Abstract: A distributed transmission line structure (10) includes a ground plane (26) affixed to a substrate (12). The substrate (12) is formed of a generally nonconductive material. A first metallic strip (14) is affixed to the substrate (12) and is electrically connected to the ground plane (26) through a first through-hole (34). A second metallic strip (16) is affixed to the substrate (12) and is spaced apart from the first metallic strip (14) by a gap (28) and is electrically connected to the ground plane (26) through a second through-hole (38). A dielectric layer (20) overlies the substrate (12), the first metallic strip (14), and the second metallic strip (16). A third metallic strip (18) is affixed to the dielectric layer (20) and is disposed to overlie the gap (28). The third metallic strip (18) has a width less than the gap (28). The impedance of the distributed transmission line structure (10) is substantially constant over a predetermined range of thickness of the dielectric layer (20).

Abstract: An RF tag (20) includes a low profile battery power source (22). The RF tag includes an electrically insulating substrate 21, an RF transmitter (24) on the substrate for transmitting a predetermined identification code, and the battery (22). The battery includes a first pattern of conductive material to form a planar anode structure (48) and a second pattern of conductive material on the substrate to form a cathode structure (50). A protective layer (92) overlies the substrate. The protective layer includes an opening (94) to expose the anode and cathode of the battery to permit an electrolyte to be applied to the anode and cathode for completing the formation of the battery and to provide electrical energy to the RF transmitter. A manufacturing apparatus (60) is also described which permits the RF tags to be manufactured in a low cost, reel-to-reel, basis. Also described is a dispenser (100) for activating and dispensing the RF tags one at a time at a point of use.

Abstract: Semiconductor carrier assemblies (10, 40) use a flexible substrate (11) to connect to at least one semiconductor device (19). Preferably the flexible substrate (11) also connects to a circuit component, preferably a circuit board (31). The flexible substrate (11) is configured in a U-shaped configuration having at least one rigidizer plate (25; 41, 42) positioned in the notch of the U. Interconnections between the semiconductor device (19) and the flexible substrate (11), and, preferably, the circuit component (31) are provided by solder connections (22, 28). Preferably, two rigidizer plates (41,42) having different temperature coefficients of expansion are positioned in the notch of the U of the flexible substrate (11) and preferably a low modulus adhesive layer (50, 51, 47) is utilized in the assembly to minimize thermal stress.

Abstract: Novel articles are provided of thin super-conductive thallium-based copper oxide layers on inorganic, usually crystalline substrates. Novel methods are provided for ease of producing such articles, particularly involving sol-gel techniques and laser ablation. The articles have a highly oriented superconductive thallium-based copper oxide film, particularly epitaxial, with high superconductive transition temperatures and desirable electrical properties. The subject articles find use in a wide variety of electronic applications, particularly in microwave and millimeter wave devices.

Abstract: Methods and reactors are described for the production of thallium cuprate based high temperature superconductor films on a variety of substrates. The reactors provide for low volume cavities, means for rapidly heating and cooling to and from a predetermined elevated temperature and control of the thallium oxide overpressure during the processing. Uniform high temperature superconducting films are obtained while inhibiting reaction between the substrate and superconducting film during the processing.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the preparation of a crystalline compound having an empirical formula LaCr.sub.x A.sub.1-x O.sub.4 .multidot.yH.sub.2 O where A is a metal selected from the group consisting of Mg, Sr, Ca and Ba, x ranges from 0.99 to about 0.7 and y ranges from 0 to 0.15. The process comprises adding a solution of the appropriate metal salts to a solution of ammonium hydroxide thereby precipitating a hydroxide gel intermediate, which is dried and calcined in air to yield the resultant crystalline compound which has a huttonite structure. Additionally, this invention relates to a process for the preparation of a ceramic powder having the empirical formula LaCr.sub.x A.sub.1-x O.sub.3, where A is a metal selected from the group consisting of Mg, Sr, Ca and Ba and x ranges from 0.99 to about 0.7. Finally, a ceramic composition having the empirical formula LaCr.sub.x S.sub.1-x O.sub.4 .multidot.yH.sub.2 O having a huttonite structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: An epitaxial thallium-based copper oxide superconducting film is formed on a crystalline substrate by metalorganic deposition which comprises forming a film of carboxylate soap solution on said substrate, prepyrolyzing said film at a temperature of 350.degree. C. or less and pyrolyzing said film at a temperature of 800.degree.900.degree. C. in the presence of oxygen and an overpressure of thallium for a sufficient time to produce said epitaxial superconducting film.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the preparation of a crystalline compound having an empirical formula LaCr.sub.x A.sub.1-x O.sub.4.yH.sub.2 O where A is a metal selected from the group consisting of Mg, Sr, Ca and Ba, x ranges from 0.99 to about 0.7 and y ranges from 0 to 0.15. The process comprises adding a solution of the appropriate metal salts to a solution of ammonium hydroxide thereby precipitating a hydroxide gel intermediate, which is dried and calcined in air to yield the resultant crystalline compound which has a huttonite structure. Additionally, this invention relates to a process for the preparation of a ceramic powder having the empirical formula LaCr.sub.x A.sub.1-x O.sub.3, where A is a metal selected from the group consisting of Mg, Sr, Ca and Ba, and x ranges from 0.99 to about 0.7. Finally, a ceramic composition having the empirical formula LaCr.sub.x A.sub.1-x O.sub.4.yH.sub.2 O having a huttonite structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of coating fibers by contacting the fibers with an organochlorosilane, drying and heating the fibers at a temperature of about 300.degree. to 500.degree. C., thereby coating the fibers. The choice of organochlorosilane and atmosphere under which the heating takes place will determine the composition of the coating.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the preparation of a crystalline compound having an empirical formula LaCr.sub.x A.sub.1-x O.sub.4 yH.sub.2 O where A is a metal selected from the group consisting of Mg, Sr, Ca and Ba, x ranges from 0.99 to about 0.7 and y ranges from 0 to 0.15. The process comprises adding a solution of the appropriate metal salts to a solution of ammonium hydroxide thereby precipitating a hydroxide gel intermediate, which is dried and calcined in air to yield the resultant crystalline compound which has a huttonite structure. Additionally, this invention relates to a process for the preparation of a ceramic powder having the empirical formula LaCr.sub.x A.sub.1-x O.sub.3, where A is a metal selected from the group consisting of Mg, Sr, Ca and Ba, and x ranges from 0.99 to about 0.7. Finally, a ceramic composition having the empirical formula LaCr.sub.x A.sub.1-x O.sub.4 yH.sub.2 O having a huttonite structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: Alumina fibers whose surface is coated with zirconia to retain their identity in an alumina matrix when the mixture is sintered at temperatures needed to form a fully dense ceramic. The resulting fully dense ceramic composite shows the beneficial effects of such reinforcing fibers by having increased crack toughness.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for reproducibly forming monodisperse titania spheres by the hydrolysis of titanium alkoxides in the presence of an amine containing additive in such a way as to constrain the particle size within a narrow range.