Abstract: Described herein is a lightning detection sensor. The lightning detection sensor comprises a sensing element that detects radio-frequency (RF) signals relating to lightning activity, a circuit that receives the detected RF signals from the sensing element and amplifies the RF signals for output to a digital signal processing device, and a reference element coupled to the circuit. The reference element is connected to an antenna ground that is isolated from a power ground, and the reference element and the antenna ground are not connected to an external ground plane.

Abstract: A heat recovery system for an electric vehicle, including first and second switchable heat sources and a controller operable to selectively switch one of the heat sources into thermal communication with a compressor in a thermodynamic cycling system, the thermodynamic cycling system being in thermal communication with a heat sink; and a detector of a temperature differential between each of the switchable heat sources and a fluid entering the compressor; wherein the controller is operable to switch one of the first and second switchable heat sources into thermal communication with the thermodynamic cycling system when a temperature differential is detected between the fluid entering the compressor in the thermodynamic cycling system and the heat available from the switchable heat source, the temperature differential being such that the compressor is operable to upgrade low grade heat from the switchable heat source to a higher grade heat upon operation of the compressor.

Abstract: Methods of filling cavities or trenches. More specifically, methods of filling a cavity or trench in a semiconductor layer are provided. The methods include depositing a first dielectric layer into the trench by employing a conformal deposition process. Next, the first dielectric layer is etched to create a recess in the trench within the first dielectric layer. The recesses are then filled with a second dielectric layer by employing a high density plasma deposition process. The techniques may be particularly useful in filling cavities and trenches having narrow widths and/or high aspect ratios.

Abstract: Methods for forming interconnects in microfeature workpieces, and microfeature workpieces having such interconnects are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of forming an interconnect in a microfeature workpiece includes forming a hole extending through a terminal and a dielectric layer to at least an intermediate depth in a substrate of a workpiece. The hole has a first lateral dimension in the dielectric layer and a second lateral dimension in the substrate proximate to an interface between the dielectric layer and the substrate. The second lateral dimension is greater than the first lateral dimension. The method further includes constructing an electrically conductive interconnect in at least a portion of the hole and in electrical contact with the terminal.

Abstract: Methods of filling cavities or trenches. More specifically, methods of filling a cavity or trench in a semiconductor layer are provided. The methods include depositing a first dielectric layer into the trench by employing a conformal deposition process. Next, the first dielectric layer is etched to create a recess in the trench within the first dielectric layer. The recesses are then filled with a second dielectric layer by employing a high density plasma deposition process. The techniques may be particularly useful in filling cavities and trenches having narrow widths and/or high aspect ratios.

Abstract: Methods for forming interconnects in microfeature workpieces, and microfeature workpieces having such interconnects are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of forming an interconnect in a microfeature workpiece includes forming a hole extending through a terminal and a dielectric layer to at least an intermediate depth in a substrate of a workpiece. The hole has a first lateral dimension in the dielectric layer and a second lateral dimension in the substrate proximate to an interface between the dielectric layer and the substrate. The second lateral dimension is greater than the first lateral dimension. The method further includes constructing an electrically conductive interconnect in at least a portion of the hole and in electrical contact with the terminal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving etch uniformity in reticle etching by eliminating local effects at the edge of the reticle is disclosed. The present invention relates to a reticle frame which surrounds the reticle. The reticle frames are patterned with a pattern profile similar to that of the reticle to prevent edge uniformities of the reticle by allowing uniform plasma etching of the entire reticle surface. The reticle frames may also be used to move the reticle in and out of etch chambers without damaging them.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving etch uniformity in reticle etching by eliminating local effects at the edge of the reticle is disclosed. The present invention relates to a reticle frame which surrounds the reticle. The reticle frames are patterned with a pattern profile similar to that of the reticle to prevent edge uniformities of the reticle by allowing uniform plasma etching of the entire reticle surface. The reticle frames may also be used to move the reticle in and out of etch chambers without damaging them.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving etch uniformity in reticle etching by eliminating local effects at the edge of the reticle is disclosed. The present invention relates to a reticle frame which surrounds the reticle. The reticle frames are patterned with a pattern profile similar to that of the reticle to prevent edge uniformities of the reticle by allowing uniform plasma etching of the entire reticle surface. The reticle frames may also be used to move the reticle in and out of etch chambers without damaging them.

Abstract: Amphoacetate surfactants are made by reacting a compound of formula RCONHCH2CH2NHCH2CH2OH where R is an aliphatic radical, with formaldehyde and a cyanide of formula: R1CN, wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkali metal, and, when R1 represents a hydrogen atom, hydrolysing the nitrile obtained with an alkali.

Abstract: A hang-up including a sleeve that has a top end with an opening, a bottom end that is sealed, and a slot spaced from the bottom end. Included is a holder that has a pair of sides with a gap. The holder is fixedly attached to the sleeve adjacent the top end, and capable of allowing a hanger to be inserted. A lift rod is positioned within the sleeve and has a lever that is positioned through the slot. The lever moves the lift rod and has a top edge that extends beyond the opening. Lastly, a push tip is fixedly attached to the top edge of the lift rod and lifts a tile of a tile ceiling, when the sleeve is raised. The push tip allows the hanger to be positioned between a metal track of the tile ceiling.

Abstract: Mechanism for dispensing seed or fertilizer for agricultural row crop implements such as seed drills and precision planters. A resilient rotatable roller cooperates with a flat vertical glass dispensing plate to dispense seed or fertilizer from a hopper through a nip between the plate and the roller. A slightly raised narrow slow rate band on the roller cooperates sealingly with a pair of removable confinement flanges so that small seeds such as kale can be confined to the slow rate band and dispensed much more slowly than if the whole width of the roller were used.

Abstract: A mechanism for dispensing seed or fertilizer, etc., for agricultural row crop implements such as seed drills and precision planters, comprises a resilient rotatable roller which cooperates with a flat vertical glass dispensing plate to dispense seed or fertilizer from a hopper through a nip between the plate and the roller. The roller is of unfoamed polyurethane formed with a honeycomb of axially extending recesses defining a relatively thin outer deflection band of the roller. The recesses give the roller the uniform and high degree of flexibility needed to accommodate a wide range of seed sizes while retaining the durability, consistency of physical characteristics and suitability for precision moulding, of unfoamed polyurethane.

Abstract: A device for discharging particulate material, such as agricultural seed at a uniform rate comprises a hopper having a rectangular slot in the base, a driven roller having a compressible surface which contacts one side of the slot and a transparent glass metering plate attached to the hopper and which bears against the roller to provide a nip therebetween and to control the rate of flow of the material from the hopper while allowing visual examination of the flow of particulate materials between the roller and metering plate. The device may be conveniently attached to an agricultural drilling machine and the roller driven by a mechanism associated with the ground wheels of the machine. Collecting cups are provided for directing the seed from beneath the roller into the seed drills. Seed is discharged into the drills at a constant rate and no adjustment is necessary for use with seeds of different sizes.