Abstract: A landscape border segment is disclosed having a first end formed for insertion into the ground, a second end, and a transition region between the two. A connection feature is located proximate the second end and is formed to connect to another landscape border segment at varied locations between its transition region and first end. Further, the connection feature can also be formed to connect to the other landscape border segment at varied angles. In certain embodiments, the connection feature can be formed to connect to the other landscape border segment anywhere between its transition region and first end and at any angle except for angles in which the landscape border segments would physically overlap.

Abstract: A composition useful as a paint remover which may include a carbonate, a dibasic ester and a mono-ester. The paint stripping composition may also contain an organic sulfur-containing compound such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), a glycol ether, a ketone, or combination thereof. The composition may be used in a process for removing paint by applying it to a painted surface. A degreasing composition is also disclosed which may comprise a carbonate and a alkyl-substituted cyclo-alkane such as naphthene. The compositions have several important attributes, including low toxicity and high efficacy in removing paint and coatings.

Abstract: This invention concerns a composition useful as a paint remover, comprising: an organic carbonate, an alcohol, an activator, hydrogen peroxide, and water. The alcohol may be benzyl alcohol. The organic carbonate may be propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate, or combination thereof. The activator may be an alkyl-substituted cycloalkane (naphthene), a soy oil, an alkyl soyate, or combination thereof.

Abstract: A programmable logic device (PLD) includes a memory controller. The memory controller includes a first controller that communicates via a shared interface with a first memory external to the PLD. The memory controller also includes a second controller that communicates via the shared interface with a second memory external to the PLD. The PLD further includes an arbitration circuitry. The arbitration circuitry is configured to arbitrate ownership of the shared interface by the first and second controllers.

Abstract: A digital direct access arrangement (DAA) circuitry may be used to terminate the telephone connections at the user's end to provide a communication path for signals to and from the phone lines. Briefly described, a means for providing a proper hookswitch transition for a variety of international phone standards is provided. The invention may also be utilized with means for transmitting and receiving a signal across a capacitive isolation barrier. More particularly, a DAA circuitry may be utilized which satisfies many or all hookswitch transition standards without the use of additional discrete devices. The hookswitch transition standards may be satisfied by ramping down the current flowing through the hookswitch prior to transitioning the hookswitch state. In this manner the hookswitch current change as a function of time (di/dt) may be decreased. Thus, the current through the hookswitch may be actively controlled prior to switching the hookswitch from an off-hook condition to an on-hook condition.

Abstract: This invention pertains to rubber cement compositions containing a rubber elastomer, a tackifier, and an organic solvent that is not a hazardous air pollutant (HAP). This invention also includes the method of making this rubber cement composition and of using this adhesive to bond to surfaces together.

Abstract: An improved modem architecture and associated method are disclosed that integrate modem and line-isolation circuitry so as to achieve modem functionality and system-side isolation functionality on a single integrated circuit. The combined modem and line isolation system has both on-hook and off-hook intrusion detection for use with parallel connected phone line connection devices. During on-hook intrusion detection, when the combined modem and line isolation system is on-hook the system can detect if other parallel connected phone line connection devices are already off-hook. During off-hook intrusion detection, when the combined modem and line isolation system is off-hook the system can detect if other parallel connected phone line connection devices are attempting to go off-hook.

Abstract: Methods and architectures for tuning bandpass analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) are disclosed that can be used, for example, with receiver architectures and associated methods that are also disclosed. The notch of the bandpass ADC can be tuned to the desired channel frequency by adjusting the notch to reduce noise energy in the output signal through a feedback process that adjusts the tuning signal. In addition, a master-slave approach can be implemented to tune a tunable bandpass filter configured as a slave circuit based upon the tuning adjustments made to the master bandpass ADC circuit. In addition, receiver architectures and associated methods are disclosed that utilize coarse analog tune circuitry to provide initial analog coarse tuning of desired channels within a received spectrum signal, such as a set-top box signal spectrum for satellite communications.

Abstract: A method and related embedded memories are disclosed for utilizing voltage gradients to guide dielectric breakdowns for non-volatile memory elements. Non-volatile memory cells and associated programming methods are also disclosed that allow for the integration of non-volatile memory with other intergrated curcuitry utilizing the standard CMOS processing used to manufacture the CMOS circuitry. The non-volatile memory cell includes an antifuse element having a programming node and a capacitor coupled to the programming node. The antifuse element includes a MOS transistor having its source and drain connected to one or more voltage levels, having a gate that provides the programming node, and having a dielectric layer that provides an antifuse function by breaking down when subjected to a plurality of voltage pulses applied through the capacitor element. To guide the breakdown locations within the dielectric, one or more voltage gradients are generated within the antifuse element to concentration current flow.

Abstract: The coating composition according to the invention comprises: (A) a component which is the reaction product with oxalic acid of at least one organometallic compound of formula: R1y—M(OR)x-y  (I) wherein, M is a metal R is H or an alkyl radical, R1 is a chelating ligand, x is the valency of the metal, y is an integer at least equal to 1 and x-y is at least equal to 1; and (B) at least one organoalkoxysilane of formula: R3nSi(OR2)4−n  (II) wherein, R2 is an alkyl radical, R3 is an epoxidized alkyl group and n is an integer from 1 to 3 or a mixture of the organoalkoxysilane of formula (II) with an alkoxysilane of formula (II′) R′n′Si(OR″)4−n′  (II′) wherein n′ is an integer from 0 to 3, R″ is H, an alkyl radical or an alkoxyalkyl radical, and R′ is a vinyl, (meth)acryl, aromatic, cyclic or aliphatic alkyl radical.

Abstract: Network-based methods and systems are disclosed for configuring and building systems and providing systems integration for the test, automation and measurement environment. The methods include internet or intranet-based applications that configure and quote a system or system integration project in response to selection of system features, system components and/or system configurations by a network user. The methods may be implemented as part of a build-to-order internet application.

Abstract: A lawn edging device is provided that comprises a flexible body with a tongue connector located at one end and a pocket connector located at the other end. The pocket connector comprises a slot feature sized to receive a tongue connector of another lawn edging strip and comprises a lock feature that prevents disengagement after connection with the other lawn edging strip. The pocket connector can further comprise a guide feature to guide the tongue connector of the other lawn edging strip towards the lock feature and into engagement with the slot feature.

Abstract: Methods and compositions useful for sand control and/or hydraulic fracturing of subterranean formations that utilize relatively lightweight and/or substantially neutrally buoyant particles as particulate sand control or proppant material. Particles that may be employed include particulates of naturally-occurring materials that may be optionally strengthened or hardened by exposure to a modifying agent. Effectiveness of a modifying agent may be optionally enhanced by facilitating interaction between a modifying agent and one or more components present in a naturally occurring material by using enhancing agents and/or by using conditions that enhance interaction.

Abstract: A non-volatile memory cell and associated programming methods are disclosed that allow for the integration of non-volatile memory with other integrated circuitry utilizing the standard CMOS processing used to manufacture the CMOS circuitry. A capacitor element is used to provide programming voltages to the non-volatile memory cell. And in one embodiment, the non-volatile memory cell includes an antifuse element having a programming node and a capacitor coupled to the programming node, such that the antifuse element is configured to have reduced resistivity after the programming node is subjected to one or more voltage pulses with the change in resistivity representing a change in logic state, and such that the capacitor element is configured to provide the voltage pulses to the programming node.

Abstract: An improved modem architecture and associated method are disclosed that integrate modem and line-isolation circuitry so as to achieve modem functionality and system-side isolation functionality on a single integrated circuit. The combined modem and line isolation system has both on-hook and off-hook intrusion detection for use with parallel connected phone line connection devices. During on-hook intrusion detection, when the combined modem and line isolation system is on-hook the system can detect if other parallel connected phone line connection devices are already off-hook. During off-hook intrusion detection, when the combined modem and line isolation system is off-hook the system can detect if other parallel connected phone line connection devices are attempting to go off-hook. On-hook intrusion detection may be accomplished by monitoring the phone line voltage through a pin utilized for setting DC termination characteristics.

Abstract: A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) converts a digital signal into an analog signal. The DAC comprises a first capacitor network, a second capacitor network, a first amplifier, and a second amplifier. The first capacitor network includes at least one capacitor that has a weighted capacitance value. Similarly, the second capacitor network includes at least one capacitor that has a weighted capacitance value. The first amplifier has an input that couples to the first capacitor network. The first amplifier also has an output that couples to, and drives, the second capacitor network. The second amplifier has an input that couples to the second capacitor network. The output of the second amplifier constitutes the analog signal.

Abstract: First-arriving-pulse detector (FAP) circuitry includes a correlator circuitry and a threshold circuitry. The correlator circuitry correlates a received signal with a template signal to provide an output signal. The threshold circuitry provides a first-arriving-pulse signal depending on the relative values of the output signal of the correlator circuitry and a threshold signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for synthesizing high-frequency signals, such as wireless communication signals, includes a phase-locked loop (PLL) frequency synthesizer with a variable capacitance voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) that has a discretely variable capacitance in conjunction with a continuously variable capacitance. The discretely variable capacitance may provide coarse tuning adjustment of the variable capacitance to compensate for capacitor and inductor tolerances and to adjust the output frequency to be near the desired frequency output. The continuously variable capacitance may provide a fine tuning adjustment of the variable capacitance to focus the output frequency to match precisely the desired frequency output. The continuously variable capacitance may be formed by using a plurality of separate capacitance circuits. The individual capacitance circuits may include two capacitors coupled to a variable resistance element.

Abstract: A CMOS implementation for a DC holding circuit in direct access arrangement (DAA) circuitry is disclosed that provides desirable inductive behavior while minimizing power dissipation required by the CMOS integrated circuit, particularly at high loop currents. The DC holding circuitry disclosed may include MOS transistors located on a CMOS integrated circuit and an off-chip power dissipating resistor that acts to dissipate power external to the CMOS integrated circuit. The CMOS implementation disclosed also allows a path for drawing DC current to power other CMOS circuits (e.g. ADCs and DACs) in the CMOS integrated circuit.

Abstract: Methods and compositions useful for controlling sand production from subterranean formations that utilize relatively lightweight and/or substantially neutrally buoyant particles as particulate sand control material.