Abstract: A fluid heating system may include a solar collection system configured for focusing sunlight on a focal axis, an elongated flow element arranged and configured for transporting fluid along the solar collection system at the focal axis, and a flow-control assembly comprising thermostatic valves configured to control the flow of the fluid in the elongated flow element such that pathogens present in the fluid are substantially inactivated before the fluid exits the fluid heating system. A method of operating a fluid heating system wherein the fluid heating system comprises a parabolic solar collector and a support structure may also be provided.

Abstract: A dust sequestering assembly for sequestering dust from a particulate food item includes a container that may contain a particulate food item. A sieve is positioned within the container and the sieve may have dust pass therethrough. Thus, the dust is sequestered with respect to the particulate food item.

Abstract: A dust sequestering assembly for sequestering dust from a particulate food item includes a container that may contain a particulate food item. A sieve is positioned within the container and the sieve may have dust pass therethrough. Thus, the dust is sequestered with respect to the particulate food item.

Abstract: A method for forming a pre-metallization layer on an underlying micro-structure, and a corresponding micro-structure formed by the method. The micro-structure may be a semiconductor circuit and/or a Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) device. A first layer of undoped silicate glass is deposited on a micro-structure. Then, a layer of phospho silicate glass is deposited on the first layer of undoped silicate glass. This combination is then densified by applying a temperature to the combination that is sufficient to densify the layer of phospho-silicate glass, while being below the glass flow temperature. After densification, a second layer of undoped silicate glass is deposited on the densified layer of phospho silicate glass. Finally, the upper surface of the second layer of undoped silicate glass is polished using a chemical mechanical polishing process. The result is a dielectric layer of high density and low stress, and that reduces soft errors and defects.

Abstract: A method for forming a pre-metallization layer on an underlying micro-structure, and a corresponding micro-structure formed by the method. The micro-structure may be a semiconductor circuit and/or a Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) device. A first layer of undoped silicate glass is deposited on a micro-structure. Then, a layer of phospho silicate glass is deposited on the first layer of undoped silicate glass. This combination is then densified by applying a temperature to the combination that is sufficient to densify the layer of phospho-silicate glass, while being below the glass flow temperature. After densification, a second layer of undoped silicate glass is deposited on the densified layer of phospho silicate glass. Finally, the upper surface of the second layer of undoped silicate glass is polished using a chemical mechanical polishing process. The result is a dielectric layer of high density and low stress, and that reduces soft errors and defects.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a heavily doped first layer of a first conductivity type having a bulk portion and a mesa portion disposed above the bulk portion. A second layer of a second conductivity type is deposited on the mesa portion of the first layer to form a p-n junction therewith. The second layer is more lightly doped than the first layer. A contact layer of the second conductivity type is formed on the second layer. First and second electrodes electrically contact the bulk portion of the first layer and the contact layer, respectively.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for searching a geographic database for properties within a specified range of distances and range of directions from a selected hub location. The invention includes a global computer network, the database, and a search program. The network includes a database computer, a user interface computer, and a search computer. Each database record includes a physical location of the property. The search program takes as inputs a selected hub, a range of distances, and a range of directions. The search program iterates through the records to find those properties the fall within the parameters and displays them to the user.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the discovery of a new member of the TNF receptor superfamily, referred to herein as the candidate "tvb receptor". Experimental evidence suggests that the instant gene corresponds to the gene of the tvb.sup.s3 locus responsible for mediating certain viral infection. The tvb receptor plays a functional role as the receptor for certain of the avian leukosis/sarcoma viruses (ALSV) in avians, and a likely role as a receptor for tumor viruses in other animals, e.g., the feline leukemia virus and the like. Moreover, inspection of the tvb sequence, particularly in comparison with other TNF receptors, reveals the presence of a "death domain" in the cytoplasmic tail of the tvb receptor, suggesting a role for the tvb receptor in determining tissue fate and maintenance. For instance, the tvb genes and gene products may participate, under various circumstances, in the control of proliferation, differentiation and/or cell death.

Abstract: A safety rail assembly for a vehicle catwalk comprises a rail pivotally connected to the vehicle. The rail is movable by rams from a storage position lying across the catwalk to a raised operative position. The rams are connected to the vehicle pneumatic brake system so that the vehicle brakes are continuously in operation while the rail is raised.