Abstract: A metal-containing semiconductor layer having a high dielectric constant is formed with a method that avoids inclusion of contaminant elements that reduce dielectric constant of metals. The metal-containing semiconductor layer is formed overlying a substrate in a chamber. A precursor is introduced to deposit at least a portion of the metal-containing semiconductor layer. The precursor contains one or more elements that, if allowed to deposit in the metal-containing layer, would become impurity elements. A reactant gas is used to purify the metal-containing layer by removing impurity elements from the metal-containing layer which were introduced into the chamber by the precursor.

Abstract: A rodent-proof aerial splice closure (20) includes a substantially hollow casing (30, 31) having substantial externally exposed plastic areas. The casing sections (30, 31) are moveable with respect to one another on a hinge (35) for accessing the interior of the casing. Clamps (50) provide for reversibly holding the casing sections (30, 31) closed. Cables can enter and exit the closure (20) through cable ports (45), which can be sealed by end-pieces (55). The exterior geometry of the closure (20) is such that substantially all exposed plastic surface regions which are accessible to rodent teeth are rounded with curvatures preferably greater than one inch radii, thus large enough to prevent rodent teeth from biting down thereon.

Abstract: A lifter wheel filler spoke assembly designed for permanent installation on a lifter wheel. The filler spoke assembly is comprised of a ring plate with filler spokes equally spaced about the circumference of the ring plate, with the ring plate being provided with a plurality of slots used for attaching the assembly to the lifter wheel. The slots allow the filler spoke assembly to be rotated between a closed and open position.