Abstract: Self-aligned split-gate flash memory cell array and process of fabrication in which erase and select gates are positioned on opposite sides of stacked floating and control gates, with source regions in the substrate beneath the erase gates, bit line diffusions which are partially overlapped by select gates at the ends of the rows of the cells. The floating and control gates are self-aligned with each other, and the erase and select gates are split from but self-aligned with the stacked gates. With the floating gates surrounded by the other gates and the source regions, high voltage coupling for both programming and erase operations is significantly enhanced. The memory cells are substantially smaller than prior art cells, and the array is biased so that all of the memory cells in it can be erased simultaneously, while programming is bit selectable.

Abstract: Flash memory and process of fabrication in which memory cells are formed with select gates in trenches between stacked, self-aligned floating and control gates, with buried source and drain regions which are gated by the select gates. Erase paths are formed between projecting rounded edges of the floating gates and the select gates, and programming paths extend from the mid-channel regions between the select gates and floating gates through the gate oxide to the edges of the floating gates. Trenched select gates can be provided on one or both sides of the floating and control gates, depending upon array architecture, and the stacked gates and dielectric covering them are used as a self-aligned mask in etching the substrate and other materials to form the trenches.

Abstract: Golf bag and locking club organizer in which a cover plate having openings for receiving the shafts of clubs and holding the clubs in a predetermined order is mounted to the top of the bag, with lock pieces pivotally suspended beneath the cover plate for swinging movement toward and away from the axes of the openings for blocking and permitting removal of the clubs from the bag, a lock plate engagable with the lock pieces and movable between first and second positions for selectively blocking or permitting movement of the lock pieces away from the axes of the openings, a lever connected to the lock plate and extending through an opening the cover plate for moving the lock plate between the first and second positions, and a lock bar movable into and out of engagement with the lock plate for retaining the lock plate in the position in which movement of the lock pieces away from the axes is blocked and the clubs cannot be removed from the bag.

Abstract: Weightlifting system having a bench, a pair of weight stands on opposite sides of the bench, an elongated bar extending over the bench between the weight stands, and weight plates on the weight stands for selective attachment to the bar without being removed from the weight stands. The bench can be moved between raised and lowered positions relative to the bar, and individually operable leg extension bars are positioned at one end of the bench, with weight plates resting on supports near the leg extension bars adapted to be selectively attached to the leg extension bars without being removed from the supports. In one disclosed embodiment, a frame having a pair of upright posts is positioned between the weight stands, and a pair of guides are connected to the bar and mounted on the posts for movement along the posts.

Abstract: Equipment for thermal therapy of patients is disclosed. The equipment includes a flexible heat exchange structure having fluid conducting channels formed between two layers of flexible material, with improved liquid manifolds at the ends of the channels for resisting pinching, crimping or buckling in the manifolds on pressurization and when the heat exchange structure is subjected to flexure as when worn on the human body. The manifolds are configured so that pressurization shrinkage at the manifold is balanced with pressurization shrinkage laterally among the fluid conducting channels. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid conducting channels themselves are configured in a zig-zag pattern which is effective to resist buckling or pinching of the channels when the heat exchange structure is subjected to bending. In a further embodiment the flexible heat exchange structure includes a third layer of material to form a pressurized air envelope, for heat/cold and pressure theraby.

Abstract: Self-aligned split-gate NAND flash memory cell array and process of fabrication in which rows of self-aligned split-gate cells are formed between a bit line diffusion and a common source diffusion in the active area of a substrate. Each cell has control and floating gates which are stacked and self-aligned with each other, and erase and select gates which are split from and self-aligned with the stacked gates, with select gates at both ends of each row which partially overlap the bit line the source diffusions. The channel regions beneath the erase gates are heavily doped to reduce the resistance of the channel between the bit line and source diffusions, and the floating gates are surrounded by the other gates in a manner which provides significantly enhanced high voltage coupling to the floating gates from the other gates.

Abstract: Exercise machine having a platform for receiving an exerciser, a post extending from the platform, a carriage which can be moved along the post by the exerciser, and a plurality of elastic elements which can be selectively connected to the carriage to assist or resist movement of the carriage along the post. The machine is highly portable and can be folded for storage.

Abstract: Micromachined vibratory gyroscope having two or more coplanar movable masses suspended over a planar substrate. Two perpendicular axes (x and y) are defined within the substrate plane, while a third, the z-axis or input axis, is defined to be perpendicular to the substrate plane. The movements of the two masses along the x-axis are coupled through an electrostatic coupling means so that the natural resonant frequency of the in-phase mode and that of the anti-phase mode are separated from each other for the resonances along the x-axis. When the two masses are driven to vibrate along the x-axis in the anti-phase mode and the device experiences rotation about the z-axis, Coriolis forces act differentially on the masses in the Y-direction, causing the two masses to dither in an anti-phase motion along the y-axis. The anti-phase dithering along the y-axis can be sensed directly by a rate sensor to measure the rate of rotation about the z-axis.

Abstract: Micromachined vibratory gyroscope and method in which the vibrating masses are coupled electronically, e.g. by electronically adjusting the resonance frequency of one or more of the masses so that all of the masses have the same resonance frequency.

Abstract: Exercise device and method in which the device comprises a pair of elongated flexible straps, with hand grips and an anchor attached to the straps. The straps are adapted to pass between a door and the jamb in which it is mounted, with the anchor and the grips on opposite sides of the door, and the anchor abutting against the door to retain the straps in position when a pull is exerted on them by an exerciser. The exerciser leans away from the door, and does an exercises while holding the grips and leaning so that the weight of his body serves as resistance for the exercises.

Abstract: Dunnage making machine and method in which a web of paper is drawn across a forming bar with curved end sections to roll the edge portions of the paper, then drawn through a first throat section to urge the rolled edge portions toward each other and cause them to gather, and thereafter through a second throat section of lesser dimension than the first to gather the central portion of the paper and further gather the edge portions. The gathered paper is then pressed with a roller to crumple it, following which the crumpled paper is perforated along a serrated tear line.

Abstract: Flash memory and process of fabrication in which memory cells are formed with select gates in trenches between stacked, self-aligned floating and control gates, with buried source and drain regions which are gated by the select gates. Erase paths are formed between projecting rounded edges of the floating gates and the select gates, and programming paths extend from the mid-channel regions between the select gates and floating gates through the gate oxide to the edges of the floating gates. Trenched select gates can be provided on one or both sides of the floating and control gates, depending upon array architecture, and the stacked gates and dielectric covering them are used as a self-aligned mask in etching the substrate and other materials to form the trenches.

Abstract: Self-aligned split-gate NAND flash memory cell array and method of fabrication in which a series of self-aligned split cells are formed between a bit line diffusion and a common source diffusion. Each cell has control and floating gates which are stacked and self-aligned with each other, and a third gate which is split from but self-aligned with the other two. In some disclosed embodiments, the split gates are utilized as erase gates, and in others they are utilized as select gates. The memory cells are substantially smaller than prior art cells, and the array is biased so that all of the memory cells in it can be erased simultaneously, while programming is bit selectable.

Abstract: Indirect lighting system having an elongated housing or reflector which can be mounted on the headrail of a vertical blind or the like, with a light source disposed centrally of the housing or reflector for illuminating the surface of the blind. In some disclosed embodiments, the housing is mounted in a stationary position, and in others the reflector rotates to control the direction in which the light shines. Wiring for the system is concealed, and in some embodiments, the system includes a valance with removable panels overlying the housing.

Abstract: Bistable latching actuator for use in optical fiber switching applications having a generally planar mechanism with an arm that carries a mirror for movement in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the mechanism, and a bistable mechanical latch for retaining the mirror in stable positions on opposite sides of the plane without contacting the arm. Movement between the two stable positions is initiated and damped with an electrostatic comb drive.

Abstract: Light control system and method in which a privacy glass window having first and second transparent substrates with a film of liquid crystal between the substrates is mounted in the wall or roof of a building. The level of ambient light outside the building is monitored and/or sunlight impinging directly on the building is detected, and the film is energized to make the window transparent during daylight hours when sunlight is not impinging directly upon it. Some embodiments include override switches which permit the window to be made transparent at night and/or during cooler months when sunlight is falling directly on it, and some include an override switch which permits the window to be darkened during daylight hours in warmer months.

Abstract: System, method and material for making pneumatically filled packing cushions in which a plastic film material having two superposed layers joined together along first and second longitudinal edges is prefabricated at a first location by forming longitudinally spaced, transversely extending rows of perforations across it and sealing it together along seal lines which extend from the first edge of the material in a direction generally parallel to the rows of perforations other and terminate a short distance from the second edge to form chambers with open mouths facing the second edge between the rows of perforations. The material is then fan-folded or formed into rolls for storage and shipment. At a second location, gas is introduced into the chambers by passing the material along a tube positioned between the ends of the seals and the second edge of the material and injecting the gas into the open mouths of the chambers through openings in a side wall of the tube.

Abstract: An inflatable, conformable, cushioning, packaging product comprises a plurality of individual inflatable strips of multiple bubble cushioning structures. Each individual inflatable strip has a plurality of bubble chambers with each bubble chamber interconnected to an adjacent bubble chamber by an interconnecting passageway which is smaller in size and internal volume than the bubble chambers, but which is sufficiently large to enable air volume and pressure in one inflated bubble chamber to be transmitted to adjacent bubble chambers for distributing a shock load on one bubble chamber along the entire length of the individual inflatable strip of interconnected bubble chambers. Each individual inflatable strip is defined between two laterally extending spaced apart peripheral seal lines which have an undulating configuration free of corner shapes which could concentrate stresses.