Abstract: An interconnect structure of a semiconductor device designed for reduced intralevel and interlevel capacitance, and includes a lower metal layer and an upper metal layer and an insulating layer interposed between metal layers. Each of the lower metal layer and upper metal layer include a plurality of conductive lines spaced apart and extending within a low-k dielectric material. A plurality of metal-filled vias interconnects the conductive lines of the lower metal layer to the conductive lines of the upper metal layer. The insulating layer comprises also comprises a low-k dielectric material disposed between the adjacent metal-filled vias. Openings, having been etched in the low-k dielectric material between the conductive lines of the upper and lower metal layers, and the metal-filled vias, an ultra-low k material is deposited within the openings. The integration of the ultra-low k and low-d dielectric materials reduces the overall capacitance of the structure to enhance performance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a magnetoresistive magnetic field sensor wherein the sense current flows perpendicular to the plane of the layers of the sensor. The sensor is biased into a linear operating region of the transfer curve using the sense current or a permanent magnet in conjunction with the sense current.

Abstract: A magnetization sensor for sensing write field characteristic of a perpendicular or longitudinal recording head such as may be used with a disc drive, and a method of manufacture therefor are disclosed. The sensor can be manufactured concurrently with the write head and incorporated therein. The magnetization sensor comprises a non-magnetic layer separating a hard magnetic layer and a soft magnetic layer, with electrical leads to provide a biasing and sensing current. The magnetization sensor can be either a giant magnetoresistive element or a tunneling magnetoresistive element, depending upon the non-magnetic layer used in the construction of the device.

Abstract: A system and method of constructing a density map is disclosed. The density map is a cellular grid representing local terrain, wherein each cell contains a density vector representing the density of portion of the terrain corresponding to the cell. The density map can be used to classify and characterize the surrounding terrain, which is useful in making a determination of the traversability of the terrain to mobile vehicles.

Abstract: A rotisserie cooking appliance includes a base and attached wall in the form of a vertically bisected cylinder. The base contains a centrally-located spindle for the attachment thereon of a drip pan and a spit and basket assembly. The spit and basket assembly includes a circular wire basket for containing the food item to be cooked, with a spit attached to the center thereof, the spit having an integral handle at the top to facilitate the insertion and removal of the spit and basket assembly from the rotisserie. A electric heating element is provided which is located to the rear of the rotisserie, which emits more thermal radiation near the bottom of the cooking chamber than at the top thereof. A removable aluminum reflective element is configured behind the heating element to further direct thermal radiation towards the spit and basket assembly. A single door configured as a vertically bisected cylinder made of a transparent heat resistant plastic material is provided.

Abstract: A control for an electric heating device for adjusting the duration of the device's heating cycle in order to effectively compensate for variations in the operating voltage supplied to the device. The control includes a means for adjusting the duration of the heating cycle, wherein the adjustment means generates a control voltage for controlling the duration of the heating cycle that is a dynamic function of the magnitude of the operating voltage.

Abstract: A blender blade having a bottom wavy or undulate configuration for blending ingredients in a blender and a top aerating blade. The wavy blade stirs ingredients into the mixture, rather than chopping and grinding the ingredients, thereby retaining the ingredients integrity. The top blade pulls ingredients and air into the mixture to be mixed. The resultant mixture has a heterogenous, rather and homogenous, textured consistency.

Abstract: This invention discloses a mixing tool for an ice cream maker. The mixing tool is substantially helix-shaped and is disposed within the freezing chamber of an ice cream maker. The mixing tool serves a three-fold purpose. First, the mixing tool scrapes frozen ice cream mixture off of the walls of the freezing chamber. Second, the mixing tool is capable of whipping air into the ice cream mixture if the rate of rotation of the mixing tool is high. Third, the mixing tool urges frozen ice cream toward the dispensing valve of the freezing chamber.

Abstract: A phosphorescent assembly for humidifiers and vaporizers that enables the vaporizers and humidifiers to be easily seen in dark or dimly lit areas. The presently preferred embodiment of the invention provides for the water reservoir in both the humidifiers and the vaporizers to be blow-molded from a phosphorescent, plastic material that will be luminescent for several hours after being exposed to radiation within the light frequency spectrum.

Abstract: A gas-fired barbecue grill, comprising: a grill body integrally formed with at least one side element selected from the group comprising a side table and a base member of a side burner. In another embodiment, the grill comprises a grill body and first and second side elements selected from the group comprising a side table and a base member of a side burner, wherein a first piece of the grill comprises a first portion of the grill body integrally formed with the first side element, and a second piece of the grill comprises a second portion of the grill body integrally formed with the second side element, and further wherein the first and second pieces of the grill are secured together. In yet another embodiment, the grill comprises a grill body and first and second side elements selected from the group comprising a side table and a base member of a side burner, wherein the side elements are attached directly to the grill body.

Abstract: A phosphorescent assembly for humidifiers and vaporizers that enables the vaporizers and humidifiers to be easily seen in dark or dimly lit areas. The presently preferred embodiment of the invention provides for the water reservoir in both the humidifiers and the vaporizers to be blow-molded from a phosphorescent, plastic material that will be luminescent for several hours after being exposed to radiation within the light frequency spectrum.