Abstract: The present invention provides a packaged chip that includes at least one dam disposed between the chip and interposer, blocking an encapsulant flow path in the package formed by the assembly of the interposer and chip. In one preferred embodiment, the dam comprises a lead-like structure formed on the interposer that closes an encapsulant flow path in the package. The invention further provides a novel interposer that may be assembled with a chip into the novel packaged chip. Methods are also provided for making the packaged chip and the interposer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preparing a surface of a silicon wafer for formation of HSG structures. The method contemplates providing a wafer having at least one HSG template comprising polysilicon formed in BPSG, the HSG template being covered by silicon dioxide. The wafer is treated with a cleaning agent to clean the surface of the wafer. Next, the wafer is treated with a conditioning agent. The conditioning agent removes native oxide from the HSG template without excessively etching structural BPSG. Preferably, the conditioning agent also removes a thin layer of polysilicon on the HSG template. The wafer is then transferred to a process chamber for HSG formation.

Abstract: A system and method for data collection, evaluation, information generation and/or presentation. More particularly the system is for collecting, evaluating, generating and presenting data and/or information relating to electronic commerce. The system and methods include predictor modules that use recent historical data along with an estimated and/or available population function as the basis for a differential equation that defines the growth of the population to a saturation or maximum attainable level.

Abstract: A new and distinctive New Guinea Impatiens plant characterized by flowers with two or more colors distributed in irregular randomly distributed patterns on some or all petals and flower. The patterns are defined by multiple irregularly shaped regions of color. Generally, each region consists of an elongate streak or patch of color typically radiating in a direction from the base of a petal to the edge of the petal. The irregularly shaped regions, while not necessarily exclusive of other colors, generally are dominated by a single color. The streaks or patches forming regions may vary in color intensity, shape, length, and width. They may also vary in terms of their position relative to the base and edge of a petal. The novel features of the invention also include a method of producing multiple sports from crosses of the present invention with other novel plants of the present invention or with conventional New Guinea Impatiens plants.

Abstract: A deflection cover for a medical endoscope comprises a tubular covering that protects the articulation system of an endoscope during sterilization procedures where pressure differentials are generated. The deflection cover is of a single layer of a selected material whose properties provide the deflection cover with adequate flexibility, thinness, and strength for use on a medical endoscope. The deflection cover may include a reinforcement structure, such as a helically oriented thread, to increase the tube's pressure resistance without impeding the tube's longitudinal flexibility, which is needed to allow the articulation system in the endoscope to deflect through its intended range of motion.

Abstract: A database evaluation system provides for intuitive end user analysis and exploration of large databases of information through real time fuzzy logic evaluation of utility preferences and nearest neighbor exploration. The system provides for domain modeling of various types of information domains using attribute mappings to database fields, and utility value weightings, allowing multiple different domain models to be coupled with a same database of information. User interaction with the evaluation system is through an interactive key generator interface providing immediate, iterative visual feedback as to which candidate items in database match the user's partial query. A proximity searcher user interface provides for nearest neighbor navigation and allows the user to determine which items in the database are closest to a given item along each independent attribute of the items, and selectively navigate through such nearest neighbors.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of ‘Impatiens walleriana’ plant named ‘TiHop’ characterized by large hot pink fully double flowers, flowers that are positioned above or beyond the foliage, good heat tolerance, dark green foliage and mounded, freely branching and dense plant habit.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of ‘Lobelia erinus’ having pendulous stems, freely branching plant habit, light blue flowers with a white eye that are produced continuously throughout the growing season, dark green to bronzish green foliage, and good heat tolerance.