Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnetic head device that includes a soft magnetic layer includes the steps of forming a plating base layer in the soft magnetic layer through sputtering, and applying, during the forming step, a magnetic field in a direction parallel to an orientation fringe of a wafer in which the magnetic head device is formed.

Abstract: An image controlling system in which an image to be displayed is controlled by a control device is to be improved in its operating performance. A control device 3 and a projector 2 are interconnected over a USB cable 5 and an RGB cable 6 to make bi-directional data transmission/reception to display a picture by the projector 2 on a display screen S. The projector 2 includes a projection display unit 18 fed with display data from the control device 3 to project light to display a picture represented by the display data, a hub 11 connected to the control device 3 and to a USB device to make data input/output based on the supplementary information and a display controller 19 for controlling a picture demonstrated by the projection display unit 18 based on a display control signal generated by the control device 3. The control device includes a connector 32, connected to the projector 2, and a controller 33 for outputting the control signal and the display data to have a picture displayed by the projector 2.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to stimulate chemical reactions on a catalyst surface using electricity, and the reverse process to convert energy released from chemical reactions into electricity. A reversible emitter generates electrons which are injected into reactants on the catalyst surface, exciting chemically reactive vibrational resonances. Hot electrons created in the emitter region of a semiconductor junction diffuse to the co-located collector region and catalyst surface. Catalyst clusters or films bonded on the collector surface transfer the hot electrons to or from the catalyst surface having adsorbed reactants. The dimension of the catalyst-collector is less than the energy mean free path of hot electrons. The hot electrons excite reactant vibrations before thermalizing with the substrate lattice thereby accelerating reactions. The hot electrons are also generated by the same reactions on a catalyst surface.

Abstract: A method of treating a fluorocarbon feedstock includes generating, in a high temperature zone, an electrical arc between at least one cathode and at least one anode, generating in the high temperature zone and by means of the electrical arc and a plasma gas, a thermal plasma having a tail flame, allowing a fluorocarbon feedstock comprising at least one fluorocarbon compound to form a reactive thermal mixture with the thermal plasma tail flame, with the fluorocarbon compound dissociating into at least one fluorocarbon precursor or reactive species having fewer carbon atoms than the fluorocarbon compound, and cooling the reactive thermal mixture to form, from the fluorocarbon precursor or reactive species, a fluorocarbon product.

Abstract: A device for separating the constituents of a multi-constituent material includes a substantially cylindrical plasma chamber and two, axially opposed plasma injectors. The injectors convert the multi-constituent material into a multi-species plasma and inject the multi-species plasma into a core portion of the plasma chamber. Ions in the plasma diffuse from the core portion to an annular volume within the chamber where the ions are separated according to their respective mass to charge ratios. To effect separation, electrodes and coils are provided to establish crossed electric and magnetic fields in the annular volume. With the crossed electric and magnetic fields, low-mass ions in the annular volume are placed on small orbit trajectories and drift axially for capture at the ends of the plasma chamber. High-mass ions in the annular volume are placed on large orbit trajectories for capture at the cylindrical wall of the chamber.

Abstract: A stochastic cyclotron ion filter for separating ions in a multi-species plasma according to mass uses an electrical field (E) crossed with a magnetic field (B). In particular, the electric field is stochastically generated by an amplified noise source with a band pass filter that passes only frequencies in an interval between &ohgr;1 and &ohgr;2. The filter also includes a cylindrical chamber for receiving the multi-species plasma, and coils are used to generate the magnetic field inside the chamber. In operation, the stochastically generated electric field resonates with particles in the plasma that have a cyclotron frequency &OHgr; in the frequency interval (&ohgr;1<&OHgr;<&ohgr;2). In one embodiment, an electrode is mounted at one end of the chamber, and the electrode is connected with the amplifier to establish the electrical field in the chamber.

Abstract: Methods for separating isotopes or chemical species of an element and causing enrichment of a desired isotope or chemical species of an element utilizing laser ablation plasmas to modify or fabricate a material containing such isotopes or chemical species are provided. This invention may be used for a wide variety of materials which contain elements having different isotopes or chemical species.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to methods for altering the magnetic properties of materials and the novel materials produced by these methods. The methods of this invention concern the application of high voltage, high frequency sparks to the surface of materials in order to alter the magnetic properties of the materials. Specially, the present invention can be applied to diamagnetic silicon to produce ferromagnetic spark-processed silicon.

Abstract: Two methods and corresponding electrode designs are provided for the generation of a plasma, for example, at or about one atmosphere. Using these methods, various webs, films and three-dimensional objects are beneficially treated in a reduced amount of time. A first method utilizes a repetitive, asymmetric voltage pulse to generate a plasma discharge between two electrodes. An asymmetric voltage pulse is used to generate a discharge in which a substrate can be exposed predominately to either positive or negative plasma species depending on the voltage polarity used. A second method uses the gap capacitance of an electrode pair and an external inductor in shunt to form a resonant LC circuit. The circuit is driven by a high power radio frequency source operating at 1 to 30 MHz to generate a uniform discharge between the electrode pair. Both methods have temperature controlled discharge surfaces with supply gas temperature, humidity and flow rate control.

Abstract: A filter and a method for separating ions in a partially ionized plasma according to their mass includes a chamber with crossed electric and magnetic fields established therein. A feed, including metal atoms having ionization potentials in a low range, and gas atoms having an ionization potential in a high range, is introduced into the chamber. An electron temperature below the low range is generated to partially ionize the feed by dissociating the metal atoms from the gas atoms, and by ionizing the metal atoms into light and heavy ions according to their mass to charge ratio. The light and heavy ions are then influenced by the crossed electric and magnetic fields to separate the light ions from the heavy ions.

Abstract: A cusp filter for altering a multi-species plasma to separate ions of different masses (M1 and M2) includes first and second axi-symmetric magnetic fields which are coaxial, have the same magnitude (B), and are oriented back-to-back to establish a null cusp. The null cusp is thus oriented perpendicular to the axis between the magnetic fields. An injector is provided for directing the plasma ions along the axis toward the null cusp to divert the ions (M1) away from the axis and prevent them from crossing the null cusp, while allowing the ions (M2) to cross the null cusp and proceed along the axis through the filter. In one embodiment, a cut-off mass, Mc, is determined such that M1<Mc<M2 with Mc=e2B2r2/2W where “e” is the ion charge, “r” is the radial distance of the ion from the axis, and W is its kinetic energy.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to methods for altering the magnetic properties of materials and the novel materials produced by these methods. The methods of this invention concern the application of high voltage, high frequency sparks to the surface of materials in order to alter the magnetic properties of the materials. Specially, the present invention can be applied to diamagnetic silicon to produce ferromagnetic spark-processed silicon.

Abstract: An ion separator includes a plasma source for generating a multi-species plasma having ions of heavy mass (M2) and light mass (M1). Also included is an accelerator for accelerating these ions to a common velocity (vo) before they are injected into a hollow chamber. For this invention, the chamber can be configured as a toroid or a cylinder confining a curved path which generates a mass proportional drift velocity (ud) for each ion as it travels along the path. Consequently, ions will collide with the chamber wall, in sequence, according to their mass. This will be at predetermined arc lengths (L) along the path in the chamber. Specifically, ions of heavy mass (M2) will collide with the chamber wall before ions of light mass (M1). The ions can then be subsequently removed from the chamber wall. For one embodiment, the geometry of the chamber is established as a helix having a pitch angle which captures only heavy mass ions (M2) and allows ions of light mass (M1) to completely transit through the chamber.

Abstract: A method and system for separating radioactive waste containing volatiles, into light ions and heavy ions, includes a loader/transporter for transferring the waste into a high vacuum environment in the chamber of a plasma processor. During this transfer, gases of the volatiles are released from the waste, collected in a holding tank, and subsequently ionized in the chamber. As the volatiles are ionized, the ions are directed by a magnetic field into contact with the waste to vaporize the waste. The waste vapors are then ionized in the plasma processor chamber to create a multi-species plasma which includes electrons, light ions and heavy ions. Within the chamber, the density of the multi-species plasma is established to be above its collision density in order to establish a substantially uniform velocity for all ions in the plasma. A nozzle accelerates the multi-species plasma to generate a fluid stream which is directed from the chamber toward an inertial separator.

Abstract: A method for cleaning the surface of magnetic disks prior to the deposition of a metal layer on the magnetic disk. The method includes the steps of first, placing a magnetic disk into a magnetron assisted DC plasma chamber. The plasma chamber includes a vacuum chamber, one or more targets, one or more magnets, a noble gas source, a target power supply, and a DC bias power supply. Next, a noble gas, for example argon, is introduced into the vacuum chamber via the noble gas source, and a DC glow discharge is generated in the vacuum chamber by supplying power to the one or more targets using the target power supply. Finally, the magnetic disk is etched when a negative voltage is applied to the magnetic disk using the DC bias power supply.

Abstract: Two methods and corresponding electrode designs are provided for the generation of a plasma, for example, at or about one atmosphere. Using these methods, various webs, films and three-dimensional objects are beneficially treated in a reduced amount of time. A first method utilizes a repetitive, asymmetric voltage pulse to generate a plasma discharge between two electrodes. An asymmetric voltage pulse is used to generate a discharge in which a substrate can be exposed predominately to either positive or negative plasma species depending on the voltage polarity used. A second method uses the gap capacitance of an electrode pair and an external inductor in shunt to form a resonant LC circuit. The circuit is driven by a high power radio frequency source operating at 1 to 30 MHz to generate a uniform discharge between the electrode pair. Both methods have temperature controlled discharge surfaces with supply gas temperature, humidity and flow rate control.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and apparatus for continuously and efficiently separating the elements in a complex substance such as radioactive waste with a large volume plasma processor. One principal methods utilizes plasma confinement by toroidal magnetic fields with a poloidal divertor magnetic field and converts the plasma from a process plasma to a product plasma at a rapid rate permitting injection of a series of pellets, droplets or streams while the toroidal current in the plasma is maintained. A second principle method involves reducing the radiation losses in the separation process by eliminating the toroidal section and directly converting the feedstock material to a product plasma in an elongated evacuated container surrounded by magnetic field generating coils which produce magnetic fields that are parallel to the long axis of the evacuated container,The apparatus is a large volume plasma processor with multiple containment vessels.

Abstract: A device for removal of SO.sub.2 and NO.sub.x from flue gas by high frequency discharge has a chamber having a first inlet opening for entry of flue gas into the chamber and an outlet opening for flue gas to exit from the chamber after removal of SO.sub.2 and NO.sub.x. A generator and electrode produce a high frequency electric field of sufficient strength in the chamber to produce high energy electrons that achieve both excitation and ionization potentials of N.sub.2, O.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O, whereby to produce free radicals of OH., O.sub.2 H., N., O. and H. which react with SO.sub.2 and NO.sub.x molecules in the flue gas. A second inlet opening into the chamber adds ammonia to the SO.sub.2 and NO.sub.x for reaction with the free radicals in neutralization producing ammonium salts from the SO.sub.2 and NO.sub.x in the flue gas exiting from the chamber.

Abstract: The process includes the steps of: a) contacting a liquid containing mRNA with an insoluble support having DNA probes attached thereto via the 5' -terminus thereof whereby the MRNA is hybridized to said probes and hence to said support; b) removing said liquid; and c) adding enzymes and nucleotides in solution whereby the probe functions as a primer to produce single stranded cDNA on the mRNA probe. The probe DNA may be oligo-dT or a specific DNA sequence, such as one that is complementary to a conserved region in a class of mRNA molecules. The insoluble support comprises magnetic particles which are monodisperse polymer particles comprising superparamagnetic iron oxide, a coating to reduce non-specific binding and a substituent for attaching an oligonucleotide.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and apparatus for ionizing all the elements in a complex substance such as radioactive waste and for separation of some of the elements from the other elements. One principal methods utilizes plasma confinement by toroidal magnetic fields as a gate to regulate when and where specific elements are collected. While the plasma is confined, some of the species are removed by repeatedly cycling all of the species between the plasma and the deposition stages lining the walls, whereby some species preferentially accumulate on the deposition stages. The other species are then diverted into an additional containment vessel for collection or additional separations. The apparatus is a large volume plasma processor with multiple containment vessels. The invention provides for the characterization of waste material, and for its separation all within one serf contained vacuum environment. Other applications include remediation of chemical toxic wastes and chemical and germ warfare weapons.

Abstract: The improved isotope separator comprises a vacuum vessel, a plasma generator located substantially in the center of the vacuum vessel, an electrode bounded by a hyperboloid of one sheet and a pair of electrodes bounded by a hyperboloid of two sheets, said electrodes being located within the vacuum vessel in such a way as to surround the plasma generator, a power source for supplying said electrodes with a fixed voltage and a pulsating voltage, and magnetic field generating means located outside the vacuum vessel. The apparatus is implemented by a method for isotope separation that achieves high separation factor per stage (process), that enables the process throughput to be increased with ease and which yet is applicable to the isotopic separation of many elements.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying combustion gas to an internal combustion engine. The apparatus generates negatively-charged molecules of the formula [MO.sub.x ].sup.-, where M is a positive ion, O is oxygen and x is a number at least equal to 3, and means for mixing the molecules with combustion gas and fuel supplied to the engine. Molecules [MO.sub.x ].sup.- are produced in an ion generator that comprises a specially shaped anode and cathode spaced apart from each other in a non-conducting housing. When a substantially constant voltage is applied across the anode and cathode, a plasma forms between and around them that in turn forms a magnetic field around the plasma and the anode. Diatomic oxygen molecules enter the housing and are polarized by the magnetic field and the resulting oxygen ions accelerated toward the plasma.

Abstract: This invention concerns new molecules with active, non-linear optical properties and which can be thermally reticulated (more precisely, these molecules include terminal functions which can be reticulated, attached to either side of the groups active in non-linear optics, which can be oriented under an electrical field). When reticulated and oriented under an electrical field, these materials are particularly stable and can be employed for industrial applications, using non-linear optics (electrooptical modulators, frequency doublers, etc.).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel epoxy polymeric composition resulting from reacting (A) at least one compound containing an average of more than one epoxide group per molecule with (B) at least one curing agent for component (A). At least a portion of the curing agent (B) is at least a first curing agent compound which contains (a) an average of more than one active amine hydrogen atom per molecule and (b) an average of at least one aromatic ring which contains at least one pendant monovalent electron withdrawing group. The present invention also includes a process for preparing the above polymeric materials. The polymeric materials of the present invention also exhibit nonlinear optical capabilities when formed into an optically transparent medium with a noncentrosymmetric alignment of molecules. The nonlinear optical materials of the present invention are useful in electrooptic devices for use in communications and data-processing.

Abstract: C.sub.1+ hydrocarbons can be effectively converted to primarily unsaturated hydrocarbon and hydrogen by subjecting the C.sub.1+ hydrocarbon to microwave radiation in the presence of water and at least one plasma initiator that is capable of initiating an electric discharge in an electromagnetic field.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to epoxy-based polymeric nonlinear optical materials in which a nonlinear optical active moiety or functionality forms the crosslink between polymer chains and a process for making the nonlinear optical (NLO) epoxy polymer including heating an epoxy resin and a curing agent such as a bi- or tri-functional aromatic amine containing an electron-withdrawing group, for example, diamino diphenylsulfone and poling the mixture under high voltage at elevated temperature for a period of time to bring about orientation of the nonlinear optical moieties in the polymer. The polymers have enhanced stability over polymers in which only one end of an NLO active moiety is attached to the polymer chain.

Abstract: A waste gas treating apparatus including a discharge tube comprising a tubular container having a gas introduction opening and a gas leading opening and at least one pair of an anodes and a cathodes placed within the container, a dc or ac power supply connected to said electrodes, and a gas flow passage formed in the discharge tube whereinat least a pair of anodes is provided opposite to each other in the flow passage,at least a pair of cathodes is provided opposite to the anodes in a direction nearly at right angles to the anodes without contacting the anodes in a space including the pair of anodes;a set of electrodes is composed of said pair of anodes and said pair of cathodes;a part or the whole of said anodes and said cathodes are composed of a plurality of plates or pillars and they are electroconductively connected integrally; anda device for forming a magnetic field application device forming a dc or ac magnetic field in the opposing direction of the cathodes is fixed to the discharge tube.

Abstract: The activity maintenance of the plasma initiators used during the upgrading of a hydrocarbon feedstock in a reaction zone using microwave radiation can be improved if molecular hydrogen is added to the reaction zone such that the weight ratio of carbon (in the molecules in contact with the plasma initiators) to hydrogen is maintained at less than 6:1 during upgrading.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to epoxy-based polymeric nonlinear optical materials in which a nonlinear optical active moiety or functionality forms the crosslink between polymer chains and a process for making the nonlinear optical (NLO) epoxy polymer including heating an epoxy resin and a curing agent such as a bi- or tri-functional aromatic amine containing an electron-withdrawing group, for example, diamino diphenylsulfone and poling the mixture under high voltage at elevated temperature for a period of time to bring about orientation of the nonlinear optical moieties in the polymer. The polymers have enhanced stability over polymers in which only one end of an NLO active moiety is attached to the polymer chain.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an epoxy-containing polymeric material having nonlinear optical properties, particularly a glycidyl amine polymer, and a process for making the nonlinear optical (NLO) epoxy-containing polymeric material including poling the polymeric material under high voltage at elevated temperature for a period of time to bring about orientation of the nonlinear optical functionalities in the polymer. The polymers have enhanced thermal stability and good NLO properties.

Abstract: Cross-linked macromolecular products having the structure of perfluoropolyethers in which the cross-linking is due to C--C links between carbon atoms of different perfluoropolyether chains, said cross-linked products being obtained by treatment by means of U.V. radiations of the corresponding perfluoropolyethers containing at least three groups: ##STR1## arranged along the chain and at one or at both ends; the C--C link of cross-linking coming from the removal of two groups: ##STR2## of different perfluoropolyether chains.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for sealing a hollow fiber membrane separation module into a case. The hollow fiber mambrane separation module is formed from a plurality of hollow fibers arranged in a bundle surrounding a core and having tube sheets surrounding each end of the bundle which bind the hollow fibers together. The disclosed process simultaneous with such sealing creates first and second spaces overlying the ends of the plurality of hollow fibers. Such first and second spaces, in cooperation, permit the introduction and withdrawal of fluids through the lumens of the hollow fibers.

Abstract: A process for bonding a mixture of substances together. The process includes the steps of forming a mixture of substances; heating the mixture of substances until the mixture is molten; pouring the molten mixture of substances into a mold; and forming a magnetic field around the mold.

Abstract: C.sub.2 + hydrocarbons can be effectively converted to primarily unsaturated hydrocarbons and hydrogen using microwave radiation in the presence of at least one plasma initiator that is capable of initiating an electric discharge in an electromagnetic field.

Abstract: A method and system for utilizing electromagnetic energy to inhibit, prevent, reverse, or alter the formation of rust or scale on various liquid contacting surfaces is disclosed. An electromagnetic signal at a frequency related to the energy absorption/emission characteristics of the liquid being treated are directed into the liquid. The frequency of the treatment signal, preferably between 0.1 KHz and 1000 MHz, may be changed if the absorption/emission profile of the liquid changes during treatment.

Abstract: Gas or vapor phase chemical reactions are conducted inside an open loop Stirling cycle apparatus which may operate as a heat engine or as a heat pump. Adsorbent surfaces are associated with the thermal regenerators of the Stirling cycle apparatus, so that pressure swing adsorption separation of reactant and product gas species may be achieved in response to cyclic variations of flow and pressure within the apparatus. Flow control means are provided to introduce the feed gas into the working space of the apparatus and to remove separated product fractions. The feed gas is chemically reactive in a reaction zone of the working space, with reactant and product species separated by the apparatus to remove desired product(s) from the reaction zone while retaining reactant(s) in the reaction zone, so that conversion and selectivity objectives can be achieved.

Abstract: A new high energy chemical complex is provided formed from metastable hel fixed on ammonia (HE.sub.m NH.sub.3), so that the metastable helium electron is captured so as to be held in the "L" layer of the metastable helium atom.The process for producing the He.sub.m NH.sub.3 complex comprises the following steps: excitation of helium to create metastable helium; deposition of metastable helium on NH.sub.3 to form the complex; and accumulation or condensation of the product.The invention finds a particular application as a propellant in the aerospace field.

Abstract: Electrical discharge machining with a tool electrode juxtaposed with a workpiece electrode to form a machining gap therebetween in the presence of a machining liquid and wherein a succession of electrical pulses are applied between the tool and workpiece electrodes to produce successive electrical discharges across the machining gap, thereby electroerosively removing material from the workpiece. As material removal proceeds the tool and workpiece electrodes are advanced relatively towards one another in a predetermined feed direction to form a cavity in the workpiece electrode. A magnetic field is applied to the machining gap over a preselected localized area of juxtaposition between the tool and workpiece electrodes; the field is displaced progressively over the entire region of juxtaposition.

Abstract: A dielectric thin layer consisting of polymerized perfluoro-2-butene:(C F.sub.3 -C F=C F-C F.sub.3).sub.npresenting very good characteristics for production of single or multi-layer capacitors, obtained with a rapid deposition by glow discharge in an a.c. electrical field. The glow discharge is carried out in the gaseous phase of perfluoro-2-butene under highly reduced pressure and an a.c. voltage of 300 volts, the maximum rate of layer formation (0.7 micron per minute) being obtained for a frequency of 13.56Mc/s, at a temperature of 0.degree. C. under a pressure of 0.1 Torr when the useful power of the glow discharge is of 5 to 10 watts.

Abstract: String of polyamide is irradiated with dosages of 10.sup.4 to 10.sup.10 rads. It has been discovered by actual experience that in string which is treated in this way the cross linkage of the molecules is enhanced. Such string has higher elasticity and substantially lower damping when set into oscillation than untreated string and that a tennis racket produced with such string is superior to a racket with untreated polyamide string. The dosage is not so high as to cause the string to become brittle.

Abstract: Non-metalliferous materials are dispersed in an arrangement comprising at least two coaxial plasma accelerators each provided with an inlet duct for feeding a liquid stream with the material to be treated into the accelerator housing. The accelerators are positioned with their axes intersecting so that a superpressure chamber is formed by the accelerator housing at the intersection of the axes. The chamber has a central outlet duct for discharging the dispersed material.The invention provides for creating and efficiently using high and superhigh pressures the magnitude of which, at a considerable distance from the zone where initial pressures are build up, is greater than the magnitude of the initial pressures.

Abstract: Embodiments of magnetoplasmadynamic processors are disclosed which utilize specially designed cathode-buffer, anodeionizer and vacuum-insulator/isolator structures to transform a working fluid into a beam of fully ionized plasma. The beam is controlled both in its size and direction by a series of magnets which are mounted in surrounding relation to the cathode, anode, vacuum insulator/isolators and plasma beam path. As disclosed, the processor may be utilized in many diverse applications including the separation of ions of differing weights and/or ionization potentials and the deposition of any ionizable pure material. Several other applications of the processor are disclosed.