Abstract: A method for commercially growing mushrooms includes the steps of: placing a layer of compost in a bed; laying a polymer sheet over the layer of compost; placing a layer of peat over the sheet; growing a crop of mushrooms in the first layer of peat; harvesting the crop of mushrooms; removing the polymer sheet and the layer of peat from the sheet; placing a replacement polymer sheet and layer of peat over the sheet; and growing a replacement crop of mushrooms. Mushrooms grown according to the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: An off-highway truck body comprising a plurality of tube-style support members, wherein each tube-style support member comprises one or two pieces of square or rectangular tubing, wherein the truck body comprises two sidewalls, a floor, a front wall and a canopy, and wherein one side of each tube-style support member is welded to the outside of the sidewall, floor, front wall or canopy. The pieces of tubing are preferably comprised of steel. The present invention optionally comprises a forward wedged front wall and a side-sloped canopy. The present invention also encompasses a tube-style tailgate, an alternate embodiment in which I-beams are used in lieu of square tubing, and an alternate embodiment in which a gusset is used in lieu of a cover plate for the double-size support members.

Abstract: An off-highway truck body comprising a plurality of tube-style support members, wherein each tube-style support member comprises one or two pieces of square tubing, wherein the truck body comprises two sidewalls, a floor, a front wall and a canopy, and wherein one side of each tube-style support member is welded to the outside of the sidewall, floor, front wall or canopy. The pieces of square tubing are preferably comprised of steel. The present invention optionally comprises a forward wedged front wall and a side-sloped canopy. The present invention also encompasses a tube-style tailgate and an alternate embodiment in which I-beams are used in lieu of square tubing.

Abstract: An off-highway truck body comprising a plurality of tube-style support members, wherein each tube-style support member comprises one or two pieces of square tubing, wherein the truck body comprises two sidewalls, a floor, a front wall and a canopy, and wherein one side of each tube-style support member is welded to the outside of the sidewall, floor, front wall or canopy. The pieces of square tubing are preferably comprised of steel. The present invention optionally comprises a forward wedged front wall and a side-sloped canopy.

Abstract: A method for converting a dump truck body into an improved truck body. The dump truck body is configured for hauling a payload and has a canopy, a floor, two sidewalls, and a front wall. In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises: if the dump truck body has a tailgate, removing the tailgate; extending the floor to the rear by adding a floor extension component at a floor angle approximately ten degrees greater than a pre-conversion floor angle; increasing the height of the sidewalls by adding two fabricated sidewall attachment components; and tying the sidewall extensions into the rear of the floor extension component by adding a fabricated component. Preferably, a material dam is incorporated into the canopy forward of the front wall to form a shelf that is configured to retain and balance the payload.

Abstract: Techniques for determining the composition of mixed dielectric layers are disclosed.

Abstract: A method is described for measuring the capacitance and the equivalent oxide thickness of an ultra thin dielectric layer on a silicon substrate in which the dielectric layer is uniform or patterned. The surface of a dielectric layer is electrically charged by a flux on ions from a corona discharge source until a steady state is reached when the corona flux is balanced by the leakage current across a dielectric. The flux is abruptly terminated and the surface potential of a dielectric is measured versus time. The steady state value of the surface potential is obtained by extrapolation of the potential decay curve to the initial moment of ceasing the corona flux. The thickness of a dielectric layer is determined by using the steady state potential or by using the value of the surface potential after a predetermined time.

Abstract: A method is described for measuring the capacitance and the equivalent oxide thickness of an ultra thin dielectric layer on a silicon substrate in which the dielectric layer is uniform or patterned. The surface of a dielectric layer is electrically charged by a flux on ions from a corona discharge source until a steady state is reached when the corona flux is balanced by the leakage current across a dielectric. The flux is abruptly terminated and the surface potential of a dielectric is measured versus time. The steady state value of the surface potential is obtained by extrapolation of the potential decay curve to the initial moment of ceasing the corona flux. The thickness of a dielectric layer is determined by using the steady state potential or by using the value of the surface potential after a predetermined time.

Abstract: Apparatus for stance improvement includes an aperture which may have optical sight therein, located in the grip or shaft of a golf club so that the ground or light is visible to the player when the club is properly aligned, the player's feet, knees, hips, and shoulders are properly located; and the player's head is in the correct position to hit a straight golf shot with an iron or fairway wood on which the golfer's downward line of sight intersects the club grip or shaft. The aperture is positioned at the point of intersection between the club grip or shaft and the line of sight. Several such apertures may be formed in the shaft and/or grip to assist the golfer in addressing the ball for different golf shots, such as a straight shot or a draw or a fade.