Abstract: A method of inducing a fault within the boundary of an on-card reprogrammable logic device (RLD) by interactive injection of subtle candidate faults and comparison of expected error message from software diagnostics until all faults are tested. Upon completion of fault injection, the RLD is reprogrammed to its proper functional faultless state.

Abstract: This device aims at correcting distortions in spatial geometry and function of the heart muscle, thereby restoring valvular integrity and optimizing myocardial performance. The device is applied externally to the heart, fixed in the chest cavity or wall, while maintaining flexibility and selectively targeting specific points of varying size, tension, and force requirements. This minimally invasive device and method of application will contribute toward a reduced rate of mortality and morbidity from heart disease.

Abstract: Educational software using a computer and having a data storage system including a software module database management system and a user database management system. There is a quiz module database, maintained by the software module database management system, containing at least one quiz module, and a structured learning material editor module database, maintained by the software module database management system and containing at least one structured learning material editor modules. The software also has a structured learning material database, maintained by the user database management system, for storing at least one structured learning material data set created by a user. A user interface is provided for selecting system control functions, editing structured learning materials, presenting quizzes, receiving user answers to quizzes, and displaying quiz analysis results. A control system retrieves software modules from the software module database management system and activates them.

Abstract: A material disposal system ideally suited for use in container filling operations and includes a cover member and a hopper having a lower door operable relative to the hopper by pneumatic or other actuating means for opening and closing the passage disposed above a drum or other container to be filled. The cover member and hopper are fixedly attached to each other. The cover member forms a seal around the inside of the container opening such that air and other gases escaping from the container by the filling or other material handling operation are directed through filter means which separate airborne particulates therefrom. The material disposal system is adaptable for covering and sealing a wide variety of containers. The filter means is adaptable for filtering a wide variety of materials and particulate sizes for removal of noxious gases, vapors and other airborne effluents.

Abstract: Numerous studies suggest that the current popular designs of coronary stents are functionally equivalent and suffer a 16 to 22 percent rate of restenosis. Although the use of coronary stents is growing, the benefits of their use remain controversial in certain clinical situations or indications due to their potential complications. The application of gas cluster ion beam (GCIB) surface modification such as smoothing or cleaning appears to reduce these complications and lead to genuine cost savings and an improvement in patient quality of life. The present invention is directed to the use of GCIB surface modification to overcome prior problems of thrombosis and restenosis. The atomic level surface smoothing of stents utilizing GCIB substantially reduces undesirable surface micro-roughness in medical coronary stents.

Abstract: Scissors having two shear bodies joined to each other for opening and closing movements, each shear body composed of a blade with a pivot portion, a shank, and a finger grip, wherein the shank of each blade has a desired portion distal from the pivot portion thereof arranged wider in a plan view and a first opening provided in the wider portion thereof, allowing the shank of each shear body to be reduced in weight and also improved in strength against deflection. The finger grip having a circumferential portion thereof arranged wider in a plan view than the shank's proximal portion and a second opening provided in the wider circumferential portion thereof to allow accessories such as a finger brace and a hit point to be mounted to the circumferential portion of the finger grip at the outside of the second opening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus utilizing a series of optical components and systems which effectively detect and locate electromagnetic imaging or detection systems or devices, such as cameras and passive infrared detectors. A light source is arranged in a specially-prescribed manner, and is used in conjunction with imaging optics to illuminate an area. Any electromagnetic imaging or detection system in the illuminated area is detected with either the user's eye directly, or with detection optics to determine the existence of such electromagnetic imaging or detection system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the adhesion of a diamond-like carbon (DLC) film to a substrate and for producing a strongly adhered DLC film on a substrate. The adhesion is enhanced by ion beam pre-processing of the substrate prior to DLC film formation.

Abstract: A torch head includes a torch body which is inserted into the tube member, a cathode tube which is arranged in the torch body such that the longitudinal axis of the cathode tube is aligned to the longitudinal axis of the torch body and which has a cathode at the distal end of the cathode tube, an anode member which is arranged on the distal end side of the cathode tube, and a spraying material supply tube which opens toward a mouth opening formed in the anode member and which is arranged outside the torch body. In the anode member, a plasma gas supply chamber in which the front end of the cathode tube is stored in a non-contact state, an orifice which communicates with the plasma gas supply chamber and in which the cathode is stored in a non-contact state, and a plasma generation chamber which communicates with the orifice, which has a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the torch body, and which has the mouth opening are formed.

Abstract: Provided is scissors for hair cutting or hair dressing, wherein substantially linear slits provided at the edge of the scissors are formed in a slit width that is equal to or smaller than predetermined thickness of a hair, the slits being serially provided along the edge with predetermined intervals. According to these scissors, when the hair is cut, a non-slip effect on hair is obtained, and this slip-free state can be maintained in spite of sharpening. In addition, a proper closing feeling free of strong resistance can be obtained during scissors closing operation. In particular, in the cutting shears, natural finish is possible as required. Alternatively, the slit is formed in length that does not overreach the frictional sliding face of the scissors, and is formed in a slit width that exceeds predetermined thickness of a hair and that is smaller than twice of the predetermined thickness.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for gas cluster ion beam (GCIB) processing uses X-Y scanning of the workpiece relative to the GCIB. A neutralizer reduces surface charging of the workpiece by the GCIB. A single Faraday cup sensor is used to measure the GCIB current for dosimetry and scanning control and also to measure and control the degree of surface charging that may be induced in the workpiece during processing.

Abstract: A mechanical device that allows for changing a lamp that, when in its operating position, is surrounded by an optical system that is close to the lamp and therefore restricts access for lamp removal and accurate replacement within the optical system. This mechanical device may be used in any lighting product with or without an optical system to facilitate lamp/bulb changes. This mechanical device can be integrated into the structure of various lighting products such as table and floor lamps, ceiling fixtures and pendants, and outdoor poles. A lighting product which has been integrated with this lamp change device has the means to radiate light for desired illumination: a lamp (bulb) surrounded by said light radiator, said bulb is connected to a socket which is further connected to a socket mounting means.

Abstract: An optical interconnect system having a GRIN rod lens, the GRIN rod lens having a first end and a second end, and further having a preselected length, a preselected width and a preselected index of refraction. Means are fixedly secured to the first end of the GRIN rod lens for emitting electromagnetic radiation and means are fixedly secured to said second end of said GRIN rod lens for receiving the emitted electromagnetic radiation. The GRIN rod lens forms an image of the emitting means onto the receiving means and overcomes problems associated with misalignment.

Abstract: Incorporating the use of a permanent magnet within a GCIB apparatus to separate undesirable monomer ions from a gas cluster ion beam to facilitate improved processing of workpieces. In an alternate embodiment, the effect of the permanent magnet may be controlled by the use of an electrical coil. The above system eliminates problems related to power consumption and heat generation.

Abstract: The sequences for both the sigX-dependent autoregulatory promoter, PX, and the sig W-dependent autoregulatory promoter, PW, are described. The protein products controlled and expressed by the &sgr;X and &sgr;W holoenzymes are identified, indicating that these &sgr; factors affect responses to antimicrobial agents.

Abstract: A neutral beam ionizing apparatus for electron impact ionization of a substantially cylindrical neutral beam. The apparatus includes an electron source, and a circularly cylindrical ionizing region that is substantially free of magnetic fields. In one embodiment of the invention, the beam is a gas cluster beam, and the electron source includes a heated filament for emitting thermions, the filament including one or more direction reversals shaped to produce self-nulling magnetic fields so as to minimize the magnetic field due to filament heating current. In another embodiment of the invention, a neutral beam ionizing apparatus for electron impact ionization of a substantially cylindrical neutral beam includes at least one electron source, and an elliptically cylindrical ionizing region.

Abstract: A gas cluster ion beam (GCIB) etching process having a system for producing a gas cluster ion beam utilized to controllably etch a substrate. The gas cluster ion beam is initially directed along a preselected longitudinal axis. A portion of the GCIB etching apparatus is operably connected to the beam producing system and contains the substrate to be etched when impacted by said gas cluster ion beam. The portion of the GCIB etching apparatus includes a system for directing the gas cluster ion beam in a direction offset from the preselected longitudinal axis while permitting unwanted ionizing radiation to remain directed along the longitudinal axis. A substrate holder is located within a portion of the GCIB etching apparatus for positioning the substrate in line with the offset gas cluster ion beam during the etching process, and the unwanted ionizing radiation being substantially prevented from impinging upon the substrate during the etching process.

Abstract: A light assembly having a light source and a ring lens radially surrounding the light source for substantially collimating light from the light source. There is a prism ring having at least two prism bands surrounding the ring lens and receiving light from it. One of the prism bands is defined by a plurality of reflecting prisms and another of the prism bands is a refracting band. In another arrangement a multi-prism ring reflector surrounds the ring lens and is arranged to have total internal reflection except for exit faces formed therein which are substantially at right angles to the substantially collimated light from the light source. The ring prism bands may be of the same vertical height or they may have different vertical heights with respect to each other. In a further arrangement a prism ring includes at least two prism bands surrounding the ring lens and receiving light therefrom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed that provided for the successful and precise smoothing of conductive films on insulating films or substrates. The smoothing technique provides a smooth surface that is substantially free of scratches. By supplying a source of electrons, harmful charging of the films and damage to the films are avoided.

Abstract: Refractory metal pickling bath of HF/H2O2 aqueous solution with recovery of the etched metal as a salt thereof and separation of dissolved impurities taken from the refractory metal, with avoidance of drawbacks of state of the art HF/HNO3 pickling solutions.