Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for interactive network session tracking from inbound source to net sale includes storing a unique session ID (identifier) in an entry in a session database, and associating the session ID with an inbound source (origin) of the user of an interactive network site. The user's actions, such as page views, product detail views, and shopping cart additions and deletions, can also be stored in the session database associated with the session ID. The unique session ID is embedded in a digital offer that is stored in a transaction database such that net sale data is associated with the session ID. Reporting and correlation of transaction data and the user activity data can be performed offline for analysis of purchase and traffic patterns.

Abstract: A vertical floating gate transistor includes an epitaxially formed channel between its lower source/drain region and upper source/drain region, with a floating gate electrode in a trench that extends vertically through those regions and a control or programming gate electrode above and separated from the floating gate electrode. A process for forming the vertical floating gate transistor implants the substrate to provide the lower source/drain region, then forms an epitaxial layer that provides the channel over the previously formed lower source/drain region. Then, the upper source/drain region is implanted above the lower source/drain region and epitaxial channel layer, followed by formation of a vertical trench and the floating and control gates. Forming the epitaxial layer over a previously implanted lower source/drain region allows independent control of the resistivity of the lower source/drain region, such that it can have low resistivity, facilitating device symmetry.

Abstract: A vertical floating gate transistor includes an epitaxially formed channel between its lower source/drain region and upper source/drain region, with a floating gate electrode in a trench that extends vertically through those regions and a control or programming gate electrode above and separated from the floating gate electrode. A process for forming the vertical floating gate transistor implants the substrate to provide the lower source/drain region, then forms an epitaxial layer that provides the channel over the previously formed lower source/drain region. Then, the upper source/drain region is implanted above the lower source/drain region and epitaxial channel layer, followed by formation of a vertical trench and the floating and control gates. Forming the epitaxial layer over a previously implanted lower source/drain region allows independent control of the resistivity of the lower source/drain region, such that it can have low resistivity, facilitating device symmetry.

Abstract: The present invention provides stable and reliable extremely high resistance polysilicon resistors for use as SRAM load elements, and methods for their fabrication. In an embodiment, a resistor element of a semiconductor device includes at least one polysilicon layer, and a silicon nitride layer deposited directly onto this polysilicon layer. The silicon nitride layer prevents contamination of the polysilicon layer during subsequent fabrication process steps. A method of fabricating a polysilicon resistor on a semiconductor substrate is also provided. The method includes the step of depositing a layer of polysilicon on the substrate, followed by depositing a layer of protective material over the polysilicon layer to form a protected polysilicon layer. After deposition of the protective layer, resistors are formed by implanting dopants into the polysilicon layer, and patterning through lithography, and etching the nitride and the polysilicon layer.

Abstract: A battery charging system with redundant overcharge protection. The voltage across a plurality of series connected battery cells as well as the voltage across each individual cell is monitored both at a battery module and a host charging system. In the event an overcharging situation is detected, by the battery module, a first switch is open-circuited to prevent overcharging. In the event an overcharging situation is detected in the host system via a communication channel with the battery module or damage to the first switch is detected, a second switch is open-circuited in the host system to prevent overcharging, thus providing a redundant level of security against overcharging the battery cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-CD player with a quick scanning feature where the multi-CD player stores samples of a portion of each of the CD's into a fast access memory device such as a random access memory (RAM). The multi-CD player provides a mode where the stored portions are played back quickly so that a user can select which CD to play based on the playback portions.

Abstract: An online computer support system uses simultaneous and alternating transfer of different data types including voice, image, video, and other digital information. This allows a customer service representative and a user having a computer problem to communicate more effectively and solve the problem. The customer service representative can provide prepared tutorials or information to the customer in the form of text, diagrams, and video with synchronized sound. Software at the user computer side automatically interrogates the user computer to determine information about hardware and software components needed to solve problems the user is having. Information, such as the serial number, is programmed into non-volatile memory at the factory for reading during, or at the beginning of, an online support session. The customer service representative can control the user's computer remotely. Software agents are used to perform specific functions.

Abstract: A telephone includes a telephone body, a handset and a telephone network line hold mechanism. The telephone body includes a handset cradle on which the handset is placed, a plurality of operation buttons and the like. The telephone is placed in the offhook state when the user lifts the handset from the handset cradle and placed in the on-hook state when the user places the handset on the handset cradle. The telephone network line hold mechanism is energized when the user places the handset on the telephone body at its position in which the offhook state of the telephone is retained.

Abstract: A wafer prober testing device uses a test head safety interlock system to prevent inadvertent movement of a test head which is locked to a head plate. The test head is movable between a raised position and a lowered position, and is mounted to the head plate when it is in the lowered position. A test head controller controls the movement of the test head between the raised position and the lowered position. A locking lever, which is mounted to the head plate, is movable between a lock position and an unlock position. The locking lever locks the test head to the head plate when the test head is in the lowered position, to ensure that the testing equipment is accurately aligned and that there are satisfactory electrical contacts, as even a minor misalignment of the testing equipment, or a slight vibration or discontinuity with the probe pads will lead to inaccurate test results.

Abstract: A video camera system can suitably track a moving object without influence of other objects outside the desired image. Detection feature patterns are formed after brightness and hue frequency feature data are obtained on the basis of image information of the detection measurement frame. The position of detection measurement frame having a feature pattern with the largest similarity to the standard feature pattern obtained from the standard measurement frame is determined. An imaging condition of a television camera is controlled on the basis of the position information of the detection measurement frame in order to attain a video camera system enabling to suitably track the object motion. Further, a video camera system can obtain a face image of constantly a same size with a simple construction. An area of the face image on the display plane is detected as the detected face area, and by comparing this with a standard face area, zooming-processing is performed such that the difference becomes 0.

Abstract: A pattern recognition system uses a Karhunen-Loeve expansion to separate unique characteristics from common characteristics. An approximation using a reduced number of series terms produces a correlation output with a dramatically reduced number of computations.

Abstract: A semiconductor deposition and oxidation process using a single furnace cycle. The temperature and gas mixture is stabilized inside the furnace prior to introduction of a dopant at a relatively low temperature. The temperature of the chamber is then ramped-up and the dopant is diffused into the wafer in an inert ambient. The temperature is then ramped-up again and oxygen is introduced to produce an oxide layer. The wafers are then removed from the furnace and any residue of the dopant within the chamber is effectively neutralized by introducing a high flow of oxygen.

Abstract: A telephone includes a telephone body, a handset and a telephone network line hold mechanism. The telephone body includes a handset cradle on which the handset is placed, a plurality of operation buttons and the like. The telephone is placed in the offhook state when the user lifts the handset from the handset cradle and placed in the on-hook state when the user places the handset on the handset cradle. The telephone network line hold mechanism is energized when the user places the handset on the telephone body at its position in which the offhook state of the telephone is retained.

Abstract: A two-way broadcasting system and a receiving system which can be realized at a low cost and is not required to newly connect the connecting cables and extended wiring layout. A multiplexed broadcast signal is transmitted from the broadcasting side under the condition that the two-way broadcast program information can be separated from the principal audio signal of the broadcast program and the two-way broadcast program information can be reproduced as the audible sound in the receiving side. In the receiving side, such broadcast signal is received and the reproduced voice signal including the two-way broadcast program information is reproduced from a loud speaker system. The two-way broadcast program information is extracted from the collected voice signal and is then decoded in a decoding means. Using this decoded information, the response information to the two-way broadcast program can be transmitted to the predetermined response sending destination through the communication line.

Abstract: A plurality of classification items each including a plurality of detailed items for recognizing broadcasting programs per se and program elements included in each of the broadcasting programs are provided wherein the contents of each of the broadcasting programs are represented by the classification items and the detailed items that are respectively represented by the identification data are used to form scheduled program information. The scheduled program information is broadcast together with the corresponding table data for the identification data and the data for character display of the classification items and the detailed items corresponding to the identification data. Program schedules for various kinds of broadcasting programs can be broadcast with a reduced amount of data.

Abstract: A quantum memory has memory cells, each of the memory cells includes three-stage quantum dots stacked in sequence. A memory cell array is constructed by two-dimensionally arranging the memory cells. The quantum dots are made of heterojunctions of compound semiconductors. Writing and reading to and from a memory cell are executed by bringing a needle electrode close to the memory cell to apply an external electric field while irradiating laser light to an area including the memory cell.

Abstract: A tool for removing a polishing pad adhesively attached to a rotatable platen including a base, a lever member, at least one canted or angled latch pin, a chain having a plurality of links or rings, means for clamping the pad, and stop pins. The base is substantially flat and is engageable with a top or contact surface of the pad. The stop pins are attached to the base and are engageable with the platen. The lever is pivotally attached to the base, and has at least one latch pin attached thereto. A latch pin is engageable with each of the links of the chain. One end of the chain is pivotally attached to the clamping means. In operation, a portion of the pad disposed proximate the distal portion of the platen, is pried away from the top surface of the platen, and the clamp means is attached thereto. The base is disposed onto the contact surface of the pad such that the stop pins are in brought into contact with the near edge of the platen.

Abstract: Low particulate slit valve system and method for controlling the closure pressure applied to a slit valve. An apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes a barrier having a slit valve aperture, a valve seat surrounding the aperture, a closure movable towards and away from the valve seat, a sensing mechanism for determining the pressure differential on the two sides of the barrier, a processing unit responsive to the pressure differential and operative to produce a control signal, and a valve actuator responsive to the control signal and operative to control the force applied to the closure. The method of the invention includes determining a first fluid pressure on a first side of the barrier, determining a second pressure on a second side of the barrier, and applying a closure pressure to the closure which is related to the pressure differential between the first fluid pressure and the second fluid pressure.

Abstract: An improved hammock stand including a central base pipe, a pair of canted upstanding arm pipes, a set of four foot extension pipes, and a pair of connector assemblies to which the individually mountable/demountable feet extension, arm and base pipes may be telescopingly mounted. Each connector unit has a pair of extension pipes welded to a bowed crosspiece pipe oriented concave down. The extension pipes are identical in character and disposed on the crosspiece pipe such that the pipes lie in a vertical plane which passes transversely through the crosspiece at the center of the bend. The arm and base pipes telescopingly mount onto the extension pipes; the foot extension pipes telescopingly mount onto the crosspiece pipe so that they are canted downwardly and outwardly from about one to about five degrees.