking devices. An edge position detector upstream of the marking device determines the location of the sheet so that an image may be precisely placed on the sheet. The system ensures that images on both sides of a sheet are in registration with each other.

Abstract: The present invention integrates a phase lock loop (PLL) with a programmable logic device (PLD) to realize a flexible PLD with a variety of clocking options. The present invention generates multiple clock frequencies internally to a programmable logic device using a single reference clock input. The programmer can dynamically change the functionality of the programmable logic device. As a result, a “virtual hardware device” is realized. The ability to change the frequency of operation also dynamically offers a tremendous advantage to users of reconfigurable computing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and organisms for concentrating and recovering metals and minerals from aqueous media. In the inventive method, a eucaryotic aquatic organism capable of concentrating a metal or mineral is contacted an aqueous medium containing the metal or mineral, in order to concentrate the metal or mineral in the organism. Following concentration, the metal or mineral accumulated by the organism may be recovered. Sponges are very preferable organisms for isolating metals, e.g, gold and silver, from seawater.

Abstract: A catch basin for collecting hazardous materials in a drain comprises a container having a drain hole, an annular flange extending from the upper edge of the container for supporting the container in a drain, a cover member having a plurality of through-holes and a drain plug which is threadably inserted in a drain hole provided therefore in the bottom of the container for use in plugging the container to contain hazardous materials.

Abstract: Environmentally improved alternatives to lead shot are provided that overcoat a lead coat with a chemically inert polymer bonded thereto by heating lead shot coated with the polymer above the melting point of the lead shot, or by substituting for lead a combination of dense metal and light metal, and either a core/coating bimetallic sphere relationship or a matrix of light metal provided with powder of a heavy metal embedded therein. The composite shot exhibits a density similar to that of lead.

Abstract: Environmentally improved alternatives to lead shot are provided that overcoat a lead core with a chemically inert polymer bonded thereto by heating lead shot coated with the polymer above the melting point of the lead shot, or by substituting for lead a combination of dense metal and light metal, and either a core/coating bimetallic sphere relationship or a matrix of light metal provided with powder of a heavy metal embedded therein. The composite shot exhibits a density similar to that of lead.

Abstract: A combination of a radio and eyeglasses includes an antenna that is wrapped around the lenses of the eyeglasses and extends across the nose bridge element to obtain improved reception. The radio includes a power source that has a battery and a solar energy converter so the radio can be played for great lengths of time. Earphones are mounted on the skull pieces of the eyeglass frames to be placed in a wearer's ear.

Abstract: An electrical receptacle is connected to the alternator of an automotive vehicle to permit connection thereto of a power tool. A switching circuit senses the presence of an electric current through the tool to actuate relays in the switching circuit to cause the alternator to operate in a high voltage mode wherein the alternator provides power at a voltage level suitable for operating the tool at such times that the engine of the vehicle is operating. A unidirectional current path is provided between the battery of the vehicle and the receptacle to enable operation of the switching circuit at such times that the engine is not operating while isolating the battery from electrical power generated by the alternator in the high voltage mode of operation thereof.