Abstract:
A novel fluid delivery system includes a mounting panel, where the mounting panel includes channels that define the flow of fluid between any flow-control components mounted on the mounting panel. The mounting panel comprises a top plate and a bottom plate, and the channels are carved out of the underside of the top plate and are enclosed by the bottom plate. In a complex fluid delivery system having many fluid channels, the mounting panel may include one or more interior panels with additional channels carved out of the interior plates to accommodate all routing paths. The channels run in two or more directions to connect two or more gas/channel sticks together.
Abstract:
A method for producing a corrosion-resistant channel in a wetted path of a silicon device enables such device to be used with corrosive compounds, such as fluorine. A wetted path of a MEMS device is coated with either (1) an organic compound resistant to attack by atomic fluorine or (2) a material capable of being passivated by atomic fluorine. The device is then exposed to a gas that decomposes into active fluorine compounds when activated by a plasma discharge. One example of such a gas is CF4, an inert gas that is easier and safer to work with than volatile gases like ClF3. The gas will passivate the material (if applicable) and corrode any exposed silicon. The device is tested in such a manner that any unacceptable corrosion of the wetted path will cause the device to fail. If the device operates properly, the wetted path is deemed to be resistant to corrosion by fluorine or other corrosive compounds, as applicable.
Abstract:
A solid phase bilge water cleaning composition which is biodegradable and environmentally safe is disclosed. The composition includes a polysorbitan monostearate wax such as polyoxyethylenesorbitan monostearate and a mixture of nonionic alkyl detergent with about 18% sodium meta-silicate and about 12% chlorinated trisodium phosphate.
Abstract:
An aluminum layer such as an intraconnect on an integrated circuit semiconductive device is passivated by oxidizing the aluminum layer to form a thin layer of amorphous alumina thereon. The alumina layer is coated with a surface active agent to form a hydrophobic surface on the aluminum oxide to inhibit the creation and growth of ALOOH on the oxide layer. The hydrophobic surface is coated with a conventional passivating material such as silicon dioxide, epoxy or the like.
Abstract:
Maximum yield in the production of a slab from an open-top or hot-top mold ingot is obtained by a method of selecting the ingot mold size and the pour height in the mold.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to nucleic acid amplification assays for the detection of nucleic acid sequences of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The present invention provides oligonucleotides that are complementary or that anneal to nucleic acid sequences of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The present invention also provides internal amplification controls (IACs) that can be used in nucleic acid amplification reactions.
Abstract:
A novel fluid delivery system includes a mounting panel, where the mounting panel includes channels that define the flow of fluid between any flow-control components mounted on the mounting panel. The mounting panel comprises a top plate and a bottom plate, and the channels are carved out of the underside of the top plate and are enclosed by the bottom plate. In a complex fluid delivery system having many fluid channels, the mounting panel may include one or more interior panels with additional channels carved out of the interior plates to accommodate all routing paths. The channels run in two or more directions to connect two or more gas/channel sticks together.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a newly-identified DNA sequence from Mycobacterium kansasii designated KATS2. Also disclosed are methods, oligonucleotide probes, amplification primers, and kits for the detection of M. kansasii nucleic acids. M. kansasii-specific methods, probes, amplification primers, and kits are preferred.
Abstract:
A low noise block feedhorn system includes a waveguide antenna for receiving RF signals. The transition element is a waveguide to coaxial line probe assembly which includes a high conductivity probe and a low loss dielectric sleeve. The dielectric sleeve has a ring spacer at its top and probe spacer at the bottom to provide an air gap between the dielectric sleeve and the probe. The dielectric sleeve concentrates the RF field next to the probe and the air gap reduces the field intensity of the probe surface. Thus, a proper impedance match between the waveguide and the probe with less conducting losses is provided. A low noise block downconverter has its preamplifier connected by its input impedance matching network to the coaxial cable. By replacing the coaxial cable with a coaxial transformer as a second transition element the network can be eliminated and the preamplifier connected directly to the coaxial transformer for a further improvement in loss.
Abstract:
A dual band integrated feedhorn includes a housing having a rotatable support for a C band coaxial waveguide, a clamp for a Ku band waveguide, a Ku band waveguide slideably mounted in the clamp for focus adjustment, and a pair of low noise blocks connected to the waveguide output probes for downconverting their incoming modulated carrier C and Ku band signals to modulated IF signals. A servo drives the support member to position the waveguides energy output coupling probes to match the polarization of the incoming RF energy; thus, eliminating the need for polarizers and reducing insertion loss significantly. The reduced insertion loss enables defocusing of the Ku band waveguide to widen the half power beamwidth to improve aiming accuracy without decreasing the gain and degrading performance. A position adjustable scalar and a pair of power modules are attached exteriorly of the housing. The scalar is positioned adjacent the end of the C band waveguide for focusing the C band waveguide. The power modules include transient suppressors and voltage regulators connected to the pair of low noise blocks for suppressing incoming transients and regulating the incoming dc voltage while outputting the modulated IF carrier signals. Thus, heat generated by the power modules is kept from the low noise blocks, resulting in improved operating performance and increased life.