Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated electronic microphone formed as part of a semiconductor device, and a manufacturing method therefor. The microphone is formed with a sensing electrode as part of a sensing membrane, and the sensing electrode is connected to the gate of a sensing transistor to provide an output. The microphone may be operated in constant bias or constant charge mode.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for electric shaver components has a removable basket that fits inside a compartment. Cleaning is carried out by pumping cleaning fluid and air into a bottom of the compartment via a sieve plate. Debris removed from the components is collected in one compartment of a reservoir. The level of the water in the reservoir is maintained and controlled by the provision of an overflow pipe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for identifying a secondary metabolite synthesized by a target gene cluster within a microorganism. A putative or confirmed function is attributed to a gene within the gene cluster, and an extract from the microorganism is obtained which is suspected to contain the secondary metabolite synthesized by the gene cluster. The extract is then assessed for chemical, physical or biological properties, and the metabolite is identified and optionally isolated. Further, the invention provides a knowledge repository in which gene cluster information is linked to secondary metabolite production data. The invention further relates to a graphical user interface for accessing the knowledge repository, and a memory for storing data, having a data structure that is stored in the memory.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated electronic microphone formed as part of a semiconductor device, and a manufacturing method therefor. The microphone is formed with a sensing electrode as part of a sensing membrane, and the sensing electrode is connected to the gate of a sensing transistor to provide an output. The microphone may be operated in constant bias or constant charge mode.

Abstract: An electrooptic device and method for making the same, including one or more of substrate, a buffer layer, a charge dissipation layer, and electrodes are disclosed. Active ions, such as F− ions, are implanted the buffer layer. The active ions react with positive ions, such as Li+ from the substrate to form stable compounds such as LiF. The reduced number of mobile Li+ ions reduces the DC drift of the associated electrooptic device. The profile of the implanted ions may be adjusted to control and/or optimize the properties of the electrooptic device. Fluorine is particularly advantageous because it also lowers the dielectric constant, thereby facilitating higher frequency operation.

Abstract: An electrooptic device and method for making the same, including one or more of substrate, a buffer layer, a charge dissipation layer, and electrodes. An F− containing active trapping layer is deposited at the substrate/buffer interface, within the buffer layer, and/or on top of the buffer layer. The active F− ions in the F− containing active trapping layer react with positive ions, such as Li+ from the substrate to form stable compounds such as LiF. Porous material such as carbon nanotubes may be used in place of or in addition to the F− containing active trapping layer. The reduced number of Li+ ions reduces the DC drift of the associated electrooptic device. The profile of the implanted ions may be adjusted to control and/or optimize the properties of the electrooptic device. Fluorine is particularly advantageous because it also lowers the dielectric constant thereby facilitating higher frequency operation.

Abstract: The invention is an optical waveguide device and method of fabrication, where the device includes a pyroelectric substrate such as lithium niobate, a waveguide formed in the substrate, a buffer layer formed over the substrate, and at least one electrode formed over the buffer layer. The device further includes a dielectric diffusion barrier layer formed between the substrate and the buffer layer. The dielectric material is preferably a fluorine-doped nitride or a deuterated nitride.

Abstract: An air cleaning apparatus draws air through a convoluted air channel defined by a plurality of non-permeable baffles. The baffles are arranged so that the air stream must change direction several times before exiting the apparatus. A fluid curtain is disposed along at least a part of the convoluted channel to remove particulate material from the air stream. One preferred embodiments causes fluid to flow over the baffles to provide a plurality of fluid curtains arranged along the air channel.

Abstract: A coffee making machine includes a vessel that supports a fitter basket containing measure of coffee grounds for mixing with hot water in a generally conventional way. A re-circulating passage connects a bottom outlet of the vessel to a top of the basket. A pump and heat exchanger are provided in the re-circulation passage. The pump and heat-exchanger are controlled by a programmable controller unit so that brewing or coffee-making conditions are readily and adjustably controllable by a user.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for electric shaver components has a removable basket fits inside the compartment. Cleaning is carried out by pumping cleaning fluid and air into a bottom of the compartment via a sieve plate. Debris removed from the components is collected in one compartment of a reservoir The level of the water in the reservoir is maintained and controlled by the provision of an overflow pipe.

Abstract: An air cleaning apparatus draws air through a convoluted air channel defined by a plurality of non-permeable baffles. The baffles are arranged so that the air stream must change direction several times before exiting the apparatus. Air cleaning means in the form of a fluid curtain is disposed along at least a part of said air channel. One preferred embodiment causes fluid to flow over the baffles to provide a plurality of fluid curtains arranged along the air channel.

Abstract: A disc holder having a rigid central core for projecting through the central aperture of an optical disc in order to hold the optical disc in place. The disc holder includes, in addition to the rigid central core, a base, several support arms that extend radially inwardly from the base to support the central core in spaced relation from the base, and securing means for releasably securing the rigid central core within the central aperture of the optical disc. The securing means includes locking fingers mounted on the central core. The locking fingers are biased outwardly against the edge of the central aperture of the disc when the disc is held by the disc holder. The locking fingers are moveable radially inward to fit within the central aperture of the disc, thereby allowing the disc to move over the locking fingers so that the disc can be put on or taken off the disc holder.

Abstract: A coffee making machine includes a vessel that supports a fitter basket containing measure of coffee grounds for mixing with hot water in a generally conventional way. A re-circulating passage connects a bottom outlet of the vessel to a top of the basket. A pump and heat exchanger are provided in the re-circulation passage. The pump and heat-exchanger are controlled by a programmable controller unit so that brewing or coffee-making conditions are readily and adjustably controllable by a user.

Abstract: A humidifier includes a reservoir for containing water and a steam generator incorporating an electrical heater for turning the water into steam. The generator includes an upwardly extending passage having a lower end for the entrance of steam produced by the heater into the passage and an upper end for exit of the steam. A freely rotatable fan is located in the passage for turning by the steam rising through the passage. An opening is located at the passage lower end, below the fan, for intake of relatively drier air from outside for mixing with rising steam to produce moderately moisturised air.

Abstract: A disc holder for projecting through a central aperture of an optical disc in order to hold the optical disk in place. The disc holder includes a base, a rigid central core, several support arms that extend inwardly from the base to support the central core in spaced relation from the base, and securing means for releasably securing the rigid central core within the central aperture of the optical disc. The securing means includes locking fingers mounted on the central core. The locking fingers are biased outwardly against the edge of the central aperture of the disc when the disc is held by the disc holder. The force of the locking fingers against the edge of the central aperture are movable radially inward to it with the central aperture of the disc helps to hold the disc in place. The locking fingers of the disc, thereby allowing the disc to move over the locking fingers so that the disc can be put on or taken off the disc holder.

Abstract: An improved method and composition for achieving a kinetically-controlled solder bond is disclosed having particular application to the fabrication of hybrid integrated circuits and optical subassemblies. The method involves the use of a solder layer, a quenching layer, and a control layer disposed between the solder layer and quenching layer, in which the control layer is advantageously comprised of a thin film of platinum. Additionally, a barrier layer, also preferably comprised of a thin film of platinum, is disposed between the solder layer and the parts to be bonded to prevent the oxidation of solder materials during the soldering process or later storage of the soldered parts.

Abstract: A controlled amount of gaseous nitrogen (12) is passed over a heated azeotropic solution of hydrogen fluoride and water (16) and producing an hydrogen fluoride vapor. The hydrogen fluoride vapor is combined with gaseous hydrogen chloride (14) and then the wafers (20) are exposed to the combined vapor at low pressure and room temperature.

Abstract: A thin film transistor (TFT) comprises a n.sup.+ source region and a p.sup.+ drain separated by an undoped offset region, or the complementary structure with a p.sup.+ source and a n.sup.+ drain. By means of this arrangement in the offset region is conduction is by way of both electron and hole carriers and the offset region is conductivity modulated. The TFT of the present invention has lower on-resistance than a conventional thin film transistor.