Abstract: There is provided a quartz glass article having a surface treated with novel coating materials which provides a reduced chemistry, wherein the quartz glass surface having a reduced chemistry upon exposure to melted silicon or similarly corrosive environments, forms crystalline structures covering at least 30% of the coated surface of the quartz glass crucible. Said crystalline covered surface provides a more stable surface of contact with the silicon melt and the growth of single crystal silicon. In one embodiment of the invention, the coating material comprises at least a methyl group for providing at least one of a hydrogenated and a methylated surface on the coated surface, forming rosette structures, or other crystalline morphologies covering at last 80% of the coated surface. In another embodiment of the invention, the coating material is selected from at least one of an amine, an organosilane halogen and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A bearing assembly lockable onto a shaft. The bearing assembly comprises a first tapered adapter defining a first axial bore for the receipt of the shaft which has an outer, annular tapered surface. There is a second tapered adapter defining a second axial bore for receipt of a sleeve portion of the first adapter. The second tapered adapter has an outer, annular tapered surface tapered at a taper angle opposite to that of the first tapered adapter such that the first and second tapered adapters co-operate to define an outer annular surface having a generally V-shaped configuration that tapers from spaced greater diameter outer ends to adjacent lesser diameter inner ends. The opposed tapered surfaces have a fixed limit in their axial travel toward each other along the shaft defined by engagement of the lesser diameter inner ends. When the tapered surfaces reach the end of their travel, the bearing supported on the tapered surfaces is tightened on the shaft with the correct clearances.

Abstract: A system and method for metering usage of a data processing system and scaling system performance is disclosed. In one embodiment, an authorization key is purchased that specifies both a baseline performance level and a ceiling performance level. The cost of the baseline and ceiling performance levels is included in the price of the key. After the key is installed on the data processing system, the system performance level is monitored and averaged over predetermined time periods. The customer is charged on a “pay-as-you-go” basis for any time periods during which the average performance level exceeds the baseline performance level. Performance of the data processing system is not allowed to exceed the ceiling level obtained with the authorization key. In one embodiment, the baseline level may be set to zero so that all performance consumption is purchased by the customer as it is utilized.

Abstract: An improved sub-range ADC uses a sigma delta converter which eliminates both the sample and hold and digital-to-analog converter circuits of prior sub-ranging ADCs. An input analog signal is applied to a sigma delta modulator that provides a one-bit output. The one-bit output is input to a first analog filter and a digital correction circuit. The output from the first analog filter and the input analog signal, suitably delayed and optionally filtered, are input to a difference amplifier that provides the input to an ADC. The output of the ADC also is input to the digital correction circuit. The digital correction circuit includes a digital decimation filter for the one-bit sigma delta modulator output to produce a multi-bit digital output that is added to, the output from the ADC. The resulting digital signal may be additionally digitally filtered to produce a converted digital signal that corresponds to the input analog signal.

Abstract: A tank coupler for releasably interconnecting serially connected tanks. The tank coupler includes threaded engagement portions which are threadedly engageable with ports formed in the tanks. The coupler defines a central fluid passage which receives in a sealing relationship, a riser tube associated with a first tank and a riser tube associated with a second tank. A snap fit mechanism maintains the engagement of one riser tube with the fluid passage in order to control separation of the riser tube from the coupler when the tanks are separated. O-ring seals mounted in grooves forming part of the fluid passage sealingly engage the periphery of the riser tubes and inhibit fluid leakage between the riser tubes and the coupler. The tank coupler also defines a second fluid passage which cross-communicates the interiors of the tanks. Distributors mounted on opposite ends of the second fluid passage inhibit material from moving from one tank to the other while permitting fluid flow.

Abstract: This invention is a device for attachment with a line trimmer to convert it to an edge trimmer. The device has a collar with support legs attached to it and wheels attached to the support legs. A U-shaped brace is attached between the support legs holding them at an angle to each other. The collar is placed loosely around the handle of an existing line trimmer, the line trimmer is inverted in order to make its face perpendicular to the ground, the legs are inserted into the collar and the collar is then secured to the handle with the head of the line trimmer between the ends of the U-shaped brace.

Abstract: The device includes a blower impeller, a blower housing conformed to fit snugly over the bottom of a standard line trimmer, and stretch traps for maintaining the housing in position on the line trimmer. The device enables one to convert a line trimmer to a blower arrangement by the removal of the spool and head of the line trimmer and the attachment of the impeller, housing and straps in their place.