Abstract: A process for making a cast article from an aluminum alloy includes first casting an article from an alloy having the following composition, in weight percent: Silicon 11.0-14.0 Copper 5.6-8.0 Iron   0-0.8 Magnesium 0.5-1.5 Nickel 0.05-0.9  Manganese   0-1.0 Titanium 0.05-1.2  Zirconium 0.12-1.2  Vanadium 0.05-1.2  Zinc 0.05-0.9  Strontium 0.001-0.1  Aluminum balance In this alloy the ration of silicon:magnesium is 10-25, and the ratio of copper:magnesium is 4-15. After an article is cast from the alloy, the cast article is aged at a temperature within the range of 400° F. to 500° F. for a time period within the range of four to 16 hours. It has been found especially advantageous if the cast article is first exposed to a solutionizing step prior to the aging step.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy suitable for high temperature applications, such as heavy duty pistons and other internal combustion applications, having the following composition, by weight percent (wt %): Silicon  11.0-14.0 Copper  5.6-8.0 Iron   0-0.8 Magnesium  0.5-1.5 Nickel 0.05-0.9 Manganese   0-1.0 Titanium 0.05-1.2 Zirconium 0.12-1.2 Vanadium 0.05-1.2 Zinc 0.05-0.9 Strontium 0.001-0.1  Aluminum balance. In this alloy the ratio of silicon:magnesium is 10-25, and the ratio of copper:magnesium is 4-15. After an article is cast from this alloy, the article is treated in a solutionizing step which dissolves unwanted precipitates and reduces any segregation present in the original alloy. After this solutionizing step, the article is quenched, and is then aged at an elevated temperature for maximum strength.

Abstract: A method comprises the step of providing a read-write element on a wafer including at least one magnetoresistive stripe, providing a shared pole layer above the magnetoresistive stripe, and planarizing the shared pole layer. Thereafter, a top pole layer is formed above the shared pole layer. Together, the shared and top pole layers form the write element. Because the shared pole layer is planarized, the gap portion of the write element between the shared and top pole layers is flat. Because of this, improved recording density can be achieved.

Abstract: A pepper grinder is composed of an accommodation holder engaged to a grinding holder to define an accommodation chamber containing a grinding rod constantly pushing upward and provided with a spring, a grinding chute being provided at the grinding holder in relation to the lower end of the grinding rod; pepper grains being ground between the grinding rod and the grinding chute into powders or finer grains; multiples of grinding tooth protruding from the outer surface at the lower end of the grinding rod with guiding slots interconnected to one other provided on the peripheral of each grinding tooth with at least one recess disposed inward at the lower end of the grinding rod to her facilitate discharge of those pepper powders or finer grains.

Abstract: A method for distributing electronic files over a network comprising a file combination procedure, a combined electronic file providing procedure, a payment receiving procedure and a main electronic file providing procedure. The file combination procedure combines a main electronic file and an accompanying electronic file into a combined electronic file. The combined electronic file providing procedure provides the combined electronic file to a user before the payment receiving procedure. The payment receiving procedure is a payment procedure that receives the payment from the user for the purchase of the main electronic file. The main electronic file providing procedure provides the user the main electronic file and adds in the main electronic file a watermark for identifying the user. The invention also discloses a corresponding system of distributing electronic files over a network.

Abstract: A method to form a passivation layer using an electrochemical process over a MR Sensor so that the passivation layer defines the MR track width. The passivation layer is formed by anodizing the MR sensor. The passivation layer is an electrical insulator (preventing Sensor current (I) from shunting through the overspray) and a heat conductor to allow MR heat to dissipate away from the MR sensor through the overspray. The method comprises: forming a passivation layer on the MR sensor; the passivation layer formed using an electrochemical process. Then we spinning-on and printing a lift-off photoresist structure over the passivation layer. The passivation layer is etched to remove the passivation layer not covered by the lift-off structure thereby defining a track width of the MR sensor. Then we deposit a lead layer over the passivation layer and MR sensor. The lift-off structure is removed where by the passivation layer defines a track width.

Abstract: A method to form a passivation layer over a MR Sensor so that the passivation layer defines the track width. The passivation layer is formed simultaneously with the development of the lift off structure in a novel developing/oxidizing solution that oxidizes the MR sensor and develops the photoresist. The passivation layer is an electrical insulator that prevents sensor current from shunting through the overspray of the leads and a heat conductor to allow MR heat to dissipate through the overspray. The method comprises: spinning-on and printing a lift-off photoresist structure over the MR sensor. Next, the lift-off photoresist structure is developed. The MR sensor is anodized in a developing/oxidizing solution to: (1) remove portions of the lower photoresist and (2) to form a (e.g., thin NiFeO) passivation layer on the MR layer at least partially under the upper photoresist layer. The passivation layer is etched to remove the passivation layer not covered by the lift-off structure.

Abstract: A process for making a cast article from an aluminum alloy includes first casting an article from an alloy having the following composition, in weight percent: 1 Silicon (Si) 14.0-25.0 Copper (Cu) 5.5-8.0 Iron (Fe)   0-0.8 Magnesium (Mg) 0.5-1.5 Nickel (Ni) 0.05-1.2  Manganese (Mn)   0-1.0 Titanium (Ti) 0.05-1.2  Zirconium (Zr) 0.12-1.2  Vanadium (V) 0.05-1.2  Zinc (Zn)   0-0.9 Phosphorus (P) 0.001-0.

Abstract: Methods are provided for determining and enhancing the service efficiency of mobile communications. To assess communication efficiency in each communication region of interest, a signal-fading record is generated for that region and this record is then analyzed to find availability and energy cost for each of a plurality of power-control parameter sets. The results facilitate the selection of power-control parameter sets that enhance system efficiency in each communication region.

Abstract: Methods are provided for determining and enhancing the service efficiency of mobile communications. To assess communication efficiency in each communication region of interest, a signal-fading record is generated for that region and this record is then analyzed to find availability and energy cost for each of a plurality of power-control parameter sets. The results facilitate the selection of power-control parameter sets that enhance system efficiency in each communication region.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel polymer light-emitting diode (LED) which can emit near white light with a broad spectrum, which LED comprises a transparent electrode as an anode, a metal electrode as a cathode, an organic light-emitting layer, and a hole transport layer and/or an electron transport layer, wherein the organic light-emitting layer contains a blend of a blue light-emitting poly (paraphenylene vinylene) copolymer and a red light-emitting alkoxy-substrituted PPV derivative in an appropriate relative ratio, such that, the novel LED can emit sun light-like yellowish white light with an broad electroluminescent spectrum covering the whole range of visible light without varying as the voltage increased. And wherein, by virture of introducing a hole transport layer and/or electron transport layer, the turn-on voltage of the device can be lowered and emission efficiency thereof is increased.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cryptosystem for encrypting an original image or voice file by using a camouflaging image or voice file. Each of the original and camouflaging files comprises a plurality of basic units arranged according to a predetermined sequence. The cryptosystem comprises a memory for storing the original and camouflaging files and programs, a processor for executing the programs stored in the memory, and an encrypting program stored in the memory for encrypting the original file by using the camouflaging file.

Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing apparatus including a carrier head having an integral conditioning member is described. The conditioning member includes a conditioning surface that may selectively be moved into contact with a polishing surface of a polishing pad. The conditioning member may be connected to a surface of the carrier's retaining ring assembly. As a result, the polishing surface may be conditioned either continuously or intermittently when a substrate is loaded in the carrier for polishing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water-soluble self-acid-doped polyaniline derivatives and in particular, to a water-soluble self-acid-doped polyaniline derivatives obtained by reacting polyaniline derivatives with 2-sulfobenzoic anhydride derivatives, which is composed of structural unit having following formula (I): ##STR1## wherein, M may be H, Na, K or NH.sub.4 ;R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4 may be --H, --R.sub.o, --F, --Cl, --Br, --OR.sub.o, --COR.sub.o, --OCOR.sub.o, --NHCOR.sub.o, --NO.sub.2, --COOR.sub.o, --CN, --COOH;Q may be --H, --Ro, --F, --Cl, --Br, --OR.sub.o, --COR.sub.o, --OCOR.sub.o, --NHCOR.sub.o, --NO.sub.2, --COOR.sub.o, --CN, --COOH;R.sub.o is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl;n is an integer of 0 to 4; andx+y+2z.ltoreq.1.0, and x.gtoreq.0.1;and a process for preparing the same.The water-soluble self-acid-doped polyaniline derivatives exhibits some characteristics as follows:(1) a high water solubility;(2) a self-acid-doped property;(3) a high conductivity which may be up to 10.sup.-3 -10.sup.

Abstract: A bicycle front derailleur with a cam level for smoother gear switching is disclosed. The bicycle derailleur is operated by pulling a wire which shifts a chain between at least a large sprocket, a medium sprocket and a small sprocket. The bicycle front derailleur contains a cam lever which is pivotably connected to a four-linkage chain guide moving system at a pivoting point for pulling the chain guide moving system, and thus shifting the chain, when a cable is pulled in a pulling direction. The cam lever has a cam groove formed on the peripheral surface of the cam lever for receiving the wire. The cam lever is structured such that the radial distance between the cam groove and the pivoting point increases in a direction opposite of the pulling direction, so as to provide a greater effective length vertical to the pulling direction when the wire is subject to a greater linear displacement resulting in a greater counterforce.

Abstract: A power generating exerciser comprises an exerciser and a power generating device. The exerciser has two longitudinal posts, a crossbar connecting the upper portions of the longitudinal posts, a shaft connecting the lower ends of the longitudinal posts, a transverse bar connecting a seat post and the crossbar, a lower end of the seat post connecting a transverse post. A U-shaped plate has two parallel arm plates to connect the corresponding longitudinal posts. Two opposite lobes are disposed on the corresponding arms. The power generating device has a generator, and a follower wheel passed through by a shaft, a driven wheel disposed between two lobes, a crank axle passing through two lobes and the driven wheel, and a belt surrounding the follower wheel and the driven wheel.

Abstract: A control material for use in the determination of glycosylated and total hemoglobin, and a method of preparing the same, are disclosed. The control is prepared by the steps of hemolyzing red blood cells, preferably in the presence of a detergent, followed by removal of stroma and lipids from the hemoglobin with an organic solvent such as toluene in the presence of a polyhydroxy compound such as sucrose. A hemoglobin-rich fraction is separated from the resulting mixture and dialyzed against a solution of a polyhydroxy compound. The dialysate may be lyophilized to provide a stable, dry product suitable for reconstitution.

Abstract: The present invention is a liquid crystal display which has liquid crystal disposed between a pair of substrates. A first substrate has a transparent electrical conductive coated surface, including a plurality of indicia members which enable indicia to be formed by the display. A second substrate has one surface with a reflective coating thereon that covers a substantial portion of the surface of said substrate which forms the observed part of the display. In one form of the invention the reflective coating is etched to form a plurality of electrically isolated areas and an electrically conductive path. When a selected electrical potential is applied between selected indicia members and indicia pads, predetermined indicia are illuminated while the remaining indicia members and electrical leads remain transparent.