Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide solid oxide cells and components thereof having a metal oxide electrolyte that exhibits enhanced ionic conductivity. Certain of those embodiments have two materials, at least one of which is a metal oxide, disposed so that at least some interfaces between the domains of the materials orient in a direction substantially parallel to the desired ionic conductivity.

Abstract: Methods for forming a metal oxide electrolyte improve ionic conductivity. Some of those methods involve applying a first metal compound to a substrate, converting that metal compound to a metal oxide, applying a different metal compound to the metal oxide, and converting the different metal compound to form a second metal oxide. That substrate may be in nanobar form that conforms to an orientation imparted by a magnetic field or an electric field applied before or during the converting. Electrolytes so formed can be used in solid oxide fuel cells, electrolyzers, and sensors, among other applications.

Abstract: Methods for forming a metal oxide electrolyte improve ionic conductivity. Some of those methods involve applying a first metal compound to a substrate, converting that metal compound to a metal oxide, applying a different metal compound to the metal oxide, and converting the different metal compound to form a second metal oxide. That substrate may be in nanobar form that conforms to an orientation imparted by a magnetic field or an electric field applied before or during the converting. Electrolytes so formed can be used in solid oxide fuel cells, electrolyzers, and sensors, among other applications.

Abstract: Methods for forming a metal oxide electrolyte improve ionic conductivity. Some of those methods involve applying a first metal compound to a substrate, converting that metal compound to a metal oxide, applying a different metal compound to the metal oxide, and converting the different metal compound to form a second metal oxide. Electrolytes so formed can be used in solid oxide fuel cells, electrolyzers, and sensors, among other applications.

Abstract: Methods for forming a metal oxide electrolyte improve ionic conductivity. Some of those methods involve applying a first metal compound to a substrate, converting that metal compound to a metal oxide, applying a different metal compound to the metal oxide, and converting the different metal compound to form a second metal oxide. Electrolytes so formed can be used in solid oxide fuel cells, electrolyzers, and sensors, among other applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides solid oxide fuel cells, solid oxide electrolyzer cells, solid oxide sensors, components of any of the foregoing, and methods of making and using the same. In some embodiments, a solid oxide fuel cell comprises an air electrode (or cathode), a fuel electrode (or anode), an electrolyte interposed between the air electrode and the fuel electrode, and at least one electrode-electrolyte transition layer. Other embodiments provide novel methods of producing nano-scale films and/or surface modifications comprising one or more metal oxides to form ultra-thin (yet fully-dense) electrolyte layers and electrode coatings. Such layers and coatings may provide greater ionic conductivity and increased operating efficiency, which may lead to lower manufacturing costs, less-expensive materials, lower operating temperatures, smaller-sized fuel cells, electrolyzer cells, and sensors, and a greater number of applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides solid oxide fuel cells, solid oxide electrolyzer cells, solid oxide sensors, components of any of the foregoing, and methods of making and using the same. In some embodiments, a solid oxide fuel cell comprises an air electrode (or cathode), a fuel electrode (or anode), an electrolyte interposed between the air electrode and the fuel electrode, and at least one electrode-electrolyte transition layer. Other embodiments provide novel methods of producing nano-scale films and/or surface modifications comprising one or more metal oxides to form ultra-thin (yet fully-dense) electrolyte layers and electrode coatings. Such layers and coatings may provide greater ionic conductivity and increased operating efficiency, which may lead to lower manufacturing costs, less-expensive materials, lower operating temperatures, smaller-sized fuel cells, electrolyzer cells, and sensors, and a greater number of applications.

Abstract: Methods for forming a metal oxide electrolyte improve ionic conductivity. Some of those methods involve applying a first metal compound to a substrate, converting that metal compound to a metal oxide, applying a different metal compound to the metal oxide, and converting the different metal compound to form a second metal oxide. Electrolytes so formed can be used in solid oxide fuel cells, electrolyzers, and sensors, among other applications.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide solid oxide cells and components thereof having a metal oxide electrolyte that exhibits enhanced ionic conductivity. Certain of those embodiments have two materials, at least one of which is a metal oxide, disposed so that at least some interfaces between the domains of the materials orient in a direction substantially parallel to the desired ionic conductivity.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for creating metal oxide coatings on one or more surfaces employing a magnetic field, and articles containing those coatings. Such methods involve contacting the surfaces to be treated with a metal compound, and converting the metal compound to metal oxide for example by heating the surfaces to the desired temperature in the presence of a magnetic field. The magnetic field dramatically improves, in some embodiments, the characteristics of the metal oxide coating.

Abstract: Apparatus to conduct a contest in which recorded performances of different individuals are reviewed to select a winner. The apparatus comprises at least one recording booth. The booth includes recording equipment comprising at least one camera for photographing the video portion of at least one individual's performance and generating video signals, at least one microphone for sensing the audio portion of the individual's performance and generating audio signals, lighting; performance apparatus to record video and audio signals generated by the camera and microphone and generate a recorded performance by the individual, and, a display viewable by the individual indicating the individual's ownership of the recorded performance and the control by the individual of the confidentiality of the performance.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to enable communication between a physician and patient through a pair of video conferencing booths placed in separate public locations whereby the physician interviews the patient from a location remote from the patient and, when appropriate, dispenses directly to the patient a hard copy of a prescription and tracks each prescription with a unique identification code to minimize the risk that multiple prescriptions can be issued without the authorization of the physician.

Abstract: A method for conducting a contest in which recorded performances of different individuals are reviewed to select a winner. The method includes the steps of providing a plurality of recording booths each including recording equipment comprising at least one camera for photographing the video portion of an individual's performance and generating video signals; at least one microphone for sensing the audio portion of an individual's performance and generating audio signals; lighting; performance apparatus to record video and audio signals generated by said camera and microphone and to balance the volume of the individual's voice with any accompaniment music. The recording equipment in one of the booths produces a recorded performance having recording characteristics generally equivalent to a recorded performance produced in each of the others of the recording booths.

Abstract: A method for conducting a contest in which recorded performances of different individuals are reviewed to select a winner. The method includes the steps of providing a plurality of recording booths each including recording equipment comprising at least one camera for photographing the video portion of an individual's performance and generating video signals; at least one microphone for sensing the audio portion of an individual's performance and generating audio signals; lighting; performance apparatus to record video and audio signals generated by said camera and microphone and to balance the volume of the individual's voice with any accompaniment music. The recording equipment in one of the booths produces a recorded performance having recording characteristics generally equivalent to a recorded performance produced in each of the others of the recording booths.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to enable video communication through a studio that is placed in a public location whereby a studio user records a performance, presentation, or an interview. In one embodiment, information seekers with special interest may view interviews or presentations recorded by studio users pertaining to subject matter relevant to that special interest. In another embodiment, a performance is recorded and uploaded to the Internet where the general public locates and views the performance. In an alternate embodiment, the performance is rated.

Abstract: A method for conducting a game of chance. The game of chance is conducted via a video conference from a remote booth.

Abstract: A system to conduct a contest. The system defines a number of contest winners to be selected in the contest, defines a reward for each contest winner, defines a deadline date for entering the contest, defines limitations on who can enter the contest, defines a performance category to be used in the contest, provides a plurality of separate remote booths to produce in each of the booths a recorded personal performance by an individual in said both in said performance category, transmits from each of the booths to a selected location by the deadline recorded personal performances in the performance category, selects winners from the transmitted recorded personal performances, and, awards a reward to each of the winners.

Abstract: A method for providing a portal for an individual to access a web site for establishing personal relationships. The method includes the step of providing a portal booth to photograph the individual while the individual is in said booth to produce a photographic record of the individual, correlate selected demographic data about the individual with said photographic record, and transmit the photographic record and demographic data to the web site. The method also includes the step of correlating the photographic record and demographic data with an account for the individual at the web site such that other individuals can access the web site and the account to view at least said photographic record of said individual.

Abstract: Apparatus to conduct a contest in which recorded performances of different individuals are reviewed to select a winner. The apparatus comprises at least one recording booth. The booth includes recording equipment comprising at least one camera for photographing the video portion of at least one individual's performance and generating video signals, at least one microphone for sensing the audio portion of the individual's performance and generating audio signals, lighting; performance apparatus to record video and audio signals generated by the camera and microphone and generate a recorded performance by the individual, and, a display viewable by the individual indicating the individual's ownership of the recorded performance and the control by the individual of the confidentiality of the performance.

Abstract: The present invention is a tape product suitable for use in the protection of semiconductor devices from alpha-particles. The product comprises a heat resistant support film, a pressure sensitive adhesive layer on one side of the support film, a least one alpha-particle protector member formed of a plastic material capable of protecting the semiconductor device releasably supported on the pressure sensitive adhesive, and a layer of heat resistant adhesive bonded to the plastic material on its side lying opposite to the side bonded to the pressure sensitive adhesive. Preferably, a primer layer lies between the heat resistant support film on the pressure sensitive adhesive to insure that clean removal of the support film and pressure sensitive adhesive from the surface of the alpha-particle protector member. In order to aid in this removal the surface of the alpha-particle protector member facing the pressure sensitive layer is also coated with a release coating.