Abstract: An improved method for constructing integrated circuit structures in which a buffer SiO.sub.2 layer is used to separate various components comprising ferroelectric materials or platinum is disclosed. The invention prevents interactions between the SiO.sub.2 buffer layer and the ferroelectric materials. The invention also prevents the cracking in the SiO.sub.2 which is commonly observed when the SiO.sub.2 layer is deposited directly over a platinum region on the surface of the circuit. The present invention utilizes a buffer layer of material which is substantially inert with respect to the ferroelectric material and which is also an electrical insulator to separate the SiO.sub.2 layer from the ferroelectric material and/or the platinum regions.

Abstract: A spectrophotometer sample cell is described having a housing defining a frusto-conical chamber with inlet and outlet windows at each end. The inlet window is positioned toward the energy source of the spectrophotometer and the outlet window, which is the larger diameter window, is positioned toward the detector assembly of the spectrophotometer. A single outlet passage is positioned between a pair of inlet passages, the latter being toward respective ends of the chamber. The interior surface of the sample cell is provided with means for preventing a substantial portion of reflected energy impinging on the sample cell walls from reaching the detector. Such means include irregularities, annular walls, and wavelength absorbing colors. A trough is provided in the bottom of the larger end of the frusto-conical chamber for conveying condensate to the outlet passage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compressing motion pictures is disclosed. The frames of the motion picture are divided into adjacent groups. Each group is treated as a three-dimensional image. The three-dimensional image is then filtered via a three-dimensional FIR filter to generate three-dimensional component images that are more efficiently quantized. The degree of quantization of each component image is determined in part by the spatial frequencies represented by the component image in question. For motion pictures derrived from interlaced scanning devices, the quantization of specific component images is altered to prevent artifacts.

Abstract: An improved packet routing network is disclosed in which inbound packets do not have to arrive synchronously. The network includes collision avoidance circuitry and an m stage switching network where the number of input lines to the network is 2.sup.m. Each stage in the first (m-1) stages further comprises one or more line reducing circuits. Each line reducing circuit transfers each data packet input on an input line thereof to one of a plurality of output lines thereof. The number of line reducing input lines is greater than the number of line reducing output lines. The transfer is accomplished in a manner guaranteeing that no two data packets are output on the same line reducing output line.

Abstract: Measuring means comprising first and second silicon PIN diode detectors (1, 2) both being covered with a thin layer of conducting material (3, 5) and the second detector being additionally covered with a relatively thick layer of material (4), the thickness being chosen such that beta radiation dose rate can be measured in beta radiation fields of high or medium energy, and in the presence of X and gamma radiation.

Abstract: An apparatus is described which optimizes the neurological development in an infant placed therein and which enables the positioning of the infant in relation to a care giver to enhance mutual interaction skills. A plurality of pillows are provided shaped in geometrical configurations. The pillows include two large wedge shaped foundation pillows which mate together and which can be attached to form a substantially rectangular solid. One of the foundation pillows has a hemispherical recess in the inclined surface thereof in which a removable hemispherical detail pillow may be placed. Other smaller detail pillows provide for unidirectional and compound motion in connection with infant activities. The foundation pillow which does not contain the substantially hemispherical recess is provided with a recess to accommodate at least some of the detail pillows for storage.