Abstract: A delay-optimizing technology-mapping process for an electronic design automation system selects the best combination of library devices to use in a forward and a backward sweep of circuit trees representing a design. A technology selection process in an electronic design automation-system comprises the steps of partitioning an original circuit design into a set of corresponding logic trees. Then, ordering the set of corresponding logic trees into an ordered linear list such that each tree-T that drives another ordered tree precedes the other ordered tree, and such that each ordered tree that drives the tree-T precedes the tree-T. Next, sweeping forward in the ordered linear list while computing a set of Pareto-optimal load/arrival curves for each of a plurality of net nodes that match a technology-library element.

Abstract: A novel approach to measuring the overall and layer-by-layer thickness of in vivo skin tissue based on near infrared absorbance spectra is described. The different biological and chemical compounds present in the various layers of a tissue sample have differing absorbance spectra and scattering properties that enable them to be discerned and quantified, thus allowing an estimate of the thickness of the tissue being sampled. The method of the invention also yields the chemical composition of the absorbing and/or scattering species of each layer. Additionally, a method of path length normalization for the purpose of noninvasive analyte prediction on the basis of skin thickness and layer constituents is provided.

Abstract: A force/torque sensor has a semiconductor region which is adapted to be subjected to a force or torque. Two control electrodes are provided on a first and a second side of the semiconductor region, the sides being arranged in spaced, opposed relationship with one another, and a current through the semiconductor region being producible between the control electrodes. Two sensor electrodes are provided on a third and a fourth side of the semiconductor region, the sides being also arranged in spaced, opposed relationship with one another and extending essentially at right angles to said first and second sides. A force or torque applied to the semiconductor region is determinable by detecting a voltage present between the sensor electrodes when a current flows between the control electrodes. The semiconductor region is formed by the channel of a field effect transistor, the drain an source electrodes of said field effect transistor defining the control electrodes.

Abstract: Log singulating apparatus comprises two sets of interleaved support surfaces which reciprocate in the feed direction. Successive support surfaces are vertically overlapped and laterally offset and the two sets of support surfaces reciprocate out of phase by 180 degrees in relation to one another. Logs are promoted in the feed direction by abutment surfaces associated with each support surface. At the extremes of stroke of the sets of support surfaces, the abutment surfaces of overlapping support surfaces substantially align themselves to allow transfer of the log from one abutment surface to the next. This arrangement applies to each pair of overlapping support surfaces to ensure rapid promotion of the log toward the outfeed.

Abstract: A method for detecting a transient in a discrete-time audio signal is performed completely in the time domain and includes the step of segmenting the discrete-time audio signal as to generate consecutive segments of the same length with unfiltered discrete-time audio signals. The discrete-time audio signal in a current segment is filtered. Either the energy of the filtered discrete-time audio signal in the current segment is compared with the energy of the filtered discrete-time audio signal in a preceding segment or a current relationship between the energy of the filtered discrete-time audio signal in the current segment and the energy of the unfiltered discrete-time audio signal in the current segment is formed and this current relationship compared with a preceding corresponding relationship. Whether a transient is present in the discrete-time audio signal is detected using one and/or the other of these comparisons.

Abstract: A wheelchair with a tiltable seat locates the tilt fulcrum between 3 and 7 inches from the front edge of the seat pan and between 1 and 4 inches below the surface of the seat pan. This minimizes the elevation of the rider's knees when in a tilted position, and allows for more stability and a shorter wheel base. Manual self-tilting is facilitated by a gas strut arrangement disposed on brackets below the seat pan, and operated by a rider-controlled valve.

Abstract: A method of bringing together and joining plastic cards, which are provided with an identification mark, and printed card carriers associated with the respective plastic cards, has the following steps: providing the plastic card, detecting the identification mark of said plastic card, deriving a test mark from said identification mark of the plastic card in such a way that unequivocal calculating back to the identification mark is not possible on the basis of the test mark, reading a data base by means of said identification mark, printing on the card carrier data read from the data base as well as the test mark, detecting the test mark of the card carrier prior to joining said card carrier to the plastic card, determining whether the test mark derived from the identification mark of the plastic card, which is about to be joined to the card carrier, corresponds to the detected test mark, and, provided that the test marks of the plastic card and of the card carrier correspond, bringing together and joining the

Abstract: In a proportioner for proportioning a fluid flow (&phgr;) from an input side of a first proportioning element (10) to an output side of a second proportioning element (10), the first and second proportioning elements comprise a membrane (12) provided with at least one opening (16) acting as a flow resistor for a medium to be proportioned, and a pressure sensor (14) integrated in the membrane (12) and used for detecting a pressure difference between the input side and the output side of the proportioning element (10). The proportioner comprises a pressure transducer for input-side application of a pressure to the medium to be proportioned. The first and the second proportioning element (10) are arranged in succession so as to permit, on the basis of the pressure drop across the membranes (12) of the two proportioning elements (10), the detection of clogging or blocking of the respective flow resistor provided in these membranes (12).

Abstract: A compromise rail is formed of a single length of stock rail. One end of the rail is forged over a distance of 19-48 inches to reduce the height of the forged portion, which is then machined to match the running rail to which that end is to be attached. The invention avoids the expense and inconvenience of flash butt welding a forged section to a uniform profile rail as is done in prior art compromise rails.

Abstract: In a method for producing a titanium monophosphide layer, a carrier is first placed in a reactor. Thereafter, a TiN layer is deposited on the carrier by supplying TiCl4 ad NH3 into the reactor. The TiN layer is annealed immediately after deposition of the TiN layer while PH3 is supplied to the reactor, in order to form the titanium monophosphide layer on the TiN layer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for non-invasively quantifying the hydration of the stratum corneum of a living subject utilizes in vivo spectral measurements made by irradiating skin tissue with near infrared (NIR) light. The apparatus includes a spectroscopic instrument in conjunction with a subject interface. The resulting NIR absorption spectra are passed to an analyzer for further processing, which includes detecting and eliminating invalid spectral measurements, and preprocessing to increase the signal-to-noise ratio. Finally, a calibration model developed from an exemplary set of measurements is applied to predict the SC hydration for the sample. The method of SC hydration measurement provides additional information about primary sources of systematic tissue variability, namely, the water content of the epidermal layer of skin and the penetration depth of the incident light.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for the modulation of more than one channel of audio in a digital amplification system. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, pulse width modulator outputs are staggered in time such that at idle only one channel switches states at a time. This is done to provide an even draw from the power supply, assuming that the same supply is used for the multiple channels. For example, in a two channel system, the idle state of the pulse width modulator for the first channel is 90 degrees out of phase with the pulse width modulator output of the second channel.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for treatment for body structures, especially internal body structures involving unwanted features or other disorders, that does not require relatively invasive surgery, and is not subject to other drawbacks noted with regard to the known art. A relatively minimally invasive catheter including a contained cooling element is inserted into the body. The distal and proximal end of the catheter are extended or retracted or some combination thereof so as to achieve optimal delivery of treatment. Treatment of the body structures is applied using the electrodes embedded in the cooling element, and the unwanted features or disorders are relatively cured using the applied treatments.

Abstract: Apparatus for creating a controlled pattern of ablation throughout the interior of an organ or body cavity while minimizing thermal damage to collateral tissue includes a microporous balloon mounted on a catheter. The balloon, bearing electrodes embedded in the surface, is inserted into the target body region and inflated, whereupon the electrodes come into contact with the interior of the targeted organ. Because of its microporous nature, fluids for cooling or various therapeutic purposes may pass through the surface of the balloon to the target site. Sensors monitor conditions such as temperature and impedance at the site, providing required feedback for delivery of RF energy for ablation, and administration of cooling and hydrating fluids. A second balloon or other means isolates the treatment area and controls the flow and accumulation of body fluids and treatment fluids minimizing adverse treatment effects from fluid accumulations, and anchoring the catheter in place.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and system for ablation of body structures or tissue in the region of the rectum. A catheter is inserted into the rectum, and an electrode is disposed thereon for emitting energy. The environment for an ablation region is isolated or otherwise controlled by blocking gas or fluid using a pair of inflatable balloons at upstream and downstream locations. Inflatable balloons also serve to anchor the catheter in place. A plurality of electrodes are disposed on the catheter and at least one such electrode is selected and advanced out of the catheter to penetrate and ablate selected tissue inside the body in the region of the rectum. The electrodes are coupled to sensors to determine control parameters of the body structure or tissue, and which are used by feedback technique to control delivery of energy for ablation or fluids for cooling or hydration.

Abstract: Structures for light emitting diodes are disclosed, which include improved current blocking and light extraction structures. The diodes typically include a substrate formed on a first electrode, a first confining layer of a first conductivity type formed on the substrate, an active region formed on the first confining layer, a second confining layer of a second conductivity type formed on the active region, and a window layer of the second conductivity type formed on the second confining layer. A contact layer of the second conductivity type is formed on the window layer for making ohmic contact, a conductive oxide layer is formed on the contact layer, and a second electrode is formed on the conductive oxide layer. The conductive oxide layer typically includes a central portion located below the second top electrode, which extends into the LED structure, typically beyond the contact layer and into the window layer, or even beyond the window layer, such as into the second confining layer.

Abstract: In accordance with this invention, a remote control for an interactive media can include a printed publication and/or a storage media and/or a data button. One embodiment of a remote control includes a printed publication (such as a book, magazine or a catalog) and one or more buttons physically attached to the printed publication to allow users to remotely control use of associated electronic content by a host device. Another embodiment of a remote control has a housing capable of removably holding a storage media encoded with electronic content associated with a button of the remote control. Yet another embodiment of a remote control has at least one data button which permits the user to select the data to be displayed by the host device. An autostart driver in the host device detects insertion of a storage media into a peripheral and automatically starts an application. The application interprets button codes transmitted by the remote control and displays the results or initiates other events.

Abstract: A fiber optic probe placement guide minimizes sampling errors during optical sampling of a tissue measurement site by allowing repeatable placement of the fiber optic probe at a targeted tissue measurement site. A mount, contoured to conform to the shape of the tissue measurement site, typically the arm of a human subject, contains an aperture for receiving a fiber optic probe. A temperature probe on the contact surface of the guide allows for monitoring of surface temperature within the vicinity of the tissue measurement site. Crosshair slots in the mount align with corresponding crosshairs at the tissue measurement site. The fiber optic probe placement guide is affixed to the tissue measurement site by means of adhesive tape or fastenable straps. Guideposts on the external surface of the mount are received by corresponding receptacles on a subject interface bearing the fiber optic probe to facilitate alignment of the fiber optic probe with the aperture.